The Girl from Norway

I grew up with a dad who is obsessed with WWII documentaries. I know weird facts about WWII that have come in handy during school exams or trivia competitions. But I didn't know about what the Germans did to Norway. This book has made me want to research what happened in Norway during WWII, the same as how I wanted to know more about the Channel Islands after I read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

If you're a WWII buff and enjoy historical romance, then this book is for you.

A great way to spend a few hours on a wet Good Friday

The Girl from Norway by Emma Pass sucked me in from the first page. I've always had an interest in historical fiction, but this book is now at the top of my list.

The book starts with a family that is in the middle of the German army overtaking the city that they are living in. Hedda, the main character, and her son, Eirik, have a difficult home life and are very meek and timid people. As circumstances change, they find themselves having to relocate. They find themselves on the island of Fiskersay and start to establish a life here.

Bill, a solder with RAF is posted on Fiskersay. He has a hard past as well due to the war and carries with him loads of guilt. We see his character develop when he gets into a relationship with Rose, a traveling entertainer/singer for the military.

As the story unfolds, Bill, Hedda and Eirik are tested more than people should ever have to be tested in their life. Hedda and Bill start to form a relationship, but are soon pulled apart from each other as Bill is being sent to a different post. Despite their current relationship status with other people, they are determined to figure out a future with each other in it.

As the war comes to a close, Hedda is busy working and establishing a safe life for herself and Eirik. Bill is working as well. Due to different locations, and ever-shifting events as the war closes, it makes communication difficult.

The Girl from Norway shows that love will go to all ends of the earth. Just because circumstances make life difficult, love will still prevail.

Highly recommend The Girl from Norway if you're a fan of historical wwii fiction!

Thank you to #emmapassauthor Aria & Aries Publication for letting me read this arc!

A heart breaking and enchanting look at the hard choices the people of Norway had to make under Nazi occupation and the costs of their choices.

This was just beautiful - the fear of the dash to escape the Germans in Norway, the slow building of a life as the untrusted stranger, all whilst the war plays out. Some great scenes of how hard daily life was for those with little more to their name than hope and perhaps a second chance at love.

Truly enjoyed the story of The Girl from Norway. A book I would highly recommend. Emma Pass shows how a mother will go to the ends of the earth to save her child. Running from the Nazis Hedda goes through insurmountable odds to bring her son to safety. I enjoyed how the characters were woven together and how we see their relationships build. I've always enjoyed books written about WWII but in countries other than Germany or Poland. Getting a glimpse into what life was like in a country like Norway opens up a different history that many people do not understand or know much about. Overall, this book was great and I will definitely recommend it to others!

The Girl from Norway by Emma Pass is an extraordinary novel! I would love to see this book turn into a movie one day, I think it would make a great WWII/Romance movie! The main character Hedda, escapes Nazi-Occupied Norway with her young son Eirich, not only to escape from the Germans, but also to escape from an abusive and loveless marriage. After risking their lives to escape and arrive in the safety of the Island of Fiskersay in Scotland,
Bill is a former radio transmitter from the Canadian branch of the RAF who after a mistake on-duty, he finds himself grounded and working on the Island of Fiskersay. When Bill and Hedda's paths cross, there is no denying that there is an instant spark between the two. But Bill is engaged to a woman named Rose back home and Hedda is still legally married to her abuser. Before they can begin to understand their feelings, there is determined to be a spy and traitor on the island, and suddenly everyone is skeptical of everyone.

What I loved about this book other than the story line, was definitely the character development throughout the story as well as the realness of the story. I felt like I was being told by an elderly couple how their young spirits met and fell in love. It was the perfect dash of romance, mystery and thrill!

What I loved about this book other than the story line, was definitely the character development throughout the story as well as the realness of the story. I felt like I was being told by an elderly couple how their young spirits met and fell in love. It was the perfect dash of romance, mystery and thrill!

The title is a bit misleading because the "girl" is Hedda who is in her mid-twenties and has already been battered by life. I only mention this because this book is excellent and so much more than the cover might suggest. The story takes off like a rocket in the first few pages and the supersonic ride lasts until the final page. No matter what you enjoy in historical fiction, you'll find it in this book...Nazi occupation of Norway, the Resistance, the Shetland Bus, and a spy traitor. Adding to the tension, throw in the incredible Arctic setting of Kirkenes, Norway, the northernmost Shetland Islands of Scotland, and wicked weather.

