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Cherry Ames #3
Cherry Ames, Army Nurse
In Army Nurse , Cherry has made the difficult decision facing all her classmates - should she enlist in the military or practice nursing on the homefront? She's graduated from Spencer and earned the right to put "RN" after her name, and as an Army nurse, she is now "Lieutenant Ames." The Army nurses are also soldiers, and endure a grueling basic training under the harsh Sergeant Deake (whom Cherry nicknames "Lovey," much to his chagrin). No one knows where the Spencer unit will be deployed until they are shipped off without warning - to Panama City. Who is the mysterious old Indian whom Cherry and her corpsman Bunce find collapsed in an abandoned house? He is obviously very ill, but with what? Can Dr. Joe's newly developed serum help?
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1944
12 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
Helen Wells
112 books75 followersOriginal name: Helen Weinstock. Social worker turned full-time young adult writer, born in Illinois but moved with family to New York City when she was seven. In 1934 Wells graduated from New York University [where she'd been the first female editor of the literary quarterly], with a major in philosophy and a minor in sociology and psychology.
During World War II, she served as a volunteer with the State Department's Office of the Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs, escorting Latin American visitors in the United States.
Author of Cherry Ames, Nurse books, a series for young teens.
She was also the author of the Vicki Barr books, about a young mystery-solving flight attendant. And, as Francine Lewis, she penned the short-lived Polly French series (1950s), aimed at a younger readership.
After writing the first eight books of the Cherry Ames series and the first three Vicki Barr books, Wells decided to abandon both series to write for television and radio, and Julie Tatham took over (however, both the ninth Cherry Ames book and the fourth Vicki Barr book were published under Wells's name). Tatham later returned the Vicki Barr books to Wells in 1953 and the Cherry Ames books in 1955.
During World War II, she served as a volunteer with the State Department's Office of the Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs, escorting Latin American visitors in the United States.
Author of Cherry Ames, Nurse books, a series for young teens.
She was also the author of the Vicki Barr books, about a young mystery-solving flight attendant. And, as Francine Lewis, she penned the short-lived Polly French series (1950s), aimed at a younger readership.
After writing the first eight books of the Cherry Ames series and the first three Vicki Barr books, Wells decided to abandon both series to write for television and radio, and Julie Tatham took over (however, both the ninth Cherry Ames book and the fourth Vicki Barr book were published under Wells's name). Tatham later returned the Vicki Barr books to Wells in 1953 and the Cherry Ames books in 1955.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
March 24, 2024
Another fun read in the career of Cherry Ames as she enlists in the Army Nursing Corps! She is stationed in Panama and saves a man from blackwater fever, a type of malaria. I enjoyed that she is joined by several friends from nursing school. The shenanigans she creates in training with her commanding officers were quite funny. Among these officers, she acquires a villain who is certainly a nuisance to her plans. I really liked this episode!
March 12, 2020
Another very sweet book that was adorably cute! In this one, Cherry gets in a heap of trouble . . . and Colonel Wylie and Captain Upham are right in the middle of it with her. Additionally, we get to meet Bunce, the wonderful corpsman who has such a big heart, a love for trouble, and a knack for doing the wrong things and getting in deeper than he can get out -- but Cherry manages him perfectly, and attempts to reform him.
Cherry is quite the precocious girl . . . and I am wondering what will happen in the next book =)
Cherry is quite the precocious girl . . . and I am wondering what will happen in the next book =)
December 25, 2017
I really enjoyed this story. Old YA books are easy to read and fun.
April 8, 2024
2.5🌟 I want to love the Cherry Ames series so much, but this book was a disappointment. Although I love Cherry as a character in herself, the writing is not my favorite and I frequently get frustrated with the scenarios that this young nurse gets herself into, especially when it comes to men.
It may be that I wasn't loving this third book in the series because I'm not a huge fan of the army, bossy and thoughtless men and also the hustle and bustle of army life. But, I was hoping that the story would keep me interested despite these challenges. Sadly, it didn't.
Thank the stars for my dear friend, Caro (@carosbookcase on Instagram and Goodreads) for reading this book along with me. It's much more enjoyable to be able to chat about the good and the bad—also to know that someone may be suffering along with you! 😂
I'm hoping that the fourth book in the series is a winner because I just adore the book itself (that artwork!) and I'd love to follow Cherry in more of her nursing adventures.
