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Runaways #1
The Winter Runaway
*The first installment in the brand new Runaway's series from the Sunday Times bestselling author
Tammy and her mother, Grace, are desperate to escape Tammy’s violent bully of a father. But when an unforeseen tragedy strikes, mother and daughter must flee Scotland in the dead of night.
To survive the severest of penalties, they leave behind everything they know and love – including one another.
Under new identities, Tammy and Grace must start afresh. Tammy joins the services and there she meets a dashing officer who begins to break her guard down.
But can the course of true love ever run smooth with Tammy unable to reveal her true self?
Tammy and her mother, Grace, are desperate to escape Tammy’s violent bully of a father. But when an unforeseen tragedy strikes, mother and daughter must flee Scotland in the dead of night.
To survive the severest of penalties, they leave behind everything they know and love – including one another.
Under new identities, Tammy and Grace must start afresh. Tammy joins the services and there she meets a dashing officer who begins to break her guard down.
But can the course of true love ever run smooth with Tammy unable to reveal her true self?
401 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2024
99 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Katie Flynn
100 books218 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Katie Flynn was born in Norwich and attended Norwich High School, where she was extremely happy and extremely undistinguished. Published at the tender age of eight, in Enid Blyton's Sunny Stories, she joined a Writers’ Circle as an adult, publishing short stories, articles, etc; only turning to novels in 1971 because the postal strike cut off her main source of income!
At first she wrote under several different names – Judith Saxton, Judy Turner, Lydia Balmain, Judith Arden – but her Katie Flynn books were a delight to write and proved far more popular than she had dreamed. She has now published nearly ninety novels, twenty-seven of which are Flynns. Her most recent titles are: Lost Days of Summer and Christmas Wishes.
Katie Flynn was born in Norwich and attended Norwich High School, where she was extremely happy and extremely undistinguished. Published at the tender age of eight, in Enid Blyton's Sunny Stories, she joined a Writers’ Circle as an adult, publishing short stories, articles, etc; only turning to novels in 1971 because the postal strike cut off her main source of income!
At first she wrote under several different names – Judith Saxton, Judy Turner, Lydia Balmain, Judith Arden – but her Katie Flynn books were a delight to write and proved far more popular than she had dreamed. She has now published nearly ninety novels, twenty-seven of which are Flynns. Her most recent titles are: Lost Days of Summer and Christmas Wishes.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 21, 2024
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 401
Publisher - Penguin
Source - ARC
Blurb from Goodreads
*The first installment in the brand new Runaway's series from the Sunday Times bestselling author
Tammy and her mother, Grace, are desperate to escape Tammy’s violent bully of a father. But when an unforeseen tragedy strikes, mother and daughter must flee Scotland in the dead of night.
To survive the severest of penalties, they leave behind everything they know and love – including one another.
Under new identities, Tammy and Grace must start afresh. Tammy joins the services and there she meets a dashing officer who begins to break her guard down.
But can the course of true love ever run smooth with Tammy unable to reveal her true self?
My Review
First thing I need to say guys is this one opens with domestic violence (DV), violence within a family setting and the far reach of the consequences throughout the book. Tammy and her mum Grace have been terrorised by Tammy's dad, Grace's husband since as long as they can remember. Alcohol abuse, psychological and physical abuse, the man is an absolute disgrace of a human being. When one night things go to far the women flee toward Scotland, setting them on a separate path, trying to heal their wounds and constantly looking over their shoulders.
The book starts with the horrific scene of DV then flips to three months earlier and gives us a frank look into the ladies daily life. Then we go to the after, Grace and Tammy trying to get through the day whilst the war is going on mind you and the paths each has chosen. Tammy falls into hers and enlists to do her part for the war, Grace finally has some freedom and finds herself helping other woman escaping bad situations and embracing her talent. With the promise of meeting up again both Grace and Tammy do what they need to to survive.
The book bounces about a wee bit but it is done well enough that it isn't distracting and the stories flow well. Tammy ran leaving her love behind Rory so we hear from him and about Tammy's dads antics, the war happening around them. Grace finding her own feet and independence after being beaten down for so long and Tammy with a few white lies has found herself a new bestie and both volunteer to help in the war effort taking them both on new paths. Their lies and lives they have escaped have brought them together and the book very much takes us along actions/consequences, how far lasting/reaching they can be.
Relationships is hugely centric in this one, mother and daughter, husband and wife, first loves, friendship and the attitudes between ranking officers in the army which I thought was pretty interesting. That and how snotty some attitudes are also to women and how they treat them!
It is a really good read to just sink into and forget your own life for a wee bit, set in perilous times, war, poverty, danger from your own loved ones, personal growth and strength once you find the courage to leave (DV). Again this really struck a chord with me, I think it depends on your background, life experiences but this one did pack a bit of a punch and pull some emotionals from me, 4/5.
