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The Woman with a Purple Heart
"Historical fiction at its finest!" ―Amanda Skenandore, author of The Second Life of Mirielle West
Based on the real life of Lieutenant Annie Fox, Chief Nurse of Hickam Hospital, The Woman with a Purple Heart is an inspiring WWII novel of heroic leadership, courage, and friendship that also exposes a shocking and shameful side of history.
Annie Fox will stop at nothing to serve her country. But what happens when her country fails her? In November 1941, Annie Fox, an Army nurse, is transferred to Hickam Field, an air force base in Honolulu. The others on her transport plane are thrilled to work in paradise, but Annie sees her new duty station as the Army's way of holding the door open to her retirement. But serving her country is her calling and she will go wherever she is told. On December 7, Annie's on her way to work when the first Japanese Zero fighter plane flies low over Hickam's Parade Ground.
The death and destruction that follow leave her no time to process what's happening. She rallies her nurses, and they work to save as many lives as they can. But soon their small hospital is overwhelmed. Annie drives into Honolulu to gather supplies, nurses, and several women who will donate blood. However, the nurses are Japanese Americans, and the blood donors are prostitutes.
Under Annie's leadership and working together in unexpected ways, they make it through that horrific day, when one of the Japanese American nurses and Annie's friend, Kay, is arrested as a suspected subversive. As Hickam tries to recover, Annie works to find her friend and return Kay to her family. But Annie's love for her country is put to the test. How can she reconcile the American bravery and resilience she saw on December 7 with the prejudice and injustice she witnesses just a few months later?
Based on the real life of Lieutenant Annie Fox, Chief Nurse of Hickam Hospital, The Woman with a Purple Heart is an inspiring WWII novel of heroic leadership, courage, and friendship that also exposes a shocking and shameful side of history.
Annie Fox will stop at nothing to serve her country. But what happens when her country fails her? In November 1941, Annie Fox, an Army nurse, is transferred to Hickam Field, an air force base in Honolulu. The others on her transport plane are thrilled to work in paradise, but Annie sees her new duty station as the Army's way of holding the door open to her retirement. But serving her country is her calling and she will go wherever she is told. On December 7, Annie's on her way to work when the first Japanese Zero fighter plane flies low over Hickam's Parade Ground.
The death and destruction that follow leave her no time to process what's happening. She rallies her nurses, and they work to save as many lives as they can. But soon their small hospital is overwhelmed. Annie drives into Honolulu to gather supplies, nurses, and several women who will donate blood. However, the nurses are Japanese Americans, and the blood donors are prostitutes.
Under Annie's leadership and working together in unexpected ways, they make it through that horrific day, when one of the Japanese American nurses and Annie's friend, Kay, is arrested as a suspected subversive. As Hickam tries to recover, Annie works to find her friend and return Kay to her family. But Annie's love for her country is put to the test. How can she reconcile the American bravery and resilience she saw on December 7 with the prejudice and injustice she witnesses just a few months later?
352 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2023
238 people are currently reading
7919 people want to read
About the author
Diane Hanks
5 books39 followersDiane Hanks has a BFA in Creative Writing from Roger Williams University and an MA in Professional Writing & Publishing from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. A medical writer by day, she has written numerous screenplays and recently returned to her first love—writing novels. Diane also is a mentor for the Writers Guild Initiative, which makes the art of storytelling accessible to underserved populations. When not writing, she enjoys walking by the river.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
September 30, 2023
Annie Fox is a career army nurse, she’s stationed in the Philippines when she’s unexpectedly transferred to a small hospital at Hickam Field, an air force base in Honolulu, Hawaii. Annie is forty eight, she served in The Great War and she’s sure the army has sent her to the tropical paradise as a way of saying she’s getting too old and maybe it’s time for her to retire.
The hospital is small, it only has forty beds, and Annie's in charge of the five nurses stationed there, Sara, Monica, Kathy, Winnie and Irene. Annie's only been at Hickam Field for a month, when on morning of December the 7th 1941, she hears an odd buzzing sound and sees the first Japanese Zero fighter plane approaching Hickam's Parade Ground and the pilot starts firing.
No one is prepared, many of the men are still in their barracks, and the Japanese want to destroy the planes and airfield. Soon the hospital is over flowing with wounded, Annie experience from The Great War is vital, she knows what to do in the situation and tells her nurses.
The hospital is running out of supplies, Annie drives into Honolulu to gather more blood, nurses and ambulances. The two main hospitals are overflowing with wounded and dying military personal and civilians, they give her what they can spare and they don’t have any extra staff.
Annie knows the nurses who work at the Japanese American Community Center, they offer to help, she visits The Hotel district, the prostitutes are willing to donate blood and volunteer. You can imagine what the guard on duty and others think when Annie arrives back with her assortment of helpers, Japanese nurses and prostitutes, it’s a crisis and more wounded are arriving every minute.
Annie is friendly with Kay Kimura who runs the center, she has two children Elizabeth and Thomas and her grandmother was born in Japan. At the time one third of Hawaii’s population are of Japanese heritage, martial law is declared, a strict curfew and rationing is enforced.
Annie can’t believe it when Kay is arrested as a suspected subversive taken away by the FBI and no one knows where she is. Everywhere you look in Honolulu it's damaged or destroyed, the hospitals are still full of wounded and the wrecks of the Arizona and Oklahoma are visible in the harbor and why would they care about the fate of one Japanese woman and especially now.
