Thank you Netgalley, Harper Muse & Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris & Susan Meissner for the audio ARC of this book.

This was an emotional listen. Such great friendship and comradeship. It was extremely moving and the narrators did an amazing Job at telling the story.

Historical fiction is always one of my favs however something I can't read continuously because of the confronting nature, however this story was told so well and yes it was sad but it had so many good moments.

Despite being on the longer side to books I usually listen to, I didn't feel it dragged on.

It feels wrong to say I enjoyed books of this nature but I did. So well told and full of hope, friendship and happiness alongside those more overwhelming sad parts of any war fiction.

This was a book that follows two nurses that meet in the South Pacific during WWII. This book was a great read and I loved the collaboration with the authors. The audio to this was well presented and I really enjoyed the narrator.

This is the story I was desperate to read but was afraid to ask for. I’ve always been a big fan of WWII historical fiction and have wanted one set in the Philippines but because I have so much knowledge about what happened, I was afraid to get attached to characters and read about their suffering. This was such a well-written, all engrossing story that drew me in and made me feel everything I didn’t want to but I am grateful for the experience. It paints a horrifying picture of what happened in the Philippines during the war, what my grandparents lived through, and it broke my heart. The story itself moves slowly, which gives ample introduction to the area and the characters, and lays the groundwork for the atrocities (although worse happened, it is not detailed) inflicted on the enemies of the Japanese. I loved this book for the stories that it told and the history it portrays. Highly recommended!

Thank you to all of the above for this #giftedcopy and #netgalley for this #giftedaudiocopy in exchange for my unbiased review.

Of all of the WWII Fiction I have read, and I have read tons, I have never read any set in the Pacific. My grandfather was a Gunner on a Navy ship in the Pacific, so this was extremely personal to me. This story chronicles the lives of 3 female nurse P.O.W.s, the first in WWII, enprisoned in the Philippines by the Imperial Japanese Army. The conditions are horrendous, the captors are evil, yet this story shows the very best in people as well, as it follows the friendship these nurses build. Uplifting, yet horrifying, this book will emotionally wreck you, but also give you hope and inspiration.

More Like 3 and ½ Stars!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for my advanced audio copy of When We Had Wings.

I liked this but I didn't love this.

✨ The Audio- Well Done. When We Had Wings is narrated by Saskia Maarleveld. She has lent her voice to many historical fiction novels including ones by Kate Quinn. Those are the ones I am most familiar with. She does a marvelous job.

✨ The Collab - I love Ariel Lawhon and Susan Meissner. I am unfamiliar with Kristina McMorris and now I want to read more novels by her. I am thankful to this book for introducing me to an author that is new to me.

✨ The Setting- The Philippines. I have read so many WWII novels and none set in the South Pacific. For me - When We Had Wings was unique. I appreciated it.

✨ The Multiple POVs- I enjoyed all three of the ladies written in this novel. I had no prior knowledge of the Angels of Bataan. Because of this book I have done my own research on this group of ladies. Fascinating.

Why This Book Wasn't a 5 Star Read.

I wasn't enthralled the entire time. I'm often multitasking while listening and there were times I was all in and other times where I didn't care as much. To better explain- I was invested in the ladies and most of the events but glazed over a lot of the war talk what was going on.

Overall- Very Glad to have listened to this. If historical fiction is your jam definitely give this a read

This story was so unreal that it was hard to believe that it was based on a true story. The characters were incredible, their bonds were perfect and the book was flawlessly written. It was easy to imagine every location, every struggle and every emotion that the characters were experiencing. An incredible story about bravery, resilience that the bonds made during the most difficult of times.

Eleanor a U.S. Navy Nurse, Penny a U.S. Army Nurse and Lita a Filipina nurse and meet when they were on assignment in The Philippines in 1941. They are all there to escape their past, but soon discover that they are surrounded by a battle between the U.S. and Japan. These 3 women find themselves serving under combat and as the first female prisoners in WWII. These three heroes find themselves fighting for their own lives and the lies of their fellow inmates.

When we Had Wings is a compelling story of three nurses from diverse backgrounds in Manila, before, during, and after the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. The stories of the challenges of love, war, and friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit will encourage readers. I love hearing stories of World War II from the Pacific theatre. I look forward to more books from these authors.

