The Runaway Orphans

Orphans

by Pam Weaver

Two sisters. One secret. A daring wartime journey…

Desperate to escape their stepfather’s house, sisters Amy and Lily stow away aboard a train full of children being evacuated from London and the threat of Hitler’s bombs.

Arriving in the seaside town of Worthing, they are taken in by kindly Norah and her husband Jim.

With their future now entrusted to strangers, can the girls finally find a safe harbour in these dark days of war? And will they find the strength to confront what they have been running from, when their past finally catches up with them?

An absolutely heart-breaking and uplifting wartime story of courage, sisterhood and the power of love. Perfect for fans of Shirley Dickson, Glynis Peters and Lisa Wingate.

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

408 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 7, 2022

About the author

After training as a Nursery Nurse in the 1960’s, I worked in children’s Homes, private day nurseries and as a Hyde Park nanny. My experiences are in Bath Times & Nursery Rhymes which became a Sunday Times best-seller.

I started writing in 1990’s with small magazines and specialist publications, finally branching out into the women’s magazine market in 2001. I have since written more than 200 articles and at least 150 short stories. They’ve been in Take A Break Fiction Feast, Woman’s Weekly Fiction Special, Weekly News, My Weekly and People’s Friend. Some have been in anthologies with the proceeds going to charity. The Fantastic Bubble was repeated on BBC Radio 4 and the World Service.
My novels are set in Worthing; There’s Always Tomorrow (2011) Better Days Will Come (2012), Pack Up Your Troubles (2013), For Better For Worse (2014), are all published by HarperCollins Avon. Blue Moon (2015) & Love Walked Right In (2016) are published by Pan Macmillan. I also have a couple of novellas on Kindle. Emily’s Christmas Wish (2015) and Amy’s Wartime Christmas will be released in October 2016

If you are looking for murder mystery and intrigue in a saga… look no further!

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy and Lillian are desperate to escape from their dangerous stepfather Jago Ffox-Webster and they hide amongst the hundreds of children leaving London. Amy hopes with so many children being sent to the English countryside, it will be impossible for her stepfather to find them and he has no idea they pretended to be evacuees.

The girls arrive in the seaside town of Worthing, they are taken in by Norah and Jim Kirkwood. Jim is a local policeman and Norah is a lovely and kind lady. When she’s not tending her own garden, Norah’s busy helping others and she’s the council’s advisor to the new allotment scheme. Norah has the patience of a saint, her mother-in-law Mrs. Kirkwood is staying with them, and she criticizes everything Norah does and expects to be waited on.

The girls use their French names Amelie and Linnet, with two other evacuees they settle into The Lilacs and Amelie gets on well with the elderly Mrs. Kirkwood. Norah senses something’s not right about the girls story, she feels Amelie isn’t telling her the truth about their past and she could never imagine how horrific it is.

Jago Ffox-Webster is an evil man, he will go to extreme lengths to find the girls and stop Norah from seeing them. He underestimates Norah, she will do everything in her power to locate the girls, keep them safe and uncover the numerous crimes Jago Ffox-Webster has committed.

I received a copy of The Runaway Orphans by Pam Weaver from NetGalley and Avon Books UK in exchange for an honest review. The story has an interesting mix of characters, including Norah’s family, friends and Mr. Ivan Steele who I adored. You read about The Second World War in England, evacuees, rationing, digging for victory, bombing, homelessness and men going off to fight. A well written and thought provoking narrative, I hope there is a sequel and five big stars from me.

[Milatra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time when I read stories about children, about the awful things that happened to them, I wonder how those children could survive without the protection of the adults. Why those people who have to protect little people inflict so much pain on them? And what two sisters, Amelie and Linnet, could do to safe their lives but run away?
Amelie and Linnet's story hooked me from the first pages. It was unbearable to read about Amelie's life in her stepfather's home. I couldn't hold back my tears while reading these horrible things. I love this unforgettable book, just love it!
Thanks to Pam Weaver, Avon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this amazing book!
Definitely 5 stars!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Runaway Orphans is the first book from Pam Weaver that I have read, and I can’t wait to read more.
Amy and Lillian are sisters and live with their stepfather. But Amy now fourteen was abused by her stepfather and now Lillian is at that same age. Amy worries that she will be next. So, the girls stow away on an evacuee train full of children and get far away as possible from their Stepfather. But they are caught and as it is late, they are brought to Norah’s house which is already full of evacuees to stay with her and her husband Jim who is a Policeman in Worthing. The girls don’t speak about their father and Norah knows that there is something that it is not right about them, and they realise how when their Stepfather turns up and takes them away.
Thank You Avon for a copy of The Runaway Orphans by Pam Weaver. This is a beautifully written, emotional story about 2 sisters in WW2. I loved the storyline, and I couldn’t put this down. I hope that there is a sequel to this story to find out that happened Lillian. 5 stars from me.
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[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desperate to escape their stepfather's house, sisters Amy and Lily stow away aboard a train full of children being evacuated from London and the threat of Hitler's bombs. Arriving at the seaside town of Worthing, they are taken in by kindly Norah and her husband Jim. With their future now entrusted to strangers, can the girls finally find a safe harbour in these dark days of war? And will they find the strength to confront what they have been running from, when their past finally catches up with them?

