The Wartime Nurse

The Dutch Girls #3

by Imogen Matthews

An ear-splitting blast blows me sideways and debris starts to fall on top of me. In my shock it takes me a moment to realise the very worst has happened – the hospital has been bombed. The screams of panicked patients are deafening. But I can only think about one thing – my darling Will. Where is he?

1944, Nazi-occupied Holland. As Nurse Freddie cycles through the tulip fields, she looks like any other law-abiding citizen. But beneath her innocent smile lies an iron will to fight for freedom. The Nazis have no idea she is part of the resistance, and that she risks her life every day to deliver food and messages to hidden refugees.

After a failed attempt to take the life of a Nazi collaborator, Freddie is sent to an underground hospital to tend to a group of injured Allied airmen. And when unconscious English pilot Will wakes up and locks his dazzling blue eyes with hers, her heart jolts. As she tends to his wounds, she can’t help but fall deeply in love with this charming English officer.

Will and Freddie start to dream about a future after the war, but when the hospital is bombed by the Nazis, they lose each other in the chaos. With her heart shattered, Freddie vows to find Will and get him to safety – even if that means letting him go forever.

But Freddie’s world comes crashing down when she learns that Will has been captured. To save him, Freddie must infiltrate the hospital where he is held captive. But will saving him cost Freddie her life or her heart?

Inspired by the incredible true story of a brave young woman who would stop at nothing to fight for her country, The Wartime Nurse is an utterly heart-wrenching and emotional World War Two novel of one woman’s courage and the power of true love. Perfect for fans of Heather Morris, Kristin Hannah and Fiona Valpy.

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2024

About the author

Imogen Matthews lives in Oxford, England, and is the author of two romantic fiction novels. The Hidden Village is her first foray into historical fiction and YA.

She was born in Holland to a Dutch mother and English father and moved to England when she was still a baby.

Imogen has always enjoyed holidays in Holland and since 1990, has gone regularly with her husband and two children to Nunspeet on the edge of the Veluwe woods.

It was here she discovered the story of the hidden village and, together with her mother's vivid stories of life in WW2 Holland, she was inspired to write her historical fiction novels about bravery, courage, resilience and love.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was 1944 when Nurse Freddie was transferred from her home town in Holland, to the hospital in Arnhem, where she and her friend Inge worked with the other hospital staff, taking in wounded Allied airmen, never far from the Nazis. The RAF had taken a hammering from the Germans and many were arriving, some badly injured, some not so bad. Freddie's latest patient was unconscious but when he woke, she learned his name was Will Cooper of England and the pilot of his plane. There had been three other crew members on board but none of them were in the hospital, so no one knew if they had survived.

Freddie and her sister Trudi were both members of the resistance, and now, at the hospital, she needed to work out how to get Will and others to safety, before the Nazis knew they were there. When the hospital was bombed, then taken over by the Germans, the clandestine activities of Freddie and others had to go deeply undercover. Would they manage to extricate the men to safety before it was too late?

The Wartime Nurse is the 3rd in The Dutch Girls series by Imogen Matthews and I enjoyed it very much. Based on a true story, Freddie's courage and tenacity was inspiring, and the emotion and heartbreak, gut wrenching. Another heartwarming historical novel by Imogen Matthews which I recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can always count on author Imogen Matthews to highlight the courage and determination of ordinary Dutch citizens as they fought against the occupying Germans. I know so little of this country’s wartime experience and Matthews’ compelling stories inform me and leave me wanting to learn more. I haven’t read the first two books in this series but I immediately put them on my reading list. The trilogy features three young women who became remarkable Dutch resistance fighters.

Nineteen-year-old Nurse Freddie Oversteegen meets 21-year-old Flight Lieutenant Will Cooper when he’s brought to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Arnhem and put under her care. The RAF officer was carrying out orders for Operation Market Garden when he was injured. It’s love at first sight and when he’s quickly moved and she doesn’t know where he’s gone, her resolve is strengthened and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to be reunited.

I found myself down a Google rabbit hole searching Dolle Dinsdag, onderduikers, De Vliegende Hollander, Arbeitsdienst and Operation Market Garden. I think I spent an hour reading more about the Oversteegen teenagers - what courageous girls!

