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Lavender Road #3
On a Wing and a Prayer
‘This dramatic and poignant novel depicts the resilience of ordinary people caught up in an extraordinary war.Unputdownable!’ Western Telegraph
Life is hard in London in 1941, and yet Helen de Burrel finds herself volunteering to join the SOE. Nobody knows that her cool exterior conceals such courage ... and such fear. It also means that love, when it strikes unexpectedly, is doubly dangerous.
Life is hard in London in 1941, and yet Helen de Burrel finds herself volunteering to join the SOE. Nobody knows that her cool exterior conceals such courage ... and such fear. It also means that love, when it strikes unexpectedly, is doubly dangerous.
393 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1998
293 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Helen Carey
8 books83 followersWelcome to my site. I am probably best known for my bestselling LAVENDER ROAD series set in London during the second world war. VICTORY GIRLS, the final book in the series was published in April 2018 by Headline Books and TSAP. It was sad to finish the series but I felt six books was enough!
VICTORY GIRLS is already in the Amazon US bestseller charts along with the other books in the series.
Having lived in various parts of the world, I am now based in West Wales where my husband and I run our small coastal farm as a conservation project. I am a fellow of the Royal Literary Fund and a member of the Society of Authors. I also teach from time to time on Creative Writing programmes at various universities, specialising in story structure.
I hope you enjoy my novels ...
VICTORY GIRLS is already in the Amazon US bestseller charts along with the other books in the series.
Having lived in various parts of the world, I am now based in West Wales where my husband and I run our small coastal farm as a conservation project. I am a fellow of the Royal Literary Fund and a member of the Society of Authors. I also teach from time to time on Creative Writing programmes at various universities, specialising in story structure.
I hope you enjoy my novels ...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 6, 2017
The third in the series.
This one is mostly about Helen De Burrel and the SOE. It was interesting but some of it was a bit unbelievable. The SOE was a very secretive section in the war and by the end of the book most of the people in Lavender Road knew that Helen was in France. I don't think this would have happened. From all I've read about the organisation nobody, on pain of death, was to reveal what they were up to or where they were.
Since the first book a lot of the characters have changed and grown, all except the spoiled brat. She's as awful as ever and the most selfish self absorbed person I've read about in a long time.
For my favorite character, Joyce, life finally starts to improve. She's a tough lady and keeps picking herself up and starting again when things go pear shaped. The friendship between herself and Celia Rutherford is a joy to read about.
This one is mostly about Helen De Burrel and the SOE. It was interesting but some of it was a bit unbelievable. The SOE was a very secretive section in the war and by the end of the book most of the people in Lavender Road knew that Helen was in France. I don't think this would have happened. From all I've read about the organisation nobody, on pain of death, was to reveal what they were up to or where they were.
Since the first book a lot of the characters have changed and grown, all except the spoiled brat. She's as awful as ever and the most selfish self absorbed person I've read about in a long time.
For my favorite character, Joyce, life finally starts to improve. She's a tough lady and keeps picking herself up and starting again when things go pear shaped. The friendship between herself and Celia Rutherford is a joy to read about.
November 2, 2016
A great addition to the Lavender road series. I love the writing style so theses books as I feel that it captures the feel of the times perfectly.
It was so lovely to once again to catch up with the characters on Lavender Road as they a feel like friends now. Don't you love it when that happens?
Lots of loose ends are tied up in this book and it has a great ending. As lots of people get their comeuppance and it is filled with lots of happiness.
These are great books when you don't want anything heavy to read as the writing style of these books is always so easy to read.
We are now in 1941 and the war has been ranging for the past two years. Shattering the lives of the people who live on Lavender Road. But don't worry they have seen their share of happiness too. So it's not all doom and gloom.
What I love most about these books is that no matter how much bad things the war brings the ladies of Lavender Road they always rally together and are always there for each other. Don't we all need friends like theses.
Thank you to NetGalley, Helen Carey and publishers for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review
Happy reading everyone
It was so lovely to once again to catch up with the characters on Lavender Road as they a feel like friends now. Don't you love it when that happens?
Lots of loose ends are tied up in this book and it has a great ending. As lots of people get their comeuppance and it is filled with lots of happiness.
