Welcome

Fans of inspiring war narratives will find much to love in this novel. 

Rousing historical fiction with a feminist bent.

KIRKUS STAR AWARD. “Get It” recommendation.

---Kirkus Reviews

Original, deftly crafted, with extraordinary attention paid to historical detail that offers an impressive level of authenticity, "An American Nurse in Paris" by John F. Andrews is a compellingly engaging read from cover to cover and will prove to be an especially prized pick for community/public library Historical/World War 1 fiction collections.

---- Midwest Book Review

The human beings affected by World War I are centered in the moving historical novel An American Nurse in Paris. Part of a continuing series, the rousing historical novel An American Nurse in Paris focuses on a resilient woman who witnesses the anguish of World War I

 ---Clarion Reviews

An American Nurse in Paris is an exciting novel set in WWI France . . .

Readers looking for a novel with well-drawn characters facing impossible odds, as well as covering lesser-known elements of WWI, will enjoy this book.

----Blueink Reviews

As a historian of WW1, I found this wonderful book to be a well-written fictional account of the period. The Marine Corps references were accurate and brought some of the memorable characters of the war to life. Enjoyed it. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

---Col. William T Anderson, USMC (Ret), author of numerous WWI historical works.

American Nurse in Paris is a great read. . . . John Andrews knows the power of story to educate and entertain, how to put readers on the edge of their seats and keep them there with great characters, crisp writing, and rich detail of the time and place. Andrews puts the reader in the sexism of the time side-by-side with a nurse who proves herself more than a match for her antagonists. Andrews did a fabulous job with his debut.

---Scott Hibbard, author of Beyond the River Gila

This is a sweeping saga of war, sexism, honor, regret, and finally retribution, that you will find hard to put down!

---Mike Torreano, award-winning author of Fireflies at Dusk, and others.

Set in France during World War I, this is an enthralling story of a young nurse’s quest to be a war reporter when women weren’t welcome at the front. . . . Alice Simmons is engaging, stubborn, and ambitious, but we love her because her actions are tempered with a nurse’s sensibility and a young woman’s vulnerability. She’s beset with adversaries, but also allies, all of whom are fascinating characters in their own right. I thoroughly enjoyed every page! I’m looking forward to the promised sequels.

---Margaret Rodenberg, award-winning author of Finding Napoleon.

This . . . is as emotionally affecting as it is historically authentic. A remarkably sensitive depiction of the teenage psyche under unthinkable pressure.

“GET IT” recommendation.

----Kirkus Reviews

An absolutely exemplary story . . . This story is a must-publish and must read.

-----Judge, 32nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards

STARRED REVIEW:

The novel is filled with action and suspense, from airplanes shooting at civilians to deserting French soldiers attempting to loot abandoned towns. It skillfully captures the feel of the time, with details of cars, medical treatments, and war atrocities, creating a powerful sense of life then, especially for civilians. Abby’s humor balances the story’s pathos with playfulness, and character development, especially Marcel’s is authentic and moving.

----BlueInk Review

Dogs Don’t Cry is a poignant and heartwarming novel about the plight of French refugee children during World War I . . . Andrews’ description of their journey and the hardships they face is powerful. I highly recommend this book.

---- EDITOR’S CHOICE

---- Historical Novel Society Magazine review

An effectively engaging and deftly crafted blend of adventure, suspense, and coming of age during the chaotic turmoil of World War I, "Dogs Don't Cry" is part of author John F. Andrew's exceptional 'Novels of the Great War' series and a truly memorable read from beginning to end. A prized pick for personal reading lists and community library World War I historical fiction collections . . .

---Midwest Book Review

Here is what Amazon readers said:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dogs Rule

This was undoubtedly the most heartwarming book I have read in The Great War/World War 2 genre. It was overall an uplifting book written with sensitivity. Oh, there was sadness which brought the tears & giggles/laughter throughout the book. I will not spill any beans, but trust me, once you read it, you'll thank me. If you are a dog lover, this is a must read book. At this time this was a perfect read for me.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful

This book provides the perspective of two children and a dog during the first world war in France. The chapters are short and told in the voice of each of those characters. It is light and easy to read. I think it is a good introduction to this period for middle and high school readers as well as adults.

5.0 out of 5 stars a wonderful story of courage

I couldn’t stop reading this book. Told thru the eyes of children and dogs. A wonderful way of sharing the tragedies and heroics. A must read!

5.0 out of 5 stars Poignant & Inspiring Coming of Age during WW1, Great Dog character, too!

During World War One, two orphaned teen siblings and their border collie set out across France to find their only remaining relative. . . . In this charming, touching story, the kids and the dog are brave, clever heroes. Adding to the fun, we get to see the adventure from the dog's Point of View. It's beautifully written by an author who's expert in the time and place. Highly recommended for teen and pre-teen readers, plus adults.

---Margaret Rodenberg, Author of Finding Napoleon

This is one for the war buffs, and particularly those who enjoy Marine Corps lore. Andrews captures the pain of war in muscular prose . . . clearly knows the period—and particularly the era’s medical practices—but he largely eschews the usual tragedy of WWI narratives . . . 

Kirkus Reviews Verdict: “GET IT”.

----- Kirkus Reviews

This is a remarkable book. . . . I could smell the cordite and the stench of the detritus of war. This book is a wonderful tribute to those military medical professionals who worked in terrible conditions to administer first aid to the Devil Dogs at Belleau Wood. Highly recommended.

----Colonel William T. Anderson, USMC (Ret),

noted USMC WWI historian

Andrews takes the reader into the action and makes you feel as if you were there, experiencing the horrific scenes of war along with his characters. Highly recommended.

----Historical Novel Society Magazine review

There are many comparisons to be made to both fiction and non-fiction works based on WWI, but nothing stands out so much as Remarque’s classic title ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT. …anyone who enjoys historical war stories will love this book. Moreover, this novel transcends its genre and will likely have wide appeal.

----RECOMMENDED by the US Review

John F. Andrews’s OUR DESPERATE HOUR is a vivid, thoroughly researched, and powerfully told story of the horrors and cruelties of World War I. Its immediate, personal intimacy and emotional intensity will pull the reader in and refuse to let go.

---Indie Reader

---Indie Reader Star Rating: 5.0 Stars.

. . . "Our Desperate Hour" is a simply fascinating and skillfully written story that brings the reader into a yesteryear of World War I and its impact on the lives of the men who fought across the battle fields of France. A gem of historical fiction that is an exceptional and highly recommended acquisition selection for community library 20th Century Historical Fiction and World War I themed fiction collections . . . ----Midwest Book Review

Reader review:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful book
This powerful book takes us on a journey into the battlefield in France during WW I. If you like historical fiction, the details in this book make it seem like you are standing right there. You feel what it was like through the many well-fleshed out characters. It was simply hard to put the book down. One can see what people endured during the war, military and civilian alike, and feel the heartbreak of the father, Ab Johnson, as he seeks news of his son near the front. One also becomes aware of the amazing acts of courage that people are capable of during wartime.

The author’s stories are beautifully written, making the characters and events come to life! And these stories do need to be told. His well-researched historical fiction certainly accomplishes this. The two other wonderful books in this series are An American Nurse in Paris and Dogs Don’t Cry.

---Linda Asadourian, Amazon reader