A Girl's Own War

by K.J. Kelly

English Flight Lieutenant Oliver Carmichael and German Baron Julius von Stulpnagel both have the same how to persuade the other to betray his country. They think pretty, ambitious ex-convert-girl Mary Collins might help them―if her high-spirited red-haired sidekick Niamh Slattery doesn't get in the way. But what are the two of them doing in this down-at-heel corner of southern Ireland at the start of the Second World War when only a few months earlier, they'd been in Berlin together, try to sell forgeries of old masterworks?

246 pages, Paperback

Published September 7, 2023

Reviews

[Susan Cowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed "A Girl's Own War" by K. J. Kelly, particularly the portrayal of strong female characters like Mary and Niamh. These women exhibit intelligence, resourcefulness, and fearlessness, challenging stereotypes and proving women's capability in the world of espionage. The novel seamlessly blends historical fiction and humor, providing insights into the distinctive challenges faced by neutral Ireland during the war.

Mary Collins, a quick-witted convent girl, and her partner-in-crime Niamh Slattery become embroiled in a world of secrets, sabotage, and stolen sausages. The narrative also introduces the reader to Flight Lieutenant Oliver Carmichael and the flamboyant Baron Julius Von Stalpnagel, who share a residence in Berlin and a passion for Irish whiskey. The dialogue is sharp and filled with witty one-liners, contributing to moments of laughter throughout the book.

"A Girl's Own War" strikes a perfect balance between humor and heart. It serves as a reminder of the significance of resilience, friendship, and joy even in the darkest times. The novel beautifully captures the essence of its characters' journeys, making it a compelling and enjoyable read.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Girl's Own War is an entertaining novel by K.J Kelly.
I absolutely loved this novel. I found that where it was set in the 1940's it was interesting and the atmosphere around that time was captured well in the book.
It had everything that I could want in a novel and more. Entertaining, easy to follow, friendship, romance and the fact that it was set in the 1940's made it enjoyable. Plus the book had a great cast of characters.
I loved following the characters journey through the book and how they get to adulthood, whilst trying to get through the war.
Overall, a very entertaining and enjoyable novel that I highly recommend.
❤️ Thank you to Envelope books and the author, K.J Kelly for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Catherine Clapperton · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is humour and escapades aplenty in this entertaining tale of war, espionage, competition, friendship and romance.

Mary and Niamh make for powerful protagonists and as a reader, it's enjoyable following them along on their escapades.

Set around 1940, you can be sure that a war time atmosphere is captured incredibly well.

As a reader, it's interesting to see the characters develop, in particular Mary and Niamh as they navigate the tricky transition in to adulthood, exhasabated by the perils of war.

Thoroughly enjoyable! Very grateful for my proof copy from Envelope Books / Alan Jepson.

[Miss Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not know what to expect in this Irish tale of comedy and romance but it’s an endearing and personal tale - plus I think a lot of the history in it, around 1940, is true. I liked the heroine Mary, she’s a determined nineteen year old stuck in Ballingore, a backwater port in County Cork. So the story is about neutral Ireland during World War II with Mary surrounded by handsome RAF airmen who have crash landed and ‘interned’ by her employer, a pro-British Lord White. Tired of being their serving maid, Mary dreams of fame beyond her limited circumstances. Her friend, Niamh, has the answer (they become a bit of a Thelma and Louise). It’s great fun - I loved it.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend recommended this and wondered if I had any family connections back in Ireland. I don’t, but I can understand her wanting to find out if this really is a true story - as it claims. It’s set Ireland in world war II with a cast that includes the poet John Betjeman. But the real enjoyment was the humour. To be honest, I think the author was monkeying around with the genre but no matter because I really like the heroine. Actually, heroines, because Mary’s sidekick keeps her out of so much trouble. Now I think of it, Mary and Niamh are a modern day Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. A real mind tease.

[Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate the publisher sending me a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The story takes place in Ireland during World War II where a young woman is caught up in intelligence whilst fending off the advances of a couple of foreign servicemen. I found it interesting to have Ireland as the setting as I don't know much about this country's experience of WW2 but the humour just didn't work for me.

[Angela L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loosely based on a true story, this book is a wartime wonder full of Irish character and wit.
Mary Collins is the heroine of the piece, along with her trusty sidekick Niamh. All the men love her but she's as slippery as an eel. With lots of wartime shenanigans this book is a genuine riot of a tale and there's not a dull moment from start to finish.

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

AD-PR - thank you to the publisher

This felt like a Carry On film in written form, full of slapstick humour and innuendo. It was all very silly, but it did make me smile. I do admit to being a bit lost at points though, a bit like dear Mary. But if you want something not too serious, despite its setting, then this is a good book to try!

[Pork C. Fish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check this book out. It is a fun romp through Ireland during WWII. It has a comedic bent with some hilarious set pieces.

[Emma Hardy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some amusing and sharp scenes, but this struggled to hold my attention on and off throughout.