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The Last War Orphan: Completely gripping and heart-wrenching historical fiction set in World War Two
I look down at the baby abandoned on my doorstep this morning. This little one knows nothing yet of the hatred taking over Paris. My arms tighten around her. I will keep her safe, no matter what…
Paris, 1940. Lucie is the last child left at St Agnes’ Orphanage when the building is taken over by German soldiers. Forced to cook and clean for the men using her beloved home as their headquarters, she has stifled her instinct to rebel, instead scrubbing floors in the silent halls that were once filled with warmth and laughter. But when she finds a tiny baby bundled up in blankets on the front step, everything changes…
Desperate to protect the child, Lucie finds an unlikely ally in one of the officers living at the orphanage. From the moment he steps in to shield her from a group of soldiers threatening her on the street, she can tell that Klaus is different. There’s an unexpected warmth in his smile, and the quiet kindness he shows her and the baby is a world away from the cold indifference she is used to.
But Klaus has a secret. And when Lucie discovers that he has been helping the Parisian resistance efforts against the Nazis, her heart leaps at his bravery, but aches at the terrible danger he is in. Holding the baby close, they run for their lives in the dead of night, desperate to start a new life together. But before they reach safety, they hear shouts behind them… Will they make it to freedom? Or will their love story be stamped out before it’s even begun?
For fans of Roberta Kagan, Kristin Hannah and Kelly Rimmer comes an utterly heart-wrenching novel about incredible courage and love against the odds that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.
Readers are loving The Last War Orphan:
‘A thrillingly exhilarating page-turning ride… Heartbreaking and hopeful… I stayed up all night reading… I was entranced.’ leannebookstagram, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘I wouldn't have been able to stop reading this book if I’d tried… Brilliant… Once again invested right until the last word on the last page… A stunning read… A must-read for all.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Thrilling and wonderful… I stayed up until midnight last night to finish this!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What readers are saying about Jenna
‘One of the best books I’ve read this year for sure!… Gripping… Had me on the edge of my seat!… I am champing at the bit to read more!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘What a page-turner!… Impossible to stop reading. I can’t wait for the next in this series!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Heart-wrenching… Completely stole my heart… Unforgettable… Absolutely stunning.
Paris, 1940. Lucie is the last child left at St Agnes’ Orphanage when the building is taken over by German soldiers. Forced to cook and clean for the men using her beloved home as their headquarters, she has stifled her instinct to rebel, instead scrubbing floors in the silent halls that were once filled with warmth and laughter. But when she finds a tiny baby bundled up in blankets on the front step, everything changes…
Desperate to protect the child, Lucie finds an unlikely ally in one of the officers living at the orphanage. From the moment he steps in to shield her from a group of soldiers threatening her on the street, she can tell that Klaus is different. There’s an unexpected warmth in his smile, and the quiet kindness he shows her and the baby is a world away from the cold indifference she is used to.
But Klaus has a secret. And when Lucie discovers that he has been helping the Parisian resistance efforts against the Nazis, her heart leaps at his bravery, but aches at the terrible danger he is in. Holding the baby close, they run for their lives in the dead of night, desperate to start a new life together. But before they reach safety, they hear shouts behind them… Will they make it to freedom? Or will their love story be stamped out before it’s even begun?
For fans of Roberta Kagan, Kristin Hannah and Kelly Rimmer comes an utterly heart-wrenching novel about incredible courage and love against the odds that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.
Readers are loving The Last War Orphan:
‘A thrillingly exhilarating page-turning ride… Heartbreaking and hopeful… I stayed up all night reading… I was entranced.’ leannebookstagram, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘I wouldn't have been able to stop reading this book if I’d tried… Brilliant… Once again invested right until the last word on the last page… A stunning read… A must-read for all.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Thrilling and wonderful… I stayed up until midnight last night to finish this!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What readers are saying about Jenna
‘One of the best books I’ve read this year for sure!… Gripping… Had me on the edge of my seat!… I am champing at the bit to read more!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘What a page-turner!… Impossible to stop reading. I can’t wait for the next in this series!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Heart-wrenching… Completely stole my heart… Unforgettable… Absolutely stunning.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
374 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2025
259 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 29, 2025
I personally haven't read the first book in this series, so I am writing this review from the perspective of someone reading this as a stand-alone novel.
When I first picked up this book, I felt like I needed a bit of time to really connect with the characters. Perhaps this was because, as I mentioned, I did not read the first book in this series. However, once I got a few chapters into the book, I was hooked!
