The Runaway Children: Gripping and heartbreaking historical fiction

Sandy Taylor

Dec 2017 · Bookouture

About this ebook

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 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

Ratings and reviews

Starting in London’s East End in the Bermonsea district, we meet Nell, Tony and Olive as they wait for their mother to give birth to a new sibling. It’s 1942 and bombs are ravaging the city and countryside, and as of this moment, the children have avoided being part of Operation Pied Piper – the evacuation of London’s children to the countryside to live in a more secure area with plans to return home after the war. With a father away fighting and air raids and poverty ever-present, it is decided that the three children shall evacuate and their mother will stay back with the newest addition to the family. Promises made to reunite as soon as feasible, Nell, Olive and Tony head off to places unknown until Tony, unwilling to leave the city or his mother, jumps off the train as it leaves the station. Seemingly endless hours later, Nell and Olive arrive in a completely new and totally foreign environment: Wales. With unfamiliar language in the air, trees, green and sheep unlike the ‘fluffy white balls of wool that they know from storybooks, the girls are unsettled. Taken in by the Methodist vicar and his wife – the girls are treated to al’ sorts of new experiences: a large bed, plenty of food, no air-raid sirens, and above all, kindness. They are thriving and growing strong – but Nell’s worry for her mother and brothers won’t lessen. Just as they are both settled in and after a wonderful Christmas unlike any other, the Vicar has been relocated to Cardiff where the church feel his services are needed – the frequent bombings of the docks and city mean the girls can’t go along – and the rehousing official finds them a place on a farm some 20 miles from the little town they have come to love and view as home. Far from an ideal situation, when Nell’s protection of Olive leads to a confrontation, the girls run away for London – expecting to be joined by their new friend at the farm, Jimmy. When Jimmy doesn’t appear – the long walk to London is full of peril as Nell, determined to keep young Olive (now 7) safe , has her moving forward to the point of exhaustion. With help (and care) from an elderly widower, the girls are sheltered and cared for until a train ride back to London leads them home again. Of course, the ensuing year has ravaged London even further, and the East End and docks are heaviest hit. While no one knows of her mother, brothers or father – there are neighbors who take the girls in, and plan to relocate to the coast, leaving word for her mother with a neighbor who is determined to stay settled in Bermonsea. Throughout the story, Nell’s own determination keeps her and Olive safe, yet their final landing point at a guesthouse becomes the place where both can shine and grow. Each new place of acceptance allows Nell and Olive to grow and find friends, opportunities and new ways of looking at the world. As Nell realizes that her East End upbringing didn’t let her see the possible options for her life, she’s grown and learned about love, life, family and the possibility of hope even in the darkest times. Perfectly charming – the story has moments of tension, humor (Olive is a total hoot), tears and joy as the seemingly impossible in the midst of war, loss and trial, become possible as Nell’s voice, determination and hope carry her journey forward for herself and Olive. A lovely book from Taylor and a perfect introduction to her writing. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

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.

Well written so far, after 3 chapters would like to read the rest of the book. I would like to see how their brother Mother and baby Freddie turned out. Nice revelation of history that I knew little about. Only has four stars because I did not get to complete the books then it would get 5. No I HAVE NOT finished the book! Gotten up to the horrible muddy place.