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The Home for War Orphans
Paris, 1940. Golden light bathes the crumbling rooftop of the orphanage. I stroke my little sister’s hair and comfort the other war orphans climbing into the rickety truck. We must leave the only home we have left, or the Nazis will find us…
Margot has spent most of her life at St Agnes’ Orphanage with her little sister Lucie. She does her best to care for all the children, cradling them under the stars when Sister Helen can’t get them to sleep. But she knows that when the Nazis reach the gates of Paris, the Jewish orphans will be in terrible danger. She must help them escape…
Holding on tightly to Lucie as they all scramble into a truck bound for the countryside, Margot cannot prevent her hands from shaking. Then one night, by the flickering light of the makeshift fire, Sister Helen tells Margot she has found a rich family to take Lucie in. But there will be no safety for the other children – unless Margot can lead them to the French coast for a ship destined for America.
Looking from her sister’s bright blue eyes to the little patchwork teddy the children share, Margot realises she must trust someone else with the only family she has left. But as soon as the wrought-iron gates of Lucie’s new home slam shut, Margot knows she’s made a mistake. Devastated at being left behind with strangers, Lucie runs away.
Margot knows the only place Lucie will run to is the high stone walls of the orphanage, where she last knew warmth and food and comfort. With fear in her heart, Margot is faced with an impossible choice. Should she race to save her sister from a terrible fate, or make sure the other orphans escape?
A heart-wrenching and powerful historical fiction page-turner set in World War Two Paris. Perfect for fans of Kelly Rimmer, Anna Stuart and Rhys Bowen.
Margot has spent most of her life at St Agnes’ Orphanage with her little sister Lucie. She does her best to care for all the children, cradling them under the stars when Sister Helen can’t get them to sleep. But she knows that when the Nazis reach the gates of Paris, the Jewish orphans will be in terrible danger. She must help them escape…
Holding on tightly to Lucie as they all scramble into a truck bound for the countryside, Margot cannot prevent her hands from shaking. Then one night, by the flickering light of the makeshift fire, Sister Helen tells Margot she has found a rich family to take Lucie in. But there will be no safety for the other children – unless Margot can lead them to the French coast for a ship destined for America.
Looking from her sister’s bright blue eyes to the little patchwork teddy the children share, Margot realises she must trust someone else with the only family she has left. But as soon as the wrought-iron gates of Lucie’s new home slam shut, Margot knows she’s made a mistake. Devastated at being left behind with strangers, Lucie runs away.
Margot knows the only place Lucie will run to is the high stone walls of the orphanage, where she last knew warmth and food and comfort. With fear in her heart, Margot is faced with an impossible choice. Should she race to save her sister from a terrible fate, or make sure the other orphans escape?
A heart-wrenching and powerful historical fiction page-turner set in World War Two Paris. Perfect for fans of Kelly Rimmer, Anna Stuart and Rhys Bowen.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2025
436 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
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May 1, 2025A tender, heart-wrenching tale of sisterhood, sacrifice, and quiet heroism during one of history’s darkest hours.
Set in Nazi-occupied France, The Home for War Orphans offers a moving and emotionally rich concept: a brave teenage girl, Margot, doing everything in her power to protect her younger sister and a group of orphaned children as danger closes in around them. From the very first pages, the emotional stakes are clear, and Margot’s courage in the face of impossible choices sets the tone for a powerful wartime story.
The bond between Margot and Lucie is beautifully portrayed — full of quiet devotion, warmth, and the kind of sacrifice that defines many of the most impactful wartime novels. Jenna Ness writes with compassion and a strong emotional core, and the novel explores the resilience of children during war with thoughtful care.
That said, I did find the structure a little challenging at times. The perspective shifts between characters — without clear chapter headings or time markers — sometimes disrupted the flow and made the timeline harder to follow. Many WWII novels incorporate month/year headers to orient the reader, and I feel this would have added much-needed clarity.
✨ The Home for War Orphans is a heartfelt and timely story about the strength of children, the bond between sisters, and the impossible choices war demands. Readers who enjoy character-driven historical fiction with heart — particularly fans of Kelly Rimmer, Anna Stuart, and Rhys Bowen — will likely find a lot to love here.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Set in Nazi-occupied France, The Home for War Orphans offers a moving and emotionally rich concept: a brave teenage girl, Margot, doing everything in her power to protect her younger sister and a group of orphaned children as danger closes in around them. From the very first pages, the emotional stakes are clear, and Margot’s courage in the face of impossible choices sets the tone for a powerful wartime story.