This novel follows the lives of Margot, Josette, and Lucie as they navigate life in Nazi-occupied Paris. While these sisters obviously shared a bond, I appreciated seeing how each character developed in their own way and had their own methods for dealing with life under occupation.
Without spoiling too much, the book ends in a cliffhanger and left me absolutely yearning for more. I cannot wait to see how book 3 plays out, what will happen in Paris, and what more we might learn about Lucie and her new beau...
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I first picked up this book, I felt like I needed a bit of time to really connect with the characters. Perhaps this was because, as I mentioned, I did not read the first book in this series. However, once I got a few chapters into the book, I was hooked!
This novel follows the lives of Margot, Josette, and Lucie as they navigate life in Nazi-occupied Paris. While these sisters obviously shared a bond, I appreciated seeing how each character developed in their own way and had their own methods for dealing with life under occupation.
Without spoiling too much, the book ends in a cliffhanger and left me absolutely yearning for more. I cannot wait to see how book 3 plays out, what will happen in Paris, and what more we might learn about Lucie and her new beau...
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2025
The Last War Orphan is the second in Jenna Ness’ series, The Orphans of St.Agnes. I adored book one and couldn’t get enough of it and was very eager for the next instalment so thankfully we weren’t kept waiting for too long. Book one was an epic wartime story, a real page turner with edge of your seat tension, drama and action. Having loved the previous story so much I did have an air of apprehension that could book two live up to the very high expectations I had given quite often there is a very strong start to a series and then things peter off. Thankfully this wasn’t the case and this new story was brilliant from beginning to end.
We pick up directly from where book one concluded and there was no messing around with filler in chapters instead we dove straight back into the action and it felt as if I had never left the characters behind. Everything was fresh in my mind and I didn’t feel as if I had to refamiliarise myself with the characters and their current predicaments. For those new to this series you needn’t worry as the author subtly dropped in information regarding previous events so as to make the reader feel as if they were up to date with everything.
The main task for Margot and Josette alongside Roger was to get back into occupied France from Marseille to reunite with and rescue Margot’s younger sister Lucie who had ended up back in Paris at St.Agnes’ orphanage which is now under the control of Otto Shroder, one of Hitler’s right hand men. I thought this would be the entire focus of the book given how their journey to Marseille to eventually try and get to America was the dominant plot of book one. Instead, this all occurred very quickly and they were reunited fairly on in the book but all is not as it seems and there is a very tangled web to try and extricate themselves from.
The author pushed her female characters right into the lion’s den and did so in a surprising and riveting way. Other authors perhaps would have had their characters stay away from certain situations and maybe had them develop more towards the climax of the book instead here they are thrust directly towards the spotlight from the get go creating an anxiety and unease in the reader that never lets up and has you engrossed and eagerly turning the pages. I loved that Jenna Ness did this because it allowed for a different aspect of the war to be explored. Usually characters are kept apart from those that want to take them down until strictly necessary so to see how such close interactions occurred and what it meant for the characters that I was rooting for proved very interesting.
Helen, the headmistress of the orphanage, is now on her way to America with John Cleeton and several other orphans so they don’t feature but the ramifications of what Helen did so many years ago are still being felt with Shroder determined to enact his revenge. For what I will not say. There is still oner particular big mystery surrounding Helen that I hope will be explored in book three and I really would like her to feature again. Here Margot, Lucie and Josette really get their chance to shine and their individual stories are explored in great depth. From the outset, the pacing is brilliant with lots of twists and turns all of which are relevant to the story and drive it further on. The reader has to be alert for hints and clues at all times and one major strand I had an inkling about and though not 100% confirmed in this book I do feel I am on the right track with it and can sense this will all come to fruition in book three. Well fingers crossed anyway.
Throughout the book, Margot is expected to be brave, tough, determined and strong and she rises to the challenge with great relish. She became a real leader and although initially upset that Lucie will not leave the orphanage and escape as several babies have been left on their doorstep and she is caring for them she adapted to the new situation and plan and used it meticulously to her advantage. Margot and Lucie are employed by Shroder in the very house where they spent many years growing up with Helen and so many others. I just couldn’t fathom why Shroder was so welcoming and gave them employment? He didn’t seem like the antithesis of a Nazi party member and a very high ranking one at that. In fact he was the opposite and at times was charming and gave the young women anything they needed. Given what Helen had said about him in book one surely a leopard can’t change their spots that easily. I was fearful for the group that at any minute he would turn on them and the comfortable situation in which they had established themselves would be swept from under them and they would be at a loss as to what to do.
