The Children on the Train

by Anna Stuart

November 1938, Germany. Grete guides two small children onto the train. Placing her arms protectively around their shoulders, she prays the journey is uneventful because she must get six-year-old Adele and eight-year-old Rosa out of Germany…

Grete always longed to be a mother, but it never happened for her so, as the clouds of war gather over Europe, she’s devoting her time to helping Jewish children escape the Nazis. She remembers the face of every single child she’s taken on trains to freedom in the Netherlands. The danger increases with each trip, but, today, she has to get her best friend’s children to safety, because they are closest thing she has to family.

But at the border, the train screeches to a halt and she hears the shout of a Nazi guard. Then the sound of boots coming towards their carriage. When the door bursts open, she draws herself up tall, and prepares to face the interrogation she knows will come. With shaking hands, she passes over Rosa and Adele’s tattered papers and hopes they aren’t scrutinised too closely.

Grete is ready to do whatever it takes to keep her small charges safe…

A completely heart-breaking and emotional WW2 historical fiction novel of incredible bravery, friendship and love in the darkest of times inspired by true stories of the Kindertransport. From the bestselling author of The Midwife of Auschwitz, this unforgettable story is perfect for fans of Orphan Train, The Book of Lost Names and The Nightingale.

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II

424 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2026

About the author

I wanted to be an author from the moment I could pick up a pen and was writing boarding-school novels by the age of nine. I made the early mistake of thinking I ought to get a ‘proper job’ and went into Factory Planning – a career that gave me some wonderful experiences, amazing friends and even a fantastic husband, but didn’t offer much creative scope. So when I stopped to have children I took the chance to start the ‘improper job’ of writing. During the baby years I wrote in the brief gaps provided by sleeps, playschools and obliging grandparents, publishing short stories and serials in all the women’s magazines.

But my ultimate aim was to write longer fiction and several years ago I published a series of successful historical novels under the pseudonym Joanna Courtney. I will continue to publish under that name but am delighted, as Anna Stuart, to also be able to write contemporary fiction. Bonnie and Stan is a true to life romance set in both the present day and sixties Liverpool and Four Minutes to Save a Life is a domestic drama about how small acts of kindness might just change the world!

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another terrific read from this author. This is about two women worlds collide helping each other during dreadful time.Helena married to a German with 2 children she is Jewish and live with her parents.she has to get her children out of Germany..Grete a woman who longed for children it never happened helps Jewish children escape Germany to Netherlands it's frought with danger...can they escape? An emotional read.im looking forward to reading more of her books.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of The Children on the Train by Anna Stuart. This is my third book by this author and I was honoured to be a part of Books on Tour. The book's publication date was August 4, 2026. This one was absolutely terrific. It was an emotional read and kept me engaged the whole time. It is a must for all historical fiction lovers. The characters come to life and I felt like I was living these events as they were happening. A 5 star rating from me. #netgalley #Bookouture #AnnaStuart #BookTour

[Lisa Penninga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how much I learn reading historical fiction, and I had never read or heard of the kindertransport before reading this book! Brave women, especially Truus Wisjmuller, bringing Jewish children out of Hitler’s reach and into safety. This book is a beautiful, heartfelt story, that reminds us as humans what are role is no matter our place. Caring for others, carrying compassion, and creating solutions despite the fear we may face. I enjoyed reading this book from the first to last pages! What a tour-de-force for all of us to see the difference one woman could make in a time of war, bigotry, and fear.

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Anna Stuart, and Bookouture for giving me an ARC of The Children on The Train by Anna Stuart! I have read most of Anna’s books now and have to say she has nailed her niche of WW2 Historical Fiction! She doesn’t sugar coat anything and includes all the hardships those poor people went through. These are fictional characters however everything is so well researched they still provide you with important history that isn’t talked about like it should be. Her books are all very strong-women centered and I really appreciate that. Her characters are very realistic and well written. This book is no exception, and I’m privileged to have been chosen to read it before it is released on August 4, 2026!

#netgalley #arcreader #thechildrenonthetrain #historicalfiction #bookreview

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again Anna Stuart has written another amazing historical fiction book that had me literally glued to my kindle for many hours, I absolutely adore this authors writing and the research she puts into her books is just amazing. The Children on the Train is based on the true story of the ‘Kindertransport’. The bravery of these children and the women who helped them is astounding. This book had me in tears at times but also made my heart melt at the bravery of these people. Greta was one amazing and brave lady and the deeper I got into the story the more my admiration for her grew. This book is one I highly recommend for fans of this genre.

[Kathryn Spurgeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

I loved the main characters, they made the historical events very realistic. And I learned more about the children whisked away from danger. It was a horrible time and brave people stepped up.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Children on the Train, the latest book from Anna Stuart, is inspired by the true story of Geertruida Wijsmuller, a woman who I had never heard of prior to reading this book but to say I found her inspirational would be an understatement. For during the years prior to the outbreak of World War Two she was one of several who led the Kindertransport evacuating Jewish children from Germany to England and then continued her remarkable and selfless work throughout the war. The book is split into three distinct parts with the story moving along at a brisk pace. I had feared things might become too repetitive but that wasn’t the case and I found myself reading good chunks of the book at one time which is saying something considering my attention span is not the best at the moment. The story is told from two different perspectives, that of Grete, a Dutch social worker who becomes deeply involved in the evacuation of hundreds of Jewish children and Helena a young Jewish woman whose family are facing danger and persecution.

From the outset Grete was a fantastically written character who goes above and beyond the call of duty time and time again. At her heart she is a good person who firmly believes that love, decency, care and kindness are what counts and she demonstrates these traits through every thought, action, word and deed. Grete is a social worker in Amsterdam who initially starts to work for the Dutch Refugee Committee in 1938 who are trying to evacuate Jewish children from Germany as Hitler’s rise to power increases along with his fanatical beliefs regarding Jewish people. Grete was very forward in her thinking and could see what was coming down the line and the lack of her own children with her husband Aartur means the love and passion she would have had for her own children is funnelled into saving as many children as possible. Her childlessness is a theme that runs throughout the book and it makes her a formidable person when it comes to dealing with bureaucracy. She challenges her energies into getting good people out of the most terrible situations so that they can live on and love each other.

I loved that Grete was practical and took no nonsense from anyone. She was the matriarch of the book, the leader whom everyone turned too because they knew she had the tenacity and the gift of words to get people out of sticky situations or have those in power overturn decisions. Through her work with the Kindertransport hundreds of children were saved. There were lots of individual children’s stories that featured throughout and but including this it really brought it home for me how awful it must have been to be uprooted from your parents and taken to a different country not knowing would you ever return. Yes, Grete and all those that volunteered and helped her and not to forget to mention the Burgerweeshuis orphanage in Amsterdam where so many refugee orphaned children found solace did incredible things but liberty should always have been theirs and they should have been able to stay with their families. At times I thought Grete was bit reckless in terms of the situations she willingly placed herself in despite protestations from her loyal husband. Above all else saving the children is her priority and in a way she wants to release the love that she had stored in the hopes of having her own children and let it spread far and wide.

Running alongside Grete’s story is that of Helena. She lives in Koln with her two daughters, Adele and Rosa and her parents who run a hardware shop. Her husband Ansel is away fighting in the Wehrmacht which he had joined long before Hitler and National Socialism rose to power. As Hitler believes Jews are responsible for all the ills in the world Helena’s family are coming under fire along with so many others. New rules and regulations are being introduced daily and long-time friends and neighbours turning their backs on them. That’s one thing that really hit home with me that overnight people who had lived, worked, laughed and loved alongside Helena’s family could view them with disdain and want rid of them in order for Germany to thrive. Helena was a woman who held the responsibility of keeping her family safe close to her heart. She had a steel about her, an efficiency and calmness also but could be ruthless when needed. What she does in relation to her marriage with Ansel I thought was the most selfless act of all even though I could see it was breaking her heart in two. I loved the strand of the story with Ansel although I do think it seemed a bit too obvious what had happened when a certain big incident is revealed.

Kristallnacht is the turning point for Helena, her family’s business is gone and her parents have become shells of who they once were. Helena shares similar values to that of Grete and when she volunteers with the Jewish Association and starts to run the Dutch hub for the transportation of children to Britain her true talents and kindness and compassion begin to manifest themselves. She knows her daughters need safety and security yet she can’t leave her parents behind or her husband who is bound to an army and a cause that he does not believe in. It was the ultimate sacrifice to let her daughters go to Amsterdam but she knew they were in good hands with Grete and Jenni who ran the orphanage. She really was between a rock and a hard place as of she left and stayed in Amsterdam the worst could befall her parents. I wondered would the author let this continue to happen with Helena going back and forth on transports (this is where I felt things could have gotten repetitive) but everything was so well plotted that the author resolved this in a meaningful and impactful way which allowed for more strands of the story to open up.

The plot grew very intense with the outbreak of war and this occurred towards the end of the book. I did think how was the author going to continue the book through the war years and was glad when she didn’t and that the focus was primarily on the transports prewar. A brilliant and emotional picture of bravery, courage, self-sacrifice and belief was created alongside the authentic portrayal of individual children’s stories. I came to care deeply for both Grete and Helena as they both battle to prove the power of love over hate can give an endless supply of hope. All in all, The Children on the Train was an impressive story that blended historical fiction with fact to perfection. I felt like I had experienced a whirlwind of a history lesson that was interesting and engaging. Anna Staurt has honoured and given a voice to a woman many will not have heard of before and the experiences and emotions felt throughout the book will linger on long after you have reached the last page.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Anna Stuart and Bookouture for allowing reviewers like myself access to this ARC copy in return for honest reviews! Thank you!

*Trigger Warnings* – heavy antisemitism, racism/racist remarks, pointed violence, psychological fear tactics, off-page sexual assault and murder, attempted sexual assault, on-page death (mainly through soldiers), suicide, nazi harassment of children including some physical abuse, there are a couple of fade to black sexual scenes but they occur between a married couple, off page mentions of nazi activity, and any and all emotional themes these topics carry.*

I have read and reviewed multiple WWII historical fictions at this point. You may think I must be getting bored of exploring the same topic over and over again, but that is far from the truth. When it comes to The Children on the Train, Anna offers a unique perspective. She brings attention to the kinder transports and the brave individuals who willingly put their own lives in danger to save as many Jewish and other ‘unsavory’ children as possible. I feel as though my knowledge of this horrific time has grown immensely since reading this book.

I had heard of the kinder transports very little previously, as most of the information concerning the Holocaust greatly emphasized what had happened to the Jews locked behind German borders. Thus, I began doing my own research while reading this very book. From the beginning, I could tell Anna did her research, appropriately conveying the timeline from the genesis of the kinder transport program, to its abrupt end leading right up to the break out of World War II. Reading this book is truly like stepping into one of history’s darkest and cruelest periods.

For the most part, this story follows the two perspectives of Grete and Helena. Both ladies hold instrumental roles in the rescue and relocation of thousands of Jewish children. Interspersed between Grete and Helena’s chapters, are glimpses into the POVs of actual Jewish children. These chapters are not named, rather numbered by the label given to them by the Nazis. I would say some of the more heartbreaking insights come from these chapters since you realize the horrors and fear these children were forced to witness and hold onto.

Speaking of horror, I will mention here that while this book covers some intensely dark material, Anna does a great job at making the atrocities easier to palate. I do not mean she diminishes any of the atrocities that occurred, rather she has a way of writing that focuses more on the positivity regardless of the hopelessness of the situation. I feel a big part of this optimism comes from the fact this book highly focuses on the children with their own innocent, and yet very wise, outlook on what is happening. Very well done in that regard!

The aspects that I struggled with when it comes to the actual writing of this book includes the dialogue and the repetitive nature of the inner struggles of both Grete and Helena.

There were multiple times in which the dialogue felt robotic, lacking a typical flow. There were other times in which a characters’ reaction I felt did not mesh well with what was happening. In some situations particularly in the more shocking moments, this was more understandable due to fear and shock, but in the moments where more humanity and warmth would have been shown, it was lacking depth if that makes sense.

When it came to Grete and Helena, they were both struggling with personal issues that at times were interfering with the flow of the narrative. Per the synopsis for example, Grete has struggled with having children. While I empathize with that regret and longing, I felt like it was focused on a few more times than it should have been, given the current circumstances. At one point, Grete even comes off as rather jealous of another female character due to her getting pregnant in the story. Eventually, she more or less comes to terms with her plight and has a more positive outlook but I wish she would have realized the blessing of being able to help children who have no parents sooner.

This all being said, I am glad to have been given the opportunity to read this harrowing WWII tale of bravery and sacrifice. I appreciate Anna and other authors who choose to write about such history since the world is seemingly trying its hardest to ignore and even cover it up. Needless to say, I highly recommend anyone and everyone reading this story.

Once again, I thank Anna Stuart and Bookouture for having ARC copies available in return for honest reviews!

[Allie Akin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thank you, to Bookotoure for giving me an arc copy, and another big thank you to Netgalley for introducing me to this book. I loved it .

I couldn't put this book down after the 55ish% mark. I sped through it over this past day and night, and didn't have the thought to stop and take notes. The ending was a bit fantastical for both point of views; however I think one was much more fantasical than the other. I did really love the ending anyways despite it. I loved that I was able to the character growth in both heroines, even though some character growth was a bit more subtle compared to the other. Now that I've finished the book I think the comp titles were pretty well choosen. Vianne and Isabelle and the heroines from this book are similar on an inate level as people, that I can understand the heroines, on a deeper level through Vianne and Isabelle. Overall I'm not sure on my rating, but I know it's between a 4 and 4.5 star. Definitely an amazing way to kick off August reading.

