War Bonds

by Pamela Norsworthy

1939: As Hitler's Panzers storm the Polish border, a small boy boards a train bound for the British countryside where strangers will safeguard him from bombs soon to darken London skies. The boy's mother, Beryl, a hospital nurse, stays back to tend to the shredding wounds inflicted by the lethal German assault. Her depleting days are made worse when she learns her husband, Gordon, has become a prisoner of war, interned at a camp deep in the Reich.

Beryl forges a bond—tenuous and complicated—with an American pilot who helps mitigate her anguish over the husband and son she misses deeply. As their relationship intensifies, Gordon is sent on a work detail to the home of the camp commandant. There, he draws the eye of commandant's wife, a woman of sophistication who hates the Polish backwater where her husband is posted. Their liaison could free Gordon from the hell he endures inside the prison camp and lead him into an utterly new life—if he's willing to forsake the oaths he's taken, the promises he's made.

These ties that bind—forged in the crucible of war—sustain Beryl and Gordon through their darkest days. But will these powerful new bonds subvert their chance to reunite at war's end?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Historical

313 pages, Paperback

First published February 14, 2024

About the author

A 2025 Georgia Author of the Year nominee for her debut novel, WAR BONDS, Pamela's second book, THE FLORENTINE ENTANGLEMENT, will be published by Black Rose Writing in January 2026. A novel of the Cold War, it interweaves the infamous downing of the U-2 spyplane over the Soviet Union with the complicated marriage of the CIA officer responsible for the failed mission. She is now at work on a novel set on the cusp of the 1973 Chilean coup that toppled Salvador Allende.

After a career in television and corporate communications, Pamela turned to fiction writing to share her love of history and politics and to explore how decisions made by the powerful can prove cataclysmic for everyday people caught in the crossfire. A graduate of the University of Virginia, Pamela lives with her husband and two very spoiled dogs in Atlanta, Georgia, all four of them loyal Atlanta Braves baseball fans.

Reviews

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It had nice relationship elements that forms the plot line.

The book is full of strong feelings that are expressed from many topics like battles, It touched me deeply in areas where I personally related to her emotions.

I highly recommend this book, especially for historical fiction enthusiasts.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christopher Lancette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am forever touched and changed by the emotional journey with this book. You must stop what you're doing, order a copy now, and drop whatever other plans you may have once you start reading (you will be hard-pressed to do anything else). It's a story about love and marriage, fidelity to spouse and country, moral boundaries expanding at the bequest of war, personal and patriotic sacrifice, evil, mentorship, parenting, grace, and the will to find beauty in an often ugly world. You can read the book summary for an overview of the plot, so I won't rehash that much here except to say, without adding any spoilers, that it centers around the lives of two British soldiers trying to escape the Nazis, an American pilot, an American nurse, an English mother who fosters soldiers' kids, and two boys who are forced to mature beyond their years. This is an absolutely gut-wrenching book whose characters you will never forget. War Bonds must be made into a movie!

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beryl Clarke’s husband Gordon has already left his architect position for his war service. The decision is Beryl’s alone to send her son Colin to safety in the English countryside in Ellsworth, away from the blitz of bombs in London when, as a hospital nurse, hours at home will be few.

Ivy Hughes is opening her home in Ellsworth to a child as her husband William has already left his position as a butcher serving in the British Expeditionary Force infantry brigade. Little did she realize as she set off for the station with her son Hugo that 3 children would be coming home with her.

A well-written, atmospheric, and compelling novel, the reader is gripped by the juggling act of adult responsibilities and sacrifices. At the beginning of each chapter, a meaningful epigraph sets the tone as the storyline begins as war arrives in England, progressing to the end of the war in 1945 and a stunning epilogue in 1954. Multiple POVs portray experiences and emotions, bravery, courage, resilience, loyalty, perseverance, grace under torment, friendships, and love during the perils of war.