The bond between Margot and Lucie is beautifully portrayed — full of quiet devotion, warmth, and the kind of sacrifice that defines many of the most impactful wartime novels. Jenna Ness writes with compassion and a strong emotional core, and the novel explores the resilience of children during war with thoughtful care.
That said, I did find the structure a little challenging at times. The perspective shifts between characters — without clear chapter headings or time markers — sometimes disrupted the flow and made the timeline harder to follow. Many WWII novels incorporate month/year headers to orient the reader, and I feel this would have added much-needed clarity.
✨ The Home for War Orphans is a heartfelt and timely story about the strength of children, the bond between sisters, and the impossible choices war demands. Readers who enjoy character-driven historical fiction with heart — particularly fans of Kelly Rimmer, Anna Stuart, and Rhys Bowen — will likely find a lot to love here.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2025
A lovely and entertaining novel! Rather light, with not many surprises, the story still appeals to the heart due to the characters being relatable and likable. Overall, a nice and easy story.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
May 5, 2025
The author brought a story to the life of Sister Helen, who was in charge of 6 orphans to get them out of France. Along this way, you hear about the story of Helen's past and a special connection she has with one of the orphans as the story unfolds. The story also has some romance. I enjoyed this historical fiction because it gives a different perspective of what the orphans had to go through as well as what happened in France.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this ARC and being able to do a review.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this ARC and being able to do a review.
June 4, 2025
What a page-turner! What with the sweet little girls and their stalwart headmistress, the details about Nazi occupied France, and the suspenseful events all the way through, this book was almost impossible to stop reading. (Lucky for me that I was on vacation and had extra reading time!)
The author hinted strongly in her end notes that there would be a sequel; I can’t wait for the next in this series!
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
The author hinted strongly in her end notes that there would be a sequel; I can’t wait for the next in this series!
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
June 14, 2025
The Home for War Orphans is the first book in a new series by Jenna Ness and quite simply it was brilliant from start to finish and you must read this as soon as you possibly can. There was a very brief prologue which gave the reader a few titbits of information but nothing really concrete. I’m not saying this in a negative way but really it could have been left out as not all books need to have a prologue and if this hadn’t been there I don’t think I would have guessed at certain things as I was reading and therefore I would have been completely shocked at some of the twists and turns here. As a result I felt the impact on me with some things wasn’t as significant as it could have been. But look that’s just a minor grumble from me and not even a grumble more of an observation. For truly this was an amazing and powerful book from the get go.
The chapters alternate between Helen who runs St.Agnes’ orphanage as a school in Paris and one of her orphans Margot who herself is quite nearly on the cusp of adulthood. This worked really well throughout the book as the reader could read of the same situation but from different perspectives and it really helped the story as a whole come together. I can’t say I favoured one of the main female characters over the other as they both had their positives and negatives. Each doing brave, courageous and daring things but then at other times you questioned their actions and thought processes. But this is what made the book exciting as well as the fantastic writing throughout.
It’s June 1940 and the Germans are marching on Paris. People who can are fleeing the city for the coast and there is a sense of urgency for Helen and her small band of charges to leave the place they have called home especially as some of the younger girls are Jewish. Helen has secured passage on a boat to America which will leave from Portugal but first they must reach Marseilles. The odds are stacked against them that they will get their safely and without much trouble along the route as hundreds of thousands of people are in the same situation. There is an increasing sense of desperation, struggle, conflict and unimaginable choices which they will face along the way but throughout it all both Helen and Margot show that they are made of strong stuff and they won’t go down without a fight.
Helen was an interesting and complex character whose full history we are not privy to even though there are significant pieces that are revealed along the way and they are certainly crucial/vital to the overall story but still the author has kept things in reserve for future books and I genuinely have no clue as to what will be revealed, which is brilliant as it really makes you want the next book immediately. Helen is a forthright person, practical, caring, with a no nonsense, sensible attitude. She is in control of the situation and has every step planned out but I don’t think she bargained for the obstacles their little group would encounter. Partly because of the situation with the Germans and midway through the journey France is split into northern western section where the south would be controlled by the French.
This really put a further sense of urgency upon their journey. But also the girls themselves threw plenty of spanners into the works and you couldn’t blame them some were very young and innocent and the older two Margot and Josette were older and had minds and opinions of their own which needed to be heard.Not to mention they could both be very stubborn. There is a history surrounding Helen which is having a deep impact on her present and she is constantly worrying over this and she also feels at times lost, unloved and wanted. But why? I am being purposefully vague regarding Helen and the journey undertaken to Marseille as to mention specifics would give too much away and just ruin what was an incredible and impactful story.
