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Return to Nam #3
Going Home
You don’t choose a time and place to fall in love. Fate always chooses for you.
When Ronnie McIlroy volunteers to spend twelve months nursing in a South Vietnamese hospital, she’s ill-prepared for a poverty-stricken country at war. Neither weak nor faint-hearted, she’s way out of her comfort zone.
American pilot, Joseph Hunter Jr, is on his second tour of duty. With an outstanding flying record and a cool head, he’ll take his Iroquois anywhere he’s needed. When he meets an attractive young New Zealand nurse at the officer’s club, he knows the odds are stacked against a relationship.
With the war between the North and South escalating, hundreds of lives are being lost every day. As Ronnie and Joe navigate the constant dangers of living and working in a war zone, it’s clear fate has decided their time and place to fall in love is now.
But will one naïve act of compassion destroy any chance of a life together? Will either of them leave Vietnam alive?
From the author of The Nam Legacy and The Nam Shadow, Going Home takes us back to the sixties, to a propaganda fuelled war, a determined enemy and a fragile hope for survival.
“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” Buddha
Going Home is Ronnie’s story.
When Ronnie McIlroy volunteers to spend twelve months nursing in a South Vietnamese hospital, she’s ill-prepared for a poverty-stricken country at war. Neither weak nor faint-hearted, she’s way out of her comfort zone.
American pilot, Joseph Hunter Jr, is on his second tour of duty. With an outstanding flying record and a cool head, he’ll take his Iroquois anywhere he’s needed. When he meets an attractive young New Zealand nurse at the officer’s club, he knows the odds are stacked against a relationship.
With the war between the North and South escalating, hundreds of lives are being lost every day. As Ronnie and Joe navigate the constant dangers of living and working in a war zone, it’s clear fate has decided their time and place to fall in love is now.
But will one naïve act of compassion destroy any chance of a life together? Will either of them leave Vietnam alive?
From the author of The Nam Legacy and The Nam Shadow, Going Home takes us back to the sixties, to a propaganda fuelled war, a determined enemy and a fragile hope for survival.
“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” Buddha
Going Home is Ronnie’s story.
- GenresContemporary
370 pages, Paperback
Published March 9, 2020
20 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 5, 2020
4.5 Stars
New Zealand author Carole Brungar is able to write of an incredibly terrible time, the Vietnam War, in a very emotive and realistic way. I can always see myself there during those terrible times, whether in the jungle with the soldiers, in the helicopter flying into dangerous situations or at the hospital tending the children with horrific injuries. I can smell the smell and hear the sounds of everything that is going on during these chaotic and dangerous times.
This book, the third in the Return to Nam series, stories about the Vietnam War and the NZ soldiers, nurses, photographers and entertainers, who went there without knowing what the were flying into, takes us out of the jungle and into the town, where Ronnie has signed up to do a stint (12 months) as a nurse.
When New Zealander Ronnie arrives she has a naivety about her, but she is a strong and determined young woman, whose strength and determination get her through everything that happens during her time there. She works tirelessly for these children and instigates many changes to the ward to help with the healing of these children who have been caught up in the middle of this war.
Ronnie meets American pilot Joseph who is on his second tour of duty, they hit it off straight away despite Ronnie believing that nothing can come from having a relationship during a war. Joseph is a strong and happy character who lives for the thrill of going into dangerous situations.
I really enjoyed the relationship these two built between them and I loved Joe's perseverance when chasing Ronnie and trying to get her to want more. I could see things from both characters POV, it isn't really a great time or place to fall in love, but at the same time, what if this is their only time and place in which it can happen, the future certainly was not guaranteed for anyone.
There were several very tense times throughout this novel when danger showed it's head and not always from where you were expecting it. There were a few tears and some moments of joy and many many times where I thought, there is no way I would have survived what these guys have been through.