Notes for 21% mark (chapters 0-8)

-Slower feeling start

-Things are starting to pick up

-I do appreciate that this book mentions the Kristallnacht, it's one of the first historical fictions that I've read that has

-The plot advancement doesn't feel realistic to the situation, but at the same time is true to the character, the story, and where it needs to go

-I'm intrigued but not necessarily invested into the story.

-So far I don't have a favorite heroine and I don't have the feeling I sometimes get with books where I just want to rush through one point of view to get to the other.

-Her writing isn't overly flowery, and it's more straight to the point, while also describing things for the reader.

-I read The Midwife of Auschwitz, also by Anna Stuart, years ago, and I'm getting similar feelings as I had then. I think this is going to be a powerful story. Like in The Midwife of Auschwitz, I think I'm probably going to think about this story, or at least elements of it, for a long time. However, I don't think it's going to be on of my favorite historical fictions.



Notes of 22% mark (chapter 9)

-The heroine is incredibly selfless and brave, but I wonder if it's to a fault, even for heroes in the war.



Notes for 44% mark (chapters 10-18)

-The pacing is a lot better and it's taking a different direction than I thought it was going to, and I'm not sure how I feel.

-I've noticed it's third person pov and sometimes it takes me out of the story at the beginning of the chapter, but it's not terrible.

-I still don't have a favorite heroine

-I'm definitely more invested in the story though



Notes for 52% mark (chapters 19-24)

-The pacing is definitely getting better

-It's easier to read now that I'm more invested

-I do wish there was more talk about the language barrier

-I think the author is doing a good job at building suspense

-I really enjoy that I don't have a favorite, and excellent on the author that she's creating a story about

-I do think the blurb is either slightly misleading or it's a key plot point that hasn't happened yet, and the blurb spoils it, this doesn't doesn't bother me because I love how it went instead, but this is just to keep in mind if you were absolutely sold on the blurb and what happened in the blurb.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this emotional story about the Kindertransport that took place just before the start of WWII, continuing on a smaller scale even after Germany's invasion of Poland. The story focuses on the women who helped make the Kindertransport successful, highlighting their lives, the risks they took, and their commitment to doing what they could to help innocent children, victims of the xenophobia and persecution of the Nazis.
The main protagonist is Grete, a woman in her late forties who resides in Amsterdam. Grete is married to Aartur, a successful banker, and they share a warm and loving relationship. Aartur supports Grete's interest in social work; he admires her grit and determination, and her pluck. He also understands that Grete's unfulfilled yearning for a child is part of what motivates her to undertake her charitable work. Author Anna Stuart does a wonderful job of incorporating the other characters into the story, skillfully imbuing each with distinct and specific traits that make them memorable to the reader. Helena is a German woman who is Jewish and she is married to Ansel, a German who is a gentile. They have two daughters, Rosa and Adele. Erik is a young neighbor whose family was lost in the Kristallnacht and he is taken in by Helena and Ansel. Jennie is Grete's friend who manages the large orphanage in Amsterdam. Together, this group of people work together to ensure the rescue and relocation of thousands of Jewish children to Amsterdam and England.

The Children on the Train starts during the late 1930s. Ansel is a soldier in the Wehrmarcht, so he's away a lot. The laws in Germany have begun to make the lives of Helena and her parents difficult. Helena sees the writing on the wall and while Ansel is home on leave, she convinces him that to protect their life together, he must divorce her so that he will not be targeted by the Nazis for having married a Jew. Ansel promises that he will get away from the Army and they will remarry and be a family together, as soon as he can manage it.

Meanwhile, Grete is tasked with figuring out how to get Jewish children out of Germany via trains. She's an adroit negotiator and she ends up sparring verbally with many officials (including a tense scene with Eichmann), but she is generally successful, although she's at great personal risk from the start, and in true peril a few times, as well. As the plight of German Jews grows more dangerous, it becomes clear that Helena must get Adele and Rosa out of Germany. Having crossed paths with Grete, Helena agrees to accompany children on the trains across the border, including her own girls. Both Grete and she continue doing this until the circumstances of WWII make it impossible for them to continue.

Together in Amsterdam, Grete continues to take on dangerous missions to help the children from the Kindertransport remain safe, including relocating some of those in Amsterdam to Engliand as the Nazis advance on the Netherlands.

The Children on the Train chronicles a less frequently highlighted aspect of WWII Europe. The concentration camps are mentioned, but the focus is almost entirely on the Kindertransport and the people who made it successful. There were some parts of the story that were a bit repetitious, but I enjoyed reading it. There are some disturbing descriptions of the atrocities committed during this time, and they may be upsetting to some readers. I tried to keep my focus on the historical aspect of this time, which helped. It's important to remember lest we forget and allow this to happen again.
I am appreciative of Bookouture, NetGalley, and Anna Stuart for the e-ARC of this emotional story. All opinions expressed are wholly my own. I recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a heartfelt story and historical fiction--4 . 5 stars for me!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was 1938 when Margrete began her quest to remove as many Jewish children as she could from Germany. With the threat of war on their doorstep and the brutality of the Nazis too close for comfort, Grete made a deal with the devil. One of the top Nazis eventually agreed to her plea, as long as those adults who accompanied the children returned each time. If not, the Kindertransport would stop and the retributions would be terrible. Before the trains though, Grete rescued her first Jewish child from the forests. Elise was a terrified seven year old, whom Grete tucked under her skirt at the footwell while she was driving. They made it across the border, just...

Helena, her two children Rosa and Adele, and her parents all lived together in her parents' home, while Helena's husband was a reluctant Wehrmacht officer, unable to remove himself from the army. On his last leave, he told Helena he would escape and find her. Helena helped Grete with the children on the trains, but had to return each time, both for her parents, and for the continued success of the Kindertransport. England and Amsterdam were taking children, the first train was crammed with 600. But the Nazis didn't make it easy for them.

The Children on the Train is another exceptional historical novel by Anna Stuart which I loved. Grete was a strong, independent woman, determined to try to save every Jewish child in Germany, much to the despair of her husband Aartur. Helena was also a strong woman and although Jewish, knew they were all humans, something the Nazis and Hitler didn't agree with. Based on the true stories of the Kindertransport, and the heroic actions of many in a time of turmoil, The Children on the Train is one I recommend highly, especially for fans of the genre.

With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story that blew me away Having previously read and thoroughly enjoyed The Midwife of Auschwitz by Anna Stuart, I couldn't wait to pick up her latest release. Safe to say, she has done it again! This was an emotional, gripping and moving story that pulled me in right from the very first page.

What really stood out for me was the unbelievable bravery of Grete and Helena, and the constant danger they put themselves in every single day. Before reading this, I had never heard of Geertruida "Truus" Wijsmuller-Meijer (Grete), which I think is a total scandal. This lady should be just as famous as Sir Nicholas Winton, and someone needs to make a film about her! The sheer peril she put herself in to escort children across borders and stand up to Nazi officials took my breath away. She was such a practical, no-nonsense matriarch who used her sheer tenacity and gift of words to save lives.

Helena was another absolutely amazing character who completely stole my heart. Facing growing persecution in Germany while trying to keep her family safe, her inner strength was unbelievable. It was so heartbreaking to see her accompany children on the train transports, knowing she had to keep returning to Nazi Germany time and again for fear of jeopardising the whole operation and putting her own family in increasing danger.

It's a heavy subject, but Anna Stuart brings so much warmth and humanity to the story that you just can't put it down. Although this is a work of fiction, Truus and many of the events and experiences depicted are based on real life, which makes the whole reading experience even more poignant.

If you enjoy historical fiction that packs an emotional punch and highlights true unsung heroes, I can't recommend this enough.

A huge thank you to Anna Stuart, the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read and share my honest thoughts.

[Fiction Fellowship · Rating 5 out of 5]

Köln, Germany 1938-
The brownshirts are destroying Jewish property and attacking the people of Köln during the Kristallnacht. The Dutch Refugee Committee sends Grete to Köln to rehome children from a burned down Jewish orphanage to take over the border and also transport other children on a train to the Netherlands to keep them safe. The state orphanage in Amsterdam is ready to welcome the children. Grete also has to travel to Vienna and meet with a top Nazi to plead for the lives of Jewish children when an organization in London wants to take more children. She meets a brave Jewish woman named Helena who is trying to get her children across the border and Grete and Helena work together to get it done.

This is a heart-wrenching book inspired by the astonishing real-life story of Geertruida Wijsmuller-Meijer who brought Jewish children and adults into safety before and during WWII. Together with other people involved in the Kindertransport, she saved the lives of more than 10,000 Jewish children, fleeing antisemitism. Her incredible bravery and love in the darkest of times had me holding back tears throughout the whole story. God never gave her children of her own but He sent her many in need and she would be there for them, whatever the cost. After reading this story and learning what the children went through, it broke my heart and I couldn’t imagine having to endure all of it. This is an unforgettable story that will stay in my heart for a long time.

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC and being a part of this book tour.

[Second Chapter Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna Stuart has once again delivered an emotional and unforgettable World War II novel that highlights the extraordinary courage of ordinary people.

Inspired by the true stories of the Kindertransport, *The Children on the Train* follows Grete, a woman who risks everything to help Jewish children escape Nazi Germany. Unable to have children of her own, she pours her heart into protecting the countless children entrusted to her care. When she is tasked with escorting her best friend's daughters to safety, the danger becomes deeply personal, and every mile of the journey is filled with tension.

This novel is heartbreaking, hopeful, and beautifully written. The fear, sacrifice, and determination of those willing to risk their own lives to save innocent children are portrayed with incredible compassion. I found myself completely invested in Grete's mission and anxiously turning the pages, hoping she and the children would reach safety.

If you enjoy historical fiction centered on World War II, stories inspired by true events, and novels that showcase the resilience of the human spirit, this is one I highly recommend. It's a powerful reminder that even in humanity's darkest moments, acts of kindness and bravery can change lives forever.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Children On The Train by Anna Stuart is a powerful novel of World War II that grabbed my attention from the start.
The story surrounds the Jewish children and orphans who escaped Nazi Germany via the Kindertransport before the outbreak of war and closed borders in 1939. We witness the bravery of all those involved. Lives were put on hold; sacrifices made, in order to get the children to safety.
Along the way, good friends were made, and lost.
As the grip of the Nazis tightened on society, a gentile husband and his Jewish wife, make a painful decision, designed to keep the whole family safer – but will it? We see the cruelty inflicted by the Nazis via both physical and mental torture.
Huge hearts put the children first, above all else, including personal safety.
As the storm clouds darken over Europe, there are still pockets of goodness. Hope for a better future still lives in hearts.
All the characters were well drawn and believable. With her marvellous pen, the author has evoked the atmosphere of both love, and also terror, as the Nazis raged across Europe.
The Children On The Train must be read in memory of all those who facilitated the Kindertransport, of those who survived, and of those six million innocents who perished in the Holocaust.
I received a free copy via the publishers for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna Stuart has done it again. She has written a story that transported me back in time to a world I have only studied in textbooks. She has taken an issue given a couple of paragraphs each year and brought it to life. Get ready for rides on The Kindertransport. Brace youself for an emotional dangerous adventure.

The story begins with a loving Jewish family whose world is about to be destroyed by the Nazi Regime. Helena only wants to save her family. Her elderly parents own a business. Her young daughters are too young to understand the hatred. Even more heartbreaking, Helena's husband is an aryan fighting for Germany. The Nazis are about to rip them apart.

I am in complete awe of Grete. She finds herself in a unique but very dangerous situation. She will stop at nothing to save as many Jewish children as possible. The situations she gets herself into---OH MY WORD!!! Stand by her side as she stands up to Eichmann meeting his challenge. Grab those tissues as Grete and Helena confront the degrading horrors time and again.

Grete and Helena make an amazing team. When others failed them they kept going determined to save the children. My heart broke with each failure. My heart weeped for their sacrifices. I read on and on conquering the sadness, hoping for some happiness at the end. The ending was worth every tear.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grete is dedicated to her mission to accompany Jewish children out of Germany. Helena and her family experience Kristallnacht and the destruction and violence of Jewish homes and businesses. Can Grete save Helena...?
The Children on the Train is an historical novel set in the late 1930s as WW2 looms over Europe.
Helena, her parents and daughters are all Jewish but her husband is a gentile soldier. This does not protect them from the worst excesses of Nazi brutality and Helena is desperate to get her whole family away from Germany. Grete is dealing with her disappointment at being unable to have children and turns her energy to saving children from Nazi cruelty. She is brave and spirited in the face of danger.
The book is written mostly from Grete and Helena’s perspectives but the author also includes some children's voices to show that they are more than just numbers. The book does not shy away from brutality and misogyny of the Nazi characters. The indifference and bureaucratic red tape slows down the mission and is horrendously frustrating.
The Children on the Train is a compelling historical novel, difficult to 'enjoy' due to the nasty experiences which are softened by moments of hope and love.

[Aunty Harry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Anna Stuart is a legend in the World War II historical fiction space. This book, like her others, is exceptionally well researched and based on real life events and people. Grete and Hannah are both involved in a system, before the “official” commencement of the war, whereby permission was obtained for Jewish children to be transported by train out of Germany (where they faced persecution and even death) into the Netherlands, with some even shipped further over to England. Both women face incredible dangers, but persevere in an effort to rescue as many children as possible. They each have family and personal lives which challenge their ongoing work, but these are incredible women who are fictional, yet based on real life heroines who did this work in the 1930’s. Two things stopped me from giving this book five stars, as much as I appreciated and enjoyed it. Firstly, with the nature of the story detailing many journeys out of Germany to safety, the story was slightly repetitive. Secondly, my joy for the orphans who escaped was tempered by the reality that a not insignificant percentage of them would have ultimately been adopted by people with less than altruistic intentions. As alluded to in the historical notes at the end of the novel, some would have been placed in situations wherein they were poorly treated or taken advantage of. That coloured my perceptions of the book a little. Overall, though I would recommend this book as another wonderful work by this author, I wouldn’t recommend starting with this one if you are just jumping in to her catalogue, but keep it on your list to read down the track.

[Cris G · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Children on the Train is a beautifully written and deeply moving story that kept me engaged from beginning to end. While fictional, it shines a light on the incredible efforts of Truus Wijsmuller and the many women whose contributions are often overlooked in history.

One of the themes that stood out most to me was how women were frequently underestimated, dismissed, or not taken seriously, yet they were often the ones making things happen behind the scenes. The book does an excellent job of showing the courage, determination, and resilience required to overcome those barriers while helping others in desperate circumstances.

The characters felt authentic, the emotional moments were powerful, and the historical backdrop added depth to an already compelling story. I found myself invested in the lives of the children and the people willing to risk so much to help them.

This was an inspiring and heartfelt read that reminds us how ordinary people, especially women whose stories are too often forgotten, can make an extraordinary difference. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction with strong emotional impact and meaningful themes. 📚❤️

[Katie Kreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

World War 2 fiction has a special place in my reader's heart. The horror of the time is something that is still hard to comprehend. The Children on the Train takes us to pre-war era Poland and the invasion of the country. It begin with the horrifying events of Kristallnacht and continues past. When you think of the horrors of the time period, you hear so much about the concentration camps and the ghettos of the infiltrated countries, but you don't always stop to think about the children involved and the sacrifice of so many people to help get them to safety. Anna Stuart builds a beautiful, sacrificial mother in Helena. As a mom, I relate so strongly to her desire to protect her children at all costs. We move alongside Greta as she works to transport children to safety and at the same time keep her own life and relationship in tact. Both women decide to take the risks they must to keep each and every child in their care safe. Through their working relationship, a true friendship forms and a beautiful friendship blossoms. This book is a must read for any historical fiction fan, especially those that have a heart for the World War 2 setting.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Children on the Train by Anna Stuart is an emotionally crushing Historical Fiction story about the determined courage of those who were desperate to get children out of the Nazis' clutches during World War II. Remarkable Grete did everything she could...and beyond...to rescue and relocate children outside Germany. She and Helena risked their lives many times in the process. A few chapters which are simply numbers are especially moving and powerful.

Some characters were German, living in Germany, and Jewish in name so were racially “impure”. The ramifications of this are cruel. Neighbours were suddenly against neighbours, friends against friends. Betrayals were rife. However, not all Germans wanted to be a part of Hitler’s army which adds another dimension to this fascinating novel.

Stuart paints a harrowing picture with failed rescue attempts. But there are successful ones, too, as well as snippets of hope. I especially liked Grete’s loyalty, perseverance, resolve, and passion for children instrumental in Kindertransport. It is impossible to fathom the impossible decision parents had to make. The depth of the sorrow is palpable in the pages of this beautiful story.

[ShellsBooksandCoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐

I received an ARC copy of this book as always I will give my honest option

Yet another amazing book by Anna Stuart - I love her historical fiction and have read almost all of them at this point

The Children On The Train is a heartbreaking story filled with love, loss, friendship and hope.
It's one of those books that has you gripped from the start and you have your fingers crossed the whole time reading it.

This World War II book is set across a few countries in Europe - Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, France and England from 1938 to 1940. With the epilogue in 1945 as a reflection on all that has happened and what our main characters go through.
Following Grete and her journey to help rescue as many Jews from the Germans as possible, with help from government organisations.
Helena and her family as they try to stay safe in Germany as Jews, plus her marriage to a German soldier.

Anna Stuart is a truly talented writer who brings you the history, atmosphere and the heartbreak while you also want to reach out and help.

[Dawn Lawrence Read_with_Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge Anna Stuart fan and this did not disappoint. The book is based around the Kindertransport. Jewish children were taken out of Nazi controlled areas to safety in different places in Europe and the UK. Helena is doing it really tough, she is Jewish and her German husband is in the armed forces. She needs to get her kids to safety and also take care of her parents so she is going backwards and forwards helping with the Kindertransport but returning home to ensure the safety of her parents. It’s a story of love, strength, friendship and solidarity. Heartbreaking in places but has hope. It had me captivated from page one and I was stuck in the story page after page until I was done, it was such a hard book to put down. I highly recommend this book, it’s fabulous, totally deserves five stars. . Perfect for fans of WW2 fiction.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. Publication date 4 August 2026.

[DianeLikesToRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Anna Stuart is a master of historical fiction! This book is based on the life of Truus Wijsmuller, who was part of the kindertransport. This group helped get Jewish children out of mainland Europe and to the safety of Great Britain.

Grete- is a Social Worker and is unable to have children of her own. This makes her even more fixed on helping save as many Jewish children as she can.

Helena- has two daughters and lives with her parents while her husband is in the German army. Helena has to make some hard decisions in order to protect her family.

BOTH women were brave and string and did what they had to do in order to protect the people they loved. This story ripped me apart and put me back together! 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.
#TheChildrenontheTrain
#AnnaStuartBookTour#NetGalley #Bookouture #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BookLove #Bookstagram #SummerRead

[GG · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled my heart strings in so many ways, it was powerful and emotive. There is so much more to this story than the blurb gives, and felt extremely realistic of how people would’ve experienced the atrocities, but also of the impact of those attempting to do what’s right in impossible situations. I loved the MCs with their strength and devotion, but also their relationships with many other characters. This is written in chronological order, from the POVs of the two MCs, but I particularly loved the short extracts from others, I would’ve liked more of these. there were events I felt could’ve been expanded and given more detail/focus so I could fully immerse in the moment. A work of fiction but I gained knowledge of another area of WWII as this is based on true events.

4.5⭐️ rounded up

[Melissa * bookedwithmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Grete is such a great main character. I love the relationships she has, with her husband, her fellow kinder transport women, and the people she makes connections with to help those innocent children. Grete risks herself on a regular basis to get as many children to the Netherlands as she possibly can.

Anna is such a fantastic storyteller. I love how she writes women during this time period. She shows how even though they’re married, or spinsters, or whatever the case may be, they don’t allow societal norms to keep them from helping the war effort any way they can. Whether her character are based on actual women in history, or just a broad view of what women did at the time, it’s so easy to connect to each and every woman.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my, what a tense and heartbreaking read this was. I've read a lot of books about the Kindertransport, and this is possibly one of the best. Especially when I realised that some of the characters were based on real people. I found myself inwardly screaming "don't go to Amsterdam, that won't be safe soon" whilst also knowing that the children had to move via Holland to get out.

The short chapters that were narrated by the children themselves brought a tear to my eye on more than one occasion, the fear and confusion was palpable. Especially "Frank", his narrative was just so well written.

Whether you're new to the Kindertransports, or you've read about them extensively, you should definitely pick up a copy of this. But be warned, you will fall in love with the characters.

[Rachel T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book. A plot that keeps on moving well keeping you intrigued and wanting more. I loved the character development of Grete especially her unexpectedly receiving what she thought she’d always wanted but discovering that her life has moved past this stage and doing the incredibly hard task of giving up the baby to someone else (especially someone close)
I enjoyed the faith had that Ansel would join his wife and children at the end and despite expecting a different ending there, I enjoyed the fact they were reunited. The epilogue gave the story a nice ending tying up the plot fantastically.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very emotional novel on this journey from Germany and Austria along with the Kindertransport to the Netherlands in 1938! The story is also very interesting on a historical level, and the author succeeded in weaving it in the lives of the main characters. I loved Grete most of all! Her no nonsense approach is refreshing amid the fear, sadness and horror felt by the young orphans she strives to save from the Nazi clutches . This novel is definitely a story for the heart even though it takes place at a time of terror. I really enjoyed it!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning: Do not begin this book if you have housework to do or food cooking. Your chores will go unfinished and your food will burn, because you will not be able to Stop Reading!

If I could give this one more than five stars, I would. I’ve read many books about the Kindertransport, and this is one of the very best, hands down. There was not a moment that the book dragged or that I lost interest, to the very last page. And the author’s notes were very interesting.
This is historical fiction at its best!

*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*