This novel of WWII historical fiction is all the more potent in simultaneously allowing the reader to grasp the experiences of 2 families. The wives have different experiences from each other and are just as distinct from the war experiences of their husbands. However, within the differences is the sameness of the love of family and unwavering determination for the preservation of their country.

Note: The novel "includes many historical notes from anecdotes and incidents shared by her (Pamela Norsworthy’s) father, a B-17 bomber pilot who was shot down July 28, 1944 and interned in Sagan, Poland. His prison camp was liberated by Patton’s army as the war drew to a close." (Source: Author’s Website)

Thank you to Pamela Norsworthy and LibraryThing for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: Two young boys are thrust together when Colin is evacuated from London at the beginning of WWII. Both their fathers are “lost” after the fall of Calais. One is in a POW camp. The other’s fate is unknown. Together, with their mothers, the citizens of the village where the other boy, Hugo, lives and Yank pilots whose airfield is close by, they form a strong unit that helps them weather the uncertainty and the struggles of war torn England..

Without giving away too much plot, the book follows how the individual stories intertwine and intersect. Gordon’s story in Poland and Wills’ story in France are both tales of courage and derring. So are the stories of the wives and mothers who must bear the burdens whilst trying to help others. The characters are well drawn of good decent people who are swept up in the war and must survive any way they can. But in the midst of it all, there is a beautiful oasis of compassion that helps the boys blossom and will help them all heal once the conflict is over.

It is a compelling story I could not put down until I know the fates of all the characters. Five purrs and two paws up.

[Karen Torghele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This woman can write! In this World War II era novel, we meet children who were evacuated to the countryside from their homes in London. There is no glossing over the continuing agony of the decision parents made to protect their children or the impact on the children from being sent away. The way Norsworthy depicted those in the children's adoptive village, the soldiers who were absent and playing varied roles, Nazi antagonists, was masterful. The story felt realistic in that each character had to make choices forced upon them by the war that they agonized over and suffered because of. There are no platitudes or cliches allowed in this telling. And I appreciated the way Norsworth wove historical details into her novel in ways that enhanced the story rather than putting them in to prove what she knew. I will be recommending this book for some time to come!

[Meagan Rush · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and was happy to win it from a Goodreads giveaway. The way that all the characters lives and actions were all intertwined made you interested in every chapter. While it was clearly very much about the war it wasn’t overrun with overwhelming battle scenes, but instead the emotional side of dealing with each characters circumstances. I would recommend this to those who enjoy historical fiction.

[Martha Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story of characters facing difficult choices. Loved how all of the different story lines connected. I couldn’t put it down!

[Clarence W. Hannah, Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reax

This book was well written and tells the stories of people who had to do what they needed to survive in an impossible situation.

[Susan Askey · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a great story

I enjoyed this read. What a great story and wonderful characters. One I would add may become a classic. With a slight twist in the end that restores faith in humanity.

[Barbara Birchall · Rating 1 out of 5]

One star because I couldn't give it zero.

I got as far as page six and the clash of accents and class of the English characters was driving me insane. No ten year old child would ever say Thank you kindly ma'am and then "marmalade from me mum."
Needs a lot more research before an American attempts to write 1939 english.

[Raven (listening frantically) · Rating 5 out of 5]

War Bonds is one of those books that I had to put down when something happened because I was so emotionally connected to the characters the tension stressed me out. Then in the next scene, I'd laugh when they laughed. The emotion, connection, and love in this book -- aside from the thrill, adventure, tension, and chaos -- kept me turning pages until I was done.

All of the characters are my favorite characters.

Shocker: I don't particularly like war stories, but this one has changed my mind.

If you like any Kristin Hannah, you'll like this.

[John Purvis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is author Pamela Norsworthy’s (https://www.pamelanorsworthywrites.com) first novel. War Bonds was released a few days ago. It is the 16th book I completed reading in 2024.

I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to minor scenes of violence and mature situations, I categorize this novel as PG. The description below does have spoilers.