I received a digital copy of The woman with a Purple Heart by Diane Hanks from Edelweiss and Sourcebook in exchange for an honest review. Set during one the most turbulent times in American history and on it's darkest day, the author looks at the actions of a real life heroine First Lieutenant Annie Gayton Fox, she showed remarkable courage, professionalism, calmness, compassion, quick thinking, leadership and was the first woman to be awarded a Purple Heart.
Ms. Hanks also highlights the tension and ill feeling in Hawaii at the time towards the Japanese Americans who called the island home, they were all taken away and send to internment camps. Five stars from me, a well written narrative about war and friendship, looking outside of the box and from a different perspective and don't underestimate what women can do and achieve.
The hospital is small, it only has forty beds, and Annie's in charge of the five nurses stationed there, Sara, Monica, Kathy, Winnie and Irene. Annie's only been at Hickam Field for a month, when on morning of December the 7th 1941, she hears an odd buzzing sound and sees the first Japanese Zero fighter plane approaching Hickam's Parade Ground and the pilot starts firing.
No one is prepared, many of the men are still in their barracks, and the Japanese want to destroy the planes and airfield. Soon the hospital is over flowing with wounded, Annie experience from The Great War is vital, she knows what to do in the situation and tells her nurses.
The hospital is running out of supplies, Annie drives into Honolulu to gather more blood, nurses and ambulances. The two main hospitals are overflowing with wounded and dying military personal and civilians, they give her what they can spare and they don’t have any extra staff.
Annie knows the nurses who work at the Japanese American Community Center, they offer to help, she visits The Hotel district, the prostitutes are willing to donate blood and volunteer. You can imagine what the guard on duty and others think when Annie arrives back with her assortment of helpers, Japanese nurses and prostitutes, it’s a crisis and more wounded are arriving every minute.
Annie is friendly with Kay Kimura who runs the center, she has two children Elizabeth and Thomas and her grandmother was born in Japan. At the time one third of Hawaii’s population are of Japanese heritage, martial law is declared, a strict curfew and rationing is enforced.
Annie can’t believe it when Kay is arrested as a suspected subversive taken away by the FBI and no one knows where she is. Everywhere you look in Honolulu it's damaged or destroyed, the hospitals are still full of wounded and the wrecks of the Arizona and Oklahoma are visible in the harbor and why would they care about the fate of one Japanese woman and especially now.
I received a digital copy of The woman with a Purple Heart by Diane Hanks from Edelweiss and Sourcebook in exchange for an honest review. Set during one the most turbulent times in American history and on it's darkest day, the author looks at the actions of a real life heroine First Lieutenant Annie Gayton Fox, she showed remarkable courage, professionalism, calmness, compassion, quick thinking, leadership and was the first woman to be awarded a Purple Heart.
Ms. Hanks also highlights the tension and ill feeling in Hawaii at the time towards the Japanese Americans who called the island home, they were all taken away and send to internment camps. Five stars from me, a well written narrative about war and friendship, looking outside of the box and from a different perspective and don't underestimate what women can do and achieve.
March 20, 2024
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE WOMAN WITH A PURPLE HEART by Diane Hanks is an enlightening, engaging, and heartbreaking historical fiction based on just a moment in a truly heroic career Army nurse’s service on one of the most infamous days in American history. This is a story of an inspiring woman that I was unable to put down.
Lt. Annie Fox served her country in the battle hospitals of WWI, was transferred to the Philippines and now in November of 1941, she is transferred to Hickam Hospital on the Army/Air Force Base near Honolulu and Pearl Harbor. Rather than being excited, she senses this is the Army’s way of moving her into retirement, but she is determined to do her duty and train her new group of nurses to the best of her ability.
As she walks to the hospital to work on the morning of December 7th, enemy fighter planes bring unbelievable death and destruction. As Annie does everything she can to support her young nurses and solve problems in unique ways to just survive the day and then the week, but her love of country is put to the test with the prejudice and injustice she witnesses in the aftermath.
I always love learning about new people and/or new things when I pick up historical fiction books and I learned so many new bits of information in this captivating story. Not only did this book enlighten me about Hickam Base, but the racial tensions that were already evident before the attack on the Hawaiian Islands during this time. The author brings Annie to life, and I felt real empathy for her as an older, single woman in that period and in the Armed Forces. I am so glad that Annie’s heroism, ingenuity, and bravery were recognized and rewarded in her lifetime, and I hope with this historical fiction book she can go on inspiring many more woman and girls who discover her story.
I highly recommend this wonderful historical fiction book!
THE WOMAN WITH A PURPLE HEART by Diane Hanks is an enlightening, engaging, and heartbreaking historical fiction based on just a moment in a truly heroic career Army nurse’s service on one of the most infamous days in American history. This is a story of an inspiring woman that I was unable to put down.
Lt. Annie Fox served her country in the battle hospitals of WWI, was transferred to the Philippines and now in November of 1941, she is transferred to Hickam Hospital on the Army/Air Force Base near Honolulu and Pearl Harbor. Rather than being excited, she senses this is the Army’s way of moving her into retirement, but she is determined to do her duty and train her new group of nurses to the best of her ability.
As she walks to the hospital to work on the morning of December 7th, enemy fighter planes bring unbelievable death and destruction. As Annie does everything she can to support her young nurses and solve problems in unique ways to just survive the day and then the week, but her love of country is put to the test with the prejudice and injustice she witnesses in the aftermath.
