Best Books3

When We Were Young and Brave

by Hazel Gaynor
This latest book is a fascinating story about a  British missionary school in China taken over by the Japanese army during WWll.  After the Japanese gain control of the school, it is up to the teachers and students to join together and survive this terrible situation.  
 When We Were Young and Brave by Hazel Gaynor #historicalfiction, #reading, #bookstoread, #books

Book Summary


The New York Times best-selling author of The Girl Who Came Home sets her unforgettable new novel in China during WWII, inspired by true events surrounding the Japanese Army's internment of teachers and children from a British run missionary school. Their motto was to be prepared, but nothing could prepare them for war.

China, December 1941. Having left an unhappy life in England for a teaching post at a missionary school in northern China, Elspeth Kent is now anxious to return home to help the war effort. But as she prepares to leave China, a terrible twist of fate determines a different path for Elspeth, and those in her charge.

Ten-year-old Nancy Plummer has always felt safe at Chefoo School, protected by her British status. But when Japan declares war on Britain and America, Japanese forces take control of the school and the security and comforts Nancy and her friends are used to are replaced by privation, uncertainty and fear. Now the enemy, and separated from their parents, the children look to their teachers to Miss Kent and her new Girl Guide patrol especially to provide a sense of unity and safety.

Faced with the relentless challenges of oppression, the school community must rely on their courage, faith and friendships as they pray for liberation but worse is to come when they are sent to a distant internment camp where even greater uncertainty and danger await....

Inspired by true events, When We Were Young and Brave is an unforgettable novel about impossible choices and unimaginable hardship, and the life changing bonds formed between a young girl and her teacher in a remote corner of a terrible war.

From the publisher


PBRHome- for bookish gifts
Our book Club Picks


You May Also Like

Book Summary -  The Book of Doors
by Gareth Brown

The Book of Doors

By Gareth Brown
Book Review:This book is a must-read for anyone who's interested in the fashion world or enjoys reading stories about female friendships. It follows the journey of Gloria and Estee Lauder, two women who share their dreams of working in ...More

 Book Review - The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden

The Boyfriend

By Freida McFadden
Book ReviewAnother Freida McFadden book that is guaranteed to keep you guessing. Sydney Shaw is a young 30-something woman living and dating in NYC. Sydney is very relatable. Partly because what female hasn't had ... More
Book Review -  The Violin Conspiracy by Brian Slocumb

The Violin Conspiracy

By Brendan Slocumb
This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning, with the opening playing beautiful classical music. A few times throughout the book, there are additional snippets of music. It's one of the bonuses of listening to a book on audio ...More

 Book Review - Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica

Local Woman Missing

By Mary Kubica
Local Woman Missing is a gripping psychological thriller by Mary Kubica, filled with suspense, mystery, and secrets. I loved how this book grabbed from the first chapter and had me on the edge of my seat... More

Visit Our Blog

You May Also Like

Best Seller BooksThrow Back Books


Best Books3
PBR book reviews and Reading guides for book clubs
Visit out Etsy Shop
10 Books I Can't Stop Recommending
Best Beach Reads