Margot is clever and really gets close to Shroder. He is impressed by her work ethic and she becomes his secretary. She uses this new role to her advantage and this demonstrated what great courage and dedication she had in that her ultimate aim like so many others was to see Paris liberated and the war won. At the same time she showed great compassion, kindness and love towards Lucie when she could have been angry and full of resentment that she wouldn’t leave when she came to rescue her. After all they could have been safely on their way to America at this stage. Recent revelations mean Margot is also battling with a secret which she is torn in two about revealing for the repercussions would affect several people. She also constantly wrestles with her heart but it’s obvious for the reader to see which way it lies despite her attempting to brush her feelings and instincts aside. Again I feel this will be explored in more depth in book three.
Lucie is the character who I felt changed the most but in a good way. She was no longer reliant on others and she demonstrated great maturity more so than a typical 18 year old would. She was compassionate and stepped into the role that Helen had vacated. She knew her own mind and wasn’t afraid to say it particularly when Margot thought she would just automatically fall in with plans. I do think regarding the romance element to her story I just couldn’t quite fall in line with it given whose heart had captured her.
I’ve read many situations like this in world war two historical fiction and I put myself in their place and think would I have done the same? I’m not sure I would have so it makes me uneasy that Lucie did this but perhaps we shouldn’t tarnish all people with the same brush. I mean this in reference to who her romantic entanglement is with. As for Josette, in the first book I found her very annoying, cold and stand offish and there are still traits of this here regarding her. She is constantly woe is me, nobody loves me. The one I love doesn’t have an interest in me. Why am I so lonely and unlovable. But then she finds an interest for herself, and this leads her down a very dangerous and risky path but one which deserves much admiration and respect and my opinion of her changed. Well not completely but I did come to appreciate her and what she was doing.
The Last War Orphan was another brilliant read from Jenna Ness and to be honest I can’t believe that she hasn’t been published long before now so good are her books. My reading year has been very up and down so it takes something for a book to grab my attention these days and hold it and this Orphans of St.Agnes’s series has done that. I’ve said it in my previous review and I’ll say it again this would make a brilliant series for Netflix or else a Sunday night drama which we all love to watch. You’ll definitely read this in one sitting as it’s one of those of those books where you have to know what is going to happen next. I’m gutted it had to end but will definitely back to see how things continue to unfold for everyone when book three, The War Orphan’s Courage, is published in March 2026.
We pick up directly from where book one concluded and there was no messing around with filler in chapters instead we dove straight back into the action and it felt as if I had never left the characters behind. Everything was fresh in my mind and I didn’t feel as if I had to refamiliarise myself with the characters and their current predicaments. For those new to this series you needn’t worry as the author subtly dropped in information regarding previous events so as to make the reader feel as if they were up to date with everything.
The main task for Margot and Josette alongside Roger was to get back into occupied France from Marseille to reunite with and rescue Margot’s younger sister Lucie who had ended up back in Paris at St.Agnes’ orphanage which is now under the control of Otto Shroder, one of Hitler’s right hand men. I thought this would be the entire focus of the book given how their journey to Marseille to eventually try and get to America was the dominant plot of book one. Instead, this all occurred very quickly and they were reunited fairly on in the book but all is not as it seems and there is a very tangled web to try and extricate themselves from.
The author pushed her female characters right into the lion’s den and did so in a surprising and riveting way. Other authors perhaps would have had their characters stay away from certain situations and maybe had them develop more towards the climax of the book instead here they are thrust directly towards the spotlight from the get go creating an anxiety and unease in the reader that never lets up and has you engrossed and eagerly turning the pages. I loved that Jenna Ness did this because it allowed for a different aspect of the war to be explored. Usually characters are kept apart from those that want to take them down until strictly necessary so to see how such close interactions occurred and what it meant for the characters that I was rooting for proved very interesting.
Helen, the headmistress of the orphanage, is now on her way to America with John Cleeton and several other orphans so they don’t feature but the ramifications of what Helen did so many years ago are still being felt with Shroder determined to enact his revenge. For what I will not say. There is still oner particular big mystery surrounding Helen that I hope will be explored in book three and I really would like her to feature again. Here Margot, Lucie and Josette really get their chance to shine and their individual stories are explored in great depth. From the outset, the pacing is brilliant with lots of twists and turns all of which are relevant to the story and drive it further on. The reader has to be alert for hints and clues at all times and one major strand I had an inkling about and though not 100% confirmed in this book I do feel I am on the right track with it and can sense this will all come to fruition in book three. Well fingers crossed anyway.
