When We Had Wings is a historical fiction by Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris and Susan Meissner. This book is based on the real story of nurses based in the Philippines during World War II.

So I enjoyed this book but it was very similar to Angels of The Pacific by Elise Hooper which came out in March and I absolutely loved it. Both books are about WWII nurses on the Philippines and told through multiple POV perspectives of the horror that the nurses went through as the Philippines were attacked by the Japanese. These women were held as POWs in two different civilian internment camps.

I liked how in this book we got the viewpoints of an Army nurse, a Navy nurse and a Filipino nurse. It was well written and I couldn't tell that three different authors wrote it. The only thing I wanted was an author's note, I'm hoping that because it's an arc it was missing. I've read and loved books by all three if these authors and they've written some of my favorite historical fiction.

I think more people should read about these remarkable women and more should know about the Philippines in WWII so I recommend reading either Angels of The Pacific or When We Had Wings.

I have read numerous accounts and non fiction books about the plight of those caught in the Philippines during WWII. I knew it was just a matter of time before historical fiction found these stories.
I began this book around noon and didn’t budge from my spot until I finished the last word. Three authors wrote this book and their voices blended beautifully. I couldn’t tell one author from the others, but I really didn’t care because I was so caught up in this story.
This is one book you will want to read before the year is over.
I do wish an authors’ note had been included.

It’s 1941, during WW2, when U.S. Navy nurse Eleanor Lindstrom, U.S. Army nurse Penny Franklin, and Filipina nurse Lita Capel meet in Manila and forge a friendship during their assignments. But when the Japanese army take control of the Philippine Islands, the nurses are each forced to serve in combat conditions and eventually become the first female prisoners of WW2.

This novel is written by three authors: Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris, and Susan Meissner. This fascinates me, how multiple authors can creatively come together and write a story that reads easy, as if from one author’s voice. As the nurses are scattered throughout Manila in different camps or prisons, the three character point of view allows for a seamless and in depth look at The Angels of Bataan. This is a lesser known story in WW2 that will feel refreshing to read for historical fiction fans. While it was well researched, I did feel at times it read a little dry, and a little non-fiction rather than historical fiction. Details of the story could have been shown by the authors rather than merely listed, which would allow for more feeling and depth. I also would have loved more detail about the medical components of this story, and more development of the romance. That being said, the ending to this story of perseverance and friendship is satisfying and uplifting.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the chance to read this and give my honest opinion.

A solid historical fiction read from three well known authors, delving into the history of nurses held as prisoners of war in the Philippines. This book will interest those who know little about the pacific front of world war two and the lives of those who lived during the Japanese occupation. Not as engaging as some of the other books by the same authors, but it will find its home among those who enjoy world war two fiction.

The story of three women from different circumstances and backgrounds becoming fast friends had a sweet tone to it. Although initially a little difficult to keep the characters and their backstories straight, once I got about half-way through I was engaged. The various trials that they each faced provided yet another new perspective to a war that occurred 80 years ago. I hadn't heard of the Japanese internment camps at the Philippines on which this story was based. Overall a nice interweaving of three point of views.

I really enjoyed the story of the Angels of Bataan. I enjoyed that we got to see the perspective of a Navy and Army nurse, as well as a Filipina nurse who doesn't have the backing of the US behind her. Not only does this tell the story of the first female POWs, but the story takes place in an area of the world that we rarely encounter in WWII historical fiction.

The book itself felt a little long-winded. There were a few times where I wanted to DNF because I just didn't feel connected to the characters. I found that I didn't really care what happened to them as their individual characters, but I continued going because I wanted to learn what these women went through. So much of WWII historical fiction focuses on the Nazis and it seems the Japanese are rarely talked about and I felt these women deserved their story being told after all this time.

Overall I would recommend the book for fans of WWII historical fiction that are in it for the learning. If you're looking for a wonderfully written story to sweep you off your feet, this one it's the mark a little bit.