As exciting as the plot is, the characters truly make the story. Hedda's terror is palpable as she tries to escape with her 6-year-old son, alone and with nowhere to turn. Hedda must escape not only the Nazis but also her brutal, abusive husband. The psyche of an abused woman is perfectly portrayed here by the author. The other lead character, Bill, is a Canadian and a crew member of an RAF heavy bomber. When this story begins in 1943, he is battling his own demons from flying many missions. All of the characters in this book felt like real people, making me care about each one of them. I highly recommend this exceptional book...I loved it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Aria for the opportunity to read this ARC. This review is my own.

Absolutely enjoyed this book! It was a great WWII romance, with twists and turns that I loved. Loved the depth of the main characters and their development throughout this face paced read. Perfect for anyone who love an historical fiction romance with some action a dash of mystery and great characters!

Brilliant read - thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read and review it.

Shetland is a place close to my heart and somewhere on my bucket list to visit. Norway was a stunning country to visit so it immediately appealed to me.

The characters were all easy to relate to. The description of life living under German occupation in Norway was graphic. If anything it would have been nice for this part of the book to have been a bit longer.

The story did leave me with a few queries such as how many days was the sea voyage and as they were nailed in did they have access to food and water and sufficient oxygen?!

I enjoyed the description of life in Shetland and how the two main characters lives intertwined. I had sussed out who was the spy long before it was revealed in the book!

All in all an enjoyable read and I will continue to look for more from this author. Thank you!

As an avid reader of WW2 fiction, I was excited to see something that wasn’t the same old same old London/Paris/Berlin plot. The way this author blended fact and fiction, the way I am desperate to visit the far northern reaches of the Shetland Islands now? Gorgeous. I also loved that this story wasn’t about your typical WW2 hero and heroine, but instead, two people who were older, and had lived through a few experiences already. Happily recommend this one to fans of WW2 fiction!

I was provided an ARC copy of this book through Netgalley. My thanks to the publisher and the author for providing it to me.

In 1942, Hedda and her six year old son, Eirick, are attempting to flee an abusive husband and the Nazi occupied Norway. They arrive barely alive on the rocky shores of the
Shetland Islands. Bill, a disgraced Airman in the RAF who has been stationed in the Shetland Islands as a radar operator, rescues them. Could Bill and Hedda be what each other need to heal after the war.

The first part of the book read like a true WW2 historical fiction novel with danger and intrigue. The second half, I felt, transitioned into more of a romance novel, moving a little slower, but still engaging. Not knowing much about Norway and how it weathered WW2, I loved getting the new perspective. While the characters were well developed, I would have liked more between the two main characters. I felt like ending was a little too buttoned up.

This book is well-researched. The story was entertaining and kept my interest. This was a good read and I'd recommend it to anyone interested in ww2 stories.

This was a lovely historical fiction romance that was different from any other WWII book I’ve read! I really enjoyed both POV’s, and loved to see both of the main characters growth throughout the novel. I also really enjoyed that it was primarily set on the Shetland Islands. Would definitely recommend this to someone who is looking for a historical fiction love story!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC!

I knew very little about about what occurred in Norway and the nearby Scottish Islands during WWII.
Things in occupied Norway were grim. For Hedda and her young son, her "difficult" husband made things even grimmer. After her work carrying messages is discovered Hedda and her son go on the run, eventually landing on a remote island. Bill, a radio operator for the RAF is assigned to the same island after an accident. They have each left a troubled past behind. On this remote island they have a chance to find new futures.
This is a review of an ARC provided by NetGalley.

The Girl From Norway is a captivating WW2 novel told from the perspectives of Hedda, the titular heroine escaping her Nazi-occupied home in Norway in grave danger with her young son, and Bill, an injured and haunted Canadian ex-pilot who is stationed in the Shetland islands.
I found it very difficult to put this book down, the pace is fantastic and every page that I turned kept bringing more details of the characters that I found compelling. The writing is wonderful and explores all the tragedy, stress and peril of the war years, as well as the bravery of individual normal people living within the countries involved.
An endearing and moving tale of escape and hope even in the darkest of times.