Throughout the book, Margot is expected to be brave, tough, determined and strong and she rises to the challenge with great relish. She became a real leader and although initially upset that Lucie will not leave the orphanage and escape as several babies have been left on their doorstep and she is caring for them she adapted to the new situation and plan and used it meticulously to her advantage. Margot and Lucie are employed by Shroder in the very house where they spent many years growing up with Helen and so many others. I just couldn’t fathom why Shroder was so welcoming and gave them employment? He didn’t seem like the antithesis of a Nazi party member and a very high ranking one at that. In fact he was the opposite and at times was charming and gave the young women anything they needed. Given what Helen had said about him in book one surely a leopard can’t change their spots that easily. I was fearful for the group that at any minute he would turn on them and the comfortable situation in which they had established themselves would be swept from under them and they would be at a loss as to what to do.
Margot is clever and really gets close to Shroder. He is impressed by her work ethic and she becomes his secretary. She uses this new role to her advantage and this demonstrated what great courage and dedication she had in that her ultimate aim like so many others was to see Paris liberated and the war won. At the same time she showed great compassion, kindness and love towards Lucie when she could have been angry and full of resentment that she wouldn’t leave when she came to rescue her. After all they could have been safely on their way to America at this stage. Recent revelations mean Margot is also battling with a secret which she is torn in two about revealing for the repercussions would affect several people. She also constantly wrestles with her heart but it’s obvious for the reader to see which way it lies despite her attempting to brush her feelings and instincts aside. Again I feel this will be explored in more depth in book three.
Lucie is the character who I felt changed the most but in a good way. She was no longer reliant on others and she demonstrated great maturity more so than a typical 18 year old would. She was compassionate and stepped into the role that Helen had vacated. She knew her own mind and wasn’t afraid to say it particularly when Margot thought she would just automatically fall in with plans. I do think regarding the romance element to her story I just couldn’t quite fall in line with it given whose heart had captured her.
I’ve read many situations like this in world war two historical fiction and I put myself in their place and think would I have done the same? I’m not sure I would have so it makes me uneasy that Lucie did this but perhaps we shouldn’t tarnish all people with the same brush. I mean this in reference to who her romantic entanglement is with. As for Josette, in the first book I found her very annoying, cold and stand offish and there are still traits of this here regarding her. She is constantly woe is me, nobody loves me. The one I love doesn’t have an interest in me. Why am I so lonely and unlovable. But then she finds an interest for herself, and this leads her down a very dangerous and risky path but one which deserves much admiration and respect and my opinion of her changed. Well not completely but I did come to appreciate her and what she was doing.
The Last War Orphan was another brilliant read from Jenna Ness and to be honest I can’t believe that she hasn’t been published long before now so good are her books. My reading year has been very up and down so it takes something for a book to grab my attention these days and hold it and this Orphans of St.Agnes’s series has done that. I’ve said it in my previous review and I’ll say it again this would make a brilliant series for Netflix or else a Sunday night drama which we all love to watch. You’ll definitely read this in one sitting as it’s one of those of those books where you have to know what is going to happen next. I’m gutted it had to end but will definitely back to see how things continue to unfold for everyone when book three, The War Orphan’s Courage, is published in March 2026.
August 12, 2025
The Last War Orphan by Jenna Ness is a gripping historical read that I just could not put down. It is the second book in the Orphans Of St Agnes series. The books need to be read in order as they follow on immediately from each other.
The series is set in France during World War II. This book sees two of the three orphans returning to Paris in order to be re-united with the third, Lucie, who had fled back to the only home she had ever known – the orphanage. Unfortunately, this is now occupied by a leading figure in the Nazi party. The reader witnesses the snake-like nature of a man who pretends to be-friend Lucie. Lucie has a caring, trusting nature, and this could lead to a downfall.
We learn what makes a family. “She was still my sister, by love if not blood.” Love unites very different characters who become one big family – added to one abandoned baby at a time.
Nazi-occupied Paris was a dangerous place to be – especially when a long-held grudge is chased. Characters did whatever they could in their fight for Paris, and for France.
We see that not all Germans are Nazis; and not all French people are patriotic. Some are out for personal gain.
Jenna Ness has created another fabulous novel that is both gripping and intriguing. The reader’s nerves are put to the test as the deeper we read, the more invested we become. I look forward to the third and final book in the trilogy.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The series is set in France during World War II. This book sees two of the three orphans returning to Paris in order to be re-united with the third, Lucie, who had fled back to the only home she had ever known – the orphanage. Unfortunately, this is now occupied by a leading figure in the Nazi party. The reader witnesses the snake-like nature of a man who pretends to be-friend Lucie. Lucie has a caring, trusting nature, and this could lead to a downfall.