The network of characters is a bit complicated for this novel. I’ll address the characters first, then look at the plot. The characters include two British families, a German family, and an American airman.

Beryl Clarke and her son, 10-year-old Collin, live in London in 1939. Her husband is Lieutenant Gordon Clarke. He was a successful architect before the war and now is in the British Army. She is working as a nurse in a local hospital. Ivy Hughes and her 9-year-old son Hugo live in rural Elsworth. Her husband, Wills, has been conscripted into the British Army. German Oberst Reinhard Schröder and his pretty young wife Annalise, live in Poland. He is the commandant of a POW camp there. Lieutenant Jack Phillips is with the US Army Air Corps. He flies B-17 bombers out of an airfield near Elsworth.

The novel covers a wide span of years, beginning in 1939 and concluding in 1954. As the threat of bombing gross for London, Collin, as are many other children, is evacuated into the countryside. He is taken in by Ivy Hughes. Collin and Hugo Hughes become best friends and often spend time at the American airfield. They become close friends with Jack Phillips.

Gordon Clarke and Wills Hughes are with the BEF in France when the Wehrmacht sweeps through the country. Both are taken as POWs, though on the march to the prison camp Wills manages to escape. He is helped by many French who risk their lives to see the Brit home. Instead of completing his journey back to England, he stays in France until it is liberated, becoming part of the resistance and helping others to escape.

Gordon Clarke is taken to the POW camp commanded by Oberst Reinhard Schröder. Annalise Schröder convinces her husband to have a POW come to their home and help with the improvements she wants. Clarke uses his architectural and building skills to enhance the Schröder home. Clarke takes advantage of this to bring as much food and information as he can back to the camp. Annalise becomes attracted to Clarke, and an affair ensues. Eventually, Clarke and a handful of other POWs escape the camp, take Annalise hostage, and flee towards the approaching Allies. Annalise is left behind along their journey.

Hugo and Collin introduce their friend Jack Phillips to both Beryl Clarke and Ivy Hughes. Beryl, having been mistakenly informed that her husband is dead, develops deep feelings for Jack, and they sleep together a few times.

As the war nears its end, Wills Hughes returns home after choosing to spend years in France. Gordon Clarke succeeds in escaping, though he is wounded. Both men rejoin their families. Jack has completed the necessary missions to be rotated home. Everyone goes on to live happy lives, though with some regrets.

There is more drama between them all, but for that, you will have to read the novel yourself.

I enjoyed the 9.5+ hours I spent reading this 364-page WWI historical fiction. The novel is well-written, and the characters are well developed. Personally, I found this war period emotional drama slow and dull. I considered more than once calling a Rule of 50 and putting itthe novel aside. Had I known what this novel was about, I would never have started it. The cover art is OK, but it does not give much insight into the book. I give this book a rating of 3 out of 5.

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy well written historical fiction and War Bonds is one of the best I’ve read. You can read the summary of the story elsewhere, but we basically get to follow the lives of two families – one from London, one from the English countryside village of Elsworth. The fathers of each have gone off to fight in WW II, the London son gets shipped to Elsworth with other children to escape the bombing. The Americans eventually enter the war and have an air base outside Elsworth. The American pilots befriend the London boy and his best mate, the son of the family he’s living with. There are a lot of names to get familiar with, and the locale changes with each chapter – London, Elsworth, France, Germany, Poland. Have no worries, though. The author has made it easy to follow and before you know it, you’ll be on a first name basis with Beryl, Ivy, Hugo, Colin, Gordon, Wills, Jack, Annalise, and many others.

Ms. Norsworthy brings all the characters, locations and events to life very realistically. The reader could easily be persuaded that this book is based on real people and events. Good historical fiction does that, puts you right in the heart of the history. I found myself caring deeply about every character in the book. That’s not to say that I liked them all (some characters are enemies of the Allies, after all) but I cared about them, especially the British and American characters. Since this is fiction, I had no idea who would live, who would die. You feel the fear of the adults in particular – whom can you trust? Who is a collaborator, a spy? Who is a friend, an ally? I was born after WW II, so reading how regular people managed at home in England, or in occupied France or Poland, was enlightening, and something the history books rarely delve into. I cared so deeply about the characters whom I’d grown to love in a few short days that I could not stop reading until I discovered their fates.