Margot came across as very with it and she was there side by side with Helen and wanted to reach Marseille but yet she stood firm with her younger sister Lucie. Margot has a plan in her mind that she wishes to see come to fruition as it would mean security for herself and Lucie but there are innumerable twists and turns that come in their direction which see these plans derailed and so the author sets the reader off on another track. Curveball after curveball was thrown in and I was loving every moment of it. Margot was stubborn and fought against Helen over some things but I thought more power to her. I can’t not mention the sublime writing and descriptions of travelling along the roads with so many refugees trudging alongside them, the sense of futility and panic that they were feeling. The journey seemed endless as day after day passed and I thought god they are not going to make it and what would become of them all. I was literally urging them on from the comfort of my couch thankful it wasn’t me in that situation.
The title suggested to me that this book would have been in a similar vein to Lizzie Page’s, Shillings Grange Children’s Home series so therefore I was expecting an easy non taxing pleasant enough read set during World War Two. Well boy was I completely wrong and in the best way possible because within the first few chapters I found myself deeply invested in the characters, their unimaginable situation and how they would endure what was to come. There was no messing about with filler in chapters or just scenes there for the sake of it. Instead it was straight down to business and once the action started in chapter one it never stopped until I reached the final page. I was taken on an unforgettable and exhilarating ride that was one of the best historical fiction books that I have read in quite some time.
Anything we needed to know was presented as and when necessary. There were no drawn out scenes that conveyed more or less nothing and didn’t move the story on or chapters that took forever to get to the point. In fact it was the opposite with great tension and suspense and plenty of mystery although I did guess at certain things but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story at all. I was just rather smug with myself that I had guessed things correctly. I would say initially I did question whether things regarding Helen were revealed too soon but the further I delved into the book this was quashed and I knew the author had everything so expertly and cleverly plotted out. There is still so many intriguing things to discover about Helen. She is certainly a woman who has lived her life several times over I can tell you.
The Home for War Orphans is Jenna Ness’ first foray into historical fiction and all I can say is Jenna where have you been all this time? I can’t believe that you haven’t written heaps of books in this genre. This was a well-paced story with finely drawn characters with clear in-depth research which brought everything to life so vividly and the fact I read it in two sittings says it all considering my attention has been all over the place for ages. I could see this as a Netflix drama series which I would be glued to so good was it. The ending oh that ending it has left the reader with so many questions but set us up perfectly for book two which if it is anything as good as book one, I know I am in for a real treat. I’ll wait impatiently wait for the next book. Fingers crossed we might get it before the end of the year. But I definitely have no hesitation in recommending as it was a book that really reminded me just how much I love reading.
The chapters alternate between Helen who runs St.Agnes’ orphanage as a school in Paris and one of her orphans Margot who herself is quite nearly on the cusp of adulthood. This worked really well throughout the book as the reader could read of the same situation but from different perspectives and it really helped the story as a whole come together. I can’t say I favoured one of the main female characters over the other as they both had their positives and negatives. Each doing brave, courageous and daring things but then at other times you questioned their actions and thought processes. But this is what made the book exciting as well as the fantastic writing throughout.
It’s June 1940 and the Germans are marching on Paris. People who can are fleeing the city for the coast and there is a sense of urgency for Helen and her small band of charges to leave the place they have called home especially as some of the younger girls are Jewish. Helen has secured passage on a boat to America which will leave from Portugal but first they must reach Marseilles. The odds are stacked against them that they will get their safely and without much trouble along the route as hundreds of thousands of people are in the same situation. There is an increasing sense of desperation, struggle, conflict and unimaginable choices which they will face along the way but throughout it all both Helen and Margot show that they are made of strong stuff and they won’t go down without a fight.
Helen was an interesting and complex character whose full history we are not privy to even though there are significant pieces that are revealed along the way and they are certainly crucial/vital to the overall story but still the author has kept things in reserve for future books and I genuinely have no clue as to what will be revealed, which is brilliant as it really makes you want the next book immediately. Helen is a forthright person, practical, caring, with a no nonsense, sensible attitude. She is in control of the situation and has every step planned out but I don’t think she bargained for the obstacles their little group would encounter. Partly because of the situation with the Germans and midway through the journey France is split into northern western section where the south would be controlled by the French.
This really put a further sense of urgency upon their journey. But also the girls themselves threw plenty of spanners into the works and you couldn’t blame them some were very young and innocent and the older two Margot and Josette were older and had minds and opinions of their own which needed to be heard.Not to mention they could both be very stubborn. There is a history surrounding Helen which is having a deep impact on her present and she is constantly worrying over this and she also feels at times lost, unloved and wanted. But why? I am being purposefully vague regarding Helen and the journey undertaken to Marseille as to mention specifics would give too much away and just ruin what was an incredible and impactful story.
