Epic storytelling in motion, this book had it all! I always feel like I learn so much from any book Kristina McMorris is part of and that I get a history lesson as well as inspiration for my day.

3 Bestsellerautorinnen haben sich zusammen getan, um einen historischen Roman zu schreiben, der auf wahren Tatsachen basiert – hörte sich spannend an. Zumal ich Susan Meissner als Autorin kenne und schätze, und daher habe ich mich sehr gefreut, diesen Roman vorab lesen zu dürfen.
Der Roman beginnt 1941, als sich als sich die 3 Krankenschwestern Penny, Lita und Eleanor auf dem US Stützpunkt in Manila kennenlernen. Alle drei haben unterschiedliche Motive, sich auf den Pazifik versetzen zu lassen, und haben gerade Wendepunkte in ihrem Leben erreicht. In den ersten Wochen erscheint Manila auch als tropisches Paradies, aber es ist Krieg, und irgendwann wendet sich im Pazifik das Blatt: nachdem die Japaner Pearl Harbour bombadiert haben, fallen sie auch auf den Philippinen ein, und es dauert nicht lange, und die drei Freundinnen finden sich als Kriegsgefangene wieder. Auf unterschiedlichen Standorten gefangen, erleben sie als die ersten weiblichen amerikanischen Kriegsgefangenen hautnah die Gräuel des Krieges und versuchen doch, ihre Menschlichkeit zu bewahren und als Krankenschwestern zu helfen, wo sie nur können. Und das ist nicht so einfach gewesen, denn in ihren jeweiligen „POW Camps“ haben die japanischen Besatzer die Genfer Konventionen schlicht missachtet, und die Lebensumstände in den Lagern waren geprägt von Nahrungsmittelknappheit, schlechten hygienischen Verhältnissen und militärischer Unterdrückung. Penny, Lita und Eleanor hält aber ihre Freundschaft aufrecht, auch wenn sie sich teilweise lange Jahre nicht sehen können.
Die Kapitel sind immer wechselseitig bei einer der drei Freundinnen, und wir begleiten sie insgesamt 10 Jahre. Die Kriegsjahre werden sehr minutiös dargestellt, und nach dem Krieg, nach der Befreiung, gibt es dann noch einen Epilog im Jahre 51, sodass wir als Leser wissen, was mit den dreien noch so passiert ist.
Ich muss jetzt sagen, ich fand es einerseits super interessant: die Einblicke in das Leben der Kriegsgefangenen und die Geschichte dieser Freundschaft haben mich gefesselt. Und für mich als Deutsche war jetzt auch dieser amerikanische Blickwinkel auf den Zweiten Weltkrieg spannend. Die kriegerischen Auseinandersetzungen im Pazifik gehören bei uns nämlich nicht zum Allgemeinwissen. Also, für mich war dieser Roman auch eine kleine Nachhilfestunde in Geschichte.
Andererseits fand ich, der Roman hatte schon ein paar Längen. Der Alltag der Krankenschwestern in den diversen Camps wurde schon sehr detailliert beschrieben, und ich fand, es hat sich halt einiges wiederholt. Das ist allerdings auch mein einziger Kritikpunkt. Ansonsten hat mich die Geschichte emotional schon sehr berührt. 3 tapfere Frauen, inmitten sehr tapferer anderer Krankenschwestern, Ärzte und Zivilisten, plus ein wenig Romantik – mich hat’s abgeholt. Das war eine Geschichte mit grossen Emotionen.
Und ich habe nicht bemerkt, dass hier verschiedene Autorinnen am Werk waren, stilistisch hat man keine Brüche merken können – das ist eine wirklich gute schriftstellerische Zusammenarbeit!
Alles in allem eine packende Geschichte, die ich gerne weiter empfehle!
Allerdings sollte man abwarten auf das „normale“ Buch, das im Oktober erscheint: mein Vorab-Rezensionsexemplar war nämlich mit einem sehr nervigem dunklem digitalem Wasserzeichen versehen – auf jeder Seite in braun erschien quer über die Schrift das Harper-Muse-Logo, und das hat meinen Lesefluss echt gestört. So was hatte ich noch nie, und das macht echt keinen Spass.

The scope of World War II is mind-boggling. I tend to think if WWII in terms of the war in Europe but it was much more than that. Three nurses from different backgrounds are in Manila, working in the local
Hospital. Shortly after Pear Harbor, the Philippines are occupied by the Japanese and the women are separated and sent to various camps where they endure hardships that they never anticipated. All three women survived the war, but didn’t necessarily get the happy endings they saw for themselves. But the resilience of the human spirit is realistically portrayed here, as are the horrors of war. Well researched and well written.