The courage, fortitude, and perseverance of so many people during WW II never cease to amaze me. Books like War Bonds, even though fiction, tell their stories as well or better than any history book can. I hope Ms. Norsworthy will continue to write strong historical fiction, especially books like War Bonds that showcase the strength of the women who kept their countries going while the war was being fought.

I received an advance review copy of War Bonds for free. I write this review voluntarily and with great pleasure.

[D.L. Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As England enters WW ll, ten-year-old Colin is put on a train with other children to be relocated away from the German bombing of London to the bucolic countryside of Elsworth, His mother, Beryl, is a nurse in the city, and his dad, Lieutenant Gordon Clarke, is away fighting the war. Colin’s fears are assuaged when he meets Ivy Hughes, a young mother doing her part, billeting children from the city. Ivy’s son, Hugo, and Colin become fast friends—bonding over the fact their fathers are war heroes.

The author follows both families who are woven together during the war, highlighting daily life in England against the plight of Lieutenant Gordon Clarke and Second Lieutenant Wills Hughes, one an Allied POW and the other escaping to fight with the Resistance in France. Both men doing their best to defeat Hitler and return to their families.

A coming-of-age for two boys, filled with stories of bravery, loyalty, perseverance, and love. The author’s writing is beyond beautiful and completely authentic, drawing from her father’s experiences as a German POW. There’s something for everyone, not just historical fiction fans. I read War Bonds in one sitting—I couldn’t put it down. I can’t remember the last time I was so compelled to turn the page.

[Natalie Dyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens to personal relationships in wartime? How do the people who are left behind adapt to their changing world? Which of the bonds forged between those who serve will last, and which will fade once the war is over? And why do some people respond heroically under fire while others think only of themselves? Pamela Norsworthy uses the skills she honed as a journalist to explore these questions in her beautifully written debut novel.

War Bonds, which unfolds in Europe over a 7-year period from 1939 to 1945 is rich in historical detail and vivid description.

The story is told from multiple points of view, immersing the reader in the lives of the main characters, all of whom have to adapt as best they can to the challenges of war. There are romantic attachments that lead to complications and test the bonds of marriage; acts of heroism to rescue people hiding from the Nazis; cunning plots to foil the enemy.

There are twists and turns that keep the reader turning pages. And in the end, we learn how all the characters are bound together in ways they could not have imagined.

This is a compelling tale of courage, betrayal, fear, hope, and the ties that bind.

[Cam Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best WWII historical fiction novel I've read since my junior high infatuation with "The Winds of War!"

If you were trying to meld Kristin Hannah's romance and action from "The Nightingale" with Anthony Doerr's poignant empathy and impeccable research in "All the Light We Cannot See" into one read--Pamela Norsworthy's "War Bonds" is your 2024 book of the year!

An epic tale set against the backdrop of besieged Britain and occupied Europe, weaving together the lives of Beryl, a London hospital nurse, her architect-turned-lieutenant husband Gordon, and an American pilot. As Beryl struggles with the agony of separation from her husband and son, a tenuous bond forms between her and the American pilot, offering solace amidst the chaos of war. Meanwhile, Gordon's fate hangs in the balance in a POW camp as he steers his way through a dangerous liaison that could forever change his life.

Norsworthy's compelling characters carry depth, leaving the reader wide-eyed and desperately flipping pages as her twisting plot threatens the very bonds that brought them together.