It may be that I wasn't loving this third book in the series because I'm not a huge fan of the army, bossy and thoughtless men and also the hustle and bustle of army life. But, I was hoping that the story would keep me interested despite these challenges. Sadly, it didn't.
Thank the stars for my dear friend, Caro (@carosbookcase on Instagram and Goodreads) for reading this book along with me. It's much more enjoyable to be able to chat about the good and the bad—also to know that someone may be suffering along with you! 😂
I'm hoping that the fourth book in the series is a winner because I just adore the book itself (that artwork!) and I'd love to follow Cherry in more of her nursing adventures.
February 22, 2011
Cherry just graduated with fifty-nine other nurses from Spencer’s Medical School. All sixty of the unanimously signed up to volunteer for active duty as an Army nurse to help all of their troops, wherever there was need they were willing to go. Cherry happily enjoyed the time that she’d spent with all of her fellow nurses and they anxiously awaited the day they would leave to the next phase of their lives, helping the soldiers they cared so much about. Anxiety was ever-present as they thought about the idea of splitting up the team they’d worked with for the last four years—they knew each other, could work together fluidly, and anticipate each other moves and reactions. It would be difficult to get used to a whole new unit. As fate would have it, it seemed the Army felt the same way and would be shipping them about together, as a unit, to where they were needed—starting with basic training. Fort Herold held a lot of new adventures and new challenges, especially for Cherry who somehow managed to win the disapproval and disdain of Paul Endicott, one of the Captain’s and their commanding officers. Hoping to still make it through training and a location assignment with her fellow nurses Cherry has to choose between her duty to the people that need her and the orders she is given by the Army.
This is a pretty good book that definitely has its own chords of humor to it, especially since it was written in the 1970’s and people acted and treated each other a lot differently. The way women are portrayed it different from today, very much so, and the way they react is a change from the norm. Overall it proves a good laugh, insightful about different lives and different perspectives on taking care of people, health, the war, and people in general.
This is a pretty good book that definitely has its own chords of humor to it, especially since it was written in the 1970’s and people acted and treated each other a lot differently. The way women are portrayed it different from today, very much so, and the way they react is a change from the norm. Overall it proves a good laugh, insightful about different lives and different perspectives on taking care of people, health, the war, and people in general.
November 5, 2022
If you're looking for a fun series for your young adults, this is a nice choice!
It has similar vibes to the original Nancy Drew series; just replace the mystery with various events and story developments. And personally, I think the writing is better; more full and less matter-of-fact.
I look forward to reading more in the series!
Cleanliness: Uses of “good gracious” “goodness” “gee” and the like. There is a little romance. Mentions young ladies wearing make-up and going to dances. There is a proposal.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
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It has similar vibes to the original Nancy Drew series; just replace the mystery with various events and story developments. And personally, I think the writing is better; more full and less matter-of-fact.
I look forward to reading more in the series!
Cleanliness: Uses of “good gracious” “goodness” “gee” and the like. There is a little romance. Mentions young ladies wearing make-up and going to dances. There is a proposal.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
April 8, 2024
Let me start off by saying that I loved the first book in this series,
Cherry Ames, Student Nurse
. I was impressed by Helen Wells' writing and I found Cherry to be a delightful character, who’s passion for nursing and limitless positivity I found to be refreshing.
I was less thrilled with Cherry Ames, Senior Nurse . In it we meet Dr. Marius Lexington Upham, or Lex, as Cherry calls him. From a modern perspective, this man is waving red flags with both hands and Cherry just refuses to see it. Sure, Lex has redeeming qualities, but Cherry’s ability to see the good in absolutely everyone lost me here.
This is one of the biggest problems with this series. Toxic masculinity abounds in these books to the point where just about all of the men depicted are abhorrent.
In this book, Cherry Ames, Army Nurse, we meet Captain Paul Endicott, who seemed as unlikeable as Lex was in book two. I kept waiting for the moment when we are magically expected to like Endicott despite his obnoxious personality, because he’s so misunderstood, or some other equally ridiculous explanation. Thankfully, that moment doesn’t come, but the problem is that I couldn’t see much, if any difference, between Lex, who Cherry thinks is a good guy, and Endicott, who she doesn’t like. They are essentially the same character with a different storyline.