I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[linda hole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very strong book, with strong Main characters

[Caroline’s Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

The war continues on across Europe and life seems like it will never be the same. Freddie is not only a nurse but she is also part of the resistance. She risks her life day in and day out helping those around her and those refugees that are in hiding. Freddie is sent to an underground hospital. She is sent there to take care of wounded allies. When she meets Will, an English pilot she, takes a special interest in him. As they dream about a future together after the war, they are interrupted by the sound of bombs. The underground hospital is a chaotic scene and Freddie and Will are soon separated. They lose track of each other and soon Will is captured while Freddie continues to frantically find him. She knows the hospital he is now being held at, and her mission is to save him.

The Wartime Nurse, written by author Imogen Matthews is a wonderful story of risking your life for those around you. The bravery of the people during the war, being in the resistance always fascinates and inspires me. This heartbreaking story made my tears flow down my face a few times. I loved the characters in this story, Freddie and Will’s relationship really touched my heart. I found myself racing through the book unable to put it down. This suspenseful read is one that I definitely recommend.

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Excellent WW2 historical fiction!
This is the third in a series about female Dutch resistance workers, and the brave things they did to save hundreds of people from the Nazis. The main character is Freddie, sister to Trudi (from the first novel). Freddie is a nurse in a hospital, as well as a front for the Resistance. Although the work is sometimes horribly distressing, she feels that she is truly helping. Then Freddie meets Will, a wounded RAF pilot, and suddenly her life will never be the same ever again…
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Wartime Nurse is third book in the Dutch Girls series by Imogen Mathews. Each book can be read as a standalone story, but old characters do make an appearance in each book and it’s enjoyable to make connections between everyone. This time around the focus is on Freddie (formerly Frida) who is the sister of Trudi who has previously featured. Both young women work for the Resistance in Holland during the occupation by the Germans.

This is a story of incredible bravery, commitment and strength at a time when Hitler was doing his best to take over the world with his crazy ideologies. I haven’t read may books set in Holland during the war years and with this series Imogen Matthews has brought to light the tireless work of so many in that country at the most dangerous of times. They may have been a small cog in a much bigger machine yet their work and heroism should not go unnoticed or under appreciated. I myself gained a deeper understanding of the time period and my admiration and respect for the women featured grew the further I delved into the story.

The book opens with a brief prologue set in 1944 as Will and his team are making paratrooper drops into Holland as a big push is planned by the British to remove the Germans from Dutch soil. But things go horribly wrong and Will’s plan is shot down. The plane goes up in flames and he loses several of his crew members. Fortunately, he is rescued by two men and taken to the local hospital which is where he encounters Freddie. The storyline is easy to follow and moves effortlessly back and forth between Will and Freddie with more of a focus on Freddie which is only natural given the series focuses on Dutch women. But the balance between the two viewpoints was perfect.

Will is damaged both mentally and physically by his experience and needs time to recover, take stock and then try and eventually attempt to get back to his base in England. There is a necessary sense of urgency throughout the book. That time is against them and that the Germans are on high alert so shifting Will and groups of other downed airmen will not be an easy task but nonetheless the many members of the Dutch resistance are steadfast and hardworking and do everything in their power to see the airmen returned to their home soil. Will as a humble man who was loyal to his country and crew mates and I think he found challenging to rely on others for help when he would have rather been at the forefront of the action.

I found it absolutely fascinating that ordinary men and women put their own lives on the line to help so many others. It was brilliant to see so many people from all walks of life working together with one overall aim. To get the Nazi’s out of their home country. But whilst working to achieve this they also helped so many others. The resistance members actions were selfless and admirable, and they also allowed women to step out from their traditional roles in the home and they too fight for what they believed was right and just. The work Freddie and Trudi and many other women did was incredible.
Freddie couriered information and packages and this really pushed her out of her comfort zone.

Throughout the book I could she her go from strength to strength placing herself in situations she never would have thought possible pre-war. Being a nurse and placing herself right on the front line was no easy task but she did this willingly. That’s not to say that she didn’t encounter any struggles or find things all plain sailing. Of course she did and that’s what made this an exciting and for quite a good portion of the story thrilling too. There were numerous tense and dangerous moments and time and time again when you felt progress was being made, there were knock backs which only heightened the drama throughout.

The deteriorating situation across Holland was vividly described throughout. The sanctions imposed upon the people and the depths they had to plunge too for basic survival really had the reader sitting up and thinking. One wonders would or could we be so resilient nowadays? Throughout it all I found Freddie to be level headed and I think when she met Will as she tended to him in the hospital this only served to inspire her further and fuel the fire within her. Yes, I did think they only literally laid eyes on each other in a hospital room and snap they were deeply in love but that’s me being a cynic and this did happen lots throughout the war. For this aspect I just went with the flow and pushed my reservations about the pace they fell in love to the back of my mind. I enjoyed how Freddie had to play the stronger role between the pair given how incapacitated Will was due to this injuries and also the fact that he was in a different country far from home and he had to place his faith and trust in those who were around him.

