When We Had Wings

“Lawhon (Code Name Hélène) and Meissner (The Nature of Fragile Things) team up with romance writer McMorris (The Edge of Lost) for an illuminating story of the nurses stationed in the Philippines during WWII . . . the authors pull off a gripping and seamless narrative. With this fine tale, the authors succeed at bringing to readers’ minds the courage and sacrifice of those who inspired it.”—Publishers Weekly

“Three of the biggest powerhouses in historical fiction, Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris and Susan Meissner, come together to pen the breathtaking novel When We Had Wings, the story of three nurses serving in the Philippines during the Second World War. Combining the lush setting of the South Pacific with the unfathomable hardships of the combat theater, this book shines a light on a little-known aspect of history with a tale of unlikely friendship and the unshakable strength of the human spirit.”—Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Woman with the Blue Star

“In When We Had Wings, three bestselling and beloved authors deliver a story of strength and sisterhood inspired by the little-known experiences of the ‘Angels of Bataan.’ With gorgeous language and stunning historic detail, Lawhon, McMorris, and Meissner plunge readers into the Philippines and the epic struggles of the Pacific. Filled with heart and pathos, this is a story of hope, faith, and the power of friendship in the face of indescribable hardship.”—Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post

“Three fierce women from differing backgrounds come together in the Philippines during World War II to unwillingly be thrust into the chaos of evil that will blast their worlds apart. Lawhon, McMorris, and Meissner seamlessly blend three nurses’ stories and secrets with one deft and immersive storytelling voice. When We Had Wings asks the important question—how do we know what we can become until we must become it?—and answers it with a resounding novel of suspense, courage, and grand love. Based on the true story of the first female prisoners of World War II, When We Had Wings is thrilling, riveting, and deeply felt; a do-not-miss historical fiction masterwork.”—Patti Callahan, New York Times bestselling author of Once Upon a Wardrobe and Surviving Savannah

“A riveting novel by a trio of powerhouse authors that offers a fresh take on World War II fiction, one that is uncannily resonant today. Set in the lush tropics, When We Had Wings is an utterly original tale about courage, duty, and endurance.”—Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnolia Palace