Then there is the other problem I had with this book. Originally published in 1944, it reads like blatant propaganda for the war. It just got to be a bit too much for me.
***Beware, the next paragraph contains spoilers!***
Cherry has finished training to be a nurse. She and the entire graduating class at her college have signed up to join the war effort. She travels to New Jersey to complete her training as a lieutenant, then it’s on to Panama City. She has the usual adventures, and does the right thing, rules be dammed! Cherry comes across the horrible Captain Endicott, who does everything he can to make Cherry’s life a living hell. He gets him comeuppance and there’s a happy ending.
The one shining light in this book, besides Cherry herself, is the adorable Bunch Smith, a corpsman that Cherry meets during her army training. He proves that Helen Wells was capable of writing male characters that are sweet, funny, and likeable, she just doesn’t do it often. In my opinion, Bunce would have made a much better love interest for Cherry than Lex.
If I had not been reading this book along with my friend, Gina (@babsbelovedbooks on Instagram), I would not likely have finished it.
I have one more Cherry Ames book left to read on my shelf and that's Cherry Ames, Chief Nurse . If the series doesn’t drastically improve, Cherry and I will be parting ways.
I was less thrilled with Cherry Ames, Senior Nurse . In it we meet Dr. Marius Lexington Upham, or Lex, as Cherry calls him. From a modern perspective, this man is waving red flags with both hands and Cherry just refuses to see it. Sure, Lex has redeeming qualities, but Cherry’s ability to see the good in absolutely everyone lost me here.
This is one of the biggest problems with this series. Toxic masculinity abounds in these books to the point where just about all of the men depicted are abhorrent.
In this book, Cherry Ames, Army Nurse, we meet Captain Paul Endicott, who seemed as unlikeable as Lex was in book two. I kept waiting for the moment when we are magically expected to like Endicott despite his obnoxious personality, because he’s so misunderstood, or some other equally ridiculous explanation. Thankfully, that moment doesn’t come, but the problem is that I couldn’t see much, if any difference, between Lex, who Cherry thinks is a good guy, and Endicott, who she doesn’t like. They are essentially the same character with a different storyline.
Then there is the other problem I had with this book. Originally published in 1944, it reads like blatant propaganda for the war. It just got to be a bit too much for me.
***Beware, the next paragraph contains spoilers!***
Cherry has finished training to be a nurse. She and the entire graduating class at her college have signed up to join the war effort. She travels to New Jersey to complete her training as a lieutenant, then it’s on to Panama City. She has the usual adventures, and does the right thing, rules be dammed! Cherry comes across the horrible Captain Endicott, who does everything he can to make Cherry’s life a living hell. He gets him comeuppance and there’s a happy ending.
The one shining light in this book, besides Cherry herself, is the adorable Bunch Smith, a corpsman that Cherry meets during her army training. He proves that Helen Wells was capable of writing male characters that are sweet, funny, and likeable, she just doesn’t do it often. In my opinion, Bunce would have made a much better love interest for Cherry than Lex.
If I had not been reading this book along with my friend, Gina (@babsbelovedbooks on Instagram), I would not likely have finished it.
I have one more Cherry Ames book left to read on my shelf and that's Cherry Ames, Chief Nurse . If the series doesn’t drastically improve, Cherry and I will be parting ways.
August 12, 2015
This might be my favorite one yet. I love all the travel and adventure associated with Cherry becoming an Army nurse. Some parts almost read like a travelogue! It's interesting to view this from a historical perspective, too, as it's clear that a partial aim of these books was to serve as a recruiting tool for wartime nurses.
I'm still reeling at the fact that "Diesel oil spray" was used to stop malaria breeding grounds (by killing the mosquitoes). Maybe there was no other way, but—still—what an environmental disaster! It was also hard to believe that the nurses wrapped up cigarettes(!), among other things, to give to the invalid soldiers as Christmas gifts.
