The Red Cross Orphans

The Red Cross Orphans #1

by Glynis Peters

From the internationally bestselling author of The Secret Orphan comes her brand new unputdownable historical fiction novel!A journey into war, but not one she’ll take alone…

Orphan Kitty Pattison is young, naïve and ready to do her bit for the war effort when she volunteers with the Red Cross and pledges to help those most in need. It’s one of the most nerve-wracking moments of her life, but then she meets fellow volunteers Joan Norfolk and Trixie Dunn, and a bond of friendship is forged in the fire of life on the wards during the Blitz.

Days are spent nursing injured soldiers back to life and nights are spent anticipating bombs falling from the sky and then trawling through the wreckage to save who she can, but the light and laughter she finds with Jo and Trix see Kitty through the darkest hours.

And when Kitty starts growing closer to handsome Canadian doctor Michael McCarthy, it’s her friends who help her to find the courage to realise that no matter what has happened or what is to come, we all deserve love…

This stunning new historical novel from the internationally bestselling The Secret Orphan takes readers on an emotional journey and follows in the footsteps of the brave women who volunteered with the Red Cross during the Second World War.

Readers LOVE The Red Cross ‘Wow, what a page turner. Just loved this book, sleep was unimportant whilst reading it’ Elaine

‘Make sure you have lots of tissues handy as I sobbed most of the way through it’ Karyn

‘A marvellous historical novel set during World War II on the home front. I was completely consumed’ Julia

‘The incredibly drawn background of a country at war, rich with historical detail, this book is definitely a must read for fans of World War Two fiction – or, indeed, those who adore a great love story’ Jane

‘First time reading this author and what an outstandingly poignant tale’ Jeanie

‘What an emotional book…I felt like I was actually in the storyline’ Angela

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Romance, World War II, Audiobook, War

401 pages, ebook

Published November 30, 2021

About the author

I write historical novels set in WWII Britain, and live by the sea in Essex.


One More Chapter / HarperCollins

USA TODAY BESTSELLER 2019/2020/2021
GLOBE AND MAIL BESTSELLER 2019/2020/2021
TORONTO STAR BESTSELLER 2019/2020
NEW YORK BEST SELLERS AWARD (Gold) 2019
AMAZON UK AND USA BESTSELLER 2019 / 2020/2021

Newsletter / Giveaway Opportunities
https://www.glynispetersauthor.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/glynispeters...

Reviews

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Red Cross Orphans Book 1

Orphan Kitty Pattison is young, naive and ready to do her bit for the war effort when she volunteers with the Red Cross and pledges to help those most in need. It's one of the most nerve-wracking moments of her life, but when she meets fellow volunteers Jean Norfolk and Trixie Dunn, and a bond of friendship is forged in the fire of life on the wards during the Blitz.

This is quite an emotional story set around WWII. This is the story of Kitty Pattison who joins the Red Cross to help out during the war. Kitty makes great friends with Joan and Trixie. Kitty meets Michael and quickly Kitty finds herself falling for him. The characters are well developed and believable. We learn of the hardships they had to endure. We follow Kitty through her nurses training. The ending was a bit of a let down but hopefully the second book will continue where this book left off.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #GlynisPeters for my ARC of #TheRedCrossOrphans in exchange for an honest review.

[JackieBeau in a bad reading slump · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hi there! Finished Book number 20 ! Don’t think I will get to 30 but it’s ok . This is another of my historical fiction genre which I have a passion for but will probably try new genres in the new year . About the book . Kitty Pattison is a young naive orphan who is raised by her aunt and uncle . She wants to help during World war 2 and volunteers with the Red Cross . She helps with the injured soldiers and orphaned children . She is always there to help during the blitz being brave and helpful. She then meets a handsome Canadian doctor who falls in love with Kitty . They are often separated because of the war but seem to always get to see each other when they can . Michael her handsome Canadian doctor is an orphan too ! This is book one of this series and looking forward to reading the others soon .This was not my favourite it was not that great . Would say predictable. That’s why I said I will try other genres next year .

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Sometimes, the war seemed personal - Kitty’s battle with the enemy to keep love alive, to keep track of her dearest friends, and nurture the lost souls who crossed her path.”

Peters has packed this first installment of the Red Cross Orphans series with history, mystery and romance! A highlight for me was reading about a Canadian hero. Not many wartime historical fiction novels feature a Canadian character.