Margot came across as very with it and she was there side by side with Helen and wanted to reach Marseille but yet she stood firm with her younger sister Lucie. Margot has a plan in her mind that she wishes to see come to fruition as it would mean security for herself and Lucie but there are innumerable twists and turns that come in their direction which see these plans derailed and so the author sets the reader off on another track. Curveball after curveball was thrown in and I was loving every moment of it. Margot was stubborn and fought against Helen over some things but I thought more power to her. I can’t not mention the sublime writing and descriptions of travelling along the roads with so many refugees trudging alongside them, the sense of futility and panic that they were feeling. The journey seemed endless as day after day passed and I thought god they are not going to make it and what would become of them all. I was literally urging them on from the comfort of my couch thankful it wasn’t me in that situation.
The title suggested to me that this book would have been in a similar vein to Lizzie Page’s, Shillings Grange Children’s Home series so therefore I was expecting an easy non taxing pleasant enough read set during World War Two. Well boy was I completely wrong and in the best way possible because within the first few chapters I found myself deeply invested in the characters, their unimaginable situation and how they would endure what was to come. There was no messing about with filler in chapters or just scenes there for the sake of it. Instead it was straight down to business and once the action started in chapter one it never stopped until I reached the final page. I was taken on an unforgettable and exhilarating ride that was one of the best historical fiction books that I have read in quite some time.
Anything we needed to know was presented as and when necessary. There were no drawn out scenes that conveyed more or less nothing and didn’t move the story on or chapters that took forever to get to the point. In fact it was the opposite with great tension and suspense and plenty of mystery although I did guess at certain things but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story at all. I was just rather smug with myself that I had guessed things correctly. I would say initially I did question whether things regarding Helen were revealed too soon but the further I delved into the book this was quashed and I knew the author had everything so expertly and cleverly plotted out. There is still so many intriguing things to discover about Helen. She is certainly a woman who has lived her life several times over I can tell you.
The Home for War Orphans is Jenna Ness’ first foray into historical fiction and all I can say is Jenna where have you been all this time? I can’t believe that you haven’t written heaps of books in this genre. This was a well-paced story with finely drawn characters with clear in-depth research which brought everything to life so vividly and the fact I read it in two sittings says it all considering my attention has been all over the place for ages. I could see this as a Netflix drama series which I would be glued to so good was it. The ending oh that ending it has left the reader with so many questions but set us up perfectly for book two which if it is anything as good as book one, I know I am in for a real treat. I’ll wait impatiently wait for the next book. Fingers crossed we might get it before the end of the year. But I definitely have no hesitation in recommending as it was a book that really reminded me just how much I love reading.
June 14, 2025
This is Book 1 in Jenna's Orphans of St. Agnes Series, and what a heart-wrenching story!
The story follows Orphans in Paris in 1940. With Paris on the cusp of being occupied by Naz1s, the headteacher, Helen of St Anges, desperately seeks safe homes for her girls.
Helen is left with Jewish orphans, and she has to move fast to move them safety, but when one goes missing, after being left with a family... her sister Margot insists on going to find her.
All while trying to make a ship bound for America.
This isn't an ultra fast-paced book, but it certainly keeps you on your toes as the secrets surrounding Helen and the girls come thick and fast.
The story is told from the POV of Helen and Margot, and it's really interesting to see the situation through both eyes, but one thing is for certain - both are incredibly tough.
The amount of research into getting Naz1 occupation of France right must have been extensive as I even learned things about the war that I didn't know before!
This is dark at times given the time that it is set in, and I had everything crossed that Helen and Margot could get the Jewish children to safety in time. It is also a book that can reach and affect you emotionally, too.
The story itself is intricate and I loved how Jenna wove the secrets and lies into the fabric of the story - this made it even more powerful as you're fed breadcrumbs from the past that explode by the end.
It did leave us on a little cliffhanger, but I absolutely can't wait to dive back into this story when Book 2 comes out in September as I NEED to know what happens next!
If you love historical fiction, then this is for you!
The story follows Orphans in Paris in 1940. With Paris on the cusp of being occupied by Naz1s, the headteacher, Helen of St Anges, desperately seeks safe homes for her girls.
Helen is left with Jewish orphans, and she has to move fast to move them safety, but when one goes missing, after being left with a family... her sister Margot insists on going to find her.
All while trying to make a ship bound for America.