The fact that Dr. Joe has another top-secret breaking new medicine is getting a bit old. This is, after all, the third book where he's made such a vital find. With discoveries like that behind him, one would think that by now he would have a Nobel Prize and be on the lecture circuit, instead of continuing to fight the irascible Dr. Wylie just to test his formulas.
Lex is a little better in this one. At least Cherry seems like she can handle him.
Overall, this was a really fun book. I'm looking forward to following up by revisiting Cherry's further adventures in the Pacific.
I'm still reeling at the fact that "Diesel oil spray" was used to stop malaria breeding grounds (by killing the mosquitoes). Maybe there was no other way, but—still—what an environmental disaster! It was also hard to believe that the nurses wrapped up cigarettes(!), among other things, to give to the invalid soldiers as Christmas gifts.
The fact that Dr. Joe has another top-secret breaking new medicine is getting a bit old. This is, after all, the third book where he's made such a vital find. With discoveries like that behind him, one would think that by now he would have a Nobel Prize and be on the lecture circuit, instead of continuing to fight the irascible Dr. Wylie just to test his formulas.
Lex is a little better in this one. At least Cherry seems like she can handle him.
Overall, this was a really fun book. I'm looking forward to following up by revisiting Cherry's further adventures in the Pacific.
March 12, 2017
Growing up I remember many visits to the used bookstore. Any time they had Nancy Drew hardbacks I snatched them up. And these were the same size, same look, near Nancy on the shelf. So I bought then as well. I've only ever read 3 of them. I was never able to fill in the series. I would have loved to read the others, but they are books, much like Nancy Drew, that can be read on their own as well. As I was re-reading this one I was reminded of a friend's recent Facebook post. It was a video talking about the lack of books about women/girls for kids. This series right here is one of the reasons that puzzled me. I read plenty of good books about females growing up, these included. Cherry is a strong character who isn't trying to focus on marriage/men. She's building her career and seeing the world. There is culture shock from going to new places, but also from joining the army. This is definitely a book that I would encourage my kids to read, especially for the history aspect.
September 4, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up. This book started out at a rather ploddingly slow pace. There were times I was a little bored with it even, but I am glad I stuck with it because it was a good story overall. Cherry was a root-worthy character. I liked her a lot. She was smart and spunky, just the way I like my heroines. Some other characters in the book were far less likable, especially certain professional superiors. This book gives you a unique look at life and nursing in the '40s. I wonder how many young people reading these books back "in those days" were inspired to look into nursing as a career because of this series. You can tell the writer wanted her readers to want to become nurses. This book is almost like an advertisement for the job actually. I would read another book in this series if I found a copy in a second-hand shop.
July 22, 2024
It felt like reading a little piece of history. A time when nursing was a better respected profession, and the world a very different place than today. I loved reading this because it felt like I was reading through ‘rose coloured glasses’ just as the hopeful main heroine, Cherry does.
Perfect for young readers, and old. A very sweet book, with ambitious and kind characters with lots of references to the past. (WWII era)
Perfect for young readers, and old. A very sweet book, with ambitious and kind characters with lots of references to the past. (WWII era)
December 21, 2013
I read this series as a child (in the 1960s and 70s) and I seem to remember that Cherry solved mysteries along with doing her nursing, but so far have re-read the first three and none really has a mystery in the traditional sense.
June 29, 2025
Helen Wells' "Cherry Ames, Army Nurse" is the third in the series. All of Cherry's nursing class have decided to enlist as Army nurses. Dr. Lex Upham and Dr. Joe are also in this story but this time Dr. Joe has another cure that needs to be tested. Vivian and Ann are among some of the nurses. Colonel Wylie has also has an appearance and is part of this enlisted medical group that is helping the soldiers in the second world war. Cherry again breaks some rules but can she keep from a dishonorable discharge.
Published in 1944. I found this especially exciting because the war was going on and the price could be no higher.
Story in short- The war needs war time nurses and doctors, Cherry steps up with her friends.