The cast of supporting characters was great to meet and I really enjoyed the small appearances from characters from the previous two novels The Nam Legacy and The Nam Shadow. I really look forward to whatever Carole Brungar brings us next. If you are interested in a novel about relationships and the Vietnam War, then I highly recommend this novel and the previous two novels in the series.
New Zealand author Carole Brungar is able to write of an incredibly terrible time, the Vietnam War, in a very emotive and realistic way. I can always see myself there during those terrible times, whether in the jungle with the soldiers, in the helicopter flying into dangerous situations or at the hospital tending the children with horrific injuries. I can smell the smell and hear the sounds of everything that is going on during these chaotic and dangerous times.
This book, the third in the Return to Nam series, stories about the Vietnam War and the NZ soldiers, nurses, photographers and entertainers, who went there without knowing what the were flying into, takes us out of the jungle and into the town, where Ronnie has signed up to do a stint (12 months) as a nurse.
When New Zealander Ronnie arrives she has a naivety about her, but she is a strong and determined young woman, whose strength and determination get her through everything that happens during her time there. She works tirelessly for these children and instigates many changes to the ward to help with the healing of these children who have been caught up in the middle of this war.
Ronnie meets American pilot Joseph who is on his second tour of duty, they hit it off straight away despite Ronnie believing that nothing can come from having a relationship during a war. Joseph is a strong and happy character who lives for the thrill of going into dangerous situations.
I really enjoyed the relationship these two built between them and I loved Joe's perseverance when chasing Ronnie and trying to get her to want more. I could see things from both characters POV, it isn't really a great time or place to fall in love, but at the same time, what if this is their only time and place in which it can happen, the future certainly was not guaranteed for anyone.
There were several very tense times throughout this novel when danger showed it's head and not always from where you were expecting it. There were a few tears and some moments of joy and many many times where I thought, there is no way I would have survived what these guys have been through.
The cast of supporting characters was great to meet and I really enjoyed the small appearances from characters from the previous two novels The Nam Legacy and The Nam Shadow. I really look forward to whatever Carole Brungar brings us next. If you are interested in a novel about relationships and the Vietnam War, then I highly recommend this novel and the previous two novels in the series.
June 12, 2022
Another wonderful book in this well written series. Read the whole series. You will love every one!
Characters are so believable you will wish you could know them on a personal basis in real life.
Fantastic reading!
Characters are so believable you will wish you could know them on a personal basis in real life.
Fantastic reading!
Read
May 8, 2020MWSA Review
It was 1967, and the war in Vietnam was heating up. Joe was an American Army lieutenant, trained to fly the helicopters known as Hueys. This was his second tour of duty in Vietnam, and he was enjoying the experience. Some flights were simply supply runs, but others brought an adrenalin rush as the chopper entered a war zone, ducked through the tracers to land at the site of a crash, and lifted the wounded to safety. Flying was what Joe did best, and he knew that what he did was often a matter of life and death.
Ronnie was a nurse from New Zealand, somewhat disillusioned by the mundane chores of emptying bedpans and spooning soup that marked her hours on duty at her local hospital. She was disappointed and embarrassed after discovering her rather ordinary boyfriend was also a cheater. She needed a change of scenery, and the chance to work in a Vietnamese hospital treating the civilian casualties of war seemed a more worthy use of her time. Ronnie volunteered for a year’s tour and headed off to Vietnam, determined to throw herself into work that would allow her to use all her medical training.
Neither Joe nor Ronnie had any interest in finding love in Vietnam. Their lives were full enough as they made new friends and adapted to the intense heat and culture shock of a strange country. They both enjoyed the regular “Hail and Farewell” parties that celebrated their colleagues who were moving into or out of their assignments. Evenings in a club-like atmosphere might lead to a heartfelt conversation, a slow dance, or a gentle kiss, but no one expected more than that. A war zone was no place for a romance. No one wanted it. No one expected it. They lived a day at a time, dealing with traumatic experiences at every turn. They knew that tomorrow was never promised, and they were content with that.
