I am always interested in books based on true stories. The story of Annie Fox, not to mention many other women, is one that I found interesting and inspiring.

Army nurse Annie Fox is transferred to Hickham Field in November 1941. Little does the world know that Hickham field will have a front row seat to the devastation that is about to hit Pearl Habor.

Annie's good friend, Kay, is an American-born Japanese nurse who is vilified and held under suspicion of treason.

This is a story of patriotism, friendship, and sacrifice. Annie Fox was the first woman in Army history to receive a purple star.


3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A gorgeous piece of historical fiction based in WWII but this time in America at the start of the war at that dreadful attack at Pearl Harbor. Lt. Annie Fox was the head nurse on duty that day and this story shares what it may have looked like during the immediate aftermath but also beyond. Fox rallies her nurses, scrounges up extra supplies in the most unique of circumstances and tries to bring the community together during an unimaginable time. This story also takes a look at the Japanese internment camps which is a heartbreaking, and often overlooked, piece of American History. This story is very well written, and makes the reader feel compelled to keep reading because they are so invested. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read.

Diane Hanks’s well-researched novel brings readers to 1941 Hawai’i, where tensions between white Americans and Japanese Americans are only growing as World War II amps up around the currently neutral United States. Hanks brings readers to the attack on Pearl Harbor and the immediate aftermath as experienced by Anne Fox, the Chief Nurse at the army Hickham Hospital. The novel also follows Kay, a local Japanese American community leader and mother of two children who meets Anne when she decides to volunteer at the local community center. With the Pearl Harbor attack, however, Kay faces her own challenges as the FBI learns that her husband has returned to Japan and enlisted in the Japanese army. The dual narratives of the novel and the unique perspectives of Anne and Kay allow readers to explore the complex culture and social dynamics of World War II Hawai’i and the effects of Pearl Harbor on the Hawaiian Japanese American population. Hanks handles the multiple levels of tension in The Woman with a Purple Heart incredibly well, and she also draws in a wide cast of characters, many of them strong women who stepped up after the attacks, to add to the stories of Kay and Anne.

The Woman with a Purple Heart is based on a real person, Lieutenant Annie Fox of the Army Nurse Corps. Annie was a Canadian born hero who joined the U.S. Army and was in Honolulu during the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

This book was a mixed bag for me. First, Hawaii is such an interesting place in history in 1941, and to learn about one of the heroes of Pearl Harbor was well worth my time. While the subject matter was intriguing, the narrative style was notably dry and clinical, lacking the emotional depth one might expect from such a compelling setting and characters.

If you enjoy reading historical fiction based on a real life character give this book a try.

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks for an ARC of this book.

What attracted me to this book was the title for sure, I will say I went into this book without knowing much about it. Once I learned that this book was about the first woman ever to receive Purple Heart I got very excited.

We all know about Pearl Harbor, but we are never told about Hickam Field. Hickam Field along with Pearl Harbor was bombed on December 7, 1941. Annie, who was the head nurse at Hickam Field, dove into action along with her nurses to save lives of the fallen soldiers.

While many don't about Hickam Field, it is an Army base not far from Pearl Harbor. This book went into great detail on how much work the nurses and doctors put in to work on the soldiers. Went into great detail on the Japanese internment camps.

While based on a true story there was plenty of fictional parts of this book. I enjoyed the history and learning about Annie Fox. Who was Canadian and joined the US Army Corps of Nurses. She devoted herself to the US and also led a child free life and never married.

This was a very good read. I did have some takeaways after learning about how Hawaii was occupied by the US,

Another good point about this book is that it opens with Trigger Warnings. Great Job, Sourcebooks.

This book may be fiction but the emotions it will stir as you read the heroics of the women who lived through the attack on Pearl Harbor are real. We read stories about the bravery of the soldiers that fateful day but seldom see the actions from a woman's point of view. The horrible event on US soil would lead to some very troubling actions and reactions in the next few years, leaving a large stain on the history of WWII that must never be allowed to happen again. Hatred and targeted attacks should be about the threats against the US, it should never be about race, religon or perceived slights.