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⭐️

I requested to read and review this book for free from Head of Zeus part of Bloomsbury Publishing. This book has drama, romance, and mystery! This is for a mature reader and can be read anywhere. Sometimes it's hard to know who to trust. Can someone look trustworthy or what do you need to do to find out? Hedda wants to do her part in the war but at what cost to he family and how far is she willing to go? World War II effects everyone person differently especially current or past service people. Love had many different aspects as well does last! Love is an idea that can blossom or fizzle out. Love can be for a season or a lifetime.

What a breathtaking historical romance! Set in Norway, the main character, Hedda, is horribly abused by her husband. With a young son to protect from dangers of the approaching German army, she takes an enormous risk by trying to escape. Their harrowing journey on foot and by boat ends as the boat crashes on the rocky shores of the Shetland Islands. The boat had been hit by a German fighter plane and was capsizing on the Island of Fiskersay. British airman Bill Gaither is one of the RAF men who rescue Hedda and Eirick.
Fiskersay is a rugged place with few inhabitants other than the British RAF forces operating a radar station. Besides the radar station, it has one tiny town. The weather can be ferocious “For the first forty-eight hours, the weather was so bad I couldn’t get off the station. …. the wind trying to knock you off your feet and sleet-filled rain soaking through to your underclothes in minutes if you’d been foolish enough to forget your mac.” (Pg. 170)
There are constant attacks by German bombers which appear to be linked to an unidentified island traitor. And slowly but surely, Hedda and Bill fall in love. “Our eyes met, and I felt my heart do the same odd little jump it had when I came across her and Eirick setting outside the hut the other day.” (Pg94)
The main characters in the story are very well developed, especially since the chapters switch back and forth from the first-person voices of Bill and Hedda.
The constant drama and fast momentum of the story makes it difficult to put down. Like other reviewers have mentioned, Girl from Norway could be a wonderful movie.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

#bookstagram #bookstagrammer

Set in both Norway and Shetland during World War II, The Girl from Norway by Emma Pass is a story told in two perspectives. Not only is the war raging and felt all over but internal domestic wars of a different kind are wreaking havoc as well. Hedda and her eight-year-old son Eirik leave Hedda's cruel husband's clutches in Norway and head for Sweden. However, events take them to Shetland instead where they meet Bill, an RAF soldier. Loyalties and trust are tested and traitors lurk. But there are also bright spots in the form of new love.

Seldom does one see WWII stories set in Norway which is what initially drew me in. Hedda unflinchingly protects her son at all costs. Their harrowing experiences are compelling reading and I am always encouraged to see beautiful mother/son relationships. The writing is lovely and emotive as well.

My sincere thank you to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this fascinating novel.

A WWII historical fiction is one of my favorite genre. I have read tons of them. but this one is nothing like I read before.
The story beginning with two POV. Helda fleet from norway and her abusive husband to isle call shetland located north of Scotland. Bill was a soldier from Canada, working for RAF on the island, They meet at the island, their story start from quarter of the book.
Helda's story is very interesting, I love her courage and kindness. author gave a full story of her background. I also learned the town Kirlenes in Norway, specially druing WWII. Bill's story is a little bit lack, it seems like the author short of idea to how to describe Bill. I feel his fiancé is not necessary, I enjoyed their love story. but I don't really fell the chemical between these two.
This is the first time i read about RAF base, I appreciate of that part.
Over all this book has so many surprise in the good way. i gave it 4 star.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The World War II setting seems to be very "in" or "on trend" at the moment, which is great for me as I absolutely love this setting! What sets this book apart, is that the settings also include Norway and the Shetland Islands. Apart from the fact that Germany had invaded Norway, I had little idea what this may have meant for many Norwegians. And I also had not given the importance of the Shetland Islands as an outpost of Britain, and its importance in monitoring the skies.
If you have watched and enjoyed the TV series World on Fire, I would recommend this book to you particularly, as there is something about it that has a similar feel.
I look forward to reading more from Emma Pass in the future.