The story of Joe and Ronnie unfolds gradually, like the slow upward crawl at the beginning of a rollercoaster ride. The view from the top is lovely; their friendship blossoms. And then they plunge into a headlong crisis, a twisting, terror-filled series of events that change their lives forever. The conclusion will leave many readers in tears but wanting more.
Review by Carolyn Schriber (May 2020)
It was 1967, and the war in Vietnam was heating up. Joe was an American Army lieutenant, trained to fly the helicopters known as Hueys. This was his second tour of duty in Vietnam, and he was enjoying the experience. Some flights were simply supply runs, but others brought an adrenalin rush as the chopper entered a war zone, ducked through the tracers to land at the site of a crash, and lifted the wounded to safety. Flying was what Joe did best, and he knew that what he did was often a matter of life and death.
Ronnie was a nurse from New Zealand, somewhat disillusioned by the mundane chores of emptying bedpans and spooning soup that marked her hours on duty at her local hospital. She was disappointed and embarrassed after discovering her rather ordinary boyfriend was also a cheater. She needed a change of scenery, and the chance to work in a Vietnamese hospital treating the civilian casualties of war seemed a more worthy use of her time. Ronnie volunteered for a year’s tour and headed off to Vietnam, determined to throw herself into work that would allow her to use all her medical training.
Neither Joe nor Ronnie had any interest in finding love in Vietnam. Their lives were full enough as they made new friends and adapted to the intense heat and culture shock of a strange country. They both enjoyed the regular “Hail and Farewell” parties that celebrated their colleagues who were moving into or out of their assignments. Evenings in a club-like atmosphere might lead to a heartfelt conversation, a slow dance, or a gentle kiss, but no one expected more than that. A war zone was no place for a romance. No one wanted it. No one expected it. They lived a day at a time, dealing with traumatic experiences at every turn. They knew that tomorrow was never promised, and they were content with that.
The story of Joe and Ronnie unfolds gradually, like the slow upward crawl at the beginning of a rollercoaster ride. The view from the top is lovely; their friendship blossoms. And then they plunge into a headlong crisis, a twisting, terror-filled series of events that change their lives forever. The conclusion will leave many readers in tears but wanting more.
Review by Carolyn Schriber (May 2020)
March 13, 2020
Ever since reading the other two books in the Nam series, I have eagerly awaited this one. When it arrived via my Kindle, I stopped what I was reading just to take a peek. That started a can’t-put-it-down affair that lasted a couple of days.
Going Home is the well-written story of New Zealand nurse, Ronnie and an American chopper pilot named Joe. The pair meet in South Vietnam during the war, and while this is no insta-love tale, the chemistry between them is undeniable as they tread carefully around the perimeters of a relationship constricted by the confines of war. It was a time when disappointment lurked around every corner, and the author didn’t hold back with her edge-of-the seat writing style. Her characters are well conceived, and I enjoyed the difference in culture between New Zealand and the US.
Ms. Brungar paints a realistic picture of the times and location – the oppressive heat, the stolen bouts of homesickness, and the fleeting nature of wartime in the sixties. And I liked how characters from the other two books are sprinkled into the story without great detail. It gives you a little ah-ha moment, but there is no long-winded explanation of who they are. Also, Torres is an interesting character. I’m sure he has secrets that are begging to be told.
While part of a series, Going Home can be read as a standalone, but once you have read one, you will want to read them all.
Highly recommended.
Going Home is the well-written story of New Zealand nurse, Ronnie and an American chopper pilot named Joe. The pair meet in South Vietnam during the war, and while this is no insta-love tale, the chemistry between them is undeniable as they tread carefully around the perimeters of a relationship constricted by the confines of war. It was a time when disappointment lurked around every corner, and the author didn’t hold back with her edge-of-the seat writing style. Her characters are well conceived, and I enjoyed the difference in culture between New Zealand and the US.