🇺🇸I really enjoy true stories about strong women. Annie Fox is a force to be reckoned with, and she leads the nurses after Pearl Harbor to save as many soldiers as they can. Her no nonsense attitude really serves to motivate the people around her to step up and do their part🇺🇸

🇺🇸The attack on Pearl Harbor was horrific. I like hearing stories of those who were there and how they pulled together to save human life. It also talks about the aftermath of what happened and how it changed America forever. I will definitely remember this book for years to come🇺🇸

Based on the true story of Lieutenant Annie Fox who was transferred to Honolulu in November 1941 to be the chief nurse of the Hickham Hospital. Hickman, located just a few miles from Pearl Harbor, had just been opened with a capacity of forty beds and a small staff, including just seven nurses.

This story was a little like watching the movie Pearl Harbor. Once the sun rose in December 7 there was so much that happened. For many many chapters I was completely engrossed in the story and couldn’t put the book down.

Annie’s pov was very intense and appreciated but there was also another pov from, Kaya Kimura, a Japanese American nurse who helped at Hickman but then endured so much as her loyalty was questioned.

This was a really interesting book and one I’m very glad to have read. Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark for the arc via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a worth while book. I enjoyed diving into the pages and reading this one. I think that it was integrating to dive into the point of view and accurate description of the time period.

Annie has made a career being a nurse for the U.S. Army and has recently been transferred to Hickam Field in Oahu. Most personnel stationed in Hawaii are happy to work in paradise, but Annie believes this is the Army’s way of telling her to retire. She isn’t ready to retire, so she put her all into her new position. When the attack on December 7th leaves everyone scrambling, Annie has a steady mind and a calm demeanor. Annie thinks outside the box and finds assistance in some unusual places, but afterward, her world is shaken again when a Japanese-American nurse is arrested and separated from her two children. How will Annie react to the prejudice and injustice that followed the attack?

The Woman with a Purple Heart is a historical fiction story that takes some hard historical topics and places them in a well-written tale. The chapters that include the attack are detailed without being gory and the events that follow are heart-rending and memorable. Readers will finish this story and know that America has made some terrible decisions in the name of liberty and must learn from these errors before we make them again.

The Women with a Purple Heart - by Diane Hanks

A day in history that will never be forgotten. A day in history that will remain in the hearts of all Americans, Hawaiians, Japanese and the rest of the world forever.

The day is the 7th December 1941, the location Pearl Harbour Oahu, Honolulu Hawaii.

This is the story about the lead up to this terrible day in particular the story of Annie Gayton Fox.

The story begins on the 3rd November 1941, Annie Fox is an army First Lieutenant nurse, stationed at John Hay Air Station Philippines under the command of Colonel Horan, when she’s suddenly transferred to the small hospital at Hickam Airfield, the air force base in Honolulu. Located adjacent to Pearl Harbour.

The Hospital is alongside the gray runways. It's the biggest Army Airfield in the Hawaiian Islands. Home to 200 Heavy bombers - mostly Boeing B17. The Hospital is small with only 40 beds and looks after the Flying Fortress of 7000 enlisted men and 800 officers.

Annie is forty-eight years old, who has made a career in the US Military, infact 23 years of service. She served in The Great War and believed she’s being sent away to the beautiful tropical paradise, indirectly saying she’s getting too old for the army and it’s time to slow down - to retire.

Annie's begrudgingly leaves the Philippines as ordered and began working in the hospital. She was in charge of the five nurses stationed there, Monica, Kathy, Winnie Sara and Irene.

At first, she's not sure if her staff would accept her or how she would fit in. Eventually she makes great friendship with these girls and even began surfing. Annie was told that Hawaii was a place of paradise and if she was looking for men she had to go to Waikiki, but if it was the waves and surfing, she was after then it was Waimea Bay. She was also told to always pack your uniform, swimsuit and evening clothes. Nurses are allowed to also have fun. Her staff called her Chief, and they gave her a surfboard with the inscription CHIEF for Christmas that year.

On the Eve of the 7th December, a party was held for all the service men and women and an enjoyable night was had by all.

Many of these party goers were still asleep in their barracks the next morning. Except for Annie who was up early to commence her shift at the Hospital. She was walking along Hickman's Parade Grounds to the Hospital when she hears an odd buzzing sound and sees the first Japanese fighter plane approaching, and the pilot begins firing. The Japanese want to destroy the planes and airfield as well as anything in the pathway.

Tragically, Pearl Harbour was destroyed completely, The Airfield was decimated, The Naval Base and in particular USS Arizona was sunk - 800 Sailors perished that day never to see the light of day again. Along with other battleships in the Fleet - all under attack.