With love, heartache and friendship, this gripping read was hard to put down. When Norah and Jim take in Amy and Lily, the whole family fall in love with the siblings. But just as the girls have settled in to their new family, their stepfather turns up and takes them away. This is a deeply moving story. We learn about evacuees, the bombing, loved ones going off to fight, rationing and much much more. It's well written, thought provoking, and it will make you cry. I was hooked from the first page.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #PamWeaver for my ARC of #TheRunawayOrphans in exchange for an honest review.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully written emotional story two sisters who use the evaccuation as a means of escaping their stepfather.Amy and Lillian travel by train and eventually end up in Worthing at the home of police sergeant Jim and his wife Norah,As Norah helps settle the little girls she tries to find out where they are from but they stay tight lipped and as life goes on the girls settle in to their home.Lillian goes to school but Amy gets a job in the police canteen Norah has four evaccue children living with them and they all settle down to life in Worthing. This a very emotional book and had me in tears a few times.Excellent 5*

[Carol Mageean · Rating 5 out of 5]

it’s a while since a I have read a book by this author and I had forgotten what a great storyteller she is. Absolutely loved this tale from page one I was hooked and read it in 3 sittings as I could not wait to find out what happened next . A deeply moving and compelling tale with touches of humour highly recommended.

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Evacuees

What happens when a father is not a real father and a young girl must take matters into her own hands to save her sister.

Amy was determined that her sister Lillian never suffer the same fate that her father had dealt to her. When children began evacuating London because of the bombs she gathered her sister and they hid on the train with the evacuees.

Norah and her husband Jim took in the girls when no predetermined family could be found and Amy gave no details of why they were with the evacuees. They adjusted well and grew to be part of the family.

When her father finally finds out where the girls are and comes to get them what will happen to them? Can Norah help the girls escape their past and start a new life, or will her life be ruined by their father and his vindictive lies.

A story of courage and determination, of love and family and one man who is determined to ruin it all. Set against the backdrop of WWII and the London bombings it is a great story, I loved the ending and thought it was very fitting. I would recommend this book.

Thanks to Pam Weaver for writing a great story, to Avon Books U.K. for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.

[Skyler Harris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The first thing I would like to say about this book is that there is a MAJOR TRIGGER WARNING for childhood sexual assault and I personally think that should have been addressed in the book blurb. It is a major part of the plot and it isn’t right to expose readers to that without warning.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t really the book for me. I found the writing very confusing at times, with frequent time, setting, and character jumps that weren’t identified as well as too many characters and storylines that often disappeared after a few mentions and were never resolved. While I did enjoy seeing character growth and learning why and how the characters are what they are, I found the father character to be unrealistically too stereotypically evil, and found that his motives didn’t really make a whole lot of sense.

I did really enjoy the historical backdrop and how the war was woven into the story without necessarily being a focal point. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will definitely enjoy that aspect of the book.

Lastly I unfortunately have to say that I did not enjoy the ending and didn’t feel it wrapped up the story. Overall I give this book a 2/5 stars.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set on coast of southern England where some children from London were evacuated during WWII. Child sex abuse handled discreetly in book laying the foundation for the story. Good read.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am thrilled that there are so many WW2 historical fiction stories being written. I have learned so much that American Textbooks have neglected to share. With each book I gain a better understanding of what my mom and her family went through, hiding in Anderson shelters, fleeing crumbling building, struggling to survive.

The Runaway Orphans increased my knowledge greatly. The Runaway Orphans encouraged me to dive into the history of Britain during WW2 to discover even more. The Runaway Orphans brought to light the treason that occurred. The names may have been different, but I was able to realize how easily the British government was infiltrated, how power can change peoples' lives that created obstacles.