This isn't an ultra fast-paced book, but it certainly keeps you on your toes as the secrets surrounding Helen and the girls come thick and fast.
The story is told from the POV of Helen and Margot, and it's really interesting to see the situation through both eyes, but one thing is for certain - both are incredibly tough.
The amount of research into getting Naz1 occupation of France right must have been extensive as I even learned things about the war that I didn't know before!
This is dark at times given the time that it is set in, and I had everything crossed that Helen and Margot could get the Jewish children to safety in time. It is also a book that can reach and affect you emotionally, too.
The story itself is intricate and I loved how Jenna wove the secrets and lies into the fabric of the story - this made it even more powerful as you're fed breadcrumbs from the past that explode by the end.
It did leave us on a little cliffhanger, but I absolutely can't wait to dive back into this story when Book 2 comes out in September as I NEED to know what happens next!
If you love historical fiction, then this is for you!
May 29, 2025
The Home For War Orphans by Jenna Ness is a powerful historical debut. It is the first book in The Orphans Of St Agnes series which promises to be fabulous. The ending is perfectly poised for the next book to begin.
The book opens in Paris in 1940 as the Nazis begin to take power. The leader of the orphanage and the remaining orphans flee South in the hope of getting a ship and visas for America. As the reader joins them on their perilous journey, we witness the very best and worst of humanity along the way.
Jenna Ness has perfectly captured the atmosphere as we sense both the bravery and the desperation of all those travelling South.
Within the group there is ‘sibling’ rivalry as well as much love for each other.
The mannerisms of the young girls have been perfectly drawn by the author. We ‘feel’ their conflicting emotions and their bravery.
We witness sacrificial love in action. This is a love that puts others above self.
There is an intriguing backstory surrounding the leading lady. Her activities following World War I are still having consequences in 1940. She is the prey as she is hunted by a sinister and powerful top Nazi.
As an American, the leading lady seems to be so much more than just the patron of the orphanage. Her name brings respect and action. The reader wonders why?
I thoroughly enjoyed The Home For War Orphans and am looking forward to the subsequent books.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The book opens in Paris in 1940 as the Nazis begin to take power. The leader of the orphanage and the remaining orphans flee South in the hope of getting a ship and visas for America. As the reader joins them on their perilous journey, we witness the very best and worst of humanity along the way.
Jenna Ness has perfectly captured the atmosphere as we sense both the bravery and the desperation of all those travelling South.
Within the group there is ‘sibling’ rivalry as well as much love for each other.
The mannerisms of the young girls have been perfectly drawn by the author. We ‘feel’ their conflicting emotions and their bravery.
We witness sacrificial love in action. This is a love that puts others above self.
There is an intriguing backstory surrounding the leading lady. Her activities following World War I are still having consequences in 1940. She is the prey as she is hunted by a sinister and powerful top Nazi.
As an American, the leading lady seems to be so much more than just the patron of the orphanage. Her name brings respect and action. The reader wonders why?
I thoroughly enjoyed The Home For War Orphans and am looking forward to the subsequent books.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
May 31, 2025
In the year 1940 as Hitler’s henchmen are wreaking havoc all over Europe, St Agnes’ orphanage in Paris must evacuate its residents or run the risk of the Jewish children being captured and slaughtered. Care of the small charges is under the supervision of Sister Helen, who must usher them onto an old battered truck and take them to Marseilles where a ship headed for America will sail them to safe shores. .
Margot has lived in St Agnes’ for much of her short life. She has looked after the younger children, especially her little sister Lucie. When Margot is told that Sister Helen knows a French family willing adopt lucie, the older girl must make a decision that breaks her heart. Things do not go as planned. Secrets are revealed and danger is everywhere. How can Margot leave lucie behind? Is it more important to see the other girls to their salvation than it is to ensure her sister’s well being? As the story unfolds unimaginable risky actions must be taken. I guessed a piece of the hidden agenda but that did not spoil my enjoyment. I read to the end hoping against terrible odds for a happy ending.
Four twinkling stars for a book that captured my heart. My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance readers copy in exchange for my review. It will be published on June 11, 2025. Look for it!
June 15, 2025
The Home for the War Orphans is the captivating debut into historical fiction for Jenna Ness and the first installment of a trilogy.
Set in 1940 Paris, the story follows Helen, the headteacher of St. Agnes’ orphanage for girls, as she strives to move the remaining children to safety through Marseille. With the help of sisters Margot and Lucie, along with the older girl Josette, Helen cares for three younger orphans. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of both Helen and Margot, presenting numerous challenges along their journey. Will they reach their destination safely and on time?