We learn what makes a family. “She was still my sister, by love if not blood.” Love unites very different characters who become one big family – added to one abandoned baby at a time.
Nazi-occupied Paris was a dangerous place to be – especially when a long-held grudge is chased. Characters did whatever they could in their fight for Paris, and for France.
We see that not all Germans are Nazis; and not all French people are patriotic. Some are out for personal gain.
Jenna Ness has created another fabulous novel that is both gripping and intriguing. The reader’s nerves are put to the test as the deeper we read, the more invested we become. I look forward to the third and final book in the trilogy.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
August 23, 2025
The Last War Orphan was a very dramatic WW2 Historical Fiction. Lucie, Margot's sister, has been taken by Otto Schröder, a Nazi bent on revenge. They are determinend to rescue her as soon as possible. Otto Schröder had taken control of their home, The Orphanage for St. Agnes. Their home was now home to one of the most evil SS officers.
The journey begins with Josette and Margot trying to get back to Occupied Paris from Marseille. Their journey is super tense. They must rely on Roger to help them make their way. They must hide from the Nazis, avoiding check points and their bullets. They will have to rely on themselves. When they trust others it will lead to more danger. They are on a treacherous journey, risking capture death with every step.
I thought things would get better when they made it to Paris. Boy, was I wrong. Finding Lucie was easy. Getting her to leave was another story. Once an orphanage, always an orphanage. Babies had been showing up on doorstop. More would come and Lucie would not leave them. Margot will not leave her sister. Josette will not go on her own.
Tensions grow as they live among the Nazis. Treachery lurks in the darkness. Margot and Josette soon take steps against the Nazis without telling each other. So many secrets, so many risks can never be good. Discovery could cost them everything. Sharing secrets could destroy everything.
There is no happy ending. Every day they survive is a successful day. Every loss cuts deep. Revenge will soon be Margot's only mission.
The journey begins with Josette and Margot trying to get back to Occupied Paris from Marseille. Their journey is super tense. They must rely on Roger to help them make their way. They must hide from the Nazis, avoiding check points and their bullets. They will have to rely on themselves. When they trust others it will lead to more danger. They are on a treacherous journey, risking capture death with every step.
I thought things would get better when they made it to Paris. Boy, was I wrong. Finding Lucie was easy. Getting her to leave was another story. Once an orphanage, always an orphanage. Babies had been showing up on doorstop. More would come and Lucie would not leave them. Margot will not leave her sister. Josette will not go on her own.
Tensions grow as they live among the Nazis. Treachery lurks in the darkness. Margot and Josette soon take steps against the Nazis without telling each other. So many secrets, so many risks can never be good. Discovery could cost them everything. Sharing secrets could destroy everything.
There is no happy ending. Every day they survive is a successful day. Every loss cuts deep. Revenge will soon be Margot's only mission.
Read
September 17, 2025This is Book 2 in Jess' Series 'Orphans of St Agnes'.
Just wow - utterly blown away by this follow-up to book 1 and I am still reeling now.
In Book 2, we pretty much pick up from Book 1 with the 3 sisters separated. Having ensured Sister Helen was safely on a ship to America, Margate and Josette start the difficult journey of travelling back to Paris while searching for their missing sister Lucie along the way.
Having found her way back to Paris and St Agnes, Lucia is forced to look after the German N@zis that have made her home theirs and so the story began...
This is a very different kind of historical fiction. It is filled with suspense, mystery and indeed, love.
The 3 sisters are very different and I absolutely loved watching them grow and their characters develop - they are not the naive little girls from the start of book 1 anymore.
Learning about the resistance and seeing from the eyes of members was enthralling and deeply moving, as was the depiction of war torn France in the 1940s and at times deeply disturbing.
This is just an entirely moving story that makes you crave more of these girls stories!
I cannot praise this book enough and also cannot recommend it highly enough to all historical fiction lovers. I cannot WAIT to see what happens in book 3 as of course, there are QUITE a few lose ends in Paris that need tying up...
It's a fabulous book ❤️.
Just wow - utterly blown away by this follow-up to book 1 and I am still reeling now.
In Book 2, we pretty much pick up from Book 1 with the 3 sisters separated. Having ensured Sister Helen was safely on a ship to America, Margate and Josette start the difficult journey of travelling back to Paris while searching for their missing sister Lucie along the way.
Having found her way back to Paris and St Agnes, Lucia is forced to look after the German N@zis that have made her home theirs and so the story began...
This is a very different kind of historical fiction. It is filled with suspense, mystery and indeed, love.
