In fairness, when a book cover reads "a feel-good holiday book" or "a heartwarming read" my antennae usually go up - you can't tell me what to think!!

In this case, the tagline "Gripping and heartwarming historical fiction" reads true, as The Runaway Children was all that and more.

The book started out a bit slowly for me but once the siblings reached the Welsh countryside where they would stay, away from the bombing hitting the East End, the story quickly picked up. Fourteen year old Nell is level-headed and mature for her age. Little sister Olive? She's just a hoot - a sweary little bit of a spunky thing with "blooming" and "bloody" liberally sprinkled in her vocabulary, much to Nell's dismay. She provides a good bit of levity to a difficult situation.

Too soon, the luck of the girls wears thin and that's when the story truly kicks into gear and the "gripping" sets in.

This is a story about bravery, about doing what needs to be done to protect family, of the bond between sisters, and of the power of your first love. Sandy Taylor has captured the feel of the times in her settings and her language, and has written a book with a plot that moves steadily onward.

Fans of Pam Jenoff WILL love this book.

Disclaimer: I was provided a reader copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#TakeControlTBR ( )

The Runaway Children by Sandy Taylor is different from other World War II novels since it is told from a young woman’s perspective I thought the story was nicely written, but the pacing was a little slow. Some thoughtful editing would have enhanced the story. I like that The Runaway Children is told from Nell’s point-of-view. Hundreds of children are sent out of London for their own safety, but things do not always work out as planned. There were too many children and not enough people to check up on each home. The Runaway Children is an emotional story. The girls go on a journey that will forever change their lives. Nell and Olive are characters that grow over the course of the book. My favorite theme in The Runaway Children is the kindness of strangers. The girls will need help if they are to make it to their destination. Little Olive is adorable with her endless questions and direct manner. The book has a happy, though predictable, ending. I appreciate that we learn what happens to the various characters (epilogue). I am giving The Runaway Children 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The Runaway Children is what I call a “feel good” book (puts a smile on your face and a good feeling in your heart). I look forward to reading more books by Sandy Taylor. ( )

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author was able to keep me engaged throughout the novel and helped draw me into the lives of the characters. This was the story of children who were sent away during WW2 for safety. We ready about the struggles and joys as the children learn to survive. Each character seems believable and makes you feel something for each of them. This book was well written, interesting and a great way to spend an afternoon. I will definitely be looking for books from this author in the future. ( )

This deeply touching story gives us a glimpse of the perspective of Olive and Nell as they adapt to life as evacuees during the devastation of the Second World War.

In among the hardships, ration books, bombings, plane crashes and unspeakable acts, I learn I have things in common with these sisters.

We share the love of the same books.

I also saw the beauty they saw as well as recognized their horror. Horror in what they overcame and beauty in their expression of love in a prayer over men they did not know, and a shared hope that others would return home safely to their loved ones.

It's a tale of sibling remembrances with lots of intense action written into its short chapters. It would make an excellent book club selection.

Reviewed for Net Galley ( )