A tender, heart-wrenching tale of sisterhood, sacrifice, and quiet heroism during one of history’s darkest hours.

Set in Nazi-occupied France, The Home for War Orphans offers a moving and emotionally rich concept: a brave teenage girl, Margot, doing everything in her power to protect her younger sister and a group of orphaned children as danger closes in around them. From the very first pages, the emotional stakes are clear, and Margot’s courage in the face of impossible choices sets the tone for a powerful wartime story.

The bond between Margot and Lucie is beautifully portrayed — full of quiet devotion, warmth, and the kind of sacrifice that defines many of the most impactful wartime novels. Jenna Ness writes with compassion and a strong emotional core, and the novel explores the resilience of children during war with thoughtful care.

That said, I did find the structure a little challenging at times. The perspective shifts between characters — without clear chapter headings or time markers — sometimes disrupted the flow and made the timeline harder to follow. Many WWII novels incorporate month/year headers to orient the reader, and I feel this would have added much-needed clarity.

✨ The Home for War Orphans is a heartfelt and timely story about the strength of children, the bond between sisters, and the impossible choices war demands. Readers who enjoy character-driven historical fiction with heart — particularly fans of Kelly Rimmer, Anna Stuart, and Rhys Bowen — will likely find a lot to love here.

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

Great😀 another book that Will live rent free in my head. This book unfolded for me like a movie, i felt a part of their Journey and obstacles IK their way. I loved the main characters with all their flaws. Bring on the next book in the series. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

A lovely and entertaining novel! Rather light, with not many surprises, the story still appeals to the heart due to the characters being relatable and likable. Overall, a nice and easy story.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

I usually really enjoy historical fiction, and this story had the potential to be great. The setting in France was intriguing, and the plot held promise. However, I found the author's frequent use of French words throughout the narrative quite distracting. While it's understandable to include some language for authenticity, it felt excessive and often pulled me out of the story—especially since I don’t speak or read French. Instead of enhancing the setting, it disrupted the flow and made the book harder to engage with.

5/5 stars — A breathtaking, heart-wrenching historical novel that I couldn’t put down.
Set against the backdrop of occupied Paris, this story of courage, sacrifice, and sisterly love completely stole my heart.
Margot’s journey protecting the children she loves while facing impossible choices — was powerful and unforgettable.
If you love historical fiction that is both emotional and full of hope, this is a must-read.
An absolutely stunning story of resilience during the darkest times.A tender, unforgettable story about bravery, love, and holding on to hope when it matters most. A story of courage, sisterhood, and finding light in the darkest times.

Awesome debut WW2 novel I really enjoyed it. Helen an American who runs an orphanage in Paris adopts out most of the children and flees to the South of France with the remaining girls to try and get them visas and passage on a ship to the US to meet their new adoptive parents. There’s a whole load of heartbreak, devastation, love, hope and strength along their trip. This book is a triumph, it was so so good and boy oh boy the author left us with a cliff hanger for the next book! Highly recommend I couldn’t put this book down.

Thank you to netgalley and Bookouture for this advance copy. Publication date 11 June 25.

A story of a young women striving to protect orphans during a Nazi concentration war. It shows courage, strength, kindness and the urge to do what is right. I love that she was protecting the young ones who can't protect themselves. I cried a few times while reading and I was enthralled by the love.

This is the story of the efforts by a woman to protect young orphans during the Nazi occupation. It follows their journey to try to get out of the country before it is too late. The story is compelling, keep tissues handy. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Set in 1940 France, The Home for War Orphans tells the story of Helen, head of an orphanage, who is forced to flee Paris with the last 6 orphans in order to escape the Nazi occupation. The author brings alive their struggle to reach Marseille and their onward journey in the old worn out truck. Filled with twists, turns and romance you deeply feel the struggles they face. Will they reach Marseille and will the unemotional Sister Helen reveal her secrets?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Thank you Netgalley for sending me an ARC!