All the men who were woken began to respond, fight as hard as they physically could and defend themselves, the nation and hatred against the Japanese began.

Soon the hospital was outrun with the wounded, Annie experienced similar situations from The Great War. Her knowledge and calm approach are vital, she knows what to do and guides her nurses.

The hospital then is running out of supplies, Annie drives into Honolulu to gather more medical supplies and blood, nurses and ambulances etc. Anything necessary that she could round up. The two main hospitals are overflowing with wounded and dying military personal and civilians, they give her what they can, and they don’t have any extra staff available.

Annie who also began volunteering at the Japanese American Community Center, meeting nurses Kay a Japanese American and Mak Hawaiian born and bred. She soon approached them for assistance they offer to help. Kay is hesitant because she was concerned for her safety and wellbeing because of her heritage and background. But she loved her country and wanted to help. She is against the Japanese view of the war. Anne also visits The Hotel district; the prostitutes are willing to donate blood and volunteer.

Annie and Kay are friends, Kay has two children Beth aged 9 and Thomas 7, both born in Hawaii. They all live with her mother Shizuko who was born in Japan. One third of Hawaii’s population are Japanese heritage, martial law is declared, a strict curfew and rationing is enforced. American is at war with Japan.

Kay is arrested as a suspected subversive taken away by the FBI and no one knows where she is. Eventually Kay's Children and Mother are also deported. Honolulu is damaged or destroyed, the hospitals are still full of the wounded. Why would American worry about what happens to the Japanese now.

Annie and Mak do, they want the safe return of Kay and her family. Does that happen?

Will there be the return of peace and harmony in Hawaii?

I received a copy of The woman with a Purple Heart by Diane Hanks from NetGalley and Sourcebook in exchange for an honest review.

Such a well written novel about a bleak period in time and sad day in American history.

Diane describes this true story and the day's events and of a true heroine - First Lieutenant Annie Gayton Fox, showing remarkable courage, professionalism, calmness, compassion, quick thinking, leadership and the first woman to be awarded a Purple Heart.

The story includes the war time tension and ill feeling in Hawaii toward the Japanese Americans who called Hawaii home. This is portrayed through the eyes of Kay as they were all taken away and send to prisoner camps.

I rate this book Five stars, a well written novel about the worst day possible, about war and friendship, from a female point of view. Never underestimate a women's courage, determination and ability.

I really enjoyed this book. It was very engaging and held my interest. I enjoyed the parts about Pearl Harbor a lot. The characters I felt could have had better character building. I did like the part at the end when it went into detail about what eventually happened to the characters. I loved that it was based on an actual real life nurse who was actually there. Without that I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much as I did.

Much more than your typical WWII historical fiction novel. This debut from author Diane Hanks is based on the real life of Canadian born, American Army nurse, Annie Fox, who was the first woman to be awarded a purple heart.

Set in Hawaii, as the aging 48 year old Annie is transferred to oversee the Hickam Hospital in 1941. While there Annie makes friends with a Japanese American woman, Kay, falls for her commanding officer and dreams of learning to surf.

She also show’s incredible bravery, courage and leadership during the bombing of Pearl Harbour on December 7th and the months afterwards as growing anti-Japanese sentiments grow.

Caught up in the move to send those considered “subversives” is Annie’s friend, Kay who is taken against her will, separated from her family and sent to a concentration camp on the mainland.

A story of strong women facing extreme difficulties during the war, I loved that this book focused on the real life of an actual Canadian army nurse in her late 40s and not just some fictional young woman falling in love with a soldier.

Great on audio narrated by Libby McKnight. I thought this was a solid debut and look forward to reading more by this author who is perfect for fans of Sarah Ackerman or Genevieve Graham. Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!!

This Woman named annie was very brave when pearl harbor was Attack. She was at the air base C a l l H I c k a m. This And What's a nurse and she helped when the plane's attacks? And she did everything she could to save his Man. There is also a story behind this as well. She became involved in japanese community through K a t e. She also Fill in love with a major at the hospital. This woman showed tremendous courage when all this was going on. Especially when her friend Kate came to help at the base, but she was later arrested . She was really worried about he Her c h I l d r e n. Annie started to help with kate's children while she was away. Her husband performed the Japanese army and captain not realized this because she was receiving letters from him from Japan.. There's so many interesting aspects of this story. Especially like when the prostitutes came to the base to Give blood because there is a shortage of this. This shows courage because everybody pulled together it was a really tremendous difficult time. Everybody was affected by this the japanese had to Leave hawaii. Kate was locked up in the prison she did not know anything about her children. The children were eventually taken to a camp in wiscancel. Cannot imagine separated from your child Not no one where they were.. Annie also helped out why young service men died and she sent letters home. This woman shows a lot of courage when things go crazy. This was a really good book and showed how a woman's time during war. Showed a lot of courage