I have read many books about the evacuation of children to the countryside. I had never thought about the complications that could occur. I hadn't thought about children using the evacuations to their benefit. That is what Amy did as a way to get herself and her sister, Linnet away from their step-father.

The author takes the reader on a journey following Amy and Linnet. They are lucky enough to find themselves in the small town of Worthing. They are taken into safety by Nora, a woman with an extra large heart. Her heart is soon broken when the girls' father takes them away showing the reader some of the seedier sides of England.

The Runaway Orphans is a beautiful story about family and how important family was during such trying times. Homes that sheltered two could soon be sheltering four, six or more. The author gave wonderful insight into some of the struggles, how attitudes changed out of necessity and how important it is to support others. The story was a joy to read. I was invested in the characters, hoping that everything would turn out in a positive way. The author didn't make it easy. I had to read a lot before I saw light at the end of the tunnel. Thankfully the light was very bright.

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely spellbinding story of two sisters who escaped from an abusive father during the evacuation of London. Found by a wonderful couple they love, then are found by their father. Follow an intriguing trail of suspense as they try to get away. Great story.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it has well-developed characters, the storyline is gripping and emotional, Once I started it I didn't want to put it down and read it in two sittings.

[Carly Rushforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley the Publisher & the Author for allowing me to have an ARC and to provide an honest review in exchange.

I absolutely adore anything to do with this era and World War Two, I find it so inspiring how everyone coped and banded together to get through the terrible time. So when I saw this on NetGalley I requested it straight away and hoped I would get accepted.

The abuse that Amy suffered in the first few pages just broke my heart, she has to rescue herself and little sister Lillian from their evil step father before he turns his attentions on to Lillian so they decide to stow away with a group of evacuees on a train to the countryside.

When they are safe with Norah and Jim in a safe and loving environment they are happy for the first time and finally feel safe until something terrible happens which breaks all of them apart.

Norah and Jim are the most perfect couple ever and the extended family and friends are all adorable and I just adored the wartime camaraderie of everyone pulling together. Everyone had an individual story line in the book too and each one was absolutely captivating, I just hope we get a sequel as the story is far from over yet.

[Susan P · Rating 4 out of 5]

To escape their stepfather's abuse, two sisters stow away on a train full of children evacuating London during WWII. Well-written and heartbreaking.

[Darleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. One amazing man and woman with a heart of compassion and gold helping orphaned children with a secret they’ve locked away. Loved the characters and the full house, well written!

[Duchesne Markham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book about kindness. Loved it. ❤️

[Bev Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the writing/setup of this book to be a drawback from the story. Things just jump ahead weirdly, problems are solved too easily, and generally it's an unsatisfying read. 2.5 stars.

[Helen Waggoner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I often read promotional blurbs that tout "a real page turner!" They rarely are. But for me, surprisingly, this truly had me turning pages to see how things turned out.

[Polly-Alida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and heartwarming, this story tells of 2 young girls who are desperate to escape the abuse of their stepfather. They escape amidst other children being evacuated from London in the early days of WWII. Landing in the south coast town of Worthing and taken in by the compassionate Norah and her husband Jim. Of course the girls’ troubles aren’t over. This story revolves around the girls, but also on the extended families of Norah and Jim and how they navigate the early years of the war.

[Gail Williamson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The story unfolds with details of the child evacuation from London due to the war. The sadness of families torn apart has been told before but some children leave for other reasons. And this 'other' is the centrepiece of this book.
There are many endearing characters, who learn to rely and care for each other while the war plays on as the backdrop. Reference to working conditions, female roles and strength of character, food shortages etc. are interwoven amidst the daily telling of life during those difficult times.
This was still an easy read in spite of the circumstances that were taking place. A good book for those who like the countryside, a community of characters who know each other and have some knowledge of the war, Dunkirk and the politics of the time. An entertaining, simplistic look at this era.
There were some unfinished story lines, so I was quite disappointed when the book ended. I can only guess that there could be a sequel which would be welcomed by its fans.
I received an early copy from #NetGalley for review.

[Susan Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the Energizer Bunny of books. It keeps going, and going and going. With almost 400 pages and storylines going off in all directions, it was A LOT! There were a couple of loose ends left dangling which added to my frustration with it all. A good idea for a story, hard to read in places, exhausting in length.