Pages - 401
Publisher - Penguin
Source - ARC
Blurb from Goodreads
*The first installment in the brand new Runaway's series from the Sunday Times bestselling author
Tammy and her mother, Grace, are desperate to escape Tammy’s violent bully of a father. But when an unforeseen tragedy strikes, mother and daughter must flee Scotland in the dead of night.
To survive the severest of penalties, they leave behind everything they know and love – including one another.
Under new identities, Tammy and Grace must start afresh. Tammy joins the services and there she meets a dashing officer who begins to break her guard down.
But can the course of true love ever run smooth with Tammy unable to reveal her true self?
My Review
First thing I need to say guys is this one opens with domestic violence (DV), violence within a family setting and the far reach of the consequences throughout the book. Tammy and her mum Grace have been terrorised by Tammy's dad, Grace's husband since as long as they can remember. Alcohol abuse, psychological and physical abuse, the man is an absolute disgrace of a human being. When one night things go to far the women flee toward Scotland, setting them on a separate path, trying to heal their wounds and constantly looking over their shoulders.
The book starts with the horrific scene of DV then flips to three months earlier and gives us a frank look into the ladies daily life. Then we go to the after, Grace and Tammy trying to get through the day whilst the war is going on mind you and the paths each has chosen. Tammy falls into hers and enlists to do her part for the war, Grace finally has some freedom and finds herself helping other woman escaping bad situations and embracing her talent. With the promise of meeting up again both Grace and Tammy do what they need to to survive.
The book bounces about a wee bit but it is done well enough that it isn't distracting and the stories flow well. Tammy ran leaving her love behind Rory so we hear from him and about Tammy's dads antics, the war happening around them. Grace finding her own feet and independence after being beaten down for so long and Tammy with a few white lies has found herself a new bestie and both volunteer to help in the war effort taking them both on new paths. Their lies and lives they have escaped have brought them together and the book very much takes us along actions/consequences, how far lasting/reaching they can be.
Relationships is hugely centric in this one, mother and daughter, husband and wife, first loves, friendship and the attitudes between ranking officers in the army which I thought was pretty interesting. That and how snotty some attitudes are also to women and how they treat them!
It is a really good read to just sink into and forget your own life for a wee bit, set in perilous times, war, poverty, danger from your own loved ones, personal growth and strength once you find the courage to leave (DV). Again this really struck a chord with me, I think it depends on your background, life experiences but this one did pack a bit of a punch and pull some emotionals from me, 4/5.
September 23, 2025
Did not like the ending. what happened to all the character? Do Rory and Tammy ever meet again and does Tammy's dad go to jail??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2024
Tammy and her mother Grace need to leave their home, and quickly.
I thought The Winter Runaway was an excellent historical saga as the story is fast paced and as smooth as silk to read. This is testament to Katie Flynn’s skill in creating drama and drawing her reader into the story. I was entirely captivated from the first gripping sentence of the prologue to the very last word because the plot is pacy, filled with peril and both interesting and engaging to read.
Although the story is set authentically in the 1940s, Katie Flynn incorporates real relevance to today’s world, with her themes of feminism, social class, domestic abuse and war. As a result, the story is all the more impactful as modern readers can relate to the concepts whilst enjoying the historical accuracy. Such concepts add a mature depth to the storytelling too.
I thought the characters were finely drawn. The direct speech they use feels natural and helps uncover their personalities. The use of Scottish pronunciation is perfect, with enough to add colour but not so much as to slow pace or impede understanding. There’s more about Tammy than Grace in this first book of a new series so that we understand her more deeply and she’s entirely convincing. Her strength and resilience is balanced by her anxieties about her past life and her burning need to tell Cecil the truth. I felt every moment of her dilemma with her; particularly when it came to her conflicting feelings about Rory and Cecil. I genuinely didn’t know how I might respond in her situation so that the story had me hooked. I also really appreciated that, whilst Tammy’s father is truly dreadful, unlike some sagas, he is in the minority. Rory, Cecil, Harry and Archie illustrate that not all men have violent tendencies or hold sexist beliefs.
I loved the ending To The Winter Runaway because there’s enough resolution to satisfy the narrative, but it’s so tantalising that I can’t wait for the next book in the series. It would be wonderful to see this excellent book picked up for Sunday night television drama as I think it would be perfect. Indeed, I think The Winter Runaway is my favourite sage read to date. It’s one of those books that I simply didn’t want to put down. I thought about what the characters might be doing when I wasn’t reading about them. Don’t miss it.
I thought The Winter Runaway was an excellent historical saga as the story is fast paced and as smooth as silk to read. This is testament to Katie Flynn’s skill in creating drama and drawing her reader into the story. I was entirely captivated from the first gripping sentence of the prologue to the very last word because the plot is pacy, filled with peril and both interesting and engaging to read.