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

The Girl From Norway is the latest historical fiction novel from author Emma Pass. It is the perfect combination of mystery, drama and romance, all set against the Second World War landscape of the RAF base in Shetland and Nazi-occupied Norway.
The dual-perspective narrative begins as two separate stories – one about Hedda’s escape from Nazi-occupied Norway with her son and one about Bill’s experiences in the RAF – but they quickly converge when they both find themselves on the Shetland Islands. The story is fast-paced and packed full of action from the very first chapters. I was worried it wouldn’t be able to maintain this momentum once Hedda reaches the safety of the Shetland Islands but, after a number of slower-paced chapters setting the new scene and covering Hedda’s adjustment to life outside of Nazi-occupied Norway, the action quickly returned as the RAF and islanders try to determine the identity of an island spy traitor leaking information to the Germans.
The story was clearly impeccably researched and historical details were seamlessly woven into the narrative. I also appreciated both the inclusion of Shetland dialect throughout the story and the nods to the Norwegian language and this really supported the authenticity of the story.
As the book blurb suggests, there is a blossoming romance between Hedda and Bill throughout the story and this makes the book perfect for fans of a good historical romance. Theirs is a slow burn love and definitely not without its bumps in the road but I really enjoyed this aspect to the story overall as they were a perfect match for each other.
Both of our dual protagonists – Hedda and Bill – were fantastically written with such depth to their character. Hedda was an incredible female protagonist and her strength and courage amazed me throughout the story. Her relationship with her young son Eirich was beautiful and he was a lovely little character himself. I loved seeing his developing relationship with “Mr Bill” as he called him as it blossomed into the father/son relationship the young lad deserved. Bill was another fantastic character and I thought the book really authentically portrayed the mental and physical impact of both his experiences serving on the front-line and of the accident which injured him and resulted in his redeployment to the Shetland Islands.
Hedda’s emotional abuse at the hands of her husband Anders was also very well portrayed. Although he appears in person very little throughout the story, his voice was a constant presence in the narrative, constantly playing in Hedda’s head in it’s cruel and demeaning tone. Anders was a truly vile character, which is just credit to how well written he was. Whilst being mindful of avoiding spoilers surrounding the island spy plotline, the other primary antagonist of the book was also very well written and I did pat myself on the back for my immediate suspicions of them being well-placed.
The primary setting of the story, a fictional island part of the Shetland Islands, was fantastic and I loved meeting all of the different island inhabitants and seeing them come together as a community. I find the history of the Shetland Bus to be a truly fascinating part of Second World War history which isn’t talked about enough within historical fiction so it was exciting to see it play such an important role in Hedda’s story.
Overall, The Girl From Norway is a fantastic piece of World War Two fiction and perfect for fans of the genre and anyone who likes a good spy mystery. Hedda and Bill’s story is endearing and truly moving and I was hooked from cover to cover.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk and the post is linked.

What a wonderful story. This would make a great film. I could feel this women's pain and was hoping she'd make it through. Worth 5 stars. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

The Girl From Norway is a very interesting historical fictional. At first I didn’t know how the Norwegian mother and the Canadian RAF flier were connected.
I believe this is the first WWII historical fiction I’ve read taking place in Norway.

A lovely, in depth story WW2 and Norway have been taken by the Nazi. A mother and her child escape and get a new life far away from the troubles at home. Very well researched and produced this is a book that I recommend along with 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

Helda Dahlström and her six-year-old son flee the horrors of Nazi-occupied Norway in 1942. They make a desperate journey to safety in the isolated Shetland Islands. There, she meets Canadian soldier Bill Gautier, who is haunted by a tragedy that ruined his career. These two unlikely, broken people find unexpected hope in this remote place.

The Girl from Norway was a refreshing new take on a genre that is full of stories that feel so similar. I didn't know anything about Norway during the war before I read this. The characters drew me in and the story kept me turning pages. Fantastic read if you're looking for a fresh take on WW2 fiction!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

This was so gripping that I could hardly put it down! Emma Pass has written a poignant love story set in the war, that is also action-packed and dramatic. It also makes you realise how much the Norwegians suffered in the war.

The story is written from the points-of-view of Hedda and Bill. After the Germans invade Norway, Hedda is caught providing messages, and forced to escape with her young son. She desperately walks for miles, and even kills a German. Eventually, she manages to escape to the Shetland Islands where she meets Bill.

Bill ends up at a radar station in the Shetlands after being punished and demoted. He regards it as a dull wilderness, and has to leave behind his wealthy fiancée, Rose. Soon, however, Hedda and Bill come to love the island, with its cliffs and crofts, but many problems and adventures await these two damaged people. Can they find happiness in the midst of war…?

This book also made me want to find out more about the history of the war in Norway and in the Shetland Islands.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781801105576
PRICE £9.99 (GBP)
PAGES 400