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
Cherry and her friends enlist, Lex and Dr. Joe who is working on a cure for malaria, black-water fever. Cherry and the nurses show what kind of basic training they need to have and the hard work. Lex and Cherry are more than friends but she has not accepted his ring yet, Lex is patient. Cherry's twin brother is in the Air Force but her family is really not mentioned. Private Bunce Smith helps Cherry with a sick Indian who has black water fever and helping prove Dr. Joe's cure. Captain Paul Endicott who has Vivian fooled until she finds out that he is out to hurt Cherry, Bunce and Lex with Colonel Wylie but in the end the senior doctor sees through this and with others promotes Cherry and Bunce.
Published in 1944. I found this especially exciting because the war was going on and the price could be no higher.
Story in short- The war needs war time nurses and doctors, Cherry steps up with her friends.
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
Cherry and her friends enlist, Lex and Dr. Joe who is working on a cure for malaria, black-water fever. Cherry and the nurses show what kind of basic training they need to have and the hard work. Lex and Cherry are more than friends but she has not accepted his ring yet, Lex is patient. Cherry's twin brother is in the Air Force but her family is really not mentioned. Private Bunce Smith helps Cherry with a sick Indian who has black water fever and helping prove Dr. Joe's cure. Captain Paul Endicott who has Vivian fooled until she finds out that he is out to hurt Cherry, Bunce and Lex with Colonel Wylie but in the end the senior doctor sees through this and with others promotes Cherry and Bunce.
June 24, 2025
So why a YA written in 1944? I needed a break with a well written, one day, poolside read. Also - the NYTimes Summer Bucket List challenged urged me to "read a book from my childhood that I liked". I thrifted quite a few Cherry Ames and Vicki Barr books - I guess my early exposure to historical fiction(?)
As a freshly minted ARMY NURSE, Cherry and the entirety of her recently graduated nursing class become introduced to Army life-where civilian compassions and Army regulations are sometimes at odds. They are proud to serve even alongside an intimidating drill Sargent (who they hilariously manipulate) and more than one brash no-nonsense officers. Hijinks, light romance, and adventures ensue, and we are left wondering if the Spencer hospital nurses will be sent from their temporary post in Panama to Asia or to Europe as the war escalates. Hmmmm...I may just have to dive back into this series !
As a freshly minted ARMY NURSE, Cherry and the entirety of her recently graduated nursing class become introduced to Army life-where civilian compassions and Army regulations are sometimes at odds. They are proud to serve even alongside an intimidating drill Sargent (who they hilariously manipulate) and more than one brash no-nonsense officers. Hijinks, light romance, and adventures ensue, and we are left wondering if the Spencer hospital nurses will be sent from their temporary post in Panama to Asia or to Europe as the war escalates. Hmmmm...I may just have to dive back into this series !
November 15, 2021
I chose to read this as I had recently been in a military museum and Remembrance Day was approaching. Sometimes it takes awhile to switch from an adult book to one of these old children’s books but once there I really enjoy them. My take away from this one was learning about army life from a nurse’s perspective.
Cherry isn’t a perfect nurse, she disobeys the rules but always for a noble cause. This leads to Cherry encountering malaria and possibly black fever in Central America. Along the way she encounters another rule breaker (and joker) corpsman Bunce who dreams of becoming a doctor if he could only keep out of trouble. Other characters from previous books are present including the doctor who inspired her to become a nurse, researcher Dr. Joe Fortune as well as Dr. Lex Upham who proposed to her in the last instalment.
I am looking forward to more of her adventures.
Cherry isn’t a perfect nurse, she disobeys the rules but always for a noble cause. This leads to Cherry encountering malaria and possibly black fever in Central America. Along the way she encounters another rule breaker (and joker) corpsman Bunce who dreams of becoming a doctor if he could only keep out of trouble. Other characters from previous books are present including the doctor who inspired her to become a nurse, researcher Dr. Joe Fortune as well as Dr. Lex Upham who proposed to her in the last instalment.
I am looking forward to more of her adventures.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2022
A delightful glimpse into the past (along with many societal and language norms that now appear incredibly rude) More importantly, a look into a world many of us are aware of but haven't seen up close.
The writing is solid, plot is well-paced and easy to follow, descriptions fit for seeing the story but not overly done. As an adult reading this for this first time, some aspects of the narrative voice struck me as being close to propaganda in nature - devotion to the war effort in particular - and the protagonist could have been a model for the 'Mary Sue' archetype; however these aspects didn't overwhelm the story and, given the date of publication and young target audience, aren't particularly unexpected or unwelcome.