I always love learning about new people and/or new things when I pick up historical fiction books and I learned so many new bits of information in this captivating story. Not only did this book enlighten me about Hickam Base, but the racial tensions that were already evident before the attack on the Hawaiian Islands during this time. The author brings Annie to life, and I felt real empathy for her as an older, single woman in that period and in the Armed Forces. I am so glad that Annie’s heroism, ingenuity, and bravery were recognized and rewarded in her lifetime, and I hope with this historical fiction book she can go on inspiring many more woman and girls who discover her story.
I highly recommend this wonderful historical fiction book!
July 26, 2023
“War brings out the worst and the best in people. Wars do not make men great, but they do bring out the greatness in good men.” – Dick Winters, WWII veteran, and author
Author Diane Hanks explores the ways in which both these sentiments are true. To do so, she introduces her readers to Lieutenant Annie Gayton Fox and shows us how Fox’s experience and temperament both helped and hindered her role as a nurse during the Pearl Harbor disaster.
What’s unique about this nurse is that she was a Canadian. That’s right. A Canadian who joined the US Army Nurse Corps in 1918, worked through the ranks and served as a first lieutenant when she was transferred to Hickam Field one month prior to the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor. Furthermore, she was the first woman to receive the Purple Heart. I found her contributions and her unconventional life fascinating and enjoyed learning about someone I hadn’t known about previously. I loved spending time with Annie and her nurses (Kay, Mak, and Major Lance) and was in awe of their courage and dedication.
Although I’ve read many books on the Pearl Harbor disaster and knew of Hickam Field and the Japanese internment, I was shocked to discover that:
1) a Canadian nurse serving in the US Army
2) sex workers were donating gallons of blood to save those wounded in the attack
3) Martial Law existed in Oahu for three years
I appreciated learning about the courage of women, ageism in the workplace, the treatment of 'alien enemies', and the origins/awarding of the Purple Heart.
This is one book historical fiction lovers will want on their reading list!
I was gifted this copy by Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Author Diane Hanks explores the ways in which both these sentiments are true. To do so, she introduces her readers to Lieutenant Annie Gayton Fox and shows us how Fox’s experience and temperament both helped and hindered her role as a nurse during the Pearl Harbor disaster.
What’s unique about this nurse is that she was a Canadian. That’s right. A Canadian who joined the US Army Nurse Corps in 1918, worked through the ranks and served as a first lieutenant when she was transferred to Hickam Field one month prior to the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor. Furthermore, she was the first woman to receive the Purple Heart. I found her contributions and her unconventional life fascinating and enjoyed learning about someone I hadn’t known about previously. I loved spending time with Annie and her nurses (Kay, Mak, and Major Lance) and was in awe of their courage and dedication.
Although I’ve read many books on the Pearl Harbor disaster and knew of Hickam Field and the Japanese internment, I was shocked to discover that:
1) a Canadian nurse serving in the US Army
2) sex workers were donating gallons of blood to save those wounded in the attack
3) Martial Law existed in Oahu for three years
I appreciated learning about the courage of women, ageism in the workplace, the treatment of 'alien enemies', and the origins/awarding of the Purple Heart.
This is one book historical fiction lovers will want on their reading list!
I was gifted this copy by Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
May 24, 2023
Annie Fox is a Military nurse who served in WWI and has been transferred to Hickman Field an Air Force base in Honolulu to help set up a small military hospital in 1941. Not much goes on at this hospital and she feeling like the military is "putting her out to roost". She starts volunteering at a Japanese- American Community health center on her days off to feel needed. She makes some great friends in that community. When the attack on Pearl Harbor happens many years of experience is greatly needed. Beyond fear she leads her medical team through one of the hardest most demanded times in their life. For her bravery Annie is the first woman to receive a Purple Heart. This books also touches on how Japanese living in the US were sent off to camps just because of their heritage.
I really enjoy true stories about strong women. Some of the book is fiction but Annie and her accomplishments are real. The attack on Pearl Harbor was horrific. I like hearing stories of those who were there and how they pulled together to save human life. It also takes about the aftermath of what happen and how it changed America forever. It was a dark time in American history but also a bright spot when some came together as a country to help others. This kind of message needs to be heard today. How we can learn from our mistakes and triumphs.
This book is very well written and I finished it in about 3 days. Could not put it down. I think the Author made Annie very relatable. I liked her independence in a time where it was frowned upon and judged. It says a lot about aging and proving that you are still worthy. I look forward to reading more from Diane Hanks.
Thanks you to NetGalley and Sourcebook Landmark for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.
I really enjoy true stories about strong women. Some of the book is fiction but Annie and her accomplishments are real. The attack on Pearl Harbor was horrific. I like hearing stories of those who were there and how they pulled together to save human life. It also takes about the aftermath of what happen and how it changed America forever. It was a dark time in American history but also a bright spot when some came together as a country to help others. This kind of message needs to be heard today. How we can learn from our mistakes and triumphs.
This book is very well written and I finished it in about 3 days. Could not put it down. I think the Author made Annie very relatable. I liked her independence in a time where it was frowned upon and judged. It says a lot about aging and proving that you are still worthy. I look forward to reading more from Diane Hanks.
Thanks you to NetGalley and Sourcebook Landmark for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.
November 1, 2023
Poignant, informative, and incredibly absorbing!
