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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Another view of life for those suffering bombing attacks during WWII. Kindness toward some children, abuse for others.
Loved it
It started okay. Then it became quite unbelievable. I expected a book with more historical accuracy. It was a quick read.
Predictable happy ending. One-dimensional characters.
Never really knew much about London’s children being sent to the country for their safety and what happened to them. I guess not all placements were happy.
I’m glad the children found their both parents.
Wonderful historical fiction read.
Such a wonderful book. Touches the heart with its beautiful characters.
Could not put this book down it was a good read.
This is a very sweet but book. It is not a typical war story but one of great humaneness
I really liked this book.It was heart warming and believably realistic.The characters were nice humanbeings
A must read for anyone loving history and wondering how children survived during a war. Couldn’t put the book down. A well written story with heart.
Liked the premise. Like the era. So was encouraged to read it. But was just too fluffy and shallow for my taste. I did finish it, but wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good solid historical fiction.
This is a feel good book
Good depiction of the Depression and the hardships that effected everyone!
One family’s story…
Loved the characters in this book. Just when you thought it was “too pat”,things changed
Slow in the beginning but very very good
I have really enjoyed reading books about the children of London, whose homes were endangered during the Nazi’s Blitze attacks during WWII. These children, at least most of them, were sent out into the country in hope that they would be spared. The courage of the children, when separated from the only life they had known until then. Their courage was wonderful to read about. I give this author 5 stars for originality and purpose in describing what these children went through far away from home.
I loved this book. It entertained me while teaching me more about a time and place in history.
You don’t want to put this down!
Sandy Taylor can weave an intense story. It is very sad when children, especially very small children have to be away from their parents. But thank goodness it had a happy ending.