Historical fiction is my absolute favorite genre so I am always excited to find a novel that is written about lesser known times in history. Written almost exclusively about World War II in Manila, When We Had Wings follows three nurses, U.S. Navy nurse Eleanor Lindstrom, U.S. Army nurse Penny Franklin, and Filipina nurse Lita Capel who become close while stationed together in Manila. When the Imperial Japanese soldiers take over the island they are forced to work under dire conditions and fight to survive.

While friendship is the initial theme of When We Had Wings, there is aspects of romance, human connection and the fight for survival. During the Japanese occupation of Manila prison camps were established and many people died from starvation and other preventable illnesses. It is clear that all three authors did extensive research into the history of Manila during this time which is evident throughout the novel.

I also enjoyed how all three authors were able to weave the stories about Eleanor, Penny and Lita together without it feeling too long or bulky. Though they began the story together, they are eventually separated and come face to face with their own personal challenges.

Overall it's a 4.5/5 from me. Great addition to the shelf for any lover of historical fiction.

Thank you NetGalley, Harper Muse and the authors for access to an audiobook ARC in exchange for feedback.

I’m very critical of historical fiction because if it isn’t written correctly it’s super dry and hard to get through. This was exactly the opposite of that. It was a wonderful story that I truly enjoyed. It wasn’t just friendship- it was romance, perseverance, and what I’d like to describe as true grit in these women.

This is a part of history I hadn’t heard before and it was incredibly tragic. I can imagine it was hard to portray the tragedy while also giving the story optimism, but the authors did it. Three women, three different stories, and I promise you’ll love it all.

Synopsis will be short because I don’t want to spoil this and it’s a little hard to give a brief version without trailing down each women’s path too much.

🌀Synopsis
Lita, Penny, and Eleanor meet on a “dream” assignment in the paradise that is Manila. That is until the Japanese forces and US forces start fighting to take over the Philippines during WWII.

The three end up as part of the first female prisoners of this war. As nurses, they fight to keep other prisoners, themselves, and their friendship alive.

Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the ARC of this audiobook.

I have read many World War II novels, but never one about Manila. This book provided very detailed research and information about the Japanese invasion of the Philippines and the female nurses who were taken as POWs. I learned so much about this part of history from the book and had no idea about what these women went through or that women were taken as POWs.. I love historical fiction when it makes me want to look up information to find out more and this book was no exception. One of the things that drew me to the book was the fact that I was familiar with two of the authors (McMorris and Meissner) and have enjoyed their previous books. I was not familiar with Ariel Lawhon. This book was told from the viewpoint of three fictional nurses, who had become great friends before the invasion. I felt that the three authors did a good job of blending their stories together.
I was very interested in listening to this audiobook because I love the narrator, Saskia Maarleveld. Once again, she provided wonderful narration and kept me quite engaged with the characters. I am wondering though, if it may have been more effective to have three narrators because of the three characters. I feel that this may have distinguished the characters a little more.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and feel that people who enjoy WWII historical fiction will find that this book provides a unique perspective about this little known part of the war.

4.5!

This is a very distinctive historical fiction that focuses almost entirely on Manila during World War II.

I had only known a little about how Manila was affected by the war but after reading this book I feel like I got a very detailed understanding of so much of it.

This book is told from three points of view; one U.S. Navy nurse, one U.S. Army nurse, and one local nurse. We follow along from the moment one nurse lands on the island, through life for all three in peacetime, then as the Japanese begin their attack and the years of occupation before liberation.
Each point of view was absolutely essential for a complete picture of that time and it all three were done masterfully!

The hardest parts to read were during the Japanese occupation. Those chapters contains possible trigger warnings but, in my opinion, nothing too graphic.

Definitely recommend this for the historical fiction lovers that are looking for a unique WWII story.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the alc in exchange for an honest review!

The source material for this novel is phenomenal. The Angels of Bataan were pioneers who epitomized fortitude. However, I found this historical fiction interpretation lacking.

The historical part of the book took precedence, and at times it read as dry as a history book. There was far too much telling, rather than showing. The plot was slow-moving and lacked cohesion at times. I most enjoyed the somewhat realistic resolution, the audio performance was solid, and the epilogue did a nice, if not quick, job of tying everything up. Unfortunately, the whole time I was listening, I found myself drawing parallels to Angels of the Pacific, and When We Had Wings simply fell short for me.

Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of the audiobook to review!

A beautifully written historical fiction by three powerhouse authors, Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris, and Susan Meissner —WHEN WE HAD WINGS, A Story of the Angels of Bataan, based on true experiences.