The Woman with a Purple Heart is an intriguing tale that sweeps you away to the shores of Oahu and immerses you into the life of seasoned U.S. Army Nurse Corps Lieutenant Annie Fox as her knowledge, heart, strength, compassion and skills are all tested to the max when the Japanese unexpectedly rage war on Hickam Field and Pearl Harbor in December of 1941.
The prose is eloquent and vivid. The characters are complex, resilient, genuine, and endearing. And the plot, including all the subplots, intertwine and unravel subtly into a captivating tale of life, loss, family, heartbreak, secrets, betrayal, friendship, courage, determination, self-discovery, forced incarceration, racial prejudice, and the devastating consequences of war.
Overall, The Woman with a Purple Heart is an atmospheric, evocative, beautifully written novel by Hanks about a remarkable woman that grabs you from the very first page and does an exceptional job of blending historical facts with fiction that’s both moving and wonderfully captivating.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Woman with a Purple Heart is an intriguing tale that sweeps you away to the shores of Oahu and immerses you into the life of seasoned U.S. Army Nurse Corps Lieutenant Annie Fox as her knowledge, heart, strength, compassion and skills are all tested to the max when the Japanese unexpectedly rage war on Hickam Field and Pearl Harbor in December of 1941.
The prose is eloquent and vivid. The characters are complex, resilient, genuine, and endearing. And the plot, including all the subplots, intertwine and unravel subtly into a captivating tale of life, loss, family, heartbreak, secrets, betrayal, friendship, courage, determination, self-discovery, forced incarceration, racial prejudice, and the devastating consequences of war.
Overall, The Woman with a Purple Heart is an atmospheric, evocative, beautifully written novel by Hanks about a remarkable woman that grabs you from the very first page and does an exceptional job of blending historical facts with fiction that’s both moving and wonderfully captivating.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2023
Much more than your typical WWII historical fiction novel. This debut from author Diane Hanks is based on the real life of Canadian born, American Army nurse, Annie Fox, who was the first woman to be awarded a purple heart.
Set in Hawaii, as the aging 48 year old Annie is transferred to oversee the Hickam Hospital in 1941. While there Annie makes friends with a Japanese American woman, Kay, falls for her commanding officer and dreams of learning to surf.
She also show’s incredible bravery, courage and leadership during the bombing of Pearl Harbour on December 7th and the months afterwards as growing anti-Japanese sentiments grow.
Caught up in the move to send those considered “subversives” is Annie’s friend, Kay who is taken against her will, separated from her family and sent to a concentration camp on the mainland.
A story of strong women facing extreme difficulties during the war, I loved that this book focused on the real life of an actual Canadian army nurse in her late 40s and not just some fictional young woman falling in love with a soldier.
Great on audio narrated by Libby McKnight. I thought this was a solid debut and look forward to reading more by this author who is perfect for fans of Sarah Ackerman or Genevieve Graham. Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!!
Set in Hawaii, as the aging 48 year old Annie is transferred to oversee the Hickam Hospital in 1941. While there Annie makes friends with a Japanese American woman, Kay, falls for her commanding officer and dreams of learning to surf.
She also show’s incredible bravery, courage and leadership during the bombing of Pearl Harbour on December 7th and the months afterwards as growing anti-Japanese sentiments grow.
Caught up in the move to send those considered “subversives” is Annie’s friend, Kay who is taken against her will, separated from her family and sent to a concentration camp on the mainland.
A story of strong women facing extreme difficulties during the war, I loved that this book focused on the real life of an actual Canadian army nurse in her late 40s and not just some fictional young woman falling in love with a soldier.
Great on audio narrated by Libby McKnight. I thought this was a solid debut and look forward to reading more by this author who is perfect for fans of Sarah Ackerman or Genevieve Graham. Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!!
June 27, 2024
flavorless
April 16, 2025
Being a retired nurse, I appreciated the fact that this novel was written about real nurses dealing with the Bombing of Pearl Harbor. I’ve worked long shifts but nothing like the length or intensity they endured on December 7,1941. I also had an uncle who arrived to work at Pearl Harbor as a civilian at the age of 18 and arrived on December 6,1941. He was still on the civilian transport when the attack occurred. He seldom spoke of it and I appreciated getting another perspective of what it was like to live and work through it. I also learned a lot about how the Hawaiian people and the Japanese living there felt and dealt with the war. All in all I recommend this book.
March 31, 2025
During the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II, Lieutenant Nurse Annie Fox is working at the Air Force hospital as Chief Nurse. What will she experience that fateful day? Was Annie's nurse friend, Kay, arrested and sent to an internment camp simply for being Japanese American? And, will Pearl Harbor and its aftermath change Annie's perception of herself and her fellow Americans?
Based on the real Annie Fox, this story was raw, vibrant, and equally heartwarming and heartbreaking as it explored the day Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese and the United States was thrust into World War II. Learning about the Japanese American nurses who were eager to help the injured soldiers and the prostitutes who rushed to the base to donate blood. This serves as a great reminder about what happens when groups are unfairly and unjustly targeted.
If you'd like to read more about the Japanese internment camps, then I would highly recommend Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (4 stars) and Tallgrass (4 stars).
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Audiobook
Based on the real Annie Fox, this story was raw, vibrant, and equally heartwarming and heartbreaking as it explored the day Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese and the United States was thrust into World War II. Learning about the Japanese American nurses who were eager to help the injured soldiers and the prostitutes who rushed to the base to donate blood. This serves as a great reminder about what happens when groups are unfairly and unjustly targeted.
If you'd like to read more about the Japanese internment camps, then I would highly recommend Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet (4 stars) and Tallgrass (4 stars).
