Reviews

The Red Cross Orphans by Glynis Peters

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booksadoodle's review against another edition

4.0

As a lover of historical fiction, I had heard/read so many stories of the Red Cross orphans, so this one definitely grabbed my attention. As an orphan herself, Kitty signs up to do her part to help the Red Cross and the war efforts. She meets lifelong friends in Joan & Trixie and spends most of her time nursing soldiers and helping the orphaned children. She meets Michael, a Canadian doctor, and finds herself falling for him. The was such a moving and heartfelt tale of the times. The characters are endearing and believable, and you are easily drawn into and invested in the story. Definitely one to check out for the historical fiction fans. Thanks so much to Glynis Peters, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this e-arc.

trudyd's review against another edition

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4.0

A great thing about reading a lot of WW@ Historical Fiction is gaining perspective. Authors challenge me to think about many things that aren't really taught in school or are just glossed over. The Red Cross Orphans is no different. Glynis Peters shares a story about the challenges of those victimized in Great Britain. She illustrates the struggles of those that dedicated their lives to saving others.

I didn't realize there were so many overlapping nursing programs. I didn't realize they were mainly on the job training programs. Nurses were moved around out or necessity. I guess when the need is so great, adjustments must be made. Kitty is one of those nurses. After having a hard life, she is ready to do her bit for her country. Kitty brings the reader along as she adjusts to being away from her aunt and uncle, trains to be a nurse, deals with many situations. It is Kitty's dedication and trust that gives the reader so much knowledge.

Kitty seems to fearless as she digs through rubble to find the living. She treats POWs in a hospital, making sure to protect the people of Britain. Her observations shows her to be a valued and dedicated nurse. OF course, like real life, things aren't always easy.

The author brings romance into the story creating anticipation and hope for happily ever afters. Just like war, romance is complicated. Not everyone can have a happily ever after. Hearts are broken. Lives are destroyed. But hope does not die, not even for the orphans of WW2.

mikae2005's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 stars

edietz22's review against another edition

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2.0

Honestly, this book was very long for no reason. The plot line was staggered. There was not a lot of suspense or romance or thrill. It was hard to get into and was good in the middle, but faded at the end. The storyline could have been so much better, and had so much more excitement or entertaining qualities and it really lacked. The ending was so anti-climactic even if it is a series I don't think I would read it because of the lack of plot. There was so much potential and it is kind of a letdown.

catreader18's review against another edition

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5.0

Red Cross Orphans is a book you will not want to rush through. It’s a story of two people who were orphaned at a young age and met while working for the war effort in the UK.

The story is a journey following Kitty as her career as a Red Cross Nurse. She is a caring, confident, and compassionate woman. She takes what is thrown at her in stride, including multiple relocations away from her friends and the man she is falling in love with. I’m sure the war was full of people like her and that is why we won.

I enjoyed reading this book and did not want it to end.