This was an amazing book and I can not wait for it to come out so I can add a hard copy to my shelf. I knew with this powerhouse trio of authors that it would be good. It wasn't just good, it was amazing. I love reading historical fiction that not only entertains but teaches. I knew next to nothing about the events of World War II in the Philippines and after reading this book (with breaks to Google search up more info), I have learned so much. The 3 main characters are wonderfully developed and I instantly fell in love with all 3 of their story lines as they were all relatable in one way or another. This book is an absolute winner and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good historical fiction novel!

I was interested in this book for a couple of reasons: that Susan Meissner was involved because she's one of my favorite authors, and it was a story about WWII with a POV from three nurses held captive in a Japanese prisoner camp, a premise I had never explored.

The idea of this book was good, but the story dragged along, especially in the middle. It would have helped if there was a fact or an occurrence that moved the plot along, but these were few. The sameness of the conditions under which the nurses found themselves, while horrible, were the same, day in and day out.

I think this book could be shortened a bit, because it would be that much more interesting to read. The characters were wonderfully drawn, and each had their own story to tell.

I am grateful to Netgalley and Harper Muse for the privilege of reading this well-written, historically accurate story.

A World War II story unlike any other I’ve read. Told from three different nurses perspectives, two who are in the military and one local Filipina about their service, triumphs, trials and struggles being a prisoner of war. They find love, heartache, death, and a very deep friendship that helps them survive the war. I did struggle with the beginning and keeping perspectives straight but glad I stuck with it!!

I have read many of Susan Meissner's novels, but this was a first for me by Ariel Lawhon and Kristina McMorris. When We Had Wings is the story of three nurses stationed in the Philippines as they serve and ultimately become prisoners of war. Their stories are separate, but also intersect throughout the novel. I have read many books set during the second World War, but they are usually set in Paris, Italy or elsewhere in Western Europe. This was the first one I have read with the plot centered in the Philippines. It was an interesting change as the country was occupied by the Japanese and not the Germans and I learned new things about the devastation and cruelties subjected on its people as well as the resistance efforts of the Americans and Filipinos living there. All three parts were well written, engaging and at times heart breaking. I'm not sure who wrote which parts but this book has made me want to look into reading more from Lawhon and McMorris.

For my clean reader friends, the book had a bit of language, and threats of sexual violence and depictions of torture.

If you enjoy WW2 fiction I highly recommend this book.

Thank you Harper Muse and Net Galley for the free DRC of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I have read WWII fiction about Paris, the Netherlands, the concentration camps, but When We Had Wings by Ariel Lawson, Kristina McMorris, and Susan Meissner is the first I've read about the work of Army & Navy nurses in the Philippines. It was eye-opening and heart breaking to read what happened in the Philippines when General MacArthur left the islands, leaving thousands of soldiers, noncombatent nurses, American businessmen, tourists and their families for the Japanese to find.

Pamela, Eleanor, and Lita are nurses who spend years in various POW camps. While they try to care for others, they are mistreated, starved, and threatened. They saw priests and doctors killed when they were caught trying to sneak food and messages into the camps. The book shows both the worst and the best of mankind. It is not a light, easy read, but it was worth it to gain insight into this page of history.

I was able to read an ARC on #NetGalley.

Having fallen in love with stories by two of these authors already, I have been eagerly awaiting the release of “When We Had Wings” by Ariel Lawhon, Susan Meissner, and Kristina McMorris.

“When We Had Wings” tells the stories of three women in the Philippines during WWII: a Filipina nurse named Lita, an Army nurse named Penny, and a Navy nurse named Eleanor. As the Japanese attack and begin to occupy the Philippines, the women are bound by their duties to care for the sick and wounded - in makeshift hospitals and later in internment camps. Their intertwining stories of courage and survival frequently sent me off to Google the history that inspired these authors, knowing full well it would be rooted in deep research.

Prior to this book, I hadn’t even realized that the Philippines had been invaded and occupied by Japan. I’ve read so many WWII novels and most focus on the European conflict. I knew all about Pearl Harbor, but the conflict throughout the rest of the Pacific was new for me. It is one of my favorite aspects of historical fiction - especially by these authors - the learning that is inspired once I finish the book. I also cannot wait to learn more about how the three authors co-wrote this book - it felt seamless!

Thank you to @NetGalley and Harper Muse/Harper Collins for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this incredible story. All opinions are my own.

A remarkable novel from three very talented authors about three strong, relentless women. The Japanese prison camps during WWII isn't a topic/setting I've read too much about, but I felt I was in good hands as I experienced the hardships, heartbreak, and ultimately the hope of these resilient nurses.

Action-packed from start to finish! I love how this deeply touches me as a Filipino reading something that is close to my home.

"Every tightened knot in her belt was something to fear, not celebrate."