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Audiobook
Read
October 25, 2023This is a powerful book about one of our nation’s darkest hours, the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The author does a great job at contrasting the life in paradise before the bombing and horrors of that terrible day. I really liked the main character, Annie, as she struggles with doing what’s needed as an Army nurse while also protecting the innocent Japanese Americans whose lives were turned upside down by the government’s policies. It’s a sad time in our nation’s history, and I thought the author did a good job at showing both the heroism of the armed forces on that day and the horrible ways the Japanese Americans were treated. I’ve been to Pearl Harbor, and it was brought to life by this book.
Note: Some of the medical descriptions are detailed and graphic. You can skim over them if necessary.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.
Note: Some of the medical descriptions are detailed and graphic. You can skim over them if necessary.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.
January 2, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance e-reader copy of The Woman with a Purple Heart by Diane Hanks in exchange for an honest review.
The Woman with a Purple Heart by Diane Hanks is based on the true story of Lieutenant Annie Fox, the chief nurse at Hickam Field near Pearl Harbor. Fox is the first woman ever to earn a Purple Heart and Hanks does a phenomenal job detailing one of the worst days in US History while providing in depth character development and deep background of the historical, political, and the role of women and nurses during the time. I loved the narrative detailing the situation on the ground, and in the hospital, providing meticulous research. As a nurse and an AAPI woman, I am so proud to have read this book.
The Woman with a Purple Heart by Diane Hanks is based on the true story of Lieutenant Annie Fox, the chief nurse at Hickam Field near Pearl Harbor. Fox is the first woman ever to earn a Purple Heart and Hanks does a phenomenal job detailing one of the worst days in US History while providing in depth character development and deep background of the historical, political, and the role of women and nurses during the time. I loved the narrative detailing the situation on the ground, and in the hospital, providing meticulous research. As a nurse and an AAPI woman, I am so proud to have read this book.
March 27, 2024
Rated 4.123
A story of leadership, love, hard work, friendship, and courage. Lt. Annie Fox arrives at Hickam Hospital thinking she has been transferred for retirement. Soon after arrival, December 7, 1941 Pearl Harbor is bombed. Annie and her small staff of nurses meet the horrors of Japanese bombings for an entire day. With only 3 doctors, some of the surgeries fall to Annie and her staff. Annie recruits Japanese American nurses from town who must work in surgery and recovery so their face are not seen by patients. Prostitutes from the town brothel come to give blood and help as many of the wounded as possible. Soon after things settle down some, all the Japanese Americans are moved to American camps "for their protection." Annie's heroic work earns her a Purple Heart, the first ever given to a female.
Based on the real life of Lieutenant Annie Fox, Chief Nurse of Hickam Hospital, The Woman with a Purple Heart is an inspiring WWII novel of heroic leadership, courage, and friendship that also exposes a shocking and shameful side of history.
Annie Fox will stop at nothing to serve her country. But what happens when her country fails her? In November 1941, Annie Fox, an Army nurse, is transferred to Hickam Field, an air force base in Honolulu. The others on her transport plane are thrilled to work in paradise, but Annie sees her new duty station as the Army's way of holding the door open to her retirement. But serving her country is her calling and she will go wherever she is told. On December 7, Annie's on her way to work when the first Japanese Zero fighter plane flies low over Hickam's Parade Ground.
The death and destruction that follow leave her no time to process what's happening. She rallies her nurses, and they work to save as many lives as they can. But soon their small hospital is overwhelmed. Annie drives into Honolulu to gather supplies, nurses, and several women who will donate blood. However, the nurses are Japanese Americans, and the blood donors are prostitutes.
Under Annie's leadership and working together in unexpected ways, they make it through that horrific day, when one of the Japanese American nurses and Annie's friend, Kay, is arrested as a suspected subversive. As Hickam tries to recover, Annie works to find her friend and return Kay to her family. But Annie's love for her country is put to the test. How can she reconcile the American bravery and resilience she saw on December 7 with the prejudice and injustice she witnesses just a few months later?
A story of leadership, love, hard work, friendship, and courage. Lt. Annie Fox arrives at Hickam Hospital thinking she has been transferred for retirement. Soon after arrival, December 7, 1941 Pearl Harbor is bombed. Annie and her small staff of nurses meet the horrors of Japanese bombings for an entire day. With only 3 doctors, some of the surgeries fall to Annie and her staff. Annie recruits Japanese American nurses from town who must work in surgery and recovery so their face are not seen by patients. Prostitutes from the town brothel come to give blood and help as many of the wounded as possible. Soon after things settle down some, all the Japanese Americans are moved to American camps "for their protection." Annie's heroic work earns her a Purple Heart, the first ever given to a female.
Based on the real life of Lieutenant Annie Fox, Chief Nurse of Hickam Hospital, The Woman with a Purple Heart is an inspiring WWII novel of heroic leadership, courage, and friendship that also exposes a shocking and shameful side of history.
Annie Fox will stop at nothing to serve her country. But what happens when her country fails her? In November 1941, Annie Fox, an Army nurse, is transferred to Hickam Field, an air force base in Honolulu. The others on her transport plane are thrilled to work in paradise, but Annie sees her new duty station as the Army's way of holding the door open to her retirement. But serving her country is her calling and she will go wherever she is told. On December 7, Annie's on her way to work when the first Japanese Zero fighter plane flies low over Hickam's Parade Ground.