I'm definitely interested in reading more of this series, as much to see more of the past as to follow Cherry's continuing journey.
The writing is solid, plot is well-paced and easy to follow, descriptions fit for seeing the story but not overly done. As an adult reading this for this first time, some aspects of the narrative voice struck me as being close to propaganda in nature - devotion to the war effort in particular - and the protagonist could have been a model for the 'Mary Sue' archetype; however these aspects didn't overwhelm the story and, given the date of publication and young target audience, aren't particularly unexpected or unwelcome.
I'm definitely interested in reading more of this series, as much to see more of the past as to follow Cherry's continuing journey.
August 3, 2025
I was super excited to find this book because I always thinks it’s fun to read nurse books since I’m a nurse. I am hoping to find them all to honest but I won’t hold my breath on that one. I’m his is an original published in 1944 (I think anyways haha), so also really cool. I enjoyed the story even though I didn’t realize it was a series and this is book three it’s all good it read like a standalone or what I could tell it did. I enjoyed following Cherry around and seeing what she did day to day as an army nurse. I liked her wit and that despite the timeframe she didn’t really let the men boss her around. She saved two lives or random people because she did disobey her orders and did get in a bit of trouble, but as a nurse how can you not do your duty and help someone if they need it.
I think it’s a neat book and I’d read more of them and recommend them.
I think it’s a neat book and I’d read more of them and recommend them.
August 2, 2018
I would definitely not recommend handling this series to a youngster of today unless they have a strong interest in historical research. I don’t think a 21st century teen would find much to identify with here.
For myself, I was pleasantly surprised to find that a book I haven’t read for at least 50 years is actually not too bad. It captures a lot of the flavor of the war years, though it’s rife with stereotypes. You could use this book to play a game of cliche and stereotype bingo very easily. I was a bit disappointed that this wasn’t a particular book I remembered fr Cherry’s days as an armful nurse. Maybe I can find it if I work my way through a few more of these.
For myself, I was pleasantly surprised to find that a book I haven’t read for at least 50 years is actually not too bad. It captures a lot of the flavor of the war years, though it’s rife with stereotypes. You could use this book to play a game of cliche and stereotype bingo very easily. I was a bit disappointed that this wasn’t a particular book I remembered fr Cherry’s days as an armful nurse. Maybe I can find it if I work my way through a few more of these.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2019
It's Lieutenant Cherry Ames now as our perky heroine goes through army training along with all of her other graduating nursing school classmates and several doctors from Spencer Hospital, including her boyfriend, Lex. A lot sexist at times and she is not above accepting a little bailout from men wanting to please a pretty face.
Cherry, Cherry, pull your nose out of the air sometimes, please! She does get into a huff easily, and I thought her prank on Sergeant Deake was mean-spirited and bullying came to mind. But soon the tables are turned and Cherry finds herself steeped in trouble with a capital T for doing the right thing. That girl, she does have a kind heart when it matters most.
Cherry, Cherry, pull your nose out of the air sometimes, please! She does get into a huff easily, and I thought her prank on Sergeant Deake was mean-spirited and bullying came to mind. But soon the tables are turned and Cherry finds herself steeped in trouble with a capital T for doing the right thing. That girl, she does have a kind heart when it matters most.
January 5, 2020
I read these as a child and really enjoyed them. They have aged pretty well. There isn't a lot of real character development, but again they are designed for a younger reader in mind. Cherry is like SUPER into nursing, so all of her emotions are really tied up with that. In this book, Cherry has joined the war effort.
She's off to Panama to start taking care of her patients and have some adventures along the way. She meets some nice people and some jerks. And helps the war effort.
So it's just a good wholesome book. Really good for younger kids, especially if they like medical stuff.
She's off to Panama to start taking care of her patients and have some adventures along the way. She meets some nice people and some jerks. And helps the war effort.
So it's just a good wholesome book. Really good for younger kids, especially if they like medical stuff.
April 12, 2020
4.5 stars
Once I got into it, it got more interesting. It's been awhile since I read the first two but I really like nurses and that sort of thing.