A compelling and sweet read, this book highlights life for Red Cross nurses during World War two and has several strong female characters. Although they may have been naive upon recruitment, they were full of heart and willing to do their part for the war effort. The friendships formed sustained them through wartime. Together, Kitty Pattison, Joan Norfolk and Trixie Dunn show that regardless of one’s beginnings, a life serving others comes with its own rewards. Glynis highlights the human need for love as well as the support of friends and family. Glynis has the ability to engage her readers with authentic characters and her impeccable research adds to an already great narrative. I was in awe of the resilience these girls developed as a result of hardship, proving that with courage, friendship and proper training, it was possible to endure.

Congratulations to the graphic designer for a fabulous cover.

Publishes November 30, 2021.

I was gifted this advance copy by Glynis Peters, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Averi Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars 🌟
I want to thank NetGally for the e-arc
As we follow kitty through out this book, she finds love, friendship and different places of work. This is based in ww2 in the United Kingdom in 1941. As she travels from Birmingham, England to Scotland to durham, United Kingdom she always seems to find Michael McCarthy. Seems like no matter were she went he was always there. I think what made me loose interest is that there was no action. The characters were always safe, she kept the story safe. It was still enjoyable. I think more action would've motivated me to finish sooner.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it was sad and sweet all in one. I’m always fascinated by books dealing with WW2 and this one was so interesting. It dealt with student nurses dealing with difficult situations during the Blitz. Another new author for me so I’ll be looking out for more by her in the future. Wish I could give this book more than five stars. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Meg · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring

Characters underdeveloped and no real conflict. Boring. I kept waiting for something to happen. And then it just ended. Many better wwii books out there

[Pooja Peravali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kitty, an orphaned young woman, decides to volunteer to become a Red Cross nurse to help her country during World War 2.

This was a quick, straight forward read about a likeable young woman’s coming-of-age during World War 2 as she makes friends, falls in love, and searches for her purpose. I enjoyed seeing many sides of the war effort and nursing profession within England through Kitty’s experience, and thought her romance with Michael was quite cute.

However, I thought the plot was meandering and the treatment of antagonistic characters like Belle was very heavy-handed. I’m not sure I would read the next book in the series if I did not have already have it as a NetGalley ARC.

[Donna McEachran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.

Kitty is a Red Cross nurse who meets Michael, a Canadian medic, in Birmingham. The story follows Kitty's nursing training and friendships as well as her developing relationship with Michael. Word of warning...the book ends with a cliff-hanger which brings it down to 4 stars

[Carol Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can’t quite find 4 stars in this but it’s definitely pushing to a 3.5.
Quite different settings from the usual war stories made this book more interesting and informative. However the age old love story of ..He loves me He loves me not remained the same old Drear…

[Leith Devine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story about an orphaned girl named Kitty who volunteers for the Red Cross during WWII. She met two other girls, and their strong friendship carries them through while they nurse wounded soldiers and the difficult nights of bombardment.
Kitty falls for a handsome Canadian doctor, and their friendship slowly turns into a sweet romance.
I enjoyed this book, 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! It follows Kitty as she trains to be a Red Cross nurse. She meets her fellow trainees and becomes close friends with two. Kitty is a strong female willing to go above and beyond.
The story was good, kept my attention to the very end. The ending was good but I can’t help but feel like it could have been better. It just kinda ended, I wasn’t ready for it to be over.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bonds of Friendship

Romantic, emotional and heartwarming this story is a wartime romance between two orphans , Kitty and Michael. It is also about the friendships Kitty has with the other red cross volunteers working their way to a nursing career during WWII. They formed a strong friendship that would endure. Kitty, Jo and Trix are three girls far from home working to help injured soldiers. They all find their way during their time in service but they never lose their friendship.

Kitty falls in love with Michael the handsome Canadian soldier and through some trials they find ways to be together during the war. It is quite a romance and a great love story. Two orphans find each other.

It was interesting to know the work that the Red Cross girls did during the war and kind of sad about the orphans that were cared for because the bombings in England made them orphans.
I liked the descriptions of the scenery in the different places that Kitty was placed during her service and the friendships that she made along the way. The Character of Belle was a bit humorous actually, the girls were frustrated with her, but she did add some color to the story.

I enjoyed reading this story and I hope there is another book following the girls in their lives after the war is over and a bit more on the orphanage and definitely on Michael and Kitty's further adventures.

Thanks to Glynis Peters for writing another great book to Harper Collins, U.K. , one more chapter for publishing it and to NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy for my review.

[Kath · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounded up to 3.5

I found this to be an interesting storyline but for me, it was somewhat slow and at times a bit "hokey" in the way it was written. Kitty is a memorable character and very likeable.
The ending was abrupt and felt like the author was tired of writing this story... left you hanging but not in a good way.