What an incredible opening story! I found Helen to be a strong, independent woman, fiercely dedicated to the orphans in her charge. Margot is a spirited and determined young woman eager to have her skills acknowledged. All the characters were endearing, especially Choupette! Jenna, it seems you have truly found your niche in historical fiction, and I can't wait for the next installment!
Set in 1940 Paris, the story follows Helen, the headteacher of St. Agnes’ orphanage for girls, as she strives to move the remaining children to safety through Marseille. With the help of sisters Margot and Lucie, along with the older girl Josette, Helen cares for three younger orphans. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of both Helen and Margot, presenting numerous challenges along their journey. Will they reach their destination safely and on time?
What an incredible opening story! I found Helen to be a strong, independent woman, fiercely dedicated to the orphans in her charge. Margot is a spirited and determined young woman eager to have her skills acknowledged. All the characters were endearing, especially Choupette! Jenna, it seems you have truly found your niche in historical fiction, and I can't wait for the next installment!
June 12, 2025
I rarely pass up on a WWII book and I always like to find ones that are different from what I expect. It’s glaring there’s a war on, as Helen attempts to get the girls under her care to safety. Traveling through occupied and unoccupied France with so many others, it takes them a very long time to make it to their destination in Marseille. But we don’t see fighting. There are no planes and bombs being dropped, no spies and resistance fighting.
Helen is such a strong character. She spends her whole life attempting to right the wrongs of her past. She gives up love and family in a type of penance. She loves all her girls.
All three authors this book is compared to was a huge selling point for me, even though I hadn’t heard of Jenna before. Boy am I glad I picked this one up.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.
Helen is such a strong character. She spends her whole life attempting to right the wrongs of her past. She gives up love and family in a type of penance. She loves all her girls.
All three authors this book is compared to was a huge selling point for me, even though I hadn’t heard of Jenna before. Boy am I glad I picked this one up.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.
June 13, 2025
Fair warning: Don't start this book until you've cleared your schedule and have some time to yourself because you won't want to put it down. I was immediately pulled into the confusion and stress of escaping Paris before the Nazis marched in, as Sister Helen (not a nun) loaded her group of orphaned girls into a truck. As they drive south to Marseille, the mystery of Helen's past, as it connects to the orphanage, is slowly revealed. This is a character-driven story, told in alternating chapters by Helen and the oldest orphaned girl, Margot. This is an impressive debut novel, and I'm already looking forward to the next one. (I suggest you keep a box of tissues for the last chapters...I ran out.)
April 28, 2025
Awesome debut WW2 novel I really enjoyed it. Helen an American who runs an orphanage in Paris adopts out most of the children and flees to the South of France with the remaining girls to try and get them visas and passage on a ship to the US to meet their new adoptive parents. There’s a whole load of heartbreak, devastation, love, hope and strength along their trip. This book is a triumph, it was so so good and boy oh boy the author left us with a cliff hanger for the next book! Highly recommend I couldn’t put this book down.
Thank you to netgalley and Bookouture for this advance copy. Publication date 11 June 25.
Thank you to netgalley and Bookouture for this advance copy. Publication date 11 June 25.
April 29, 2025
A tender, unforgettable story about bravery, love, and holding on to hope when it matters most. A story of courage, sisterhood, and finding light in the darkest times A breathtaking, heart-wrenching historical novel that I couldn’t put down.
Set against the backdrop of occupied Paris, this story of courage, sacrifice, and sisterly love completely stole my heart.
Margot’s journey protecting the children she loves while facing impossible choices was powerful and unforgettable.
If you love historical fiction that is both emotional and full of hope, this is a must-read.
An absolutely stunning story of resilience during the darkest times. #TheHomeforWarOrphans #NetGalley
Set against the backdrop of occupied Paris, this story of courage, sacrifice, and sisterly love completely stole my heart.
Margot’s journey protecting the children she loves while facing impossible choices was powerful and unforgettable.
If you love historical fiction that is both emotional and full of hope, this is a must-read.
An absolutely stunning story of resilience during the darkest times. #TheHomeforWarOrphans #NetGalley
July 18, 2025
An absolutely terrific story!
The Home for War Orphans is an incredibly well written story about saving and protecting orphans as the war drags on. It takes place in France during World War II, with the emphasis on two people - one the headmistess of the orphanage, and the other, one of the orphans in her charge, a teenager.
It is a story of adventure and tangled relationships,
with lots of twists and turns you won't see coming. The story will keep your attention, and you will definitely want to read the second book in the series. I recommend this story and this author to you!