Is Paul Endicott annoying or what... XP
Anyway!
Content:
Language--a few old words like golly and shucks. Also at least one use of "gos*."
Sexy stuff/Romance--there's romance, but it definitely doesn't take over the story. It's so light it's more like it's just on the side. A few kisses, maybe only one or two and very undetailed.
Violence--not so much violence, but there are injured characters since it's a) during a war and b) Cherry is a nurse. But again, it's not very graphic.
Once I got into it, it got more interesting. It's been awhile since I read the first two but I really like nurses and that sort of thing.
Is Paul Endicott annoying or what... XP
Anyway!
Content:
Language--a few old words like golly and shucks. Also at least one use of "gos*."
Sexy stuff/Romance--there's romance, but it definitely doesn't take over the story. It's so light it's more like it's just on the side. A few kisses, maybe only one or two and very undetailed.
Violence--not so much violence, but there are injured characters since it's a) during a war and b) Cherry is a nurse. But again, it's not very graphic.
February 1, 2023
This book finds our heroine, along with all her Spencer buddies, enduring basic training and a sudden trip to parts unknown (for a time). Panama City is the destination - for the remainder of this book - wherein Cherry and her corpsman, Bunce, find themselves involved with a mysterious native and a mysterious disease. There's even the possibility that our heroine will be dishonorably discharged; but we all know that's impossible because she's Cherry Ames. Another delightfully wholesome and nostalgic read; this time with a touch of romance compliments of Dr. Lex. However, after three books, I still have no inclination to become a nurse.
December 30, 2019
Such a great read. Cherry has a lot going on when she enters army nurse training. Moved from place to place, told this rule and that. She makes decisions along the way and learns from her mistakes. This will continue to help her for in the future as she goes on this exciting journey. You can tell she truly cares about what's best for everyone. It might not always be easy, but she is determined to push on.
November 7, 2022
Like the others, Cherry reminds me about the basics of nursing care. These books are written more for the young readers, like Nancy Drew, but the writing of this one is subpar to the others I’ve read. The author over uses exclamation!!!! Some paragraphs have and ! for every sentence. Also weird placement of quotes. Like she got a “shot”. Story line on this is weaker as well. Needs a new plot other than a miracle drug developed by Dr Joe.
November 26, 2022
Another enjoyable, nostalgic Cherry Ames book! I do enjoy how each new step of progress that Cherry takes with the army, it's described in a cheerful, enticing way. It always makes me happy that Cherry is leading an adventurous life and at the same time, I am proud of the service she is providing for our troops and country. Suffice it to say, I liked the flow of the story. Looking forward to the next book.
August 27, 2023
Cherry has volunteered (as her entire graduating class) to serve as Army nurses. In this novel she undergoes basic training, learns about battlefield nursing, and travels to Panama to start her nursing career. The mystery of an indigenous man found with a high fever in a deserted house is connected to a serum that her friend, Dr. Joe Fortune, is working on. Although Cherry again bends the rules, the result saves many lives.
July 17, 2022
This was an extremely strange instalment in the Cherry Ames series. It was extremely disjointed and hard to follow, with no unifying thread. I suppose that may reflect the life of an army nurse in WW2. I couldn’t understand why certain people seemed to have it out for Cherry, although she also displayed some pretty appalling behaviour for a professional nurse. It was very weird.
September 16, 2025
I read Cherry Ames' books when I was in high school. I was reminded of this series when I saw this particular book in a museum display about women serving in WW2. I was pleased to be able to borrow this book from my library system. It was fun to revisit Cherry, but I realize how differently I view all of this now 40+ years later! Older and wiser now.
July 14, 2018
I bought these to read while I am reading When Books Went To War. These are fast and fun and not memorable. Except they are if you consider how little there was to entertain then and how much we needed the optimism and lively can do spirit of Cherry Ames. Cute cover art.
June 16, 2025
Enjoyed this one! It's nice going back and reading the earlier books I missed for one reason or other. (This one, I think it was because at the time I was reading CA I was a little young for the romance stuff (though it's fairly light).)
Had to laugh at Bunce and the scenes with "Lovey". 😆
Had to laugh at Bunce and the scenes with "Lovey". 😆
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