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The Lotus House
A gripping, emotional drama of love and courage set in the Philippines during WW2.
1960: Nancy Drayton, an American nurse living on Lake Sebu, is visited by a stranger who hands her some faded letters, given to her by a dying man. Reading them transports Nancy back to the terror of the war years.
1941: When Nancy’s world is blown apart by the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, she volunteers to travel to the Philippines to serve at the front. She soon finds herself working in a field hospital on the Bataan Peninsula in the thick of the fighting, experiencing the horrors of war first hand.
When tending to some wounded men, she meets Captain Robert Lambert, and they become close. But the Japanese are closing in on Bataan, and when the US surrenders, they are driven apart.
As Robert struggles to survive the horrors of the Bataan Death March and the brutality of captivity in a prison camp, Nancy too finds herself a captive, fighting for her life. Will they survive to find one another again or will the forces of war keep them apart?
If you enjoy compelling historical fiction, you’ll love this sweeping story of love and war. Perfect for fans of Kristen Hannah, Dinah Jeffries and Victoria Hislop.
What everyone is saying about Ann
‘What an amazing read!!! I didn't expect this to be a roller coaster of emotions, suspense, and mystery but it was everything!!… The characters were amazing, the story will keep you wanting more and more until the end.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘So captivating, I was on edge while flipping through the pages as fast as I could… Truly heartwarming… Emotional, heartbreaking … I loved this… A must read… Amazing.’ Page Turners, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
1960: Nancy Drayton, an American nurse living on Lake Sebu, is visited by a stranger who hands her some faded letters, given to her by a dying man. Reading them transports Nancy back to the terror of the war years.
1941: When Nancy’s world is blown apart by the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, she volunteers to travel to the Philippines to serve at the front. She soon finds herself working in a field hospital on the Bataan Peninsula in the thick of the fighting, experiencing the horrors of war first hand.
When tending to some wounded men, she meets Captain Robert Lambert, and they become close. But the Japanese are closing in on Bataan, and when the US surrenders, they are driven apart.
As Robert struggles to survive the horrors of the Bataan Death March and the brutality of captivity in a prison camp, Nancy too finds herself a captive, fighting for her life. Will they survive to find one another again or will the forces of war keep them apart?
If you enjoy compelling historical fiction, you’ll love this sweeping story of love and war. Perfect for fans of Kristen Hannah, Dinah Jeffries and Victoria Hislop.
What everyone is saying about Ann
‘What an amazing read!!! I didn't expect this to be a roller coaster of emotions, suspense, and mystery but it was everything!!… The characters were amazing, the story will keep you wanting more and more until the end.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘So captivating, I was on edge while flipping through the pages as fast as I could… Truly heartwarming… Emotional, heartbreaking … I loved this… A must read… Amazing.’ Page Turners, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2024
1415 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 18, 2024
I had high hopes of this book reading others reviews... and it started out well.. but a little over half it jyst became monotonous about the lady over and over and her guy . Too repetitive ..
May 8, 2025
Disappointed, couldn’t finish it. Not a gripping story, just a weak romance.
December 11, 2024
Prepare yourself for a journey that will pull at your heartstrings, ignite your emotions, and leave you thinking long after you've turned the last page…. This was my reaction when I finished this stunning story.
The Lotus House by Ann Bennett is not just a historical fiction novel, it's an unforgettable, gripping tale of love, sacrifice, and survival, set against the tumultuous backdrop of World War II in the Philippines.
The novel opens in 1960, where Nancy Drayton, an American nurse now living in the Philippines, receives a set of faded letters from a dying man. These letters take her (and us) on a deep dive into the horrors and hardships of World War II, flashing back to Nancy’s experiences as a nurse during the war.
In 1941, Nancy is called to serve in the Philippines as the storm clouds of war gather. Soon after arriving, the devastating attack on Pearl Harbour changes everything, and Nancy is thrown into the heart of the battle at Bataan. Amid the chaos, she meets Captain Robert Lambert, a man whose quiet strength and courage draw her in. But the world around them is unraveling, and with the fall of Bataan and the harrowing Bataan Death March, Nancy and Robert are separated, both enduring unimaginable suffering.
Nancy’s fight for survival as a prisoner of war, paired with Robert’s desperate struggle through the brutality of captivity, makes for a gripping, emotional rollercoaster.