An inspiring novel of courage and resilience in the face of adversity. The story follows three young women who are nurses in Manila before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Eleanor is a US Navy nurse from Minnesota, who joined up to escape a difficult situation at home when she found the man she loved was engaged to another. Penny at 26 is a young widow from Texas and Lita is a 'mestiza', having an American father and a Filipino mother. The three meet in a bar and a strong friendship is soon formed. Their mettle is sorely tested throughout the war years, as they are moved between different Japanese POW camps, struggling with food shortages, disease, squalid living arrangements, and the enemy’s blatant disregard for the articles of the Geneva Convention, which the Japanese government at the time had signed but not ratified.

The story reminded me of the BBC series 'Tenko!', which was also about women POWs held by the Japanese, but that was on the island of Sumatra not the Philippines. The three nurses each has their own storyline, the POV alternating between the three, periodically crossing the path of the others. The pacing is steady and chronological, we do get a little of each nurse's backstory but in the main the storyline follows the path of the war. The characters are well fleshed out and we do feel the strong bonds between the women even though they are separated from each other for long periods. We also share their desperation, trying to be nurses, whilst deprived of essential medical supplies and subsisting on a scant diet.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.

When We Had Wings was an exciting, thrilling ride through the Philippines during World War II and the Japanese occupation therein. I had realized the horrible treatment soldiers endured under Japanese occupation, but not the women! This has opened up my reading into the Pacific Theatre.

The characters were well-developed and the straits they were in were horrible--in so many ways. While I can't imagine surviving such a situation, I know the nurses in our war areas have always been courageous and had extreme grit, so it's not surprising that stories like this came out of the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines.

There is another World War II Nurses' novel on my TBR. Here's hoping they are all different stories.

Two nurses, one Navy and one Army, and one Filipina nurse stationed in Manila in 1941 form a friendship. Life is beautiful. When Japan bombs Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, their lives are dramatically altered. These noncombatant women became the first female prisoners of war of WWII. This book is based on the experiences of the 77 nurses in the Philippines known as the "Angels of Bataan."

These women endured extreme living conditions including starvation, deplorable housing, and lack of medical supplies as well as cruelty inflicted by the Japanese military leaders. Through all of this, they showed great courage and resilience as they performed their jobs.

I have read many WWII novels, but this was the first set in the Pacific. This book was an eye opener for me. After finishing this novel, I researched names and places mentioned so I could learn more about them. Ariel Lawhon, Kristina Mc Morris, and Susan Meissner have created an unforgettable book. I wish I could rate it more than five stars.

Thank you, Harper Muse and Net Galley for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Best book I've read in quite a while, detailing the deprivation and atrocities in Japanese prison camps during WWII, as well as the courage and endurance of the human spirit. I strongly recommend When We Had Wings to any reader interested in historical novels.

Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was originally interested in reading this title as it was a historical fiction story that focused on a different aspect of WWII, mainly the true story of nurses taken as prisoners of war in the Philippines.

The book is very well written, albeit a little slow in pacing throughout the story. As I read, I kept expecting something to happen and yet the story would just keep moving forward for a bit longer than necessary before the next event transpired.. There really was no slow build but more of a slow pace as it ambled along. I think shortening the story could have improved this..

However, the author does a great job developing the characters, mainly the 3 nurses, that meet when they are first stationed in the Philippines right before the US joins the war. Overall, the themes of female friendship, duty to country, and the resiliency of women in hardship definitely resound. Overall, a good read!

Three bestselling authors come together to pen a novel based on the true story of nurses taken as prisoners of war in WW2 in the Philippines. There’s great character development and I liked that the book was respectfully serious without being too depressing; it never seemed manipulative. I feel like it could have had a tiny bit more “oomph” to keep me totally gripped but it’s still a great story of friendship and resilience.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this complimentary advanced copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Set during World War 2, three friends who are nurses deal with war, separation from each other, and heartbreak. I’ve never read a WW2 book set in the Phillippeans, so this was nice to see perspectives other than the typical European one.

An inspiring, compelling read of courage, perseverance and hope set in the midst of war. The story follows three young women who are nurses in Manilla before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Their mettle is seriously tested throughout the war years, as they continue to serve during the enemy occupation of the Philippines.

This well written story pulled me in from the first page with descriptions of the situations, emotions, ethical dilemmas, romantic tension, and threats of violence surrounding them. They were so brave! Their fortitude amazed me as they continued to work hard, helping others, showing mercy, despite the awful conditions. I could feel their despair as they were severely tested. It had me holding my breath at times and wanting to pray for them even, it felt so real. I wept at the end--a rarity for me--it so moved me. It had a lovely, sighworthy wrap up, leaving a feeling of hope at the end.

Highly recommend for WW2 fans, especially those who are interested in the Pacific and prisoner of war stories. It is a wonderful tribute to the real "Angels of Bataan". 5 stars!

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a fantastic emotional read about the nurses who became Japanese POW in the Philippines during WWII. I loved the different perspectives if Lita, Elenor,and Penny. The historical details were very well researched. I wish this book has included an addendum with what was fact versus what was fiction. I also would have loved a map!!! 5stars!!!!