Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this early read. I loved everything about this heartbreaking, poignant story. Five stars for sure!

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

With three powerhouse authors, I knew that When We Had Wings would be a great read, and it was. Based on actual events, the novel explores the lives of two of the 77 Army and Navy nurses and one Filipina nurse who became POWs after the Japanese occupied the Philippines in May 1942, until their liberation in February 1945.

Based on extensive research, the authors have used first-hand accounts from survivors to craft the characters of Navy nurse Eleanor Lindstrom, Army nurse Penny Franklin and civilian Filipina nurse Lita Capel. Other characters are real people, such as Chief Army Nurse Maud Davison. And while this book is heavy on history, it reads like the first rate novel that it is with finely crafted character development and gut-wrenching story lines.

As a nurse for nearly 50 years, my heart broke for my sister nurses who endured so much and despite near starvation, brutality and torture, managed to keep doing their jobs, caring for other POWs as best they could with little to no equipment or medicine. At the same time, I felt such pride to be a part of a profession that has consistently performed in the most adverse of circumstances.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Too little is known about these Angels of Bataan and Corregidor, all 77 of whom survived. Their story deserves to be told to a new generation of women seeking role models.

5 stars and 2 thumbs up!

What a beautiful, heartbreaking story!! I have become such a huge fan of WWII historical fiction over the last two years and one of my absolute favorite reads was Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawhon. So, I just had to read this one right away. It's a little long folks and I did not consider it to be a fast read, but the writing captured my attention so vividly that I felt like I was living among the characters and experiencing what they did. I really enjoyed it!!

When We Had Wings is a powerful story of hope, survival and the bonds of friendship. One that tells the tale of Eleanor, Penny and Lita, three women nurses who had become fast friends only to be separated and taken prisoner when the Japanese invade the Philippines. Their journeys will be told in alternating POVs and will detail the horrors and struggles that they encounter during their years of captivity. The strength, bravery and resilience of these women is admirable and remarkable. These nurses, based on the real Angels of Bataan, are true heroes.

Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow. ---MaryAnne Radmacher

While I did enjoy this story, the alternating POVs and multiple other characters had me confused at times. It took me a little while to remember which characters belonged to each woman's story.

Thank you to the authors, Harper Muse and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy of this ebook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Historical fiction that reads like real life...these authors have woven together a story of three nurses who practiced during WWII. Each of the stories is unique; all of the stories work together. The three women meet, become friends, and endure the hardship of the war. They are dedicated to what they are doing, nursing soldiers. This is a can't put down book...reaching the ending is important as it explains why each one did what she did...and why...and for whom...this is a book that I enjoyed...every page...even though the horrors of war were difficult to read about...that being said, this is a unique book in that it gives the reader three viewpoints all at once...don't miss this book. It was sent to me by Netgalley electronically for review.