Freddie was ardent in her quest to get Will to safety and I loved how this all played out. Again, this didn’t happen quickly and easily and nor should it have given the overall situation with the Germans breathing down their backs at every corner. The bigger picture regarding the finer workings of the Dutch resistance was explored here and again I was truly humbled and amazed at how so many played such a vital role in a massive operation and to know that this too was going on in various countries was remarkable. All the clever little things they thought of to try and get the airmen to safety were ingenious and I felt Freddie truly came into her own. She had her love and passion for Will spurring her on and this is what enabled her to keep going even when she had to place herself literally in the lion’s den. Out of the three women that this series focused on I think Freddie is perhaps my favourite although each story is very much worthy of a read.

The writing throughout the book was strong and to the point. I never felt that there were filler in chapters or scenes and the past as steady throughout which all helped to make for a great read with a heroine you will be rooting for from beginning to end. Does Will get to safety? Are himself and Freddie ever be able to have a firm and long-lasting relationship or will the Germans mar all the work of the Resistance and their long term plans? Pick up a copy of The Wartime Nurse to discover the answers and much more.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wartime Nurse transported me to World War Two Holland, an area I am not that familiar with. The author did an awesome job describing how it might have been. I was able to imagine the suffering, the challenges experienced by the citizens of Holland. It all felt so real. The emotions were definitely real.

Many in Holland wore more than one hat during the war. They had no choice. Freddie is a nurse taking care of those injured by the Nazis. She also helps out the resistance, mainly delivering packages. She soon finds herself helping the allies in her care. They aren't safe with the Germans swarming the hospital. She had a personal interest after falling for one of the British pilots.

The story took me on journeys, following escaping prisoners. The story created excitement, the same I am sure those in Holland experienced, as paratroopers dropped from the sky. They story reminded me that the best plans always have issues. The story allowed me to imagine how horrible it was to live in Holland after the Nazis blocked food supplies and cutting power leaving the citizens struggling to keep warm as ice formed inside their homes.

Open the book and experience some of the horrors experienced by those in WW2 Holland. Take the words of the author and learn and remember.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the third book in the Dutch Girls series, readers return to the Nazi-occupied Netherlands at the height of World War II and follow Freddie, a nurse and member of the Dutch resistance, as she attempts to take down the Nazi regime once and for all. When an English pilot named Will arrives unconscious to the underground hospital Freddie was sent to after an assassination attempt gone wrong, she nurses him back to health and the two fall in love, dreaming for a future after the war and the occupation when their actions are not placing them in danger. Alternating between Freddie and Will’s perspectives as their wartime romance blossoms under trying conditions, readers explore the highs and lows of life in occupied Holland and the dangers awaiting Allied forces and the local resistance. With brilliant characters and incredibly high stakes, the newest novel in this brilliant World War II historical fiction series has a lot going on, but Imogen Matthews capably balances these different plot points and perspectives throughout the book. Exciting, well-written, and incredibly detailed, Matthews’s latest book brings occupied Holland and the Dutch resistance to life in this new and excellent World War II historical fiction romance novel.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.

[Bev Walkling · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of a resourceful young Dutch women in the last year of the war

This is the second book that I've read in the Dutch Girls series. It is set primarily in the last year of World War 2 in Haarlem and Arnhem.

The character of Freddie was inspired by a teenage Dutch girl who became involved with the Resistance in Haarlem. Her exploits in the early years are touched on but the author moved away the facts and gave her a job as a nurse in addition to her other roles. It made for a very interesting story as she was sent to the Military Hospital in Arnhem at the time when Operation Market Garden was underway and many of the casualties were wounded soldiers or airmen. Nursing was done while the hospital was surrounded by Germans who eventually took control.

The story is also a romance, as Freddie falls in love with one of her patients. Love in wartime rarely ran smoothly, and their story was full of twists and turns.