[Alan Kaplan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast, fun paced light as air book about two British families in World War 2. Many children were relocated from London to the British countryside to avoid the bombing during the Battle of Britain. The Hughes family from Elsworth took in Colin and two twin girls to live with their son Hugo. Mr. Hughes was off in Europe fighting the Nazis while Colin’s father was in Stalag 3 from the start of the war. He was trapped at Dunkirk. He was a POW for more than 5 years. Interesting while I was reading the book, I was actually visiting Stalag 3 in rural Poland. Stalag 3 is the site of the Great Escape. Over 90 POW’s escaped. Only 3 were able to get to the West. 50 were murdered by the Nazis after their capture. Thankfully, in the movie both James Garner and Steve McQueen were captured and returned to Stalag 3. Now Stalag 3 is a historical site and is covered by trees. The forest has returned in the intervening 80 years. Will the father’s return? I will not spoil the ending but this is a good summer read.

[Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

War Bonds is a spectacular story, very moving and emotional. One may think of War Bonds as those bonds that people buy during the war to help finance the war effort, and that is correct. In this story, however, War Bonds are people bonds - those bonds that people make, break, and hopefully restore, as in this story, War Bonds, taking place during World War II. Most of the activity takes place in England and primarily involves two families. The husbands of both families are involved in the military and War Bonds revolves around these families, their husbands involved in the fight against the Nazis, and situations that arose during the war. There is heartache and loss, husbands missing for months and years not knowing what happened to them, and how the wives and children coped during this time.
The story is good, well-written, and contains many statements of food for thought and consideration. It was hard in the beginning of the story as there was very little dialogue and a lot of narrative, but once you got into the meat of the story, it became a very moving novel.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

War Bonds is an exploration into the lives of four Brits during the years of WWII. Beryl, a London nurse, and her soldier husband are geographically separated by his service while she makes the gut-wrenching decision to send their son, Colin, on a train up north to live with another family to avoid the Blitz. Ivy, the mother who takes in Colin, is raising her own son, Hugo, while her husband is serving in France. The story follows these four and their separate experiences that shaped each one of them while trying to survive the horrible ordeal, and all those people along the way.

Admittedly, it took me nearly the first half of the book to really get into it; perhaps I just wasn’t in the right headspace at the time. The second half truly hooked me and I was fully invested in the lives of these four. War Bonds runs the gamut of emotions; hope and despair, service and survival, love and compassion. This book was enjoyable and worth a reread.

[Anna Daugherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a young boy is sent from London to the English countryside early in WWII, two families' lives will intersect in deeper ways than they could have imagined. No one knew the war would split families apart for so long, and as the characters in War Bonds work to piece their lives back together in new ways, the strength of marriages and families will be tested.

Author Pamela Norsworthy has crafted a sweeping look at the way WWII disrupted lives and families. At times heart-rending, yet often uplifting, this unique take on WWII historical fiction weaves together dozens of unique, realistic characters to paint a picture of the toll it took on separated British families. This is one that will linger in your mind long after you’ve finished it, inspiring grace for those who had to make difficult decisions in impossible circumstances.

[David Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful novel captures the devastation of World War II and the intimate, human struggles it created. Through Beryl, a resilient nurse serving her terrified London community as Nazi bombs pummel her city, and Gordon, a captured soldier navigating the treacherous dynamics of a German prison camp, the story delves into the impossible choices love and survival demand. Norsworthy’s prose balances raw emotion with historical depth. I felt the crushing weight of separation and loss, but also the hope that sustains people in the bleakest circumstances.
I found myself likening this book to Mark Sullivan’s Beneath a Scarlet Sky—both are stories celebrating the resilience of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary trials. This novel, however, carves its own path, offering a moving, layered story of endurance, temptation, and the fragile promise of reunion. Well and truly done.

[Deborah Kosnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pamela Norsworthy’s War Bonds: A Novel of World War II is a masterfully crafted tale that immerses readers in the richly textured lives of two British families whose Allied soldier-husbands are captured by the Nazis during the Siege of Calais. Norsworthy’s meticulous attention to historical detail and her ability to weave complex emotional landscapes make this book a compelling read. The characters’ resilience and the bonds they form - and break - amidst the chaos of war are both heart-wrenching and inspiring, making War Bonds a standout in World War II fiction.