The 3 sisters are very different and I absolutely loved watching them grow and their characters develop - they are not the naive little girls from the start of book 1 anymore.
Learning about the resistance and seeing from the eyes of members was enthralling and deeply moving, as was the depiction of war torn France in the 1940s and at times deeply disturbing.
This is just an entirely moving story that makes you crave more of these girls stories!
I cannot praise this book enough and also cannot recommend it highly enough to all historical fiction lovers. I cannot WAIT to see what happens in book 3 as of course, there are QUITE a few lose ends in Paris that need tying up...
It's a fabulous book ❤️.
December 19, 2025
Set in German-occupied Paris in 1940, this historical drama follows Lucie, the lone remaining resident of St. Agnes’ Orphanage. When her former home is seized as a Nazi headquarters, Lucie is forced into a life of servitude, silently enduring the occupation until she discovers an abandoned infant on the orphanage steps.
Determined to save the child, Lucie forms a dangerous and unexpected bond with Klaus, a German officer who proves to be an anomaly among his peers. After Klaus rescues her from a confrontation with soldiers, Lucie realizes he is not a loyalist, but a secret collaborator with the Parisian Resistance.
The stakes escalate as the novel explore themes of unlikely alliances, perseverance, courage and the lengths that one will go to protect innocent children when overwhelming evil presents itself.
Despite not having read Book 1 of the series (The Home for War Orphans), I was able to pick up the second novel in the series with no problem. The plot was a nail-biter from start to finish and I was unable to put it down. Superb writing and a great read! I look forward to additional works by Ms. Ness.
Determined to save the child, Lucie forms a dangerous and unexpected bond with Klaus, a German officer who proves to be an anomaly among his peers. After Klaus rescues her from a confrontation with soldiers, Lucie realizes he is not a loyalist, but a secret collaborator with the Parisian Resistance.
The stakes escalate as the novel explore themes of unlikely alliances, perseverance, courage and the lengths that one will go to protect innocent children when overwhelming evil presents itself.
Despite not having read Book 1 of the series (The Home for War Orphans), I was able to pick up the second novel in the series with no problem. The plot was a nail-biter from start to finish and I was unable to put it down. Superb writing and a great read! I look forward to additional works by Ms. Ness.
August 23, 2025
The Last War Orphans by Jenna Ness
This is the second book in a series, and while I was able to follow the continued storyline because the writing was thorough, I think readers would enjoy the continuation if they started with the first book.
This was beautifully brutal. It is not my typical genre, but I am glad I ended up with this title. These characters were brilliantly written, so bold and brave. Each carried burdens that were not fair and kept secrets that meant staying alive.
This was such an awful period of world history, and this book captured that well—the devastation, the heartbreak, and the cruelty. I cannot imagine surviving as a young adult, let alone with young children. The innocence the orphans represented was heartbreakingly pure. That element was so well done.
I must add the first book, and any following books, to my TBR. I am now invested in this storyline and want to see Margot and Josette get revenge. I also want to see Lucie and the babies survive and thrive.
Publication date: September 17, 2025
Publisher: Bookouture
This is the second book in a series, and while I was able to follow the continued storyline because the writing was thorough, I think readers would enjoy the continuation if they started with the first book.
This was beautifully brutal. It is not my typical genre, but I am glad I ended up with this title. These characters were brilliantly written, so bold and brave. Each carried burdens that were not fair and kept secrets that meant staying alive.
This was such an awful period of world history, and this book captured that well—the devastation, the heartbreak, and the cruelty. I cannot imagine surviving as a young adult, let alone with young children. The innocence the orphans represented was heartbreakingly pure. That element was so well done.
I must add the first book, and any following books, to my TBR. I am now invested in this storyline and want to see Margot and Josette get revenge. I also want to see Lucie and the babies survive and thrive.
Publication date: September 17, 2025
Publisher: Bookouture
August 13, 2025
NetGalley
Such a thrilling and wonderful follow up to the first book - I stayed up until midnight last night to finish this! And now I anxiously await book three. I enjoyed getting to know the three girls a lot more than we did in the first book - Lucie and Josette especially. And Madame Hebert, what a delightful surprise she was! I think of the three I enjoyed Josette’s story the most, and I really liked her character development.
Lucie raised a very good point as well, it’s all well and good to try and save the world but what if you’re doing that at the expense of your family? Surely sometimes it would be wise to just pull your head in and enjoy the food and warmth that German protection can provide, especially when there’s all the orphans to think of as well.
