The Home for War Orphans by Jenna Ness, book one of three in the historical fiction “Orphans of St. Agnes” series, is a gripping novel about a group of Jewish orphans and their leader fleeing occupied France in 1940.

Sister Helen Taylor, 50, isn’t a Catholic nun as the name might imply, but is the head mistress and founder of St. Agnes Orphanage in Paris, France. The old, crumbling building is the only home some of the children can remember. Helen has faced many dangers—she was a battlefield nurse for the Red Cross, has lost a husband and child, and has many regrets. Her only focus now is to save the children in her charge from Nazis who are fast approaching the gates of Paris. Helen has been able to place some of the children in homes, but now she must get her remaining six charges to safety. It’s risky: their old German-made truck is likely to break down, funds are short, and their future uncertain.

Margot Vashon, almost 18, is the oldest child at St. Agnes’ Orphanage, but she has the comfort of having her little sister Lucie with her. Sister Helen has counted on Margot’s help for years and now Margot must take on the crucial role of helping keep these children safe while making their escape.

The group’s goal is to travel to Marseille, on the French southern boarder, board a ship to Portugal, then eventually sail to the United States. As they make their escape, we learn Helen Taylor’s story of successes and bitter failures, and of Margot’s struggle to help the younger children cope with the hardships of travel. A young French AWOL soldier joins the group, but is this going to be a hindrance or help? When Margot’s little sister gets separated from the group, they are torn between taking the time to find her and endangering the whole group from the advancing Nazis, or going on without her.

The Home for War Orphans is an inspiring novel of courage and perseverance. Much of the book concentrates on internal conflict and relationships while in the midst of traveling under the dangerous conditions of congested roads, limited supplies, and frantic efforts to escape Nazi invasion. It’s a well-written novel with surprising turns.