Now, I admit I'm a bit biased, because I narrated the audiobook . . . but trust me, it's a worthwhile read - and a great listen! If you like audiobooks, please (shameless plug, here) give it a listen.

[Kim Conrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I love the shifting points of view. It really makes me feel like I can truly make a connection with the various characters. I've really got to feel like I know the characters before I can enjoy the story. War Bonds was told with so much attention to detail. I really felt as if I were there seeing, breathing, smelling the air. For me, that's just great story telling. Even though this isn't usually a genre I read in, I truly found myself immersed by this beautiful tale. So, well done, and I love that the author's father inspired/ added to the depth of storytelling here with his own experiences from WW2.

[William C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary storytelling!

War Bonds has to be your next read. Over the years, I’ve read numerous historical accounts, both fiction and non-fiction, centered on World War II. This novel ranks among the very top of that list.
It has it all -- creativity, imagery, unforgettable characters, twist and turns, a surprise ending to tie it all together, not to mention the well-researched historical underpinnings.

It is a page turner to be sure. You’ll be moved by the author’s storytelling prowess and, in particular, the depth of her characters --- real and believable who simply attempted to do the best they could during the gut-wrenching era of World War II.

William C Crews

[Carey Mundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this was an Incredible read - I was immersed in this story from the start to its finish. It tells the story of several people whose lives collide. Beryl is a London nurse who sends her so, Colin, to the countryside to be safe during WWII. Her husband is a POW who does what he must to survive the war. Colin lives with Ivy and her son Hugo - she cares for two other young girls during the war while her husband actively works with the Resistance in France. Colin and Hugo befriend an American bomber pilot, Jack and becomes an important part of all of their lives. As the war comes to an end, their lives are all changed. Loved this book!

[Tianne Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow the ordinary families of WW2 the Clarke family with mum Beryl a nurse in London, Gordon Dad who is serving but a POW, Colin the son who is evacuated to safer areas and meets the Hughes Family and watch them intertwine. It’s a wonderful read how many bonds would have been formed and emotions of the times. I throughly enjoyed it and it is within my area of interest. It’s not going to big people down but instead be easy to read and follow.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ian Burnside · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book awhile ago as an ARC and unfortunately got busy at work and forgot about it. As you can tell from the one day it took me to read this after starting over, the book is amazing. It keeps you enthralled from the beginning with a developing plot that has the chapters flying by. The military background and stories feel real and the love stories are filled with the compassion and yearning that usually goes with military hardship! Highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an adventurous quick read

[Laura Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect beach read! I fell in love with the characters from the very beginning. As the war became a reality and the consequences became dire, I was drawn more and more into the story as it unfolded. I had full confidence that the author knew her history and that the facts of the war were not embellished but were accurate even as they were heartbreaking. There were a couple twists I really didn’t see coming. I enjoy a book when the characters are relatable and feel like people I would like to be friends with - well some of them - not all. It is set in WWII after all!

[Lisa A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic debut novel! It took me a couple of chapters to get into it, but I ended up not being able to put it down. Great to read about different experiences of war and I love how the stories are all woven together in what is a very insightful and thought provoking novel. The characters are well developed and I enjoyed getting to know each one. Such a moving story, both heartwarming and heartbreaking, full of hope, strength, love, betrayal, and forgiveness. I'll be thinking about this one for a long time.

[Daphne Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

War Bonds, by Pamela Norsworthy, has everything I look for in a good book: real characters with depth and a story I can't put down! Besides following several interwoven love stories, I effortlessly learned a lot about World War II; especially: the safeguarding of London's children during the Blitz; the horror of Nazi prisoner-of-war camps, the French Resistance, and the courage it took to help a fellow human being in the most dangerous situations. I found the novel to be inspirational without being sanctimoniously preachy. Well worth reading!