Ms. Brungar paints a realistic picture of the times and location – the oppressive heat, the stolen bouts of homesickness, and the fleeting nature of wartime in the sixties. And I liked how characters from the other two books are sprinkled into the story without great detail. It gives you a little ah-ha moment, but there is no long-winded explanation of who they are. Also, Torres is an interesting character. I’m sure he has secrets that are begging to be told.
While part of a series, Going Home can be read as a standalone, but once you have read one, you will want to read them all.
Highly recommended.
April 15, 2020
I received a copy of the book to proofread.
I've enjoyed the 'Nam series that Ms Brungar has written, and this one is just as amazing.
After a disastrous New Years, Ronnie decides to head to Vietnam as a nurse and works along side other NZ and Vietnamese nurses in what barely passes as a hospital. Ending up with the children's ward, she soon proves her value by tidying up the ward and making it cleaner and brighter.
Also making her world brighter is the US airman, Joe. He's a helicopter pilot, providing support or dropping off troops into the front line of the war.
I loved Ronnie. She was a motherly type, someone I could imagine would become a matron of a hospital. She's efficient, friendly and works hard, attempting to make the recovery of the children and their families easier. Joe brings out the best in Ronnie, and while they both face horrors in their jobs, they are able to cling to each other as they understand the sights that they have seen.
Vietnam is an unusual setting for a romance, but this is a lovely setting for these two love birds, with beaches and restaurants and bars.
The ending is a gripping, seat-of-your-pants roller coaster ride, and I was awake until quite late into the night not wanting to fall asleep and miss the ending.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a romance based in a tumultuous time.
I've enjoyed the 'Nam series that Ms Brungar has written, and this one is just as amazing.
After a disastrous New Years, Ronnie decides to head to Vietnam as a nurse and works along side other NZ and Vietnamese nurses in what barely passes as a hospital. Ending up with the children's ward, she soon proves her value by tidying up the ward and making it cleaner and brighter.
Also making her world brighter is the US airman, Joe. He's a helicopter pilot, providing support or dropping off troops into the front line of the war.
I loved Ronnie. She was a motherly type, someone I could imagine would become a matron of a hospital. She's efficient, friendly and works hard, attempting to make the recovery of the children and their families easier. Joe brings out the best in Ronnie, and while they both face horrors in their jobs, they are able to cling to each other as they understand the sights that they have seen.
Vietnam is an unusual setting for a romance, but this is a lovely setting for these two love birds, with beaches and restaurants and bars.
The ending is a gripping, seat-of-your-pants roller coaster ride, and I was awake until quite late into the night not wanting to fall asleep and miss the ending.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a romance based in a tumultuous time.
February 26, 2020
Another emotional rollercoaster read from Carole.
While reading I was so invested in Ronnie and Joe's story that I was almost to scared to keep reading (I didn't want to risk reading one of them being hurt or killed like so many during the Vietnam war).
Throughout the story you are very aware that although a love story its set during a time of war and an uncertain future. Carole has again given us another (realistic) look at the Vietnam war from a different point of view...
You can be read this book on it's own or as part of the Nam series...which I highly recommend.
While reading I was so invested in Ronnie and Joe's story that I was almost to scared to keep reading (I didn't want to risk reading one of them being hurt or killed like so many during the Vietnam war).
Throughout the story you are very aware that although a love story its set during a time of war and an uncertain future. Carole has again given us another (realistic) look at the Vietnam war from a different point of view...
You can be read this book on it's own or as part of the Nam series...which I highly recommend.
January 13, 2021
Going Home is the third book in Carole Brungars Return to Nam Series. Wow!! This one is just as much of a page turner!!! It follows the story of a kiwi nurse Ronnie who is working as part of a NZ medical team in a dilapidated hospital in Vietnam. While this story is quite a different view to the others in the series, it was interesting to see a female perspective in the war also. Carole does an awesome job of describing the poverty and conditions of the hospital which treated vietnamese civilians.