The Home for War Orphans is an incredibly well written story about saving and protecting orphans as the war drags on. It takes place in France during World War II, with the emphasis on two people - one the headmistess of the orphanage, and the other, one of the orphans in her charge, a teenager.
It is a story of adventure and tangled relationships,
with lots of twists and turns you won't see coming. The story will keep your attention, and you will definitely want to read the second book in the series. I recommend this story and this author to you!
April 20, 2025
Set in 1940 France, The Home for War Orphans tells the story of Helen, head of an orphanage, who is forced to flee Paris with the last 6 orphans in order to escape the Nazi occupation. The author brings alive their struggle to reach Marseille and their onward journey in the old worn out truck. Filled with twists, turns and romance you deeply feel the struggles they face. Will they reach Marseille and will the unemotional Sister Helen reveal her secrets?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Thank you Netgalley for sending me an ARC!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Thank you Netgalley for sending me an ARC!
June 10, 2025
Helen and Margot needs to bring the children to safety. But when one girl is missing, Lucie Margot’s sister, all plans changed. When secrets got revealed difficult decisions needs to be made.
This is story one and I can’t wait to read the next. This has a lot of twists and turns that it kept me entertained until the end, I just wanted to read the next one right away.
Thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this story, this review is my honest opinion.
This is story one and I can’t wait to read the next. This has a lot of twists and turns that it kept me entertained until the end, I just wanted to read the next one right away.
Thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this story, this review is my honest opinion.
August 24, 2025
The Home for War Orphans, the first book in the Orphans of St. Agnes trilogy, is a beautifully written and captivating novel. Jenna Ness's debut historical fiction started off a little slow for me, but as the story unfolded, I became completely engrossed. It’s a tale of young women making tough choices, showcasing bravery, friendship, family, secrets, and survival. I’m excited to dive into the next book in the series. 4 stars
I would like to thank the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheHomeforWarOrphans #NetGalley
I would like to thank the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheHomeforWarOrphans #NetGalley
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August 7, 2025This is an incredible book. Jenna's description of the fall of France is one of the best I've ever read, and as the author of a WWII novel set in France myself, I've read many! Her cast of orphans and their indomitable, complicated Headmistress are all characters you won't forget. Thank goodness there's a Book 2 in this series coming out, because I was sorry to be finished with Book 1. Huge congratulations, Jenna.
September 5, 2025
Heart breaking
What a slog those children went through with a teacher from the orphanage trying to get to safety. I cried for them all, the strength they had to go on was incredible. A real insight into trying to escape and find safety. Highly recommend, but you will need tissues
What a slog those children went through with a teacher from the orphanage trying to get to safety. I cried for them all, the strength they had to go on was incredible. A real insight into trying to escape and find safety. Highly recommend, but you will need tissues
June 17, 2025
This is the story of the efforts by a woman to protect young orphans during the Nazi occupation. It follows their journey to try to get out of the country before it is too late. The story is compelling, keep tissues handy. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
July 16, 2025
Gripped is the best way to describe how i felt reading this. Each story line was more compelling then the next. Im excited to find out what happens next and see where the Journey leads all these young ladies
July 18, 2025
This new series by Jenna Ness was a brilliant read
I was captivated by the brave characters and how they fought with each other and loved each other fiercely.
I cant wait for next book to be released.
Excellent
I was captivated by the brave characters and how they fought with each other and loved each other fiercely.
I cant wait for next book to be released.
Excellent
October 21, 2025
Found a new author!
A great book! I love WW2 historical novels and Jenna did an amazing job holding my interest and emotions! This is worth your time and... I'm in to the next book by Jenna!
A great book! I love WW2 historical novels and Jenna did an amazing job holding my interest and emotions! This is worth your time and... I'm in to the next book by Jenna!
July 21, 2025
Good
The characters were so believable and endearing. Left me with wanting to read the next book, which doesn’t often happen.
The characters were so believable and endearing. Left me with wanting to read the next book, which doesn’t often happen.
August 30, 2025
so good!!
This book was so so good!! I highly recommend it if you’re looking for something that will have you on the edge of your seat and give you moments of panic.
This book was so so good!! I highly recommend it if you’re looking for something that will have you on the edge of your seat and give you moments of panic.
January 1, 2026
I really loved this book. I can't imagine trying to escape Paris before it was taken over by the Germans much less with 5 young girls. Definitely a compelling read to end the year.
May 22, 2025
The Home for War Orphans maybe a historical fiction but it is so much more. It doesn't just share the history of the war. It shares what was happening to the people, to their land, to their lives.