While I did really enjoy the story, I had a similar concern that I had with the first book in the series. Freddie seemed all to open in sharing her name and the name of other resistance workers with those she met. Surely the real life Freddie would have shown more discretion.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the others in The Dutch Girls series I was excited to continue on with this series.
I love reading historical fiction and to realize this story is based on a true story made this read even more fascinating. As I read, I could picture the situations happening, both the good and the bad.
We see a carryover of characters from the past books in the series and I did enjoy seeing how their characters continue to develop.
This is about a resistance fighter, a woman in Nazi-occupied Holland. They have no idea who she is or what she stands for. She is also a nurse. Sent to an underground hospital, her passion comes alive as she tends to her patients, this is she wants to do, and it gives her satisfaction. As the bombs rain down, the man she has come to secretly love, an injured airman goes missing. Just as they are ready to start planning a life together after this terrible war. Full of grief, she bravely continues on, but will he be found again?
A very brave woman shows she has what it takes to defy the odds, keeping her mission a secret as she gives her all to her country. I was very impressed with the characters and their fortitude. A most enjoyable story.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wartime Nurse by Imogen Matthews is a moving tale of love in the midst of war. It is one thing to imagine this as a powerful fictional story, but to know that this is based on true events of Freddie and Will, makes it even more poignant. Freddie’s bravery and willingness to serve is a testimony to her character and convictions. She did not back down in the face of danger and willingly took on difficult assignments. Will is a charmer and sweeps Freddie off her feet during his time of convalescence. Their love was not tamped down by the chaos and unpredictability of the war. If anything, their love grew stronger and deeper due to being tested. I enjoyed reading about their day-to-day experiences as if experiencing the events alongside them. Their time of separation and silence was emotional and did a great job conveying what so many experienced during these events. Your emotions will go for a ride in this story, but you will learn a lot and be encouraged by the courage and bravery of so many.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is a fictional story, the characters are based on real people and after reading this book, you will want to go and do a search but be warned, you will find yourself down a rabbit hole and quickly engrossed.

I cannot begin to imagine what it was like for the people of Holland having to live in their country with a brutal occupier who didn't even think twice about making lives even more difficult than they already were and that's for the Dutch; what it must have been like to be a Jew ... I cannot comprehend.

In this book we focus on Freddie, a young nurse who just happens to be in the resistance. I'm not going to go into all the ins and outs of the story but what I will say, is that it's heartbreaking, uplifting, full of tension and totally riveting and one I would definitely recommend to those of you who enjoy reading books covering this period that has a touch of everything.

Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this riveting book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three in The Dutch Girls series by new-to-me author, Imogen Matthews, featuring Freddie, a nurse in 1944 Nazi-occupied Holland.

The hospital where Freddie works has been bombed but where is her beloved Will? They’d been planning a life after the war. Very few people know that she works for the Resistance in order to help with food deliveries and getting messages to hidden refugees. Can she find Will and save him?

Imogen Matthews has brilliantly portrayed the true-life story of a young woman determined to fight for her country. I was enraptured from the beginning! Despite this being book three, I didn’t feel as though I’d missed anything. It was heartwrenching to read in places and lots of tissues were needed. I enjoy reading stories set in the war, and this was so enlightening.

Thank you for telling this truth - the world needs to pay attention and learn from these atrocities.

[Gabriella · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1944, Freddie is not just a nurse tending to the wounded; she is also deeply involved in the Dutch resistance, risking her life to aid persecuted civilians and sabotage Nazi operations. Her commitment to the cause intensifies when the hospital she works in is bombed, leading her on a desperate search for her lover, Will, amidst the chaos of war-torn Holland. As Freddie faces immense personal and emotional challenges, her strength, resilience, and unyielding love for her country shine through. The novel balances the turmoil of wartime with the personal journey. Mathews paints a vivid picture of life under Nazi occupation, where danger lurks at every corner, yet moments of love and camaraderie offer fleeting glimpses of hope. Freddie's growth from a compassionate caregiver to a brave resistance fighter is powerful and moving, showcasing the indomitable spirit of those who fought for freedom, even at great personal cost.

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imogen Matthews once again delivers an emotional rollercoaster inspired by true events in Nazi-occupied Holland during the darkest days of WW2.
The writing is genuine and heartfelt and the characters really touched me. The story is dense with evocative details of the disastrous attempt by the Allies to cross the bridges at Arnhem and the heroic efforts of the Dutch people to hide injured soldiers and airmen from the Nazis.
At the heart of the novel is the love story between a young Dutch nurse, and member of the resistance, and a young English pilot, the only survivor after his plane was shot down by the Germans. Finding love during the horrors of war brings hope and inspiration and the writing is sensitive, compelling and hauntingly impressive. A beautiful reminder of the bravery of our wartime ancestors.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite things about reading WW2 historical novels is the love stories. That even in the darkest and most horrific time it can be found. Inspired by true events this WW2 novel will have you hooked from the first page. The insta love story will have your heart melting. The Wartime Nurse is book 3 of the Dutch Girls series is filled with hope. love, loss, courage and bravery as they fight to return home and find those they love. Imogen Matthews has written a brilliant book that I highly recommend. 5 stars

I would like to thank the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheWartimeNurse #NetGalley.