[Eunice R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Norah and Jim, who, even though married for a number of years, still acted like honeymooners; their close-knit family and then the young evacuees, together with other local village friends, made this a good-hearted story with a brush of humor that caught my attention. The story is set in England pre- and during WWII. Norah and Jim took in two little girlies named Ruth and Marjorie, who'd come in pre-emptively from London to avoid the chaos and horror of bombings. They stayed some weeks until their mother, who missed them too much, took them home again. Then there were the runaway orphans Amelie and Linnet who managed to escape from the clutches of their abusive father - at least for a while. Norah's caring and tenderhearted character could not leave them on the streets. However, that's when things got a whole lot more interesting. The evil, vindictive Dad was on their tail and not going to back off peacefully. Add in some spy activity and you've got yourself quite a powder keg.

I like this historical narrative very much as it described more of what life was like for the civilians and young ladies and what they could do for their bit to support the war effort. I loved most of the characters who were generally good natured and worked together for the cause and also for the good and benefit of the runaways. Of course, you always have to have the antagonists adding angst to the tale. At any rate, the story moved along at a good pace and it all came together in satisfactory conclusion despite a heartache that Jim and Norah experienced. I'd say that most mid-teens to adult readers would find this an enjoyable read.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

February 2022

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

[Francisca den Otter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read! The story of the two sisters, Amy and Lillian, who against their step-father’s wishes, join in on the kids from their school who are being evacuated from London to the country. After changing trains a couple of times the girls end up in Worthing.

Worthing is the town where Norah and her husband Jim, a local policeman, live. They recently already took in two evacuee sisters from London but as a colleague of Jim shows up at their doorstep with the two sisters, Norah of course takes these sisters in as well. Amy of 14 and Lilian almost 9 do not talk that much about their family in London. When the time is there to write a letter home Amy refuse but Lilian does, however they have no address so the letter stays at Norah and Jim’s mantlepiece.

Norah’s mother-in-law, Mrs. Krikwood, is also staying with Norah and Jim, Norah does not really fancy her mother-in-law, but Amy seems to have touched a weak spot with her and over time they become friends.

In a nice story telling way you get to know the people in this book, not only Norah and Jim and the ones mentioned before, but also Norah’s parents and her sister and the friendly retired concierge from the local school.

Quite a lot of small stories beside the main story about Amy and Lillian goes on in the book. As there are some questions unanswered, I wonder if there will be a 2nd book about Norah & Jim and their family.

I just don't think the cover fits the content, the girls in the story are significantly older than the girls on the front.

Characters = 9 | Atmosphere = 9 | Writing Style = 9 | Plot = 9 | Intrigue = 9 | Logic = 9 | Enjoyment = 9 | Score 9.00 = 5 stars

[Monica Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down once I started reading it, it packs a powerful emotional punch.

**TRIGGER WARNING: CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE**

I am not triggered by the above, but some people might be, and they need to know. There is nothing worse than starting a book, enjoying it, and then a few pages in, being triggered by something....it really is awful. I would prefer it if warnings are given, just saying.

Amy and Lillian are two sisters who are living with their step-father. He is a nasty piece of work and one day, Amy decides to take her sister out of that environment and joins the thousands of children who are being evacuated on trains, throughout the country. It is chaos, so the sisters are not really noticed. Luckily for them, they end up at the home of Norah and Jim, who are a wonderful couple who have no children of their own and are full of love and compassion.

Of course, war is raging and that brings it's own issues to the Kirkwoods but there is nothing they can't handle as a family.

I loved Norah in particular, she was a beautiful soul. Jim was so loving and supportive as well, at a time in history where men were not necessarily that way about their spouses. The secondary characters also really added to the story, and the combination of it all was wonderful.

As much as I loved this book and I think the author's way of writing is really amazing, I was disappointed at the ending and I wanted it to continue! I got completely emotionally involved.

So.....I really hope there is a sequel to this book :)

5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK.

[Lucy-Mae Beacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Norah and Jim are desperate for a child to complete their little family and when the evacuees are sent to Worthing, where they live, they are more than happy to accept as many as they can. But when 2 little girls show up who aren’t supposed to be there. Things take a slight turn and they find themselves in the middle of something completely different.

This book was really good, an easy and quick read. Set at the very beginning and then slightly into the 2nd world war, it was a sorry of hope, family and love between people in a time of need. I really enjoyed the dual perspectives throughout and the dual storyline that was running also.