Three women, World War II nurses stationed in the South Pacific, wage their battle for freedom and survival during the darkest days of war while remaining true friends.

The Philippines, 1941.

U.S. Navy nurse Eleanor Lindstrom, U.S. Army nurse Penny Franklin, and Filipina nurse Lita Capel develop a friendship at the Army Navy Club in Manila.

They want to believe they are living a paradise assignment. All three women are seeking a way to escape their pasts, but soon the beauty and promise of their surroundings give way to the heavy mantle of war.

They bond over shared experiences during their time in the South Pacific. Then the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Three brave nurses are caught in the crosshairs of a fight for the Philippine Islands, enduring combat and captivity as the first female prisoners of World War II.

Based on real but little-known history of the first and largest group of American women ever taken captive as prisoners of war.

Alternating between three perspectives, rich in history, deeply felt, and meticulously researched—a tale of friendships, struggles, sacrifice, survival, courage, love, and endurance!

Ideal for book clubs and further discussions.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Saskia Maarleveld for an engaging performance; however, I think it would have been better to have three different narrators for the three distinct voices of women.

Thank you to #HarperMuse and #NetGalley for a gifted ALC (audio) and ARC (digital) in exchange for an honest review. #covercrush

Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Oct 18, 2022
Oct 2022 Must-Read Books

The Nurses

In 1943 three young women join the service to escape their past. One was running from family problems, another a broken heart and the third the loss of her husband. They never dreamed that they would be involved in a horrible war that would change all of them.

Many young people were excited to join the service for their country, the uniform, the prestige and their own patriotism. They do not and cannot know the trials they will face and the courage they must possess.

These three young nurses two in the Army and one in the Navy met each other at the Army/Navy club and became close friends. They would remain close friends. They would worry about each other even as they went through trials of war themselves. Stationed in the Philippines and caught between two warring armies they suffered fear, imprisonment, Internment, hunger, thirst and harsh treatment at the hands of their captors. Still they found ways to survive.

This is a story of a true time in history and the conditions in which our service men and women were asked to live and how they were treated by the Japanese after their capture. It is about their liberation and their return to life after the war. For some it was hard to adjust. Friends were lost and they were forced to face horrible acts by the Japanese Army. Some had a hard time with that. When they returned home some found it hard to adjust.

I loved all the characters and the beautiful descriptions of both the beauty of the land before the war started and the devastation afterwards. I loved how the story was told from three points of view each one of the nurses Eleanor, LIta, and Penny. How strong their bond was to each other and how they kept in touch after they were liberated.

The narrator did a fantastic job telling the story with a pleasant and easy to understand voice. I really enjoyed this story and I would definitely recommend it.

Thanks to three fine authors Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris, and Susan Meissner for writing a great story, to Harper Muse for publishing it and to NetGalley for allowing me to listen and review a copy.

Wow! Three bestselling authors flawlessly weave the stories and lives of three WWII nurses. Love, loss, survival, and reunion are all shared by these brave women as they each explore their own decisions and the outcomes. Excellent on audio! Thank you NetGalley and publisher for an advanced audiobook.

3.5 stars!

A sweet but heart-rending tale of three nurses serving in the Navy Medical Corps overseas, and the atrocities they see while worrying about loved ones, escaping traumatic pasts and supporting eachother when they can.

The hook? Written from three perspectives with three distinct narrative voices due to the work of high-tier historical fiction authors, When We Had Wings has a trio of unique voices diving the story that almost gives it an autobiographical quality at times.

Very well done to Lawhon, McMorris and Meissner for keeping dialog styles, facts and I terwoven plot points straight and capitalizing on the emotional reunions throughout the women's story.

My only critique listening to the Audiobook is the single narrator... with three voices that were so distinct, having three narrators to weave the tale together would have been a fantastic way to set the audiobook apart.

Even still, if you're a lover of war fiction, this is a solid listen!

I loved this one! The plot was a bit slow moving but forgivable because it allowed for all of the characters to be well developed. I have read many war books involving women but this was the first one that addressed women as POW’s. It was a reminder of what the men and women went through during a time of war to give us the much taken for granted freedoms that we have today. Beautifully written!