[Melissa * bookedwithmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great WWII historical fiction. I’ve enjoyed this series and this was another quick, easy read. I love reading about women helping the war effort, whether it’s within the resistance, or helping the soldiers on the front lines, or any other way that they made a difference in any of the wars. Nurse Freddie was a very likable character. Not only was she part of the resistance, she was also an actively working nurse. Watching her fall for Will was such a sweet thing. They spent so much time worrying about each other, and still Freddie saved him, many times over.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC of this book.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series of books.
Readers will feel the gamut of emotions: from the exhilaration of finding true love at first glance, to dejection of being alone, and then a glorious ending.
Love during any era is difficult but during WWII it was intense and quick. Will and Freddie know they have found their forever but will the war allow them to have that?
The writing is crisp and the descriptions are spot on especially with the travesties of The Hunger Winter and the joy of VE Day!
Check out Matthews if you haven’t already.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the early copy.

[Su Thor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imogen has delivered another good story. With rich characters who Are trying get on with their lives during the occupation while also working deep covet resistance operations to hide vulnerable soldiers from the Nazis.
When Freddie’s boyfriend Will goes missing she puts her own life in more danger as she continues to search for him.
Hankies are required as you read this story of bravery and heartache and love.
Thank you for the advance copy Bookouture and NetGalley. I am writing this review freely and the opinions are my own.

[Sandra Zeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book!

This book kept me held from the beginning till the end.. It shows more of the resistance than other books I have read that was supposed to have the resistance as a central theme. There is also a romance that was enter woven with the work of the resistance. This truly is a 5 star book!

[Sandy McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

Another outstanding story of The Netherlands during World War 2; extremely well written and researched by Imogen Matthews.
I love how her stories are the perfect blend of fact and fiction; this one is centred around Freddie Oversteegen and her sister Trudi, who worked tirelessly for the Dutch Resistance.
Highly recommended for lovers of this genre.

[Ashleigh Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never gave much thought about the Dutch during WWII, and this is likely a result of little-known heroes like our heroine in this novel. Reading about courageous people, especially women, in times of stress and extreme duress is such an emotional read. Additionally, there's an underlying romance here that's not that uncommon for the time. Freddie is a nurse and nearly-instantaneously falls in love with Will. But as is typical for war, they are torn apart. Whether they will find each other again is a part of the story, but the bigger part of the story is Freddie's bravery and what she's willing to do to subvert the invading Germans. Well written and moves quickly.

[Dee Groocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of survival through the toughest of times.

The Dutch people, like many others, had to either put up with the Nazis, or learn how to fight and become part of the Resistance.

A tale of true courage, that made me stop and think about how lucky we are now.

The characters were strong, and the story was heartbreaking, yet important to read.

A moving book, with many interesting facts that took me by surprise. One such fact, was that people were having to eat tulip bulbs due to the famine.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Debbie Trammell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book series

These women were so brave and went through so many hardships. It was a testament to their valor and love for their country. And it turned into a beautiful love story. I highly recomend the Dutch girl series.

[Susan Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a true story this is a very emotional read. Each book I read from the WW2 era astounds me with the bravery of those involved, in particular the resistance . I've enjoyed this author's books and this one is no exception.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book a little hard to get into. Perhaps the timing is just off since everyone else seemed to enjoy it so much.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author/publisher for the book in return for my honest opinion.

[Joan Fina]

thrid in series

[Joan Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, hard times and real heroes

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 5 out of 5]

✅
The Wartime Nurse shows the courage and perseverance the Dutch people had to have to survive.
The story is well written and flows well. The information shared by the author was interesting and very information. I learned things I had no knowledge about.
So much courage, bravery and heartbreaking moments. But, there is also so much love and hope felt throughout the story.
I encourage you to read this series. The Wartime Nurse shows the courage and perseverance the Dutch people had to have to survive.
The story is well written and flows well. The information shared by the author was interesting and very information. I learned things I had no knowledge about.
So much courage, bravery and heartbreaking moments. But, there is also so much love and hope felt throughout the story.
I encourage you to read this series.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great historical fiction. . Loved that it was set in a not so typical place