I loved Norah and Jim as characters, they were the perfect maternal/paternal couple and I felt for them so much. I really really wanted what they wanted for them and was honestly heartbroken when it wasn’t going right, they felt like home throughout the book. I loved the character development of Mrs. Kirkwood who you will hate but may grow to love and I loved the Ffox-Webster storyline. The mystery and misery of it all was brilliant. And the way the girls were written was great. So strong willed and really good female leads.

I can’t wait to read the next one and see what’s in store for all the characters next.

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you wish you had read a book sooner. The Runaway Orphans by Pam Weaver is one of those books. I started and finished the book yesterday! I thought I was tired of WWII books, but this book reached out and grabbed me. Yes, it happened during WWII, but more importantly they book could cross time and happen at other times as well. The book focused on the children, Lillian and Amy.

After the beginning of WWII, many of the children in London were evacuated out and found homes in the countryside. Norah and Jim took in children and ended up with two extra - Lillian and Amy. They know that Amy is hiding information and reminding Lillian to keep it quiet too. What they are hiding is a sorry sorry fact that many people can’t even imagine.

Their step-father was a man high on his importance and not bothered by threatening people with his position to keep Norah and Jim from finding out the truth. Amazingly the truth is bigger than even they expect.

The character of Norah is one of strength, intelligence and love. I am just in awe of her ability to find room and caring for so many. The Runaway Orphans by Pam Weaver is a great read.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the beginning of WWII, London children were being evacuated to the countryside to be safe from German bombing. Amy takes advantage of the situation to get herself and her younger sister Lily away from their stepfather. They escape amidst the confusion and revert to their original French names to avoid being found.
When they are taken in by the kindly Norah and Jim, they finally feel loved and safe. But that is short-lived when Jago finds and removes them. Norah doesn't feel that all is right and continues to try to maintain contact with the girls. Jago is actually a very powerful man in the government and threatens both Norah and Jim.
I don't want to give the whole plot away, so I will stop here. I liked the story enough to read the whole book in just a couple of days. But I felt that the writing was a bit simplistic and that Norah was too good to be true. It seemed like it was a YA book, as it revolved around the children. But it does have mature themes in it. There is espionage, rape, suicide, kidnapping, teenage pregnancy, false imprisonment, bullying, and more! My other complaint is the very misleading cover picture; wrong ages depicted.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was almost too sad for me with a background of child sexual abuse and the terrible damage that does to a child. It's only a story right? But still it's a story about an explosive subject, a very evil man and a lot of wartime drama. Quite a lot going on there.

I thought the plot had some holes. Nora's husband Jim was in the beginning almost derelict of duty in not being suspicious enough of Ffox-Webster, yet he was given rapid promotion through the ranks. He didn't do any digging to see if he could uncover anything useful about him. When he found out that Ffox-Webster had never officially adopted the children, Jim should have made it an official police matter to investigate the whereabouts of the youngest Osborne child Linnet.

His wife Norah was the proactive one and she did most of the detective work, placing herself in danger in the process. Of all the characters, she was the most substantial and likeable. She deserved to have an adopted baby but at the end of the book that matter was still unresolved.

The ending was left too open for my liking but it was obviously designed for another book to be written. I don't don't like sagas very much for that reason.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a heartbreaking and also heartwarming story of two young sisters trying to survive more than just the war. Set in a coastal town in England at the beginning of WWII the book is centred around Norah and her husband Jim who take in some children being sent from London to the countryside for safety by their parents.

As the story unfolds we meet some wonderful characters that are easy to like. The book flows smoothly and with the touch of mystery thrown in it isn’t just a typical war story. There is love, family, new beginnings and past secrets that don’t centre slyly in the war.

I have read one other book by this author and she has continued to write books that draw you in quickly so you don’t want to put them down. I read to the wee hours to see what was going to happen. You won’t be disappointed.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Runaway Orphans by Pam Weaver is the first book i have read by Pam and it will not be the last.
If your into WW2 books you will need to read this one however, you will need some tissues handy, as it will pull at your emotions.

The Runaway Orphans is about two sisters called Amy and Lillian. They have one secret. and a long dangerous wartime journey ahead of them. Amy and Lillian are desperate to escape from their stepfather’s house, they both stow away aboard a train full of children being evacuated from London and the threat of Hitler’s bombs.

Arriving in the seaside town of Worthing, they are taken in by kindly Norah and her husband Jim. Hopefully they are safe and their past does not catch up with them.

This book was a lovely but emotional read. I really enjoyed this book