The Runaway Sisters by Ann Bennett

The Runaway Sisters by Ann Bennett

I'll never forget the night when everything changed. I saw the first glimmers of daylight over the roofs from the window before I heard it. We were used to air raids by then and I recognised German engines, but something felt different this time. They were closer than I'd ever heard them before...

Devon, 1940: When fifteen-year-old Daisy is evacuated from her home in London, she knows she must look after her younger sister Peggy. She is the only one who can reassure Peggy that life will go back to normal, reading to her from their one battered children's book, ensuring she takes the cough medicine their mother tucked in the pocket of her gas mask bag.

But when the sisters' new home is suddenly bombed, they are taken into the countryside, and Daisy quickly realises that not everyone at home is on the right side of the war. Forced to work in fields alongside orphan children, she finds herself drawn to a young boy called John, who has tried and failed to escape many times before.

Then Peggy gets sick and Daisy knows that, to save her life, they must run away. But now Peggy is not the only one Daisy is desperate to protect. As war rages all around, Daisy learns that sometimes you have to sacrifice everything if you want to save the people you love. And that the choices you make in your darkest days will affect your family for generations to come...

Perfect for fans of Lisa Wingate, Diney Costeloe and Shirley Dickson, The Runaway Sisters is a tale of heartwrenching loss and uplifting courage. It's a story about family, and the light that can be found in the dark clouds of war.

What readers are saying about Ann Bennett:

'Oh my goodness. What an amazing story of life, love, loss and finding yourself... Awe inspiring. I honestly am left reeling. This is my first book from this author, although it definitely will not be my last. Thank you for a journey that I will not soon forget.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

'An amazing and spellbinding read. Exceptionally well done. I hated when it ended.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

'Wonderful storytelling I have just finished reading this book and I'm bereft I was able, for a few days, to lose myself completely in the story... I highly recommend this book to anyone.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

'What an amazing read I didn't expect this to be a rollercoaster of emotions, suspense, and mystery but it was everything ... I recommend this book so much ' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

'This book gave me all the feelings at once... Keeps you hooked through the whole book.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

'If there were ever to be a perfect bookclub book, it would be The Orphan House... Beautifully portrayed characters, who were so vivid... Almost felt like watching it on the big screen, every place, person, and circumstance came to live and felt almost tangible... Will surely touch your soul.' Goodreads reviewer

'True to life and totally believable. The plot was intriguing, and the delivery was perfect.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

Ann is the author of several WWII-themed historical novels. She has a law degree and works as a lawyer full-time. She has spent as much time as she can in the region since she was in her early twenties. She lives in Surrey with her husband and three sons.