ARC audiobook provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

“When We Had Wings” is a historical fiction novel that follows the stories of Eleanor, a Navy nurse, Penny, an Army nurse, and Lita, a Filipino nurse, as they struggle to survive World War II as it spreads through the Pacific theater. The three nurses meet one night in August of 1941 at a club in Manila and soon become fast friends. The women have all encountered heartbreak and pain in their pasts and have turned to nursing as a way to move forward. The women bond over shared experiences while enjoying their time serving in the South Pacific. Then the attack on Pearl Harbor happens and war descends on the Philippines.

Over the next few years, the three friends are torn apart and each face a different facet of the war. The women struggle to survive and to protect and care for others around them, all the while desperately hoping to reunite with each other. Can these women survive the war? What hardships must they encounter to do so? Will they ever see each other again? These questions persist through the novel as the three nurses fight for their very survival in the face of great adversity.

I adored this book! Before starting this book, I was a bit concerned about the writing given that it was authored by three individuals. However, if not for the cover informing me of this, I would never have guessed that it was not a single author who wrote the book. The narrative flows well and is cohesive throughout. The story arc is clear and effective. The characters are well-developed, likeable, and believable. I felt invested in the lives, successes, and tribulations of these women.

I am a big fan of historical fiction novels, especially those set around World War II. This book was the first book that I have read that explores World War II from the Pacific theater perspective. Prior to reading this book, I was not familiar with the history and stories of “the Angels of Bataan.” This book was unique, original, and historically informative. It did not feel like a history lesson, however. Instead, I found myself engrossed in the story and its historical insights. It felt meaningful while also being enjoyable. I was on tenterhooks as the book progressed, going along for the emotional ride with these three brave women as they fought to survive the horrors of war.

The only reason I gave this book a four-star review was that the story did become a bit prolonged at times. While the book developed the characters and story arc well, some of the sections were overwrought and could have been improved with some editing. That being said, the rest of the book is an excellent read, and these overelaborate sections should not deter a potential reader from picking up this book.

My copy of this book was an audiobook, so I must also comment on the narrator. I believe she did an excellent job. Her narrative voice was effective and paced appropriately. The voices she did for the individual characters, including the men, were well done and easily identifiable. One of my biggest criticisms about most narrators is their ability to voice a member of the opposite sex, and I was quite satisfied with this narrator’s performance.

Overall, this was an excellent World War II historical fiction novel. It was a breath of fresh air and originality with a unique perspective of the war. I would highly recommend this book to fans of historical fictions, readers new to historical fiction, and readers of fiction in general. This book would pair well with both adult readers and older young adult readers. Based upon this novel, I will be looking into each of the authors’ prior works in search of more fantastic reads. If you are looking for an exceptional, engaging story, pick up a copy of this written novel or audiobook now! You won’t regret it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for allowing me to listen to “When We Had Wings” by Ariel Lawhon, Kristina McMorris and Susan Meissner. This was a great book! If you review my Goodreads profile, you will see I read a lot of WWII books. I love most of them! This one rises to the top of the list, along with The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah and For Malice and Mercy, by Gary W. Toyn. This book gave a completely different perspective that I have not read yet, which I loved.

This is the story of three nurses, a U.S. Navy nurse, a U.S. Army nurse and a Philippine nurse, who meet in 1941 in the Philippines where they are stationed. Many U.S. enlisted nurses took this post to serve the U.S. in “paradise.” However, when the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, these nurses find themselves in direct combat. The story continues over the next 4 years, where the nurses are separated due to transfers and imprisonment. All three of them (along with many other nurses) were POWs for 4 years. They experience suffering, love, and loss and the author makes you feel what they are feeling.

The author did a good job developing the characters and had I read it, rather than listened to it, I would have no complaints about this book. However, I listened to it. Saskia Maarleveld is a very good narrator and I have enjoyed many of the books she has narrated. She also did a great job with this book. However, the producers of the narration should have hired three narrators to read this audiobook, one for each nurse. As listening to one narrator results in you getting lost as to which nurse you are currently with.

Pub date: 10/18/22
Genre: historical fiction
Thanks @harpermusebooks for my ARC and ALC!

Susan Meissner is one of my favorite writers, and she and co-authors Ariel Lawhon and Kristina McMorris hit a home run here! I loved learning about the Angels of Bataan, nurses imprisoned in the Philippines during WWII. The three MCs defied the odds to survive and care for their patients, and their hope in the face of adversity was so inspiring. Saskia Maarleveld did a great job narrating, creating three distinct voices for Eleanor, Penny, and Lita.

If you enjoy historical fiction, don't miss this one! 4.5 stars rounded to 5.