The Woman with A Purple Heart is based on the true story of Annie Fox, the chief nurse at Hickam Airbase when it was struck by Japanese bombers in 1941. Her story is one of a hero and yet most people will regrettably never know it. The story starts when she is transferred from the Philippines to Honolulu a month prior to that horrible day. We follow Annie as she tries to integrate herself with her squad of much younger nurses. As tensions on the island rise, Annie is tasked by her superiors to integrate herself in a local community clinic run by a Japanese-American nurse. On the day the base is hit, help arrives at the hospital in the most unexpected places but not everyone is appreciative.

It was pleasantly surprising that the events of December 7, 1941 didn’t take up a more prominent space in the book. It’s definitely still depicted but just as much importance is placed on the events that led up to and what took place after, at least on a more local level. The book appears to be well researched. However, it comes from a more factual perspective than an emotional one. Anything I felt was based on facts alone and my own empathy. Annie was a bit of a stoic figure, and she had to be given her gender, her age and her place in the military. I just didn’t particularly feel anything for her. I think there was an attempt at a romantic entanglement but it was skirted over so much that it actually felt like Annie was just the type of person who’d develop feelings for anyone who showed her kindness. She went above and beyond for Kay and Mak but the author did not quite lay enough foundation to support Annie’s later actions. It didn’t make sense why she referred to Kay as her best friend but we only saw them interact on less than a few occasions and leading up to that fateful day, the two weren’t speaking. I also don’t think that Mak would have tolerated Annie’s constant interventions the way they were portrayed.

Fun fact, Annie was born in Nova Scotia! She lent her skills to the American forces during WWI despite her country of origin. She’s 1 of the first women to ever receive a Purple Heart.

The Woman with the Purple Heart is a gripping historical novel based on the real life of Lieutenant Annie Fox, Chief Nurse of Hickam Hospital, the Army base adjacent to Pearl Harbor. Lt Fox is strong minded career woman, but is a caring mother figure to her young nurse charges. She guides them through the endless days and nights caring for the wounded.
Author Diane Hanks delves not only into the attack on Pearl Harbor, but the relationships between the military, native Hawaiians, and Japanese Americans before and after the attack. It is a part of history that is often not talked about.
I could not put this book down and wanted it to continue after it ended.

Lieutenant Annie Fox, chief nurse at Hickam Hospital witnessed first-hand the destruction of Pearl Harbour. She and her team of nurses took charge of many wounded and dying servicemen, ensuring them dignity and full nursing care in a time of chaos and fear. Based on her life, this is an amazing story of an amazing woman. Well written and recommended reading.

Readers of WWII set historical fiction may well want to take a look at this book. It tells the story of a nurse, Annie Fox, who was in Hawaii on that fateful December 7th. Nurse Fox had not wanted to leave her post in the Philipines but had no choice and little did she know what lay ahead. Who Annie Fox was and what she did form the basis of this story. Readers will recognize the complexity of this time in history as they turn the pages.

Every time I think that I have read my last WWII based story, I get drawn back in. I think that this book will be enjoyed by those who like the novels of Sara Ackerman.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 07 November 2023

I had never heard of Annie Fox so I found the novel interesting. I also think it gives a ground view of what people experienced that awful day of Dec.7, 1941.
The day of the attack, I think the author missed the mark on how frenetic, harried, and fast paced it was especially since it was the only medical facility nearby.
In the historical notes the author cites George Bush as being president in 1988 when it was still the Reagan administration.
Still, it’s a noteworthy read.

This book is based on the life of WWII heroine Lt. Annie Fox, the first woman to win the Purple Heart. As Chief Nurse at Nickel Hospital, she was in the thick of things on December7th when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and Nickel Airfield. With a almost no sleep or food for days Annie, her nurses, the doctors as well as members of a local civilian clinic saved countless lives. Like two sides of a coin Annie saw not only the bravery and sacrifice of those around her, she also saw the cruelty and prejudice in the treatment of the Japanese Americans that lived in Hawaii and the mainland.