A heart-wrenching, unforgettable story of two evacuee sisters during the Second World War… Perfect for fans of Orphan Train, Nadine Dorries and Diney Costeloe. London, 1942: Thirteen-year-old Nell and five-year-old Olive are being sent away from the devastation of the East End. They are leaving the terror of the Blitz and nights spent shivering in air raid shelters behind them, but will the … air raid shelters behind them, but will the strangers they are placed with be kind and loving, or are there different hardships ahead?
As the sisters struggle to adjust to life as evacuees, they soon discover that living in the countryside isn’t always idyllic. Nell misses her mother and brothers more than anything but she has to stay strong for Olive. When little Olive’s safety is threatened by a boy at Hackers Farm, Nell has to make a decision that will change their lives forever…
They must run from danger and try to find their way home.
Together the two girls hold each other’s hands as they begin their perilous journey across bombed-out Britain. But when Nell falls ill, can she still protect her little sister from the war raging around them? And will they ever be reunited from the family they’ve been torn from?
An unputdownable novel of unconditional love, friendship and the fight for survival during a time of unimaginable change. The Runaway Children is guaranteed to find a place in your heart.
Why readers are falling in love with The Runaway Children:
‘Oh my goodness what an absolutely fantastic story this was. I absolutely loved it … an absolutely wonderful story … I had tears rolling down my face … I would give this book more than five stars if I could.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘WOW!!!!!… so beautifully written that you are sure it will become an instant classic … had me in tears throughout… left me feeling hopeful and wanting more!’ A Book With Review, 5 stars
‘I absolutely adored The Runaway Children … incredibly heart-warming … I loved every minute.’ Novel Deelights, 5 stars
‘What an absolutely fabulous book this is… it truly was so lovely to read and my heart just melts even now just thinking about it… I so wished I could vanish into those pages … Simply wonderful!’ By the Letter Book Reviews, 5 stars
‘Oh my goodness … I’ve fallen in love with this book … wonderful characters you want to take home with you.’ Little Miss No Sleep, 5 stars
‘My oh my where do I start with this book… a tearjerker…grabbed my attention from the start… by the end of the first sentence, I was hooked… I simply loved reading this heart wrenching book.’ Ginger Book Geek, 5 stars
‘An emotional, addictive read that I am certain will stay with me for a long time. Sandy’s writing is flawless… For hours, I was completely lost in the world that she had created. This book had me smiling then crying and sometimes doing both at the same time.’ A Haven for Book Lovers, 5 stars
‘I absolutely loved The Runaway Children… A charming book with wonderful characters… The story is very emotional and uplifting…’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘Brilliant! Love this author… A heartfelt story of a family’s determination through the war, I devoured this in one sitting.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘Five Stars! I fell in love with this book as soon as I started reading it…’Stardust Book Reviews, 5 stars
‘OMW…. This book was simply beautiful, from the writing to the lovely characters, emotional and feel good at the same time. A real page turner.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
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Well written, this is a story set in WW2 London. An entertaining read.
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. I enjoyed the ending of The Runaway Children and I appreciated that there was an epilogue. 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.
Great historical fiction!
Couldn’t put this book down. It had me captivated, yet fearful for what was going to happen next.
I really liked the book but there were a few predictable twists and some of the language and phrases were more like what would be used today, not in the 1940s, even so I would recommend the book to folks that enjoy historical fiction and the WWII timeframe.
I really enjoyed this story of two young girls whose lives were uprooted during the London blitz and the rest of the war. Seeing what ordinary British folk underwent, and their perseverance and spirit, was very moving and uplifting. The descriptions of various regions and towns in the country was also very interesting. Made me want to go visit both the far western and eastern coasts of England.
Loved it!
I really enjoyed this book. I am drawn to stories of the children during WW II.
A typical book of this genre but I like reading them. They are written well enough to be believed. I enjoy the change from the books I normally read. I recommend it if you are looking for something other than your normal reads!
Two sisters evacuated from London during the war encounter quite a journey. Just when you think they are lucky to have been so happy during this horrible time, the story takes a turn. I loved traveling with them and I was really pleased with the way their story ended.
I was not familiar with the evacuation of London’s children during WWII. This was a story of a family that was separated as a part of that event and their difficulties. I enjoyed the historical fiction.
I found the book interesting but kind of slow and predictable.
A book thAt was hard to put down that have a great insight as to what life was !one in England du4ing WWIi
An account of love and cruelty effecting the evacuation and settling of children in England during the Second World War…good read.
A well written and entertaining read from beginning to end. Set during World War 2 in the East End of London, Wales and Sussex, it follows the adventures of two sisters who were evacuated to the country.
It is very moving, funny, and sad as well.
I really enjoyed this book and have since read two more of her books. Just about to start the third.
These children had to rely on themselves in many situations. I was pleasantly surprised at the ending.
Children are sent away to safe houses in the war. This is a story of perseverance, sheer will, love, family & good friends . Will follow this author.
A feel good book
this author captured the horrors of war from the children’s point of view. The people of Europe suffered so much that we usually haven’t heard about.