The death and destruction that follow leave her no time to process what's happening. She rallies her nurses, and they work to save as many lives as they can. But soon their small hospital is overwhelmed. Annie drives into Honolulu to gather supplies, nurses, and several women who will donate blood. However, the nurses are Japanese Americans, and the blood donors are prostitutes.
Under Annie's leadership and working together in unexpected ways, they make it through that horrific day, when one of the Japanese American nurses and Annie's friend, Kay, is arrested as a suspected subversive. As Hickam tries to recover, Annie works to find her friend and return Kay to her family. But Annie's love for her country is put to the test. How can she reconcile the American bravery and resilience she saw on December 7 with the prejudice and injustice she witnesses just a few months later?
August 4, 2025
Annie Fox is echt mijn inspiratie geworden, zo indrukwekkend om over haar en haar daden te lezen.
Daarnaast is dit zo’n belangrijk boek om te lezen, aangezien het de vervolging van duizenden onschuldige Japanse Amerikanen naar “concentratie kampen” in Amerika laat zien na pearl harbour. Iets waar vaak geen aandacht aan besteed wordt in geschiedenis en literatuur. Het is het echt waard om te lezen
Daarnaast is dit zo’n belangrijk boek om te lezen, aangezien het de vervolging van duizenden onschuldige Japanse Amerikanen naar “concentratie kampen” in Amerika laat zien na pearl harbour. Iets waar vaak geen aandacht aan besteed wordt in geschiedenis en literatuur. Het is het echt waard om te lezen
August 4, 2025
Pretty good! The ending was kinda abrupt, but ended with everything working out. 4 stars because it was based on a true story and I enjoyed my time reading it
August 31, 2024
The ending seemed all of a sudden and rushed but the story was good nonetheless! A different POV on WWII and how Japanese Americans were interned so wrongfully.
December 19, 2023
Based on the true story of Lieutenant Annie Fox, who was transferred to Honolulu in November 1941 to be the chief nurse of the Hickham Hospital. Hickman, located a few miles from Pearl Harbor, had just been opened with a capacity of forty beds and a small staff, including just seven nurses.
This story was a little like watching the movie Pearl Harbor. Once the sun rose on December 7 there was so much that happened. For many many chapters I was completely engrossed in the story and couldn’t put the book down.
Annie’s pov was very intense and appreciated but there was also another pov from Kaya Kimura, a Japanese American nurse who helped at Hickman but then endured so much as her loyalty to the US was questioned by the government.
This was a really interesting book and one I’m very glad to have read. Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark for the arc via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
This story was a little like watching the movie Pearl Harbor. Once the sun rose on December 7 there was so much that happened. For many many chapters I was completely engrossed in the story and couldn’t put the book down.
Annie’s pov was very intense and appreciated but there was also another pov from Kaya Kimura, a Japanese American nurse who helped at Hickman but then endured so much as her loyalty to the US was questioned by the government.
This was a really interesting book and one I’m very glad to have read. Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark for the arc via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 5, 2023
THE WOMAN WITH A PURPLE HEART tells the story of Annie Fox, a nurse caught up in the attack on Pearl Harbor & Hickam Field. As a reader, we know what's coming, which makes Annie's efforts to increase the preparedness of the hospital all the more heartbreaking. The writing is excellent, and when the attack comes the author puts us at the center of the attack with soldiers bravely attempting to fight back during one of the worst military disasters in US history. The aftermath, and tending to the wounded, dead, and dying, is captured vividly, and you really feel like you are there.
Annie's story is compelling, and a real page turner, but what haunted me most was the story of Kay, a Japanese American nurse who attempts to help the wounded result in her being arrested and incarcerated by the FBI. The irony of our country fighting fascism while displaying the same fear and racism that make fascism possible is not lost on the author, as she shows good people (and not so good people) struggling to adjust to a world turned upside down. Like all great historical novels, this story is not only about the past, it's about today.
The book is filled with wonderful historic details, like the prostitutes who left the red light district that day to give blood and care for the wounded. It was evocative of what would soon be happening across America, with everyone taking new and unexpected roles to pitch in and help.
As a reader, I identified strongly with the protagonist's struggles, whether it was fighting army bureaucracy, building her nursing staff into a team, or earning the trust and respect of Major Lance, her commanding officer and a possible romantic interest. THE WOMAN WITH A PURPLE HEART is a great read for lovers of historical fiction, and highly recommended.
Annie's story is compelling, and a real page turner, but what haunted me most was the story of Kay, a Japanese American nurse who attempts to help the wounded result in her being arrested and incarcerated by the FBI. The irony of our country fighting fascism while displaying the same fear and racism that make fascism possible is not lost on the author, as she shows good people (and not so good people) struggling to adjust to a world turned upside down. Like all great historical novels, this story is not only about the past, it's about today.
The book is filled with wonderful historic details, like the prostitutes who left the red light district that day to give blood and care for the wounded. It was evocative of what would soon be happening across America, with everyone taking new and unexpected roles to pitch in and help.
As a reader, I identified strongly with the protagonist's struggles, whether it was fighting army bureaucracy, building her nursing staff into a team, or earning the trust and respect of Major Lance, her commanding officer and a possible romantic interest. THE WOMAN WITH A PURPLE HEART is a great read for lovers of historical fiction, and highly recommended.