I was transported to Paris just before the Nazis invaded. People were fleeing. People were panicking. People were resorting to the unthinkable to be free of the Nazis. For Sister Helen, she has one goal. She needs to get to Marseille with her charges. Their futures depend upon it. Her life depends on it.
The story is a complete nailbiting experience. Helen packs the children in the truck. She is driving them out of Paris on a trip that should take days, but is taking weeks. The dangers increase. with ever mile. Lines of cars and groups of people are moving out of paris in constant fear of Germans bombs and bullets. A bullet or bomb could mean the end.
The reader is soon put into a situation that brought many tears. An injury has Helen confronting her past. Truths are soon revealed adding to the suspenseful story. The bravery of her charges was inspirational. This is what citizens must have dealt with during and after the invasion. My respect for the victims cannot be measured.
I lost count of how many times I was brought to tears. I lost count of how many times I sat in fear. I lost count of how many times I sat in suspense wondering of if all would be well. I lost count of how many times I was impressed by the girls during their ordeal. Their journey is far from over. I can't wait to see what happens next.
I was transported to Paris just before the Nazis invaded. People were fleeing. People were panicking. People were resorting to the unthinkable to be free of the Nazis. For Sister Helen, she has one goal. She needs to get to Marseille with her charges. Their futures depend upon it. Her life depends on it.
The story is a complete nailbiting experience. Helen packs the children in the truck. She is driving them out of Paris on a trip that should take days, but is taking weeks. The dangers increase. with ever mile. Lines of cars and groups of people are moving out of paris in constant fear of Germans bombs and bullets. A bullet or bomb could mean the end.
The reader is soon put into a situation that brought many tears. An injury has Helen confronting her past. Truths are soon revealed adding to the suspenseful story. The bravery of her charges was inspirational. This is what citizens must have dealt with during and after the invasion. My respect for the victims cannot be measured.
I lost count of how many times I was brought to tears. I lost count of how many times I sat in fear. I lost count of how many times I sat in suspense wondering of if all would be well. I lost count of how many times I was impressed by the girls during their ordeal. Their journey is far from over. I can't wait to see what happens next.
June 18, 2025
Margot grew up in St Agnes’ Orphanage with her little sister, Lucie.
As the threat of the enemy grows, especially for the Jewish children in her care, Margot wants to protect the children who don't have parents to look after them.
I loved the closeness of Margot and her little sister Lucie.
Their bond was unbreakable. It must have been so hard for Margot, and I felt for her.
The decisions she had to make were well beyond her age, but I guess under the circumstances, they had to happen.
With all the not knowing who to trust, constant danger from the enemy, and danger everywhere, she was brave beyond words.
I really enjoyed this book although heart wrenching at times, I couldn't put it down.
A new author to me I can't wait to read more of her work.
As the threat of the enemy grows, especially for the Jewish children in her care, Margot wants to protect the children who don't have parents to look after them.
I loved the closeness of Margot and her little sister Lucie.
Their bond was unbreakable. It must have been so hard for Margot, and I felt for her.
The decisions she had to make were well beyond her age, but I guess under the circumstances, they had to happen.
With all the not knowing who to trust, constant danger from the enemy, and danger everywhere, she was brave beyond words.
I really enjoyed this book although heart wrenching at times, I couldn't put it down.
A new author to me I can't wait to read more of her work.
August 7, 2025
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of this incredible novel.
One of the best books I’ve read this year for sure! It was gripping and exciting and I loved all the characters - they were all so richly described and all felt so real - and their journey across France had me on the edge of my seat! I didn’t realise this was the first in a series either and now I am champing at the bit to read more!
*spoilers* also this was, oddly enough, the second book I’ve read recently with the odd trope of “headmistress of orphanage has illegitimate daughter who she raises as an unknowing orphan” - however this book was written WAY better than the last one! Had this book been less amazing I would have groaned at the bizarre repetition but instead while in the other book that storyline felt melodramatic and trite, here it worked. Helen is a badass.
One of the best books I’ve read this year for sure! It was gripping and exciting and I loved all the characters - they were all so richly described and all felt so real - and their journey across France had me on the edge of my seat! I didn’t realise this was the first in a series either and now I am champing at the bit to read more!
*spoilers* also this was, oddly enough, the second book I’ve read recently with the odd trope of “headmistress of orphanage has illegitimate daughter who she raises as an unknowing orphan” - however this book was written WAY better than the last one! Had this book been less amazing I would have groaned at the bizarre repetition but instead while in the other book that storyline felt melodramatic and trite, here it worked. Helen is a badass.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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