The Evacuee’s Promise

by Cathy Sharp

Don't miss the brand new emotional WW2 evacuee tale from the author of An Orphan's Story and The Lost Evacuee… Finding a place of safety is just the start of his journey…

When Georgie Greene is evacuated to the English countryside to keep him safe from the London Blitz, he can’t think of anything worse than leaving his family behind to face the nightly bombings.

With her little brother safe from the air raids, his sister, schoolteacher Kate, prays for a brighter future, but in a time of war, tragedy is never far away.

Faced with uncertainty and heartache at every turn, Georgie and Kate must find the courage to carry on without each other. Can they be strong and keep their hopes alive of being a family once again?

Genres: Historical Fiction

369 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 11, 2025

About the author

Cathy Sharp is happily married and lives with her husband in a small Cambridgeshire village. They like visiting Spain together and enjoy the benefits of sunshine and pleasant walks, while at home they love their garden and visiting the Norfolk seaside.

Cathy loves writing because it gives pleasure to others, she finds writing an extension of herself and it gives her great satisfaction. Cathy says, 'There is nothing like seeing your book in print, because so much loving care has been given to bringing that book into being.'

Reviews

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Evacuee’s Promise by Cathy Sharp is a beautifully written and heartwarming historical novel that pulls you straight into the life of Georgie Greene, a young boy evacuated from London during WWII. Separated from his parents and sister, Georgie takes on the responsibility of looking after his sister’s children, all while navigating the challenges and unexpected hardships of country life.

What makes this story so compelling is the depth of its characters. Georgie is kind, thoughtful, and brave—qualities that immediately make you root for him. His sister Kate also stands out, balancing her own struggles while caring for their family. The story weaves together multiple plotlines and characters seamlessly, offering moments of heartbreak, resilience, and hope. Cathy Sharp captures not only the familiar hardships of wartime—bombings, fear, and loss—but also the quieter, tender moments that make Georgie’s journey so memorable.

The novel reminds me of Goodnight Mr. Tom for adult readers: evocative, moving, and impossible to put down. The emotional depth, historical detail, and family dynamics make it a truly absorbing read. By the end, you’ll be cheering for Georgie and his family, hoping they find the happy ending they so deeply deserve.

A touching, heartfelt story that tugs at the heartstrings while celebrating courage, family, and the promise of reunion. Highly recommended.

[Jas Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Harper Collins and Netgalley for this ARC.

The Evacuees promise follows the family of Georgie Greene, a young London boy who's life is upended during the war. He is sent with his sister and her children to the safety of the countryside whilst some of his family continue to try to carry on in London.

There are so many characters and plotlines but they all meld together giving a sometimes heartbreaking but overall heartwarming tale of the struggles that many faced during WW2. The characters are well developed without their development overtaking the plot and you really end up rooting for Georgie and his family in their various triumphs and defeats along the way. The book touches on the expected aspects of wartime life but also has some unexpected tribulations for some characters.

It is a beautifully written book and felt like the book for an adult who'd enjoyed goodnight Mr tom growing up.

[Lesley Puncher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of Cathy Sharp's best books. Highly recommend it.

[Teresa Holgado · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book and will definitely be reading more by this author

[Sue Sykes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just loved this new book in the Evacuee’s series from Cathy Sharp, it is as always is so well written, the characters are lovely and well described, the book follows the story of Georgie Greene and family is just what keeps you reading. From being evacuated as the youngest sibling of the family with his sister and nephew and nieces to the country Georgie gives his promise to his parents he will stay and look after the others. It’s a story of searching, sadness and family that keeps Georgie going and staying in the country with new friends.
My thanks as always to NetGalley and the Publisher HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperCollins
for the opportunity for the early read.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true heartbreaker.
Georgie Greene evacuated from WW2 Blitz in London is saddened to leave his sister Kate and family behind, finding a place of safety is just the start of his journey.
The promise of becoming a family again remains strong in the years of war ahead.
A totally delight to read.
So heartbreaking and touching.
Will pull at all your heartstrings.