October 31, 2023
The Woman with a Purple Heart is an achingly beautiful Historical Fiction novel which takes place during WWII in Honolulu. Not only are details about the author's research and inspiration described but also factual information about the harrowing lives of Lt. Annie Fox, Chief Nurse of Hickham Hospital and her team. The significance of the purple heart is explained as well as the critical need for blood donation. There is a trigger warning in the book for war horrors and other violent situations with good reason...but such stories are important for us in the present, too.
Honolulu is a tropical lush world with a glorious climate but during the war that changed. Everything did. All it took was a minute to shift history. Nurses risked their lives every single day and were true heroines. What they witnessed and did was more than enough to last many lifetimes. They were always "on" and present and filled with unspeakable terror. In her late 40s Annie hopes for retirement but throws herself into what needs to be done, her country before herself. But that is not the only storyline...there are betrayals, divided loyalties and survival.
Historical Fiction stories with medical information (nursing in particular) always, always pull me in. This is one of the most emotionally crushing and engrossing. My heart hurt for those who faced and did the impossible in the direst of times. The writing magnificently conveys the kaleidoscope of all-sensory horrors. If you seek a lesser-known setting and perspective, this should be on your list. Well worth immersing yourself in.
My sincere thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this phenomenal novel.
Honolulu is a tropical lush world with a glorious climate but during the war that changed. Everything did. All it took was a minute to shift history. Nurses risked their lives every single day and were true heroines. What they witnessed and did was more than enough to last many lifetimes. They were always "on" and present and filled with unspeakable terror. In her late 40s Annie hopes for retirement but throws herself into what needs to be done, her country before herself. But that is not the only storyline...there are betrayals, divided loyalties and survival.
Historical Fiction stories with medical information (nursing in particular) always, always pull me in. This is one of the most emotionally crushing and engrossing. My heart hurt for those who faced and did the impossible in the direst of times. The writing magnificently conveys the kaleidoscope of all-sensory horrors. If you seek a lesser-known setting and perspective, this should be on your list. Well worth immersing yourself in.
My sincere thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this phenomenal novel.
June 9, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I am a avid reader of historical fiction and this book certainly did not disappoint, The story of Lieutenant Annie Fox, a real life person, who was a army nurse assigned to Pearl Harbor a month before it was attacked, was a fascinating account of December 7th and the aftermath. Lieutenant Fox was the first woman to receive the Purple Heart based on her courage , dedication, and outstanding work that she did on that heroic day. I believe that this book was fast paced, it engaged other interesting real life characters, and you can tell the extensive amount of research that went into this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I would highly recommend this story about “ December 7th” , a day of infamy.
December 8, 2023
A gorgeous piece of historical fiction based in WWII but this time in America at the start of the war at that dreadful attack at Pearl Harbor. Lt. Annie Fox was the head nurse on duty that day and this story shares what it may have looked like during the immediate aftermath but also beyond. Fox rallies her nurses, scrounges up extra supplies in the most unique of circumstances and tries to bring the community together during an unimaginable time. This story also takes a look at the Japanese internment camps which is a heartbreaking, and often overlooked, piece of American History. This story is very well written, and makes the reader feel compelled to keep reading because they are so invested. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read.
May 26, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Annie Fox. For me, books that are based on real people and events are among the best to read. It was easy to admire Annie's spirit, kindness and general ability in all sorts of situations. The issues around enemy nationals and their incarceration always seems overkill today, but it is easy to understand the fear and uncertainty of the time, even though it was unjust and found to be unwarranted. The inclusion of the ladies of the night was wonderful, as were the snippets of stories about individual soldiers. What an amazing lady, and thank you Diane Hanks for bringing her to my attention. Thanks also to NetGalley for an advance copy to read.
May 22, 2023
The weaving of this story was artfully done such that it convincingly portrayed the horrors of December 7, 1941, the courageousness of the military doctors and nurses, the racism involving the American Japanese living in Hawaii at the time, and the actions of Chief Nurse Annie Fox before and after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Chief Nurse Annie Fox was the first female to ever receive a Purple Heart. This was given to her for her bravery and exemplary service directly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. She and her nurses worked around the clock to save as many soldiers as humanly possible, all the while hearing bombs still falling from the sky.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and learning more about Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. Such a tragic time in our history. Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC.
Chief Nurse Annie Fox was the first female to ever receive a Purple Heart. This was given to her for her bravery and exemplary service directly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. She and her nurses worked around the clock to save as many soldiers as humanly possible, all the while hearing bombs still falling from the sky.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and learning more about Pearl Harbor and the aftermath. Such a tragic time in our history. Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC.
February 4, 2024
A fabulous historical fiction novel about the real U.S. Army Lieutenant Annie Fox who was the first woman to be awarded a Purple Heart for her courage under fire during the attack on Pearl Harbor and Hickman Field that started WWII.
I remember learning about Pearl Harbor and doing a report about the Pearl Harbor Memorial in high school. This book re-taught me about how tragic that day was as well as the horrible aftermath for Japanese Americans sent to internment camps until the war was over years later. These details we tend to skim over affected real American’s lives and families and is just heartbreaking. Nearly 130,000 Japanese Americans including 17,000 children under the age of ten with at least 1/16th of Japanese heritage were sent to “relocation centers” or concentration camps.
This book was riveting and well written. I wish there was more of an ending. I keep thinking I didn’t have enough pages left for it to come to an end because I was invested in the characters’ stories. This was a fantastic WWII book specifically about Pearl Harbor.