Three talented authors join forces to create a compelling historical novel about three nurses stationed in the Philippines during WWII who met and became the closest of friends. Following the invasion of Pearl Harbor, they became separated as they were held in POW facilities by the Japanese. All three came from different backgrounds, joined the military effort as nurses for varying reasons and had horrifying experiences of starvation, torture and death threats during their interment. Strong beyond belief, each searched for news of each other as well as the brief love encounters each experienced while being held for several years. Strong character development, high suspense and exceptional story line make this work deserving of a strong, positive recommendation of 4.5 stars. The graphic descriptions of human suffering were too explicit for my liking and would be a concern for a reader who avoids violent descriptions. I thank NetGalley with providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Like many others I chose this book because of the three amazing authors. The WWII genre did not attract or deter me from the story. The opening of the book set up the normal lives of the three young dreamers who were nurses. I learned why each one decided to exchange their world for the military nursing experience in the tropical Philippine Islands. Lawhon, McMorris, and Meissner wove their sections together so well. I started out trying to guess who was writing what, but quickly lost myself in the story. The three diverse fictional women represented the real nurses that were forced to grow into heroes and give the USA their all during a harrowing prisoner of war experience in the Pacific. Their initial bonding was during monthly meet ups at the officer's club, and they looked forward to helping each other unwind. But when the war landed on their tropical island they were shocked to be separated by realistic experiences that claim to be inspired through the research of the real nurses of Bataan. The thought process of these strong characters includes the development of a strong desire to endure hardship to stay with and serve the injured that surround them in the battles they experience. The thoughts and fears of what was happening to each other and how they could come back together was always on their minds. But old school military logistical tactics continually move the women to protect them instead of allowing them to do their job and help. And the enemy invaders tend to treat women as property, so the alternating stories include the ways they learn to slow down and hide, always staying in their groups for protection. The nurses who are Filipino are forced to endure additional hardships. The pace of the story matches the character experience and slows here, with alternating details of experiences at the separate fronts. I believe this slower pace is intentional, and found I was worrying about what was happening with the characters that were not in my present narrative. I was driven to push through and found a quickened pace at the ending. What happens to wrap up each character's story is more realistic than satisfying. You will not have to endure prolonged stories of romance or pointless details of sexual encounters. You will join the journey of the authentic experiences of pain that lead to the growth and strength we see and admire in so many heroic women that have experienced the trials and tribulations of war.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperMuse for this egalley in exchange for a fair review. Pub Date 10/18/22

The tale of a group of nurses that become friends by circumstance and family through the ravages of war. Each has their own story surviving through the capture of Bataan and Corregidor while overcoming horrible conditions. The authenticity of the stories stems from the history of that time. The cruelty of the Japanese is hard to fathom and it was told brilliantly. It shows what we can overcome and survive when we have our friends in our corner. Thanks to NetGalley for the early read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Harper Muse for the advanced copy of this fantastic novel.

I have read many books by Ariel Lawhon and the beloved Susan Meissner so I was excited to get an advanced copy of this book which did not disappoint.

My grandfather (1921 - 2015) was a very proud member of the VFW who served in WWII and beyond. He was a communications officer that went in and set up communications for the Army before they got there. I knew how dangerous a job that was and so thankful that he made it out alive. He told many many stories of his activity during WWII.

Most of his stories surrounded his time in the Philippines so this book intrigued me. I've read many many books on WWII (Historical Fiction is my jam) but this one was different since it is set in the Philippines. I had to stop many times and google different situations to get more information about these heroes.

There are so many (so many!) books about WWII but this one had a different perspective that I appreciated. I fell in love with the three main characters and their friendship. They battled hard and just when I thought they had enough more was thrown at them. The authors did a great job in making me feel like I was right there beside them rooting them on.

I highly recommend this novel even if you think you've read everything you need to read about WWII.

This is based on a true story of Army, Navy, and Filipina civilian nurses who were held as prisoners of war in Manila in WWII. This was absolutely fascinating and I loved getting the insights into what these women went through and the conditions they had to endure.
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This was told from three different POVs, and I really enjoyed each of the characters and their different backstories. I especially loved their relationships with each other, and the enduring friendship they developed.
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There were times this dragged a bit, perhaps a bit too much introspection about their pasts before the war that got repetitive, but for the most part this completely gripped me. Once I got to about the second half, I absolutely couldn't put it down.
*My biggest critique for this was that it was sometimes hard to keep track of the three different stories-- the three women moved around to different parts of the island, and sometimes overlap, so keeping track of who was where at what time and who knew who in their respective camps (since sometimes their friends overlapped too) lost me sometimes. I think maybe a map at the start of each chapter, showing where everyone is, would help?
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Still, I very much enjoyed this book. It was well-written, had great characters, and I really loved getting to read about a more unique story of WWII, one that I didn't know much about previously. Definitely recommend!

A huge Thank You to The author, The publisher and NetGalley for providing the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This is a marvelous masterpiece!!!

I haven't read any books by these authors but wow what an introduction it was. When We Had Wings is a beautiful powerful story of three incredible women as they fight for survival and healing. it takes you on an emotional journey as you follow their story of friendship, courage, bravery, loss, love and hope. that will have you not wanting to put it down.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC for my honest opinion.

I found the novel When We Had Wings by Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris and Susan Meissner , a drawn out story. The novel involves the lifes of three women during WWII who are stationed in the Philippines. These women become best friends and their friendships become their strength to survive all the atrophies they faced during the years imprisoned. Would you be able to keep secrets from the Japs to survive harsh treatment in a jail? Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book prior to its publication date.

To Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris and Susan Meissner-- Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!! Thank you for telling an in-depth story that has needed to be told for so long. Thank you for bringing a human touch to the unspeakable. Thank you for creating a need in me to learn more about this horrible time in our history. There will be no more glossing over the horrors subjected to the POW's in the Philippines. We all need to learn more so we can make sure it is not repeated.