And of course, we are introduced to an american Huey pilot, Joe (who to be fair, sounds like quite the hotty!). Ronnie and Joe's beautiful love story is entwined throughout.
Such a great read. Cannot wait for more!
And of course, we are introduced to an american Huey pilot, Joe (who to be fair, sounds like quite the hotty!). Ronnie and Joe's beautiful love story is entwined throughout.
Such a great read. Cannot wait for more!
December 24, 2020
A Must Read!
Riveting. Raw. Real. I absolutely loved this book. I don’t usually read war based stories; but the characters & the setting drew me in. So much so, that once started reading, I couldn’t stop! Be warned. It’s an emotional read. Full of heartache, love, passion (not only for the work the armed forces and medics carried out in Vietnam, but also for the couple that found each other), Kiwi nurse Ronnie & her US fly-boy - helicopter pilot, Joe.
Riveting. Raw. Real. I absolutely loved this book. I don’t usually read war based stories; but the characters & the setting drew me in. So much so, that once started reading, I couldn’t stop! Be warned. It’s an emotional read. Full of heartache, love, passion (not only for the work the armed forces and medics carried out in Vietnam, but also for the couple that found each other), Kiwi nurse Ronnie & her US fly-boy - helicopter pilot, Joe.
April 6, 2023
This third book in series is loosely tied to the first two books. Though not packed with big showy plot twists, etc..... the book was compelling and you wanted to keep reading.
As with the other books, the reader learns many things about Vietnam and the Vietnam war.
The book follows a nurse as she serves for a 12 month period caring for wounded and sick children.
She is from New Zealand and meets an American pilot.
As with the other books, the reader learns many things about Vietnam and the Vietnam war.
The book follows a nurse as she serves for a 12 month period caring for wounded and sick children.
She is from New Zealand and meets an American pilot.
December 21, 2020
I was so excited to read this one I read lots of Vietnam war history in school so was excited to see how it was played out
And omfg I couldn’t put it down it had me excited and nervous of what would come I fell in love with Ronnie and joe and had to know where it was going. It had me in tears too I love how Carole pulls you in to the books and you feel like you don’t want to leave
And omfg I couldn’t put it down it had me excited and nervous of what would come I fell in love with Ronnie and joe and had to know where it was going. It had me in tears too I love how Carole pulls you in to the books and you feel like you don’t want to leave
January 31, 2023
Really enjoyed Ronnie and Joes story which tied in nicely with the other books in this great series.🥰Carole really captures the essence of the Vietnam war and behind the back stories giving the reader an idea of what it was really like.....
March 29, 2020
Enjoyed this book as an easy to read novel based in Vietnam.. It gave me an insight into the Vietnam war from a nurses perspective.
Read
August 23, 2021A good read giving insight into the situation in Vietnam and NZ in the 60’s.
Believable storyline with well researched details.
Believable storyline with well researched details.
September 29, 2022
Having been to Vietnam twice this brought back wonderful memories sights sounds smells. Carole you got this bang on
February 24, 2025
Great Book
This was such a wonderful book to read. It kept me up at night not wanting to put it down.
This was such a wonderful book to read. It kept me up at night not wanting to put it down.
February 24, 2025
The best!
I thought when I read a book titled The Women it was the best read but this one is even better!!!
I thought when I read a book titled The Women it was the best read but this one is even better!!!
May 12, 2025
Captivating read from the viewpoint of a female nurse during the Vietnam War.
August 10, 2021
A delightful, sweet romance with an edge to it. Only those who fought and loved during wartimes such as the Vietnam conflict will truly understand what was like. I felt Carole Brungar’s novel gave insight to this turbulent time and allowed us to witness the bittersweet emotional conflict that comes with two people falling in love and surviving against all odds. Beautifully crafted, well researched and just enough tension to keep you invested - highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews