It’s 1942 when Helda Dahlström flees her abusive husband and the horrors of Nazi-occupied Norway with her six-year-old son, she doesn't know if they'll make it out alive. In her desperate journey to safety, she finally finds refuge in the rugged and isolated Shetland islands. Meanwhile in Shetland Canadian RAF soldier Bill Gautier is haunted by a personal tragedy that derailed his career. Adrift and disgraced, he is counting down the days until he can return home. When their worlds collide, a spark ignites. The island of Fiskersay, once considered their last stop, becomes a place of unexpected hope and possibility. But the world is at war
The first book I’ve read by the author & it won’t be the last, a very well written descriptive book that really tug at my heart strings. It took me on a gamut of emotions, it had me on the edge of my seat, it was action packed & it was a lovely love story. I loved both Bill & Helda & was drawn into their world. It wasn’t a comfortable read but I rarely find a war story to be comfortable but it was a compelling read, which I enjoyed very much
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

When caught by the Germans for doing her bit, Hedda and six-year-old son Eirik are forced to flee Kirkenes, Norway.  Leaving behind an abusive husband as well as family and friends, Hedda and Eirik must try to make it to Sweden.  Traveling through occupied territory surrounded by soldiers and collaborators is fraught with danger and soon Hedda and Eirik are fleeing for their lives hidden below deck on a small fishing vessel headed to the Shetland Islands.  

Bill, an RAF radio transmitter turned radar operator finds himself stationed in Fiskersay trying to get by while trying to forget about the events that have led to this post.  One night he decides to go to the rocky beach in some rough weather and discovers a boat that has been target practice for the German army.  The scene where the boat is against the rocks will leave you breathless in its realness and imminent danger.  

Adding to the story’s tension, there is an increase in German attacks on And near Fiskersay, leading to the belief that there is a spy somewhere on the island which also brings into question Hedda’s loyalties as a recent escapee from German occupied Norway.  

The character development in this novel is first rate.  Pass’ writes dynamic and three dimensional characters that change and grow throughout the story allowing the reader to feel for, relate to, and become emotionally invested in their well-being.  Told from the dual perspectives of Hedda and Bill, we also see really well developed secondary characters, particularly with Eirik, Elizabeth and Donald, as well as Flight Lieutenant Jackson, Rose, and the countless other characters mentioned throughout.  I couldn’t help but wanting to know the next chapters in the lives of Hedda, Eirik, Bill and their Fiskersay family and would have loved for the story to have continued.  I also want to read more about the Shetland Islands and Norway during WWII.

Thank you to NetGalley, Aria & Aries, and @emmapassauthor for the opportunity to read this e-advanced copy.  I highly recommend this #historicalfiction #wwii novel and will definitely be reading other books by this talented author.  I loved this novel!

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Norway 1942: When Helda Dahlstrom flees her abusive husband and the horrors of the Nazi-occupied Norway with her six-year-old son, she doesn't know if they'll make it out alive. In her desperate journey to safety, she finally finds refuge in the rugged and isolated Shetland Islands.

Shetland 1942: On the same rocky shores, Canadian RAF soldier Bill Gautier is haunted by a personal tragedy that derailed his career. Adrift and disgraced, he is counting down the days until he can return home.

When their worlds collide, a spark ignites. The island of Fiskersay, once considered their last stop, becomes a place of unexpected hope and possibility. But as WWII looms, the threat of tragedy is closer than they think.

This is a heartbreaking look at the hard choices the people of Norway had to make under Nazi occupation. The dept and development of the main characters built throughout. The story has been descriptively written. I liked how the two main characters lives entwined. The first part of the book was about the war. The second part was more a romance story. The pace is steady. This is an intriguing read that held my attention.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #AriaAries and the author #EmmaPass for my ARC of #TheGirlFromNorway in exchange for an honest review.

The Girl From Norway by Emma Pass is a World War II story, but with a twist. Hedda made a mistake many young women make and trusted an older man who said he loved her. He didn’t love her any more when she turned up pregnant. She was shipped off to her aunt who immediately found her a husband and sealed the deal with money. The man, Anders, said he loved her and would raise the baby as his own. That faded the moment the vows were made. What he wanted was a maid. He never hit her but abused her verbally. It worked away at her self-esteem. She began to work for the resistance in her town. Simple things: delivering messages. Then one day she was caught. She ran home, gathered her things and her son and set off for Sweden, along a kind of underground railway sponsored by the resistance. It was difficult but doable until the day she went to the wrong house. Bill, from Canada, was not a pilot, but the wireless operator and an important part of the crew until the day a crew member got hit and after a few days, died. He and his friend, Robert, went to town to drink and forget. Sadly, in an effort to get back to base, they swiped a car, both too drunk to drive. There was an accident, Robert died. Bill did not. But after his court martial he got retrained and sent to Fiskersay, north of Shetland. A desolate place if ever there was one. What was to follow was nothing short of miraculous, in many ways.

Hedda was nothing if not determined. Every thing she did she did with intention and she was successful, although not always without bumps along the way. She saved lives with her nursing skills. She raised her son with the help of the kind couple who took her in after she arrived on Fiskersay. She survived being thought a spy. She became part of the community. Bill was looking to belong and he found it on Fiskersay. He had found love while still in London. A singer. Gorgeous. He could not believe his luck. The war waged on. He found he was happy for the first time in a long time. But as happens in war, things don’t stay the same. No matter they say you will not see combat. This was a lovely romance with a good bit of history thrown it. Both characters were likable and sympathetic. Good writing. It was told on two timelines: Hedda and Bill. The error of war was palpable in both their stories, but it was history. It was real. Excellent book!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Girl From Norway by Head of Zeus, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HeadOfZeus #EmmaPass #TheGirlFromNorway

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

This book is set during WW2, and is narrated from Hedda, who is the main character vewpoint, she escapes from her home in Norway with her son, and Bill, who is hurt, as he is a Canadian ex-pilot. when it's taken over by the Nazi.

It was interesting, and hard to put down, as so much was happening, and you wanted to know what happens next.

It's so well-written, and looks into all that happened, how the war impacted those that lived through it.

I highly recommend this book.

I've read a lot of books set in the War years and it was nice to read one from a different slant for a change.
Hedda lives in Norway, in a small village, with her son and her brute of a husband. Times are hard enough for her in her marriage but things get really bad when the Germans march in. Hedda, doing her bit, gets into trouble but manages to escape. She and Eirik, her son, try to get to Sweden and safety but things don't go according to plan and eventually she ends up in Fiskersay, in Shetland.
Bill, a Canadian, is in the RAF and is a wireless operator in a bomber. After an incident with a tragic outcome he is sent to Fiskersay as a punishment, to be a Radar operator.
This is a wonderful read! Most of the book takes place in the Shetland Islands. It's a wild and lonely place but the people are warm hearted. The story never lacks for action. It was interesting to learn about island life during this time and also life under German occupation in Norway. Everyone is suspicious during wartime and fingers point easily.
I loved the characters and the description of the island was very well done. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys wartime stories and wartime romances.
This is my first book by this author. It won't be my last.

Thanks to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.

An interesting book with moments of suspense and action entwined around a love story. The characters are well developed, and the storyline is good. Overall, a good read.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Emma Pass's The Girl from Norway is a welcome twist on the traditional World War II/Resistance book. We so rarely see Norway and Shetland in this genre, but they had crucial roles in the war. This is essentially a romance, but the suspense elements (Who is the spy on Shetland?) are well-executed. I can definitely see this adapted for film with some editorial work. All in all, a good read if not a great one.

The island of Fiskeray becomes a haven for Hedda and her little son Eirik after they flee the Nazis- and Eirik's father. Bill, an RAF officer posted to the island, becomes a touchpoint for them, helping them to adjust but Bill also has a relationship with Rose. This isn't a love triangle- just the story of three people making a life during war, I like the setting and the characters are terrific. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A very good read.

Hedda Dahlström lives in Kirkenes, a town in Norway, and two things make her life hard, her abusive husband Anders and the Germans. One day Hedda has no option but to flee Kirkenes quickly, she takes her six year old son Eirik with her and they head for the coast on foot. By sheer luck she and Eirik make it and are hidden on a fishing boat bound for the Shetland Islands, the seas are rough, Eirik is already unwell from living rough and he’s suffering from seasickness. Hedda is worried about the boat being spotted, shot at by German plane and sinking.

Bill Gautier is Canadian, he was a member of a RAF bombing crew and a wireless operator. Bill makes a big mistake, his career is in tatters and he’s sent to the Shetland Islands. His new post is at Svarta Ness, on the island of Fiskersay, he’s part of a group of men who work around the clock, searching the horizon for German planes or ships and they send out an alert. Bill was rather skeptical when he was first arrived in the Shetland Islands, it’s in the northernmost region of the United Kingdom, a remote place and the weather can be wild. But, it also has is good points, he makes friends with the men he’s working with and the locals, it’s the perfect place to reflect on what he’s done and how he can make amends.

Hedda and Bill meet on the island of Fiskersay, both are fleeing from the trauma of the war and they can't escape it, as the Shetland Islands are very close to Norway and used by the resistance and allies to shuttle refugees, intelligence and supplies via the network known as the Shetland Bus.

I received a digital copy of The Girl from Norway by Emma Pass from NetGalley and Aria & Aries in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the story and it’s full of endearing and memorable characters like Hedda, Ingunn, Marianne, Bill, Flight Lieutenant Jackson, Elizabeth, Donald and Lewis. I was fascinated by the links between Norway, the Shetland Islands, Norse traditions and it's Viking heritage.

The descriptions of life on the Shetland Islands, the Scottish people and their broad dialect, how they still lived in crofts, the beautiful scenery and remoteness. The wartime historical fiction story is set between 1942 to 1946 and it's about healing minds, bodies, hearts, and an unlikely romance and five stars from me.

A Tale of Triumph and Love - "The Girl from Norway" by Emma Pass

"The Girl from Norway" is an uplifting and empowering tale that had me hooked from the very first page. Hedda, the protagonist, goes through unimaginable hardships, having suffered abuse at the hands of her husband. But this is not just a story of pain; it's a story of resilience, strength, and the indomitable spirit of a woman who refuses to be defined by her circumstances.

Emma Pass crafts a compelling narrative, bringing Hedda to life with every heartfelt word. As I followed her journey, I couldn't help but cheer for her as she summoned the courage to stand up for herself and her son. The way she finds her voice and fights for a better life is both inspiring and relatable.

The heart of the story lies in the beautiful relationship between Hedda and Bill. Bill is a character who adds charm and warmth to every scene he graces. His unwavering support for Hedda and her son is heart-melting, and their blossoming love brings a smile to your face and joy to your heart.

What sets "The Girl from Norway" apart is its ability to tackle serious and complex subjects while maintaining a sense of hope and joy throughout. The author addresses the theme of abuse with sensitivity, reminding readers of the strength that can be found in the most challenging of circumstances.

Pass's writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions of the Norwegian landscape that transport you right into the heart of the story. The pacing is just right, keeping you eagerly turning the pages to discover what lies ahead for Hedda and Bill.

In the end, "The Girl from Norway" is an enchanting tale that celebrates the triumph of love and the power of resilience. It's a reminder that even in the darkest times, there can be a happily ever after. This book is an absolute must-read for historical fiction lovers and anyone seeking a heartfelt and uplifting story that leaves you with a warm and joyful feeling long after the final page.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. Looking forward to reading more books from Emma Pass.

I read this as a suggestion from another NetGalley user and let me tell you. I was not disappointed. I love historical fiction stories and this one is a book I will recommend

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel.

This is a WWII love story. Hedda and Bill each have their trials and tribulations, but come together oover the course of their war. For a WWII book, this is a fairly light read. I was more worried about how Hedda's husband treated her than about the Nazis. This isn't to say that the Nazis are portrayed favourably, but that most of the book takes place on a fictional Sheltand island removed from the worst atrocities of the war. I have never visited Shetland,b ut have been to the Orkneys and it did feel like a good evocation of the place.

I enjoyed The Girl from Norway - Hedda nd Bill are generally likeable, good people. We see character growth from both of them, but this is more Hedda's story of learning to be her own person than anything else.

From a book perspective, the story felt a bit uneaven. It felt like there was an attempt to add more tension with the spy plot. However, it was resolved so early in the overall timeline I'm not sure it added much other than padding out the length. It slo ended very abruptly - perhaps we were meant to wonder if Bill survived (so, spoiler?).

On the light end of WWII books - an enjoyable read.

The Girl from Norway, is about a woman and her child getting out of Nazi occupied town in Norway. It was really harrowing how she escaped and finally beautiful of how she survives and starts a new life away from Norway.

Another great historical fiction read! I loved that the story was told from a dual perspective of Bill and Hedda. They were both well-developed and interesting characters, as they dealt with living on the island. This starts in WWII Norway where Hedda had married an abusive husband after having a child out of wedlock. When she gets caught passing letters to prisoners and almost arrested by the Nazis she takes off for Sweden and safety with her son. She escapes on a boat and ends up in Shetland, a desolate area with many servicemen and a small population of locals. She and her son are rescued by Bill, who is dealing with his own issues and as she adjusts to life in the town she and her son develop a friendship with him. As the war escalates and more attacks by Germany occur, is it possible there is a spy amongst them?

This was an intriguing and fast-paced WWII historical fiction read. It was interesting to see her adjust to a new life, as a woman who had been abused, and her friendship with Bill and the other locals as she came into her own while also dealing with life during WWII. I definitely recommend this book!

This amazing story begins as two stories - the story of a man, an airman ... and the story of an abused wife and her son. Gradually the story brings this man and woman together. Even before they meet the story talks of people who have courage, and strength and grit. Both risk their lives in different ways. The woman and her son are forced to go on the run, in an occupied country - this story can't end well or can it? The man does something terrible and is sent to the furthest north base on Shetland. It is supposed to be a punishment and he is supposed to fail but instead his life is turned around, the night the boat comes in.
It is a book which must be read. While there is much that is scary and much that you would never, ever contemplate doing unless you have nowhere else to go! Let this book grip you, you will not forget it.
Thank you Aria and NetGalley for the ARC. I really enjoyed this book, thank you Emma for writing it. All the views expressed are mine and are freely given.

I have read how some people don't think a WW2 book can have a happy ending. Emma Pass proves that you can read a WW2 story, bawl your eyes out and earn the most wonderful Happily ever after. Her Main characters, Hedda and Bill, are put through the wringer but come out as survivors, happy to be alive and find each other again.

Hedda finds herself in a bit of trouble in Norway where she is working as a nurse. She uses her position to pass on messages between prisoners of war. It is with little risk until it isn't. To save herself and her young son, she flees on foot heading to Sweden. The author takes the reader on the journey along side Hedda. You experience her fears. You feel her struggles. Her resilience should be praised. She doesn't give up, danger is everywhere.

Hedda and her son are rescued by Bill, a radar operator, off of the coast in the Shetlands where a small radar station is located. Not being from the area, I enjoyed gaining knowledge of the struggles, the dangers, and about the people that lived in the area. I was saddened by what they all had to go through. I was reminded that evil lurks everywhere. Danger is just around the corner.

All of that stress and all of the sadness was worth it. Yes I knew the war ended which should make everyone happy. What made this story so worthwhile, such an amazing read, was that Hedda and Bill got a happily ever after. They beat the odds.

Headlines:
WWII story in Norway & the Shetlands
Failing then carrying on
Pacey

At the heart of this book are two great characters in Hedda and Bill but the execution of this story didn't always carry me along in the way I wanted. Hedda was exiled from the far reaches of northern Norway and Bill was court marshalled up to the Shetlands. In that grim and barren environment, these two found a way to survive as individuals, Hedda as a parent and then with a slow connection.

Their story was told over years and I enjoyed the turning of time. What I did struggle with was the very slow start and for me, it took till about 25% in for the story to really get going. The chapters were narrated in alternating (mostly) POVs of Bill and Hedda. Bill had nine lives and Hedda wasn't far off.

The description in this book was vivid, you felt the wind, rain and fear. The tension and suspicion of the time was palpable. I was a little impatient for the ending for the last 10%.

Overall, an interesting read with ebbs and flows.

Thank you to the publisher through netgalley for the review copy.

This was an enjoyable read. Hedda is such a strong woman who deserved better. She has to do things that no woman or mother should have to do. Bill was fine. I like his relationship with Eirik a lot. I wish that the ending had been a little longer. I want to know more!

One thing I didn’t enjoy was how fast parts of the story was. Most of it felt surface level. I would have like the author to have gone deeper into the story.

Thank you for an advanced copy of The Girl from Norway. I really enjoyed this book!

I was excited to read this one because it gave a different perspective in the WW historical fiction category, and I was quite pleased with it! This book featured dual POVs, and I think that gave the story a lot of depth. I got to know both MCs really well, learn about them, experience their journey, and see their character growth!

A lot of the comments I could give about this book include spoilers, just because of the nature of what stuck out to me. I went into this book pretty much blind, and I think that's the best way to do it! The historical elements were really interesting, the fiction elements built off the history well, and the characters were so captivating. Overall, this was such a good HF book!

I highly recommend this one to fans of historical fiction especially!

Rating: 4⭐️