I can’t wait to see what the third book holds, of the author could write a little faster now kthx ;)
Such a thrilling and wonderful follow up to the first book - I stayed up until midnight last night to finish this! And now I anxiously await book three. I enjoyed getting to know the three girls a lot more than we did in the first book - Lucie and Josette especially. And Madame Hebert, what a delightful surprise she was! I think of the three I enjoyed Josette’s story the most, and I really liked her character development.
Lucie raised a very good point as well, it’s all well and good to try and save the world but what if you’re doing that at the expense of your family? Surely sometimes it would be wise to just pull your head in and enjoy the food and warmth that German protection can provide, especially when there’s all the orphans to think of as well.
I can’t wait to see what the third book holds, of the author could write a little faster now kthx ;)
September 18, 2025
I’m enjoying this series. I very rarely read historical fiction series, especially ones that pick up where the last one leaves off. It definitely took me a little bit to remember the previous book, but they easily flowed together.
Three orphaned teenagers had to grow up way too fast. They’re forced to live with a German officer when he commandeers their orphanage as his new headquarters. Even though the orphanage is technically closed, children keep getting dropped off at their door. Lucie is overly willing to take on care of the children while the older girls find themselves making difficult decisions and choosing loyalties.
I love the comparison of this book to books by Kristin Hannah and Kelly Rimmer, that can be one of the most influential parts of blurbs for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.
Three orphaned teenagers had to grow up way too fast. They’re forced to live with a German officer when he commandeers their orphanage as his new headquarters. Even though the orphanage is technically closed, children keep getting dropped off at their door. Lucie is overly willing to take on care of the children while the older girls find themselves making difficult decisions and choosing loyalties.
I love the comparison of this book to books by Kristin Hannah and Kelly Rimmer, that can be one of the most influential parts of blurbs for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.
September 19, 2025
Lucie finds herself back at the place where the story started, but the circumstances are very different now because the Germans have overtaken the orphanage. When her sisters Margot and Josette found her they want to leave immediately but Lucie can't leave. But will they be safe from the people who hate them and who can they really trust?
This second story in this series is as good as the first one, maybe even better. I loved the characters and suspense. I can't wait for the conclusion!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this story, this review is my honest opinion.
This second story in this series is as good as the first one, maybe even better. I loved the characters and suspense. I can't wait for the conclusion!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this story, this review is my honest opinion.
October 4, 2025
Story about three now adult orphan girls who attempted to flee Paris during the Nazi invasion, only to return to the now occupied orphanage by Nazi commanders. Herr Shroder allows them to remain, assisting with babies left, giving them jobs to assist him. However, it becomes complicated when each defies him while maintaining secrets from one another to help the cause in different ways until he learns about it and they must flee. When truth becomes known, it causes riffs and undermines their safety. Good character development, never a dull moment, however, their constant bickering are a bit over the top when it undermines their safety. For someone who prefers a clean WWII resistance story.
September 18, 2025
The Last War Orphan is the second book in the Orphans of St Agnes series, and it's brilliant. The story continues where the first book left off, following Margot and Josette as they search for Lucie. I highly recommend reading the first book before diving into this captivating novel filled with courage, hope, love, and family. I can't wait to read the conclusion of the series.
I would like to thank the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheLastWarOrphan #NetGalley.
I would like to thank the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheLastWarOrphan #NetGalley.
October 7, 2025
A tumultuous story
The Last War Orphan is a war story touching on so many aspects of life during war. This is a story of hardship and pain, loss and grief. It is also a story of family, relationships, love and trust, jealousy and fear. And secrets. It is a very moving story focused on three young girls and their battles against the Nazis, each other, and within themselves. I highly recommend this story. It is one of a series, so you should read all three of the books. At the time of this review, the third book is not yet available.
The Last War Orphan is a war story touching on so many aspects of life during war. This is a story of hardship and pain, loss and grief. It is also a story of family, relationships, love and trust, jealousy and fear. And secrets. It is a very moving story focused on three young girls and their battles against the Nazis, each other, and within themselves. I highly recommend this story. It is one of a series, so you should read all three of the books. At the time of this review, the third book is not yet available.
August 23, 2025
I spent a lot of time in about 75% of this book confused. In reading reviews I see several mentions of this being a sequel to another book and they should be read in order. I think that explains my confusion of not knowing where the characters fit. I was able to enjoy the book closer to the end when the orphanage residents realized how much danger they were in and attempted to flee. I received a copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 26, 2025
Just wow! Book 2 in the Orphans of St Agnes series is a cracker. Heartbreaking, sad and brutal yet full of hope. WW2 was horrendous, a tragedy of epic proportions and this feeling is captured in this story.. I highly recommend this series and it would be best to start with book 1 so that the people and their relationships to each other make sense. Would definitely buy and gift this book to a historical fiction fan. Jenna Ness did a great job with this sequel.
September 16, 2025
A heart wrenching story about difficult choices that had to be made during one of the most trying times in history.
Each chapter, with shifting points of views, reveals more of the story and the edginess.
I kept asking myself what will occur next as I quickly devoured the words.
This book definitely challenges paradigms of right and wrong and the decisions people make.
Thanks Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance copy.
Each chapter, with shifting points of views, reveals more of the story and the edginess.
I kept asking myself what will occur next as I quickly devoured the words.
This book definitely challenges paradigms of right and wrong and the decisions people make.
Thanks Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance copy.
September 29, 2025
Second in the series Orphans of St. Agnes, The Last War Orphan by Jenna Ness is a melodrama about three young French women caught up in a web in the orphanage where they were raised after it has been appropriated by the German commander out to seek revenge while subjugating the citizens of Paris through a propaganda campaign. Each young woman takes a different path to cope with the presence of the Wehrmacht in their home.
September 3, 2025
1940 in Paris, and Lucie is living at what was St Agnes’ Orphanage, it’s now home to a German Officer.
Lucie is hoping her sister Margot comes back for her, but when she finds an abandoned baby on the doorstep, her priorities change.
Unfortunately, I haven’t read the first book in this series yet, and while this story did make sense, I did feel that I had missed out on the earlier story, and I shall definitely be remedying this.
I loved Lucie, she had a heart of gold and was so kind and trusting. She was certainly put upon by others, but persevered and thought the best of everyone.
The thought of women having to abandon their babies due to the loss of their husbands, lack of food, or worst of all, becoming pregnant from abuse by German soldiers, is heartbreaking, and a difficult story to hear.
This is a powerful tale, and makes you appreciate how lucky we are now, eighty-five years on. This story reminds us all of how our forefathers fought to keep us safe.
A tale of growing up, courage, and above all, love.
I am looking forward to reading more from this new author to me.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Lucie is hoping her sister Margot comes back for her, but when she finds an abandoned baby on the doorstep, her priorities change.
Unfortunately, I haven’t read the first book in this series yet, and while this story did make sense, I did feel that I had missed out on the earlier story, and I shall definitely be remedying this.
I loved Lucie, she had a heart of gold and was so kind and trusting. She was certainly put upon by others, but persevered and thought the best of everyone.
The thought of women having to abandon their babies due to the loss of their husbands, lack of food, or worst of all, becoming pregnant from abuse by German soldiers, is heartbreaking, and a difficult story to hear.
This is a powerful tale, and makes you appreciate how lucky we are now, eighty-five years on. This story reminds us all of how our forefathers fought to keep us safe.
A tale of growing up, courage, and above all, love.
I am looking forward to reading more from this new author to me.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
August 19, 2025
This book grabbed my heart from the very first page. Lucie’s bravery, the abandoned baby, and the unlikely love story had me in tears more than once. Absolutely unforgettable
August 19, 2025
I couldn’t stop reading. The story is both heartbreaking and hopeful, and the writing transports you straight into occupied Paris. A must-read for historical fiction fans.
August 19, 2025
Beautifully written and full of emotion. The relationship between Lucie and Klaus is tender and real, and the tension of their escape had me on edge.
August 19, 2025
Wow. I finished this in just two days it was that gripping. Jenna Ness has a gift for mixing history, danger, and romance seamlessly.
August 19, 2025
I’ve read many WWII novels, but this one stands out because of the orphanage setting and the abandoned baby. It gave the story so much emotional depth.
August 19, 2025
Heart-wrenching yet full of hope. The courage shown by Lucie is inspiring. I will be thinking about this story for a long time.
August 19, 2025
The historical detail is excellent without ever slowing the pace. You feel the fear, the tension, and the small sparks of kindness shining through the darkness.
August 19, 2025
The love story was subtle but powerful. It didn’t feel forced it grew naturally out of shared hardship and courage. I loved every moment.
August 19, 2025
This book made me cry multiple times. The descriptions of Paris under occupation felt so real, and the danger they faced together was terrifying.
August 19, 2025
I read this late into the night and just couldn’t put it down. The suspense was intense, especially near the end when they’re running for their lives.
August 19, 2025
Lucie is such a strong, relatable character. Her determination to protect the baby, even when it meant risking everything, was incredibly moving.
August 19, 2025
I loved how this book showed not just the horrors of war, but also the quiet acts of resistance and kindness that made survival possible.
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