Although the story is set authentically in the 1940s, Katie Flynn incorporates real relevance to today’s world, with her themes of feminism, social class, domestic abuse and war. As a result, the story is all the more impactful as modern readers can relate to the concepts whilst enjoying the historical accuracy. Such concepts add a mature depth to the storytelling too.
I thought the characters were finely drawn. The direct speech they use feels natural and helps uncover their personalities. The use of Scottish pronunciation is perfect, with enough to add colour but not so much as to slow pace or impede understanding. There’s more about Tammy than Grace in this first book of a new series so that we understand her more deeply and she’s entirely convincing. Her strength and resilience is balanced by her anxieties about her past life and her burning need to tell Cecil the truth. I felt every moment of her dilemma with her; particularly when it came to her conflicting feelings about Rory and Cecil. I genuinely didn’t know how I might respond in her situation so that the story had me hooked. I also really appreciated that, whilst Tammy’s father is truly dreadful, unlike some sagas, he is in the minority. Rory, Cecil, Harry and Archie illustrate that not all men have violent tendencies or hold sexist beliefs.
I loved the ending To The Winter Runaway because there’s enough resolution to satisfy the narrative, but it’s so tantalising that I can’t wait for the next book in the series. It would be wonderful to see this excellent book picked up for Sunday night television drama as I think it would be perfect. Indeed, I think The Winter Runaway is my favourite sage read to date. It’s one of those books that I simply didn’t want to put down. I thought about what the characters might be doing when I wasn’t reading about them. Don’t miss it.
November 25, 2024
It's a very good read. Story starts immediately with domestic abuse and women fleeing violence. This touched a chord with me, it also got me into the story very quickly. The twists and turns, relationships and drama are spellbinding. The description and reality of the time of this wartime saga were engaging, but I struggled with all the time that is spent on long repeated conversations about 'what ifs', guilt, self esteem and, the thoughts of the speaker written in italics. It finished a bit quickly, but then I think it leaves room for other books in this saga. I do think its was a good read 📚 🙂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2025
I enjoy this style of book from time to time because it's an easy, comforting read. While the storyline felt familiar—similar to others in the genre—I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Julie Maisey instead of reading it myself, and I’m so glad I did. Julie’s narration was outstanding. Her ability to switch accents effortlessly added depth to the characters and really brought the story to life. It kept me engaged throughout and made the experience far more immersive than reading it on my own.
December 6, 2025
Tammy and her mam, Grace are in terrible danger.
Tammy's father is a violent alcoholic and she and her mam need to get away.
On the eve of their departure things go drastically wrong and their lives are torn apart.
They both flee their home in Scotland and separate to make it harder for anyone to find them.
They begin life again with new identities.
Tammy joins up and in the services meets a charming officer who sweeps her off her feet.
But can she let her guard down and even more so, can she forget her childhood sweetheart she left behind?
A wonderful start to the "Runaways" series.
Tammy's father is a violent alcoholic and she and her mam need to get away.
On the eve of their departure things go drastically wrong and their lives are torn apart.
They both flee their home in Scotland and separate to make it harder for anyone to find them.
They begin life again with new identities.
Tammy joins up and in the services meets a charming officer who sweeps her off her feet.
But can she let her guard down and even more so, can she forget her childhood sweetheart she left behind?
A wonderful start to the "Runaways" series.
October 31, 2024
Great
Enjoyed every page and wondered where it would end. It was great to find in the end that Tammy was going to be happy but sad for Rory.
Thank you Katie for another great story ❤🌹❤🌹
Enjoyed every page and wondered where it would end. It was great to find in the end that Tammy was going to be happy but sad for Rory.
Thank you Katie for another great story ❤🌹❤🌹
January 15, 2025
Do not waste your time reading this book as it will be 8 hours of your life you will not get back, it kept me on the edge of my seat as I could not put it down, I wanted to find out what happened next and it just stopped, soooo annoyed will never find out what happened to the people in the book 😡😡😡
October 30, 2024
Loved yhis book .hope there is another to follow it
October 30, 2024
What a great read. Hope there is a follow up to this book. Would highly recommend this read to all who love saga reads x
December 16, 2024
3.75* rounded up to 4
March 23, 2025
As always with Katie Flynn books the characters feel like old friends. I loved it :)
April 19, 2025
I always try to read Katie Flynn books as soon as there's a new one as I love them so much. this is the start of a new series and I can't wait to read the others. I love Tammy and her Mum!
May 4, 2025
Fantastic book. Really hope there will be a sequel.
May 18, 2025
a lovely book
December 22, 2025
Excellent read
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews