The officer’s cold eyes glide over me, and I clench my fists to hide my shaking hands. He doesn’t recognise me – my disguise has worked. But if he finds out who I really am, everyone I love will be in terrible danger…
Paris, 1944. Stepping under the dim glow of the streetlamp, Jewish orphan Josette tightens her coat and adjusts her leather satchel. The German soldiers who patrol the streets see neat plaits and shined shoes, but she is no schoolgirl. For months she has been slipping unnoticed past the enemy carrying important messages for the Resistance inside hollowed-out textbooks.
Shouts echo down the twisty cobbled streets, but she takes a deep breath and checks her disguise. The man she lovesis waiting for her, desperate for the secret documents she’s carrying – she cannot let him down. Her heart skips as she thinks of Paul. The passion and devotion with which he leads their resistance group. The warmth in his voice when he talks about his beloved little sister Suzanne. The look in his brown eyes when he holds Josette close under starry skies each night and tells her he loves her…
But everything changes when Josette hears the terrible news. Suzanne has been captured by the Nazis, accused of treason. Fear gripping her, Josette knows that if she and Paul can find a way into the prison by morning, they might be able to save her, but it may cost them everything.
Can Josette and Paul rescue Suzanne before it’s too late?Or will they have to sacrifice everything to force their enemies to set her free?
An utterly heartbreaking novel about incredible courage and finding hope in the darkest places. Perfect for fans of Roberta Kagan, Kristin Hannah and Kelly Rimmer.
Jenna Ness is the author of the World War II-set ORPHANS OF ST. AGNES trilogy, about young women faced with a heartbreaking choice: will they surrender to the anguish of war, or fight for themselves and those they love? Under a pseudonym, Jenna has also sold four million romance novels in twenty different languages and is a USA Today-bestselling author.
She lives in Idaho with her family and two dogs who follow her like ducklings from her desk to the fridge – Cosmo, a badly behaved Labrador-Collie mix, and Scootie, a chunky Chihuahua.
I’ve really enjoyed this series and these characters. It was so easy to connect with the girls. I like that it’s followed them each through the war. They were forced to grow up far too quickly and do anything they could to survive the war. At first I questioned their ability to do that, but they somehow manage to figure out how to survive.
Each of the girls have their own men, even though Josette and Margo are determined to keep their distance from them. I couldn’t help but root for each couple to find their HEA. I love the found family they have created for themselves.
I’m really looking forward to reading more books by Jenna.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book,
The War Orphan’s Courage is the third and final instalment in Jenna Ness’, Orphan’s of St. Agnes trilogy. Although this can be read as a standalone story I suggest starting with book one as the timeline flows directly on from the end of each book. For new readers there is lots of information dropped in about the previous books, so you don’t feel as if you are missing out. But still books one and two were excellent reads and you’ll come to appreciate Margot and co even more. The book is split into three distinct parts starting in 1942 where the reader is quickly reacquainted with Margot who is trying to get back to Paris in order to find Le Lerot, the Resistance leader whom she has never met but had secretly been passing important information to for several years. Her time working as Otto Shroder’s secretary has come to an end and needless to say Otto is not happy having discovered what Margot had been up to. He claims he loves her, but her love lies elsewhere and no way would she have fallen for a Nazi especially after everything he has put them through and will continue to do so in this book.
Otto is the villain of the series who has been pitched perfectly throughout. He is vindictive, bold, callous, evil, deceitful and hell bent on enacting revenge for a significant event in his past which has affected him ever since. It’s just unfortunate that Margot and the orphans have been caught up in his web of fear and vengeance. The connections and links that appear between all the characters are making themselves ever more present in this book and I loved how the author joined all the dots together. Every previous action or event has a forbearing on the characters motivations throughout this final book and each girl, Lucie, Margot and Josette has their own personal vendettas which they wish to see come to fruition. Otto is there every step of the way to thwart their plans and several times they come face to face. There is no evasion here and each time this occurred I thought that’s it, it’s game over for the group but the author continued to weave an incredible tale that continued to give the reader more and more time and time again.
There is so much that happens with everyone throughout that I must be careful and not give away important plots or spoilers from previous books that would impact the readers reading experience. Margot is filled with fury, tenacity, bravery and courage as she herself wants vengeance for an event at the end of book two that left her devastated and filled with a burning fire. Needless to say it’s Otto who is the source of her rath but she knows she can’t instantly go straight for the jugular as he is wielding a power over several of the characters. They all know action needs to be taken but given the constraints of the war they have to tread carefully. I admired Margot’s restraint in this matter and that she knew she had to bid her time. Although I loved towards the end caution was thrown to the wind and sacrifices were made because time was running out.
Margot discovers who Le Lerot is and it’s a surprising turn of events as to who has been hiding behind that name and what they have been doing with someone else very significant in Margot’s life. I’m purposefully being very vague here lest I slip up with a significant spoiler. Margot throws herself into resistance work, sabotage, espionage and secrets earning infamy along the way but her ruthlessness, desperation, pain, grief and strength are what fuels her alongside the more emotional side. I enjoyed how the romance element played out for her and she proved time and time again that she was a remarkable young woman who I would say surprised herself with regards to her capabilities and became someone who stepped up when needed the most and became a leader full of truth, ambition and resilience.
Lucie, when we first met her, was very young, like the baby of the elder group within the orphanage. As with all the characters she has been through so much and despite being only in her late teens she has found happiness. Margot had been her protector and guide but someone else has stepped into that position although the others are very much wary of that person given their background and connections. But Lucie knows lasting love when it comes to her and after all she has always given her love to everyone each orphan that passed through the doors and those she continues to help hide. I was heartbroken for Lucie at what unfolds and you could see her whither and shrivel up despite needing to soldier on for one very important reason. I thought she would have just given up and given herself to Otto in place of others for she no longer wanted to be in this world. The path that her storyline undertook was brilliant to read about and out of the three young women she was the one for me who did a complete 360 from book one to book three. Maturity is one word which springs to mind when I think of her journey.
As for Josette, in the first two books I found her to be so infuriating and whingy. Always moaning no one loved her and all she wanted was love and to belong. She couldn’t see what was right at her door. I felt she would have betrayed the group given half a chance but again here she transforms. Her plot in this book was like her redemption. I think she surprised herself and her friends. She really stepped up when needed and there were certain things she did that I knew when first meeting her wouldn’t have been plausible or achievable at all. She pushed herself deeply out of her comfort zone and worked as part of a team. She was less hard and closed off although opening herself to love proved challenging for her. She played her role well throughout and fitted much more into he group.
The War Orphan’s Courage was a fantastic conclusion to what has been a brilliant trilogy from beginning to end from Jenna Ness. I’m genuinely sad that I won’t be given the opportunity to read more about Margot, Lucie, Josette and co. The character development has been phenomenal seeing them transform from young innocent girls living in an orphanage to tough, brave and stalwart young women. They certainly are not the same people that I met in book one. It’s just a pity that they had to go through such devastating, hard and brutal times and grow up so quickly to achieve this transformation. I adored this series and really didn’t feel like leaving once I had reached the final page. It was a bittersweet moment as the plot was expertly developed and flowed wonderfully throughout the three books reaching an exciting climax. The writing throughout was realistic, vibrant and thrilling and you never know what was around the corner. You’ll feel a whole myriad of emotions and be rooting for each character. Those you may not have warmed to in the beginning, yes I’m talking about Josette, she was the one who really surprised me. Little did I think reading book one that I would come to admire and respect her for actions and the changes within her. This book is packed full of twists and turns, raw emotions, action, romance and lots more and I couldn’t recommend it and the series enough. The further I got into the storyline I thought this trilogy as a whole would make a perfect drama series. It has all the ingredients to make it a smash hit. In the meantime do yourself a favour and make sure to read all three books I assure you, you won’t be left disappointed.
The War Orphan’s Courage by Jenna Ness is a fabulous conclusion to the Orphans Of St Agnes trilogy. Although you could read this as a stand-alone, I recommend reading the books in numerical order as the books follow on in time. This is the story of three orphans during World War II in Paris – Jossette, Lucie and Margot. In this book, we are approaching the end of the war and all the orphans have found their way back to Paris. They all want to fight with the resistance in order to disrupt the Nazi war machine, and one particularly nasty and cruel officer. All the female characters are loyal and gutsy. Each one thinks of self-sacrifice for the good of the group. Together they are stronger. The men of the resistance fight for justice. They support the women in attempting to bring down the evil Nazi officer. Within war, love still blossoms. We see those who try to fight their feelings. In a previous book, we saw forbidden love – we hear what happened next in this book. The fruits of love bring hope for the next generation. People make choices in war. They must live with the consequences. Some lives are haunted by the choices they made. Children are at the heart of the story. The orphans of the past formed strong bonds, and they care for the orphans of today. The atmosphere of war has been captured. We ‘feel’ the fear and witness the fragility of life. I have thoroughly enjoyed the Orphans Of St Agnes trilogy. The War Orphan’s Courage is a perfect conclusion to this fabulous trilogy. I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Josette, a Jewish orphan, hides from the German soldiers patrolling the streets. Every night, she risks her life by carrying important messages for the Resistance inside hollowed-out textbooks. Disguised as a schoolgirl, she wonders how long she can continue her mission. Her love for Paul, the leader of their resistance group, fuels her determination. When they have the chance to be close under the starry skies, their only message to each other is their love.
Tragedy strikes when Josette hears the devastating news that Suzanne, Paul’s little sister, is captured by the Nazis and accused of treason. Paul and Josette unite, risking everything to enter the prison undetected. They may be able to rescue Suzanne, but it could be their final mission.
“The War Orphan’s Courage” by Jenna Ness is an extraordinary story that explores themes of family, love, and courage. It’s a tale of individuals risking their lives for the survival of others. Ness’s exceptional storytelling leaves readers completely satisfied. This story deeply moved me, breaking my heart into tiny pieces and mending it back together one piece at a time. I was utterly captivated by this remarkable story. Be prepared to reach for a tissue box, as you’ll likely need it. I highly recommend this phenomenal story.
This is Book 3 in Jenna's Orphan's of St Agnes Series.
Set during World War Two, this emotional and utterly heartbreaking story picks up where it left off in Book 2.
Lucie has remained in the country, while Josette and Margot have returned to Paris - both for very different reasons.
And so, the final push of the war effort begins.
I have adored these sisters - they may not be blood but they are certainly as close as any sisters ever could be.
The story is intricate and is told from the POV of the French Resistance. I loved how each sister had her own story that weaved between the others and ultimately sister's story has her own ending.
This is a powerful story of hope, love and overcoming evil. It is a story of people coming together in the face adversity and joining together to overthrow tyranny and at the heart... a plucky bunch of orphans, determined to support the resistence and protect the children like our favourite Sister, Sister Helen did.
A fabulous ending to a trilogy that has kept me hooked from the very beginning.
If you love historical fiction then this is absolutely on
Orphans of St Agnes has been a very enjoyable series. There has been lots of action, danger and drama throughout the series holding my interest. I opened up The War Orphan's Courage expecting the same, but I got so much more. It was easy to get lost in the adventures of Margo, Josette and Lucie.
The girls find themselves back in Paris fighting with the resistance. There is a lot of drama going on as Margo and Josette continue the silent treatment. They are constantly at risk of being caught or worse. When Lucie returns things get more interesting. One thing is certain they all have one goal. the death of Otto Schroder. If there ever was a villian work detesting, he is that man.
The story is full of "on the edge of your seat" suspense. Freedom will not come easily. Shocking twists add to the drama and hope for a better tomorrow. Tears flowed as my heart broke for this that stood against the Nazis. My heart grew as the characters learned that even in war it is okay to find love.
📆 single timeline. 👀 multi POV 🐢 -🐇 medium-paced 💬 "I tried to tell myself it had been just a kiss. But you could say that about Judas."
I immediately got back into this storyline, and any details I had forgotten (such as Margot's parentage) were cleverly woven into the story. In my head the plucky orphans area still children, but of course they aren't by this point in the story. This was the last book in the series, and I think it concluded beautifully.
I feel like we got to know Lucie a lot more in this book, and her story was heartbreaking at times. I've also grown to love Josette a lot more than I did initially.
The orphans adventures are fraught with danger, but also full of love, hope and, most importantly, friendship. At times it felt almost as if they were maybe too lucky, but then we all want a feel good story don't we? I'm not sure that a Nazi would hunt someone as relentlessly as Schröder did, but he certainly added tension to the story.
I've thoroughly enjoyed this series from start to finish and would definitely recommend it.
World War II definitely provided an abundance of material for authors, both fiction and non-fiction. Perhaps it is the fact that I was born during the midst of this conflagration, but I do have a proclivity to reading this genre of history. "The War Orphan's Courage" is the third in a series of three books. All were a good read. They begin at an Orphanage for girls in Paris during the beginning of the Nazi occupation in France. Three women, Margot, Josette and Lucie, had all been raised in this shelter for orphans and are in their late teens by now. The story lines are great, the characters are well defined and if there are any flaws, they would be what I would define as a very few rather 'far-fetched' actions of the characters. However, all three books are quite well written, with plenty of powerful tugs on the heart, courageous actions and page turning into the late hours to continue the spell of the well-paced stories. Very enjoyable!
I recommend the two preceding books in this series: "The Home for War Orphans" and "The Last War Orphan".
This is the third and final book in The War Orphans series, about Lucie, Josette and Margot and I’m sad that their story is over. Josette is a Jewish orphan who serves as an undercover messenger for the French Resistance. The beautiful setting of Paris is a juxtaposition of the horror of the Nazis. While this book takes place during the war, it is truly a book about love, perseverance and hope. I will miss these girls and I was hoping for a HEA for each of them. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. #TheWarOrphansCourage #JennaNassBookTour #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksThatTakePlaceDuringWWII
I first must say to anyone about to read or currently reading this - don’t worry, Choupette is ok!
What a thrilling and dramatic conclusion to the trilogy, I absolutely loved it! I loved how we got to see Lucie, Josette and Margot all really grow up through the series, and where they all ended up within themselves felt totally natural compared to how they had started.
Otto returns as the most dastardly villain; he is an utter madman blinded by his vendetta and this leads to some tragic consequences. I am sad there’s no more in this series for me to eat up but hopefully there is more from the author without too much delay because she is certainly a new favourite!
The War Orphans Courage is a wonderful conclusion to the Orphans of St Agnes series. A heartfelt, story about resilience, hope and the strength of found family. Children had to grow far to quicky during WW2 and the main characters in this story highlight the courage, bravery and determination they were forced to find within themselves. Moments of love, loss and hope intertwined in the pages created a memorable finale. I recommend reading the full series to experience the heart of the story. 4 ½ stars I would like to thank the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review. #TheWarOrphansCourage #NetGalley
The year is 1944, and we are back in Paris with orphans, Margot, Lucie and Josette.
Whispers abound that World War Two is coming to an end, the Nazis will be defeated … but for now, the three are still caught up in the war.
Lucie is looking after the abandoned young children with Klaus. Still having to look over their shoulders, to not get caught by Klaus’s evil uncle.
Margot and Josette are still involved with The Resistance, doing all they can to stop the Nazis.
This is the final book in the trilogy, although it can be read as a standalone, I would still recommend reading them all in order. It’s helpful to understand the characters, where they come from, how strong and brave they are.
An intense and powerful story that pulled on my heartstrings and left me willing the girls on and praying for their survival.
With descriptive writing, not only can you picture Paris with its landmarks, cafés and hidden streets, you can also picture the desperation alongside the hope that good is coming soon.
A story of love, commitment, and bravery, beautifully written by the author.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
The story continues for Lucie, Josette and Margot, they have all endured so much already but now their enemy is so close. They have to work together to survive but what will these last months of war cost them, can the free themselves from the man who wants to destroy them all? What a great conclusion of this series. When you start it you don't want to put it down. A must read for fans of historical fiction during the war.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this story.
This is the third and final book in the Orphans of St Agnes series and yet again I was completely invested in this book from the very beginning. Historical fiction is one of my favourite genre and this book brought out so many emotions as I progressed through it. The way the author described life in Paris during that time really had me seeing everything through the eyes of the characters. A tense and at times heartbreaking read, it’s one that will stay with me for a long time.
This is the third book of the trilogy. It is just as intense as books one and two. This part of the story is when the German occupation of Paris is ending. The resistance movement is increasing and the allied nations are advancing quickly. This is a heart pounding read. All three books were fantastically well written and totally absorbing to read. I highly recommend all of them!
Josette and Paul are trying to rescue and save Suzanne before it's too late. They face many hardships, adversities and sacrifices along the way. Will they get there in time? I cried bucket loads of tears and felt fearful for the characters. This is a powerful and unforgettable story it will stay in my head for a long while. Epically courageous and emotionally draining.
I really enjoyed this series. Strong independent females who had help with their respective male love interests. Also some interesting historical facts relating to WW2 in France and how life was Would read more by this author
The soul of Paris is on display with strong female characters who ended up being the soul of resistance and the coming of resolution. I loved the 3 female “sisters” with their multidimensional characters.
Fight in ww2 France Sisters by choice Romance intrigue this book is a fabulous Read worth the time to understand 1940's life style and survival These books have it all
I have finished the third book of this series. I have throughly enjoyed every one. They were definitely attention getters. I couldn't put them down as I read each one.
Gripping story of love and patriotism. Strong characters each displaying different personality traits and strengths. Strong emotions set in the background of France during World War Two. Enjoyed the read.
Before I commented I wanted to read the trilogy and am glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and had a difficult time putting it down. Very well done.