What I Loved:
1. Emotional Depth and Character Development: Nancy and Robert are characters that feel so real, so alive, that their pain, love, and resilience leap off the page. Bennett masterfully crafts their emotional journeys, showing their evolution not just in the face of war, but in the way they fight to hold onto their humanity. Nancy’s strength as a nurse, her willingness to risk everything for the wounded soldiers, is inspiring. Robert’s inner fortitude in the face of unspeakable hardships is equally moving. Their connection, built in such a short time during the war, feels genuine and heartbreaking, and you can’t help but root for their reunion.
2. Vivid Historical Setting: The historical backdrop of The Lotus House is brought to life in rich, atmospheric detail. Bennett paints a vivid picture of the Philippines during WWII; its beauty, its trauma, and the unbearable human cost of war. The descriptions of the Bataan Death March, the POW camps, and the brutal occupation are harrowing, and Bennett does not shy away from the gruesome reality of war. This book is a stark reminder of the human toll, particularly on the Filipino people, during WWII.
3. Heart-Stopping Tension and Drama: The suspense in this novel is palpable. Every page has you on edge as Nancy and Robert’s stories unfold. Their separation is agonising, and every twist in their journey feels like a blow to the heart. Bennett does an excellent job of keeping readers invested in their survival, making each moment of triumph or tragedy feel monumental.
4. Powerful Themes of Love and Survival: At its core, The Lotus House is a love story, but not just between Nancy and Robert. It's a story of love in the face of extreme hardship, love for one’s comrades, love for one’s country, and the love that refuses to die even when all seems lost. The theme of survival is also central: both Nancy and Robert endure the unimaginable, yet their love and hope carry them through the darkest moments.
If you're a fan of historical fiction that combines love, loss, and redemption with a deeply emotional narrative, The Lotus House will be a perfect addition to your bookshelf. Ann Bennett has created a rich, heartwarming story that explores the cost of war and the endurance of the human spirit.
The Lotus House by Ann Bennett is not just a historical fiction novel, it's an unforgettable, gripping tale of love, sacrifice, and survival, set against the tumultuous backdrop of World War II in the Philippines.
The novel opens in 1960, where Nancy Drayton, an American nurse now living in the Philippines, receives a set of faded letters from a dying man. These letters take her (and us) on a deep dive into the horrors and hardships of World War II, flashing back to Nancy’s experiences as a nurse during the war.
In 1941, Nancy is called to serve in the Philippines as the storm clouds of war gather. Soon after arriving, the devastating attack on Pearl Harbour changes everything, and Nancy is thrown into the heart of the battle at Bataan. Amid the chaos, she meets Captain Robert Lambert, a man whose quiet strength and courage draw her in. But the world around them is unraveling, and with the fall of Bataan and the harrowing Bataan Death March, Nancy and Robert are separated, both enduring unimaginable suffering.
Nancy’s fight for survival as a prisoner of war, paired with Robert’s desperate struggle through the brutality of captivity, makes for a gripping, emotional rollercoaster.
What I Loved:
1. Emotional Depth and Character Development: Nancy and Robert are characters that feel so real, so alive, that their pain, love, and resilience leap off the page. Bennett masterfully crafts their emotional journeys, showing their evolution not just in the face of war, but in the way they fight to hold onto their humanity. Nancy’s strength as a nurse, her willingness to risk everything for the wounded soldiers, is inspiring. Robert’s inner fortitude in the face of unspeakable hardships is equally moving. Their connection, built in such a short time during the war, feels genuine and heartbreaking, and you can’t help but root for their reunion.
2. Vivid Historical Setting: The historical backdrop of The Lotus House is brought to life in rich, atmospheric detail. Bennett paints a vivid picture of the Philippines during WWII; its beauty, its trauma, and the unbearable human cost of war. The descriptions of the Bataan Death March, the POW camps, and the brutal occupation are harrowing, and Bennett does not shy away from the gruesome reality of war. This book is a stark reminder of the human toll, particularly on the Filipino people, during WWII.
3. Heart-Stopping Tension and Drama: The suspense in this novel is palpable. Every page has you on edge as Nancy and Robert’s stories unfold. Their separation is agonising, and every twist in their journey feels like a blow to the heart. Bennett does an excellent job of keeping readers invested in their survival, making each moment of triumph or tragedy feel monumental.
4. Powerful Themes of Love and Survival: At its core, The Lotus House is a love story, but not just between Nancy and Robert. It's a story of love in the face of extreme hardship, love for one’s comrades, love for one’s country, and the love that refuses to die even when all seems lost. The theme of survival is also central: both Nancy and Robert endure the unimaginable, yet their love and hope carry them through the darkest moments.
If you're a fan of historical fiction that combines love, loss, and redemption with a deeply emotional narrative, The Lotus House will be a perfect addition to your bookshelf. Ann Bennett has created a rich, heartwarming story that explores the cost of war and the endurance of the human spirit.
December 11, 2024
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
The Lotus House is an amazing period piece, and a stark reminder of the brave men and women who fought valiantly during World War II, against the toughest of odds. Nancy is a military nurse who volunteers to aid the frontline of injured soldiers, soon meeting Robert, captain of one of the infantry units there. Having already dealt with immense sadness and grief at losing a loved one, Nancy doesn’t want to develop any type of feelings for Robert other than mutual professionalism, but a bond forms between them, built on respect, love, and war.
The reader gets to see both Nancy’s and Robert’s perspectives as they navigate a budding romance amidst destruction. It was heartbreaking to read about the experiences they both live through, with continual attacks from Japanese fighters, a horizon that is blown to bits by bombs, and the wounded and dying soldiers and civilians who fight like mad to survive while nurses and medical professionals try everything they can to save the lives around them. There are also small glimmers of hope, particularly when the nurses spend time on the beach at night, trying to find some levity anywhere they can, or when Nancy and Robert spend alone time together, reveling in what could be. They all do their best to find a means of peace within destruction and chaos.
When Nancy and Robert are separated, I wondered if they’d find their way to each other again. There was no tell-tale answer, not with the backdrop of the war. Nancy is shipped off with the other nurses, and Robert finds himself in a prison camp, with both characters desperately wanting to see an end that leads them back to a future together. I wanted nothing more than a happy ending, particularly after all they’d endured, and it took some time in discovering if that would even be a possibility.
One of the worst antagonists ever in a book: Larry Lomax. I won’t go into too much detail about him, but yikes. And while I understand The Lotus House is historical fiction, the events and what occurred within it felt very realistic and true to life to what I would imagine it would have been like for everyone involved in the war, and with what went down at Pearl Harbor. It was beautifully written and riveting, a well-worthy five-star page turner!
The Lotus House is an amazing period piece, and a stark reminder of the brave men and women who fought valiantly during World War II, against the toughest of odds. Nancy is a military nurse who volunteers to aid the frontline of injured soldiers, soon meeting Robert, captain of one of the infantry units there. Having already dealt with immense sadness and grief at losing a loved one, Nancy doesn’t want to develop any type of feelings for Robert other than mutual professionalism, but a bond forms between them, built on respect, love, and war.
The reader gets to see both Nancy’s and Robert’s perspectives as they navigate a budding romance amidst destruction. It was heartbreaking to read about the experiences they both live through, with continual attacks from Japanese fighters, a horizon that is blown to bits by bombs, and the wounded and dying soldiers and civilians who fight like mad to survive while nurses and medical professionals try everything they can to save the lives around them. There are also small glimmers of hope, particularly when the nurses spend time on the beach at night, trying to find some levity anywhere they can, or when Nancy and Robert spend alone time together, reveling in what could be. They all do their best to find a means of peace within destruction and chaos.
When Nancy and Robert are separated, I wondered if they’d find their way to each other again. There was no tell-tale answer, not with the backdrop of the war. Nancy is shipped off with the other nurses, and Robert finds himself in a prison camp, with both characters desperately wanting to see an end that leads them back to a future together. I wanted nothing more than a happy ending, particularly after all they’d endured, and it took some time in discovering if that would even be a possibility.
One of the worst antagonists ever in a book: Larry Lomax. I won’t go into too much detail about him, but yikes. And while I understand The Lotus House is historical fiction, the events and what occurred within it felt very realistic and true to life to what I would imagine it would have been like for everyone involved in the war, and with what went down at Pearl Harbor. It was beautifully written and riveting, a well-worthy five-star page turner!
January 5, 2025
Ann Bennett’s The Lotus House is an emotional and dramatic tale of love, loss and courage that tugs at the heartstrings.
1941 and the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor compels Nancy to do her duty for the war effort and volunteer, so she travels to the Philippines to serve at the front. When she finds herself working in a field hospital on the Bataan Peninsula, Nancy is soon in the thick of the action. The hours are long, the work is hard and the situation as desperate as it can possibly be yet Nancy throws herself completely into tending for the men who cross the threshold of the field hospital. One day, she meets Captain Robert Lambert and they begin to get closer and closer. However, with the Japanese closing in on Bataan, fate tears them apart in the most cruel and devastating of ways…
Nearly twenty years later, Nancy Drayton is living on Lake Sebu where she is visited by a stranger with a special delivery for her. The American nurse is handed some faded letters by the stranger given to her by a dying man. When Nancy starts reading them, she is transported back to the past and forced to confront feelings which she had kept buried for so long…
Ann Bennett’s The Lotus House is a powerful historical novel that will leave readers breathless. Although I’ve read many historical novels set during wartime, The Lotus House is the first book I read that uses the Bataan Death March as its backdrop. Ann Bennett brilliantly brings to life the horrors and anguish of that time with flair and style making the reader feel as if they are part of the story.
Readers who enjoy the works of Kristin Hannah and Heather Morris will want to add Ann Bennett’s The Lotus House to their auto-buy list.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
1941 and the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor compels Nancy to do her duty for the war effort and volunteer, so she travels to the Philippines to serve at the front. When she finds herself working in a field hospital on the Bataan Peninsula, Nancy is soon in the thick of the action. The hours are long, the work is hard and the situation as desperate as it can possibly be yet Nancy throws herself completely into tending for the men who cross the threshold of the field hospital. One day, she meets Captain Robert Lambert and they begin to get closer and closer. However, with the Japanese closing in on Bataan, fate tears them apart in the most cruel and devastating of ways…
Nearly twenty years later, Nancy Drayton is living on Lake Sebu where she is visited by a stranger with a special delivery for her. The American nurse is handed some faded letters by the stranger given to her by a dying man. When Nancy starts reading them, she is transported back to the past and forced to confront feelings which she had kept buried for so long…
Ann Bennett’s The Lotus House is a powerful historical novel that will leave readers breathless. Although I’ve read many historical novels set during wartime, The Lotus House is the first book I read that uses the Bataan Death March as its backdrop. Ann Bennett brilliantly brings to life the horrors and anguish of that time with flair and style making the reader feel as if they are part of the story.
Readers who enjoy the works of Kristin Hannah and Heather Morris will want to add Ann Bennett’s The Lotus House to their auto-buy list.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 27, 2024
The Lotus House by Ann Bennett is a powerful historical novel that I just could not put down.
The story begins in 1941 at Pearl Harbor as we follow a young nurse through that devastating December day, and across the seas to the Philippines.
All too soon, the Philippines are occupied by the Imperial Japanese army. The nursing staff are in retreat once more. Eventually we see that the remainder of their war is within a prison camp. “It was hard to imagine… how a war could be raging in these idyllic… peaceful islands.”
The action alternates between the young nurse and an army captain. We see their wars are similar but different as he, too, ends up in a prisoner of war camp.
There is much bravery, grit and determination needed to survive, as well as luck. Any day your name could be written on a bullet.
We see the camaraderie and support between the nurses, the soldiers and the indigenous population of all ages.
Love still flourishes in times of war. “Love was blossoming even in the midst of war, or… because of it.” Love is also separated through events but individuals hold on to hope and this gives them the will to survive. “She needed to believe with all her heart that he would come back.”
There will always be those unscrupulous characters who profit in times of war. A snake in the grass slithers amongst those of good hearts.
Ann Bennett has written a powerful tale. We hear of the horrendous conditions and cruelty. This is a tale of survival against the odds.
I will leave you with a powerful quote showing that, despite it all, a character could still retain their humanity:
“He felt no desire for revenge. Just anger at the futility of war.”
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The story begins in 1941 at Pearl Harbor as we follow a young nurse through that devastating December day, and across the seas to the Philippines.
All too soon, the Philippines are occupied by the Imperial Japanese army. The nursing staff are in retreat once more. Eventually we see that the remainder of their war is within a prison camp. “It was hard to imagine… how a war could be raging in these idyllic… peaceful islands.”
The action alternates between the young nurse and an army captain. We see their wars are similar but different as he, too, ends up in a prisoner of war camp.
There is much bravery, grit and determination needed to survive, as well as luck. Any day your name could be written on a bullet.
We see the camaraderie and support between the nurses, the soldiers and the indigenous population of all ages.
Love still flourishes in times of war. “Love was blossoming even in the midst of war, or… because of it.” Love is also separated through events but individuals hold on to hope and this gives them the will to survive. “She needed to believe with all her heart that he would come back.”
There will always be those unscrupulous characters who profit in times of war. A snake in the grass slithers amongst those of good hearts.
Ann Bennett has written a powerful tale. We hear of the horrendous conditions and cruelty. This is a tale of survival against the odds.
I will leave you with a powerful quote showing that, despite it all, a character could still retain their humanity:
“He felt no desire for revenge. Just anger at the futility of war.”
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
October 14, 2024
The heroine of this dramatic wartime story, Nancy Drayton, is a courageous American Army nurse who served first in Hawaii at the time of Pearl Harbour and then volunteered to travel to Manila shortly before the Japanese invasion. Although the events at Pearl Harbour were well known to me, I knew very little about the horrifying events in the Philippines. Nancy is a reserved, highly skilled girl thrown in with a mixture of other nurses whom she becomes close too. When sent to a field hospital on the Bataan peninsula, conditions are harsh, with wards and the operating theatre in thatched huts. As rations become limited the only light in her life is Captain Robert Lambert, a confident officer who brings his wounded men to the hospital. Gradually she comes to trust and then to love him but inevitably they are separated.
We also read of Robert’s love for Nancy and the awful conditions he and his men experience after capture by the Japanese army. Throughout his imprisonment he writes to Nancy and these letters are the introduction to the story. Although some scenes are distressing the overall feeling of love and devotion make the book a page-turner. The Filipino people are kind and generous but sadly one American soldier puts his own interests first, betraying Nancy and Robert. I anxiously followed the story hoping for a happy ending. Was I rewarded? Perhaps you should read for yourself?
We also read of Robert’s love for Nancy and the awful conditions he and his men experience after capture by the Japanese army. Throughout his imprisonment he writes to Nancy and these letters are the introduction to the story. Although some scenes are distressing the overall feeling of love and devotion make the book a page-turner. The Filipino people are kind and generous but sadly one American soldier puts his own interests first, betraying Nancy and Robert. I anxiously followed the story hoping for a happy ending. Was I rewarded? Perhaps you should read for yourself?
October 25, 2024
A magnificent combination of great story telling , compelling characters , exotic locations , fascinating historical context make this book hard to put down until you have finished
You face the eternal dilemma all readers know well - wanting to know how it ends but not wanting to finish it. The characters become so real that you genuinely miss them when the book ends
The story is set in Hawaii during the bombing of Pearl Harbour
It then moves to the Philippines and we accompany Nancy , a nurse , through the many challenges of war in a country occupied by the Japanese
I won’t post more about the story for fear of spoilers .
It’s a theatre of war with which I am relatively unfamiliar and I learned a lot about that aspect of WW2 from the book.
It never ceases to astonish me how many theatres of war saw terrible bloodshed and suffering and it seems the Philippines suffered hugely .
And the battle that raged there is not often detailed in our museums and war memorials but was no less horrendous. I applaud the author for shining a light on this horrific battle and the atrocities committed during the occupation.
Nancy the main character is a very convincing character who I bonded with from the first chapter and thereafter I was hooked on her story .
It’s very different to previous books with American characters but equally compelling .
Thoroughly recommend!
You face the eternal dilemma all readers know well - wanting to know how it ends but not wanting to finish it. The characters become so real that you genuinely miss them when the book ends
The story is set in Hawaii during the bombing of Pearl Harbour
It then moves to the Philippines and we accompany Nancy , a nurse , through the many challenges of war in a country occupied by the Japanese
I won’t post more about the story for fear of spoilers .
It’s a theatre of war with which I am relatively unfamiliar and I learned a lot about that aspect of WW2 from the book.
It never ceases to astonish me how many theatres of war saw terrible bloodshed and suffering and it seems the Philippines suffered hugely .
And the battle that raged there is not often detailed in our museums and war memorials but was no less horrendous. I applaud the author for shining a light on this horrific battle and the atrocities committed during the occupation.
Nancy the main character is a very convincing character who I bonded with from the first chapter and thereafter I was hooked on her story .
It’s very different to previous books with American characters but equally compelling .
Thoroughly recommend!
December 12, 2024
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
When I first heard about this book, I felt drawn to everything about it; the cover design, title and description.
The story begins in the Philippines in 1960. The protagonist, Nancy, is surprised when a stranger arrives at her door, claiming to have something for her. The story then takes us back to the 1940s, following Nancy's experiences during WWII. I felt a connection with Nancy even at the beginning, and the more I learned about her experiences, the more I admired her strength and bravery.
After a few chapters, I found that I was very emotionally invested in both the characters and the story, and I couldn't stop reading until I reached the end. This book was captivating, and a tearjerker too. Before I started reading, I hoped for a powerful story that would take me on an emotional journey, and that's exactly what this was.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
When I first heard about this book, I felt drawn to everything about it; the cover design, title and description.
The story begins in the Philippines in 1960. The protagonist, Nancy, is surprised when a stranger arrives at her door, claiming to have something for her. The story then takes us back to the 1940s, following Nancy's experiences during WWII. I felt a connection with Nancy even at the beginning, and the more I learned about her experiences, the more I admired her strength and bravery.
After a few chapters, I found that I was very emotionally invested in both the characters and the story, and I couldn't stop reading until I reached the end. This book was captivating, and a tearjerker too. Before I started reading, I hoped for a powerful story that would take me on an emotional journey, and that's exactly what this was.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
December 10, 2024
Another amazing historical fiction read!
Told from multiple povs this book takes us back in time to World War Two as we follow the lives of two completely different characters, a young nurse and an army captain. While you think we would be getting two completely different stories from these two you're quick to realise the similarities these two face in their lives. Ann does an amazing job of scene setting and making you feel like you're back in time alongside these two. I could clearly picture life during this war even though I wasn't alive during this time.
This author pulls no punches and you're quick to realise the devastation and horrors that many faced during this turbulent time, its books like this that really help you reflect on how people before you lived. This is a gripping read that held me captive until the last chapter and if you like historical fiction like me then this for sure belongs on your reading list.
Told from multiple povs this book takes us back in time to World War Two as we follow the lives of two completely different characters, a young nurse and an army captain. While you think we would be getting two completely different stories from these two you're quick to realise the similarities these two face in their lives. Ann does an amazing job of scene setting and making you feel like you're back in time alongside these two. I could clearly picture life during this war even though I wasn't alive during this time.
This author pulls no punches and you're quick to realise the devastation and horrors that many faced during this turbulent time, its books like this that really help you reflect on how people before you lived. This is a gripping read that held me captive until the last chapter and if you like historical fiction like me then this for sure belongs on your reading list.
August 18, 2025
My audiobook review: In the 1960s, Nancy lived a quiet life.
One day, someone with a connection to her past gave her a bunch of old letters.
Reading these, she enters the past, and the story tells us about her time as a nurse in WW2.
It then switches between her current life and her time as a nurse in the 1940s.
The dual timeline worked effortlessly, and I was addicted to reading it. I wanted to eagerly listen to her past story.
Nancy’s time as a nurse in the Philippines was described well, and at times, I felt like I was right there among the characters, tension-filled scenes, and the heat.
Nancy was such a hardworking nurse; despite everything going on around her and the trauma she faced, she never gave up.
Despite many scenes of hardship, cruelty, and sadness, there was also resilience, bravery, and hope.
If you enjoy historical fiction that blends history, romance, and emotion, this is a story you should read.
One day, someone with a connection to her past gave her a bunch of old letters.
Reading these, she enters the past, and the story tells us about her time as a nurse in WW2.
It then switches between her current life and her time as a nurse in the 1940s.
The dual timeline worked effortlessly, and I was addicted to reading it. I wanted to eagerly listen to her past story.
Nancy’s time as a nurse in the Philippines was described well, and at times, I felt like I was right there among the characters, tension-filled scenes, and the heat.
Nancy was such a hardworking nurse; despite everything going on around her and the trauma she faced, she never gave up.
Despite many scenes of hardship, cruelty, and sadness, there was also resilience, bravery, and hope.
If you enjoy historical fiction that blends history, romance, and emotion, this is a story you should read.
November 7, 2024
The Lotus House
Amazing story which included the bombing at Pearl Harbour. Looking at the lives of nurses and doctors in the field hospital during wartime. The history of the Japanese invasion & cruelty in Manila & Pacific areas. This together with the touching wartime love story. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Amazing story which included the bombing at Pearl Harbour. Looking at the lives of nurses and doctors in the field hospital during wartime. The history of the Japanese invasion & cruelty in Manila & Pacific areas. This together with the touching wartime love story. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
December 12, 2024
The Lotus House by Ann Bennett is a rich piece of historical fiction following an American nurse working in the Philippines during WW2. Beautifully written and clearly very well researched, I found this to be very enjoyable - 4 stars!
My full review: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...
My full review: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...
April 5, 2025
I could not finish this book. I was too distracted by the poor writing style and choice of words: wounds pouring with blood, she laughed ironically (no, she laughed at the irony) . . . and this big hint of the terrible thing that Larry did, well, I suffered through over half the book before giving up on that story line.
October 22, 2024
Excellent book
This book tells the story of the Japenese occupation of the Philippines during WW2.
It is very graphic detailing the barbaric treatment of prisoners by the Japanese.
However 2 people find love amidst all the devastation. A riveting read.
This book tells the story of the Japenese occupation of the Philippines during WW2.
It is very graphic detailing the barbaric treatment of prisoners by the Japanese.
However 2 people find love amidst all the devastation. A riveting read.
November 8, 2024
Gripping
A can't put it down book. I knew some of the history of the horrors of the death march. Going through the experience with characters that draw you into their lives through their love and courage was special.
A can't put it down book. I knew some of the history of the horrors of the death march. Going through the experience with characters that draw you into their lives through their love and courage was special.
Read
November 24, 2024A gripping novel about the true facts of under Japanese rule and and a heartbreaking love story, you can relate to the hardships of the characters in this book and there fight for survival. A truly emotional read.
December 4, 2024
Emotionally engrossing
A story of grit, valour and determination. Very well penned amidst the background of WW2. A love story flowers silently among uncertainties of war to succeed at the end.
A story of grit, valour and determination. Very well penned amidst the background of WW2. A love story flowers silently among uncertainties of war to succeed at the end.
January 11, 2025
Wonderful story that kept me glued
I loved this book! I read a lot of books about WWII but I was not very familiar with what took place in the Philippines during that time. This book truly kept me glued to each page.
I look forward to reading more from Ann Bennett.
I loved this book! I read a lot of books about WWII but I was not very familiar with what took place in the Philippines during that time. This book truly kept me glued to each page.
I look forward to reading more from Ann Bennett.
August 18, 2025
Loved it!
I enjoyed every minute of this novel. It was fascinating learning about the war in the Philippines and what the Filipinos went through. I loved the ending, very satisfying and rewarding.
I enjoyed every minute of this novel. It was fascinating learning about the war in the Philippines and what the Filipinos went through. I loved the ending, very satisfying and rewarding.
November 7, 2024
very moving and descriptive
Having lost my grandfather and grandmother to the Japanese in www 2 l am always interested in this period of history.
Having lost my grandfather and grandmother to the Japanese in www 2 l am always interested in this period of history.
December 24, 2024
It was an easy read. You kept waiting for something to really happen but it didn’t. Good story could used a little more action.
January 4, 2025
A story of love and courage
January 10, 2025
This was a great read. A real page turner. Bennett gives the reader her all: character development, setting, historical basis and gripping details of the subject she so vividly describes!
March 30, 2025
Between 3 and 4 stars. Thought the historical aspects were really well done. The ending needed to be longer with more resolution between the characters.
April 8, 2025
History of the Bataan Death March and events leading up to it and after it. Good read.
April 12, 2025
So sad to read as although a made up love story there was still the actual truth about how cruel the Japanese were to Prisoners of war, a hard book to read but would recommend it.
Read
May 16, 2025DNF. Started with a lot of promise and intrusive but dragged on so horribly in the middle I had to stop reading.
June 7, 2025
Pleasure reading
It’s a book I enjoyed reading from cover to cover, both in content and in style. I also learned about a period and circumstances of WWII I didn’t know enough about
It’s a book I enjoyed reading from cover to cover, both in content and in style. I also learned about a period and circumstances of WWII I didn’t know enough about
August 17, 2025
Good book
Although I’ve read many WW2 books, I haven’t read any about the war in the Philippines. This brought that war to life, causing me to research more.
Although I’ve read many WW2 books, I haven’t read any about the war in the Philippines. This brought that war to life, causing me to research more.
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