[Jenna · Rating 1 out of 5]

a bit sappy

I love historical fiction. This was pretty sappy and there was a lot of telling and explaining in a hurry and not a lot of showing. Too many summary paragraphs and things getting explained more than once. Just wasn’t my cup of tea.

[Dive Into A Good Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Red Cross Orphans quickly transports you back to World War II era Britain. Where Kitty, a young woman brought up by her loving aunt and uncle, after her parents and younger brother perish. Is about to step out on her own for the first time, by beginning her training as a Red Cross Nurse. Glynis Peters does an astounding job of bringing Kitty's anxious nerves to the foreground as she steps into this exciting new role and lifestyle.

The first night she makes lifelong friends in Trixie and Jo. They are a joined at the hip from this moment on. Supporting one another and being each other's personal cheerleaders. As they tackle the incredible knowledge that they must gather quickly if they are to help the growing number of injured. I love the friendship that Peters creates with these three ladies. Watching them bloom into strong, sure footed, and determined women. Who all have their heads on straight and care deeply for the people around them. It is not all work for these three, romance is in the wind. Which adds a fun twist to the book. Kitty feels a rush when she first lays eyes on the young Canadian doctor, Michael. She cannot stop thinking about him. As their friendship blossoms into something more, it seems like nothing can come between these two incredible people. As the war trudges on and the girls are split up, and Kitty and Michael are assigned to different posts and scattered to various parts of the country. Their bond holds strong, and much needed support comes in the form of letters.

From the first chapter I was completely immersed in Kitty's story. The obstacles that she had to overcome as an orphan, and how she used this to help others, completely intrigued me. However, the last quarter of the book lost steam. I did enjoy watching Kitty grow into a cunning, knowledgeable lady. Who is always willing to go into any situation to help another. It was also refreshing to learn about the Red Cross Nurses and how quickly they were thrown into dire situations. Thank you to Glynis Peters, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for this intriguing book, which is full of friendship and romance during the time of war.

[Hazel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsUK #Onemorechapter and #GlynisPeters for an advanced copy of #TheRedCrossOrphans which releases on 30 November 2021

This story was not what I expected from the cover. In this blushfree historical fiction novel, the author tells the story of a young girl Kitty who is leaving home to become a Red Cross Nurse in the UK during WW2.. Kitty was orphaned at a young age and raised by her very loving aunt and uncle. She meets a Canadian medic, her love interest and he was also orphaned at a young age.

The story takes us on a journey of growth with Kitty, through dealing with adversity, loss, joy, betrayal and love. These are experienced through her work, making new friends and dealing with difficult colleagues, patients and superiors.

I enjoyed the story although at times I found Kitty to jump to conclusions quite quickly and sometimes rash in her judgement especially of Michael. I do think this changed as the story progresses showing a developing of maturity in the character.

I was interested in the VIP patient in Scotland. As I reside in an area 2 minutes from where this VIP patient was discovered and have a relative, that family members have advised was in intelligence and involved in the questioning of this VIP (although I have been unable to substantiate this as yet). Kitty didn’t really gain anything from this role and it was a bit inconsequential.

I have the story a 3 star rating as firstly I felt the ending was rather abrupt however, I note that this is book 1 in a series. Secondly, nothing to do with the story or the writing which was very enjoyable, I personally prefer my books with a little more steam. This story was very much a kissing only romance.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Red Cross Orphans by Glynis Peters is a great WWII-era historical fiction novel that has it all: mystery, suspense, history, romance, and an excellent cast of strong female characters.

I have read several wonderful books by Ms. Peters and this is another gem.

I loved the three lead characters: Kitty, Trixie, and Joan. All three from different personal situations, all three brought together in their passion and quest to help out their countrymen and country as Red Cross Nurses. We get to see their struggles, hopes, dreams, losses, and sometimes traumatic experiences as they navigate this war-torn era.

I loved their friendship, their loyalty to one another, and the strength they draw from each other during these difficult times. However, through all this they find hope, love, and the promise that there is a future, not just for one another, but for their country as well.

Excellent book!

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and OneMoreChapter/Harper Collins UK for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.

[Luciana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story revolves around Kitty, a young woman who was orphaned & took in by her aunt & uncle after her parents died. She wants to contribute to the war effort in England, during WW2, & decides she would like to join the Red Cross assisting in nursing practices. She is stationed at various places & meets a good core of friends who become like family to her. She meets a young Canadian medic, also orphaned, who takes her under his wing & has her assisting him in rescues & at the hospital. They get stationed in different places & yet Kitty keeps running into her Canadian doctor & their relationship blooms.

Even though they are in wartime, the story stays safe, the relationship stays safe; thus resulting in the story falling a bit flat. I will try the next book in the series when I am able to get it just because I really do enjoy historical fiction.

[Tanya Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for a Glynis Peters novel. I can always count on finding a few characters I’d like to have tea and a chat with. In addition to the delight of finding a Canadian character among the flock, I found myself lost in both the beauty of the countryside and the terrors of WWII. A sweet love story is nicely balanced with the antics of a somewhat less than morally upright character throughout. Despite her misguided decisions, she did prove to add a little fun to an otherwise serious time in history.

[Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

With so many stories about WWII, I found this one interesting because it follows three nurses that become best friends. The different turns their live took held my interest and I really enjoyed the authors style of writing.

Glynis Peters is a new author to me and I hope to read more of her books. I was engaged throughout and she has a writing style that I enjoyed.

Thank you to #netgalley and #harper306,onemorechapterbooks for allowing me to read the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peters has a reoccurring theme in all her titles: orphans. Michael and Kitty meet during medical training in England during WWII. Both orphaned at young ages, they feel a connection instantly. However, lies, distance, and distrust threaten to tear them apart. It’s a light romance, fulfilling, yet not too heavy to entice readers to forget about the real world for a few hours. Thanks to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for early read.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is about WWII Great Britain and the journey nurses had to go on to succeed and survive. What courage and perseverance they had to have!
Overall, I found this story to be well written WWII romance. The pace of the story did seem slow and drag a bit at times.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Kristeen Eagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. Of love and war and persevering. ♡♡

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story in England during World War Two

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the audiobook went: “the end!”

I was like what!!? An epilogue would’ve been much appreciated!!

Anyway, Kitty is an absolute darling character and Michael oh my goodness, what a sweet Canadian!

I loved this because it was fluffy and lighthearted. I feel like this should’ve had more depth for you know it being set during friggen WW2 but at the same time I wasn’t terribly upset about.

It was medium on the romance and really I just enjoyed the narrators voice and her way of bringing Kitty and her friends to life, though I think she needs to work on her Canadian accent. I was rolling laughing every time she spoke for Michael.

I’d say overall it was 3.5 stars, it was written well and with a good nature. I’ve just already read Kristin Hannah’s Nightingale which is set in this time period and really just nailed it so although it’s unfair to compare, I just am too aware of what can be done.

BUT this was still a joy to listen to I love Kitty!!

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Harper Collins for sending me a finished copy of this book for review.

This book started strongly for me. We meet our main character as she meets other women joining the Red Cross nurses. I loved watching her interactions with these women, finding out her background, and watching her assimilate into this new life. I also loved her possibility at finding love with a doctor that was also at her post. Then the book took a direction that I wasn’t a real fan of. I was finally nearing the end and was excited to learn some answers and found out it was the first book in a series so a lot went unanswered. It was disappointing because I don’t necessarily see why this had to be a series. I think what the author wanted to accomplish could have been done in one book. So I don’t think I’ll be continuing.

[Sydney Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kitty lost her parents and brother when she was just a little girl. Lovingly raised by her aunt and uncle, she vowed to make a difference in the war when their son was lost at Dunkirk. So, she joined the Red Cross as a nurse trainee. Quickly settling in to the routine of treating injured soldiers, she realized she had found her niche and proved herself to be a trustworthy, compassionate and competent nurse. She was subjected to sights and emergencies she never would have imagined and at times, surprised even herself at her ability to stay cool, calm and collected during moments of chaos. She learned the value of friendship and that one could fall in love during wartime and did so when she met a Canadian doctor who loved, supported and encouraged her.

I loved this story. While it wasn’t based on a specific person or event during WWII, this story paints the picture of a Red Cross nurse and the roles they played during the war. They were often shuffled around at the drop of a hat, exposed to injuries that could only happen when the world was at war and to people of all walks of life, coming together to serve the country that they love. The roles women, especially nurses who worked the front lines right along side doctors, played during the war should be recognized. They possessed strength, resilience and compassion that should be commended and not forgotten.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK & Glynis Peters for access to this lovely story.

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

hmm, very disappointing, having read many books by the author. Where do I start? Such a sugary, totally predictable story. Even in desparate wartime, Belle would have not made it through the 1st week of training. Not sure why I finished it, oh I know, I skimmed.

[Melissa Sly · Rating 2 out of 5]

old school fomulaic

If you like that type of book, along the lines on an 80s harlequin, then these books are for you. I don’t generally skip and skim through books but I had to this time just to get it done

[Sue Klaas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much better World War II books out there. I was misled by the cover and thought the book was a story of orphans during World War II. They make a minor appearance at the end.