I remember learning about Pearl Harbor and doing a report about the Pearl Harbor Memorial in high school. This book re-taught me about how tragic that day was as well as the horrible aftermath for Japanese Americans sent to internment camps until the war was over years later. These details we tend to skim over affected real American’s lives and families and is just heartbreaking. Nearly 130,000 Japanese Americans including 17,000 children under the age of ten with at least 1/16th of Japanese heritage were sent to “relocation centers” or concentration camps.
This book was riveting and well written. I wish there was more of an ending. I keep thinking I didn’t have enough pages left for it to come to an end because I was invested in the characters’ stories. This was a fantastic WWII book specifically about Pearl Harbor.
December 10, 2023
I am always interested in books based on true stories. The story of Annie Fox, not to mention many other women, is one that I found interesting and inspiring.
Army nurse Annie Fox is transferred to Hickham Field in November 1941. Little does the world know that Hickham field will have a front row seat to the devastation that is about to hit Pearl Habor.
Annie's good friend, Kay, is an American-born Japanese nurse who is vilified and held under suspicion of treason.
This is a story of patriotism, friendship, and sacrifice. Annie Fox was the first woman in Army history to receive a purple star.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Army nurse Annie Fox is transferred to Hickham Field in November 1941. Little does the world know that Hickham field will have a front row seat to the devastation that is about to hit Pearl Habor.
Annie's good friend, Kay, is an American-born Japanese nurse who is vilified and held under suspicion of treason.
This is a story of patriotism, friendship, and sacrifice. Annie Fox was the first woman in Army history to receive a purple star.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 6, 2025
What a book! Annie was an amazing nurse and person. Having been a nurse for 48 years, I can only imagine what December 7th was like at Hickam Hospital. Nothing in my career can come close to her time dealing with all the injured soldiers and sailors. How horrible were the injuries and the number of dead is beyond comprehension.
There is so much history in this book. Things I never knew. All the destruction done by the Japanese planes. I had no idea other than Pearl Harbor, but many other places were destroyed. The foolish decisions by the Admiral and Army Colonel that left Pearl open to being defenseless.
The atrocities done to the Japanese Americans, being sent to internment camps simply because they had family ties to Japan. They are American citizens!! I knew about the camps, but didn’t fully understand that you didn’t have to do anything to get sent there. And, being ‘locked up’ for over four years! Unbelievable.
Every American citizen should read this book. It should be required reading for high school students. A solid understanding of WWII is crucial to comprehending our world.
Highly recommend this book. It is well written and hard to put down. Excellent story of real events.
There is so much history in this book. Things I never knew. All the destruction done by the Japanese planes. I had no idea other than Pearl Harbor, but many other places were destroyed. The foolish decisions by the Admiral and Army Colonel that left Pearl open to being defenseless.
The atrocities done to the Japanese Americans, being sent to internment camps simply because they had family ties to Japan. They are American citizens!! I knew about the camps, but didn’t fully understand that you didn’t have to do anything to get sent there. And, being ‘locked up’ for over four years! Unbelievable.
Every American citizen should read this book. It should be required reading for high school students. A solid understanding of WWII is crucial to comprehending our world.
Highly recommend this book. It is well written and hard to put down. Excellent story of real events.
July 25, 2024
This was such a great book, I love how it was based on the real Annie Fox, chief nurse at Hickam and all the real nurses she worked with! What a wonderful tribute to these brave women! This gave a very different perspective of how our country failed our Japanese American brothers and sisters. I haven’t read any books from their perspective before and how they were treated. This is so important for people to read and learn about, this shouldn’t have happened. I appreciate the authors research and story telling based on actual people and events! Such a great book!
February 13, 2024
This was such a good historical fiction. This isn't my typical genre, but it had me intrigued all the way until the end of the book. With the characters and sad events of Pearl Harbor being base on real history, it brought it to life so well - from the bravery and heroism of the nurses and soldiers all the way to the Japanese Americans being unjustly treated. I gained greater respect for American history and what all went down at Pearl Harbor. Would recommend if you like historical fiction and even if it's not your typical read!
October 20, 2023
Book Review Publication November 7,2023 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I adored the author's writing and the intense research that made me full of emotions andi was absorbed with the story regarding the events in 1941 WWII between Japan and the USA.
The author brought history to life and I couldn't put it down.
Thank you to Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for giving me this arc for an honest review
I adored the author's writing and the intense research that made me full of emotions andi was absorbed with the story regarding the events in 1941 WWII between Japan and the USA.
The author brought history to life and I couldn't put it down.
Thank you to Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for giving me this arc for an honest review
October 26, 2023
What an amazing story based on true facts! I absolutely could not put this book down. Based on the life of Annie Fox, this story takes place during WWII. The research that Ms. Hanks dug into to bring out facts I've never heard before puts this story at the top of my all-time favorites list.
I highly recommend this story to those who love to read about history, strong women and their resilience, and the spirit of Americans everywhere.
I received an early reader copy from the publisher. However, this review and my opinion are my own and done of my own free choice.
I highly recommend this story to those who love to read about history, strong women and their resilience, and the spirit of Americans everywhere.
I received an early reader copy from the publisher. However, this review and my opinion are my own and done of my own free choice.
October 28, 2023
This book was very moving and touched my heart. It was so beautifully written and based on a real Army nurse during the bombings at Pearl Harbor. Lieutenant Annie Fox's dedication to her military service exudes throughout this novel. Anyone that enjoys storytelling that's set during World War II will greatly appreciate and enjoy this book. I highly recommend it.
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