To my past teachers and university professors--shame on you! I am embarrassed to admit I have a history degree. This period of time in the Pacific was glossed over in textbooks and in lectures. I cannot remember ever reading a book that gave such in-depth information about the atrocities experienced by POW's in the Pacific Islands as When We Had Wings. I became obsessed with checking the facts. Why were we not taught more? These people mattered. They still matter.

When We had Wings follows the lives of three nurses in the Philippines, working in a peaceful country before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Then everything changes. All three nurses share unique stories giving the reader insight in to the lives and struggles of those held prisoner. They end up being sent to different prisons. They were so, so different. With every new commandant; rules changed. After reading this book I am overflowing with respect for those that survived and those that fought with their last breath. They are stronger than me.

One of the things that really impressed me was how well the authors jived. They were totally in sync. I can't tell you who wrote what sections. I can't figure out which author concentrated on Lita, Penny or Eleanor. I can tell you that the story worked. I felt the connection of the characters within the pages. The story flowed so well.

I can only hope that people pick up this book and devour what was written. The authors have my respect and gratitude for delivering an amazing story.

I’m a huge fan of Historical Fiction and was so excited when I saw that three powerhouse authors were collaborating on a new book. I’ve read books from all three authors and have always enjoyed them!! If you are a Historical Fiction fan or if you love strong female characters, this is a great story and one I highly recommend!!

A story of three nurses stationed in the South Pacific during WWII and taken as the first female prisoners during the battle against the US military and the Imperial Japanese Army during the invasion of the Philippine Islands in 1942.

These nurses would later be dubbed “the Angels of Battan” in our history books, although their story has been left untold, until now.

Although I learned about The Battle of Battan in school, these true experiences told through the eyes of these three nurses, Eleanor Linstrom, Penny Franklin and Lita Capel, really brought the brutality of war and the inhumane acts of the Japanese soldiers against our nurses, Filipinos and civilians to life. Something that the history books didn't' do for me.

Although the story takes place during wartime, it is so much more than that! It is about the intense friendship/bond between the nurses, their will to survive and the courage and love they had for each other and the patients they cared for in the camps.

The remarkable, inspiring, yet sad at times story was seamlessly told by the three authors and it kept me engrossed until the last page. I didn’t want the story to end!

I don’t often give 5 stars but this book has been living in my head since I finished it. I have read books by these three authors individually before so I was excited to be chosen to read this particular title. As a nurse who loves to read about WWII the description appealed to me.

I can’t tell you how moving the stories of these three nurses are. The trials they survived and continued to persevere is so inspiring.

I only wish I could read it again for the first time. One of my favorite reads this year to date.

Thank you netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this title. All opinions are my own.

WHEN WE HAD WINGS by Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris and Susan Meissner is a gripping and heart-wrenching story of nurses who were stationed in the South Pacific during World War II just before the Japanese occupied the Philippines in May of 1942. It is based on true experiences of nurses called the “Angels of Bataan” that became the first female prisoners of World War II. In 1941, three nurses meet at the Army Navy Club in Manila and begin an enduring friendship that will impact their lives forever. US Navy nurse Eleanor Lindstrom, US Army nurse Penny Franklin and Filipina nurse, Lita Capel are enjoying their light nursing duties in a beautiful setting. But soon, they find themselves caught up in the war as Japan and the US military fight for control of the Philippines islands. When the US surrenders, the nurses end up as prisoners of war, held captive for the next three years. They become separated into different camps and they face the most horrific conditions imaginable. Struggling to survive, it is the dream of one day being freed and reuniting that gives them the hope and resiliency to carry on. Enduring unthinkable brutality and torture from their captors, these women and the other civilian inmates in the camps, show remarkable strength and bravery. WHEN WE HAD WINGS is a powerful and compelling book and I highly recommend it. Thank you to the authors, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy.

The authors did an outstanding job of portraying what life was like in Manila and prisoner of war and internment camps after the invasion of Pearl Harbor. The truth about how the Japanese treated our nurses, Filipinos, and regular citizens will go down in the annals of history. The three main characters….Penny, Eleanor, and Lita show us the bravery and compassion these true nurses showed during their captivity. It was a page turner from beginning to end and I could not put it down. I give it five stars and recommend it highly to anyone who enjoys historical fiction from this era in history. Kiddo’s to the authors.

A superb combination for my reading preference. A War, friendships and love! Reading the horrors of this war through the eyes of the nurses, it reinforced the brutal treatment of Allied forces and civilians by the Japanese soldiers. The sheer strength between the 3 nurses what all they had to endure and promising each other that they would survive this war with the hope of eventually reuniting! A well-crafted novel that was obviously well researched. A gut-wrenching read however I am glad I read it! I highly recommend this book to all my reading friends!
Thank you NetGalley!
4 1/2 Stars