These are great books when you don't want anything heavy to read as the writing style of these books is always so easy to read.
We are now in 1941 and the war has been ranging for the past two years. Shattering the lives of the people who live on Lavender Road. But don't worry they have seen their share of happiness too. So it's not all doom and gloom.
What I love most about these books is that no matter how much bad things the war brings the ladies of Lavender Road they always rally together and are always there for each other. Don't we all need friends like theses.
Thank you to NetGalley, Helen Carey and publishers for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review
Happy reading everyone
August 13, 2013
I came across this book by accident as I was browsing through books in a sale in the local shopping mall. I had never heard of Helen Carey before but I liked the World War 2 setting in London, so I bought it at a bargain price. This book is the third one in a trilogy set in Lavender Road, Clapham, so I have read the third novel last.
I was very impressed with the way Helen Carey managed to create an authentic atmosphere of London in war time, not only dealing with events on the home front, but also the course of the war abroad. The characters in her book are from diverse social classes and each character is vivid and well defined. The stories of her characters intertwine and reach a fitting climax towards the end of the novel.
After reading this excellent novel, Helen Carey has been added to a select list of my favourite writers. I went back to the book sale and bought the two earlier novels, "Lavender Road" and "Some Sunny Day". I look forward to reading them and I am sure they will be just as satisfying as "On a Wing and a Prayer".
I was very impressed with the way Helen Carey managed to create an authentic atmosphere of London in war time, not only dealing with events on the home front, but also the course of the war abroad. The characters in her book are from diverse social classes and each character is vivid and well defined. The stories of her characters intertwine and reach a fitting climax towards the end of the novel.
After reading this excellent novel, Helen Carey has been added to a select list of my favourite writers. I went back to the book sale and bought the two earlier novels, "Lavender Road" and "Some Sunny Day". I look forward to reading them and I am sure they will be just as satisfying as "On a Wing and a Prayer".
July 24, 2015
The last in the trilogy of "a good ol' WWII soap opera". This was a very enjoyable read: not excellent literature, but certainly very entertaining. I loved the diversity of the characters of Lavender Road, and the general atmosphere that, I imagine, was just like that then (we're all in this together, stiff upper lip, women should be kept in their place, business as usual, walls have ears, etc).
Everyone will like the ending, with its joys and comeuppances, when all the loose ends are tied up, even if it is a bit far-fetched.
Everyone will like the ending, with its joys and comeuppances, when all the loose ends are tied up, even if it is a bit far-fetched.
April 6, 2012
This is the third book in the trilogy and by now you really care about these characters! Lots of action and some twists in this book. Extending the story beyond Lavender Road / London adds yet another dimension.
These characters could definitely live on in another book / series. How about a few years after the end of the war??
A thoroughly enjoyable and recommendable series. Thank you Helen.
These characters could definitely live on in another book / series. How about a few years after the end of the war??
A thoroughly enjoyable and recommendable series. Thank you Helen.
August 3, 2015
A very enjoyable read, the last of The London at War saga.
November 20, 2017
Brilliant story that I couldn't put down and have read a few times over the years.
Recommended.
Recommended.
February 28, 2019
book #3 of Lavender road=didn't know it was a series. It tells Helen's Story=it is FABULOUS! I highly recommend her books! WW2 was a scary time for sure!
July 1, 2017
The third part to this wonderful WW2 series was not a disappointment. I delved straight in to this after reading number 2 so I didn't have to wait to see what happened to the characters I have got to know and love or hate! ha!. This trilogy has really held my interest from the brave men on the front line, conscientious objectors, children/teenagers and the women of Lavender Road who rally around each other. Although there has been plenty of heartbreak along the way the triumph still shines through.
A very enjoyable book, for fans of this genre it's a must!.
My thanks go to the publishers, author and Netgalley in providing me with an arc in return for an honest review.
A very enjoyable book, for fans of this genre it's a must!.
My thanks go to the publishers, author and Netgalley in providing me with an arc in return for an honest review.
March 7, 2012
Well, what did I think? I loved this book and my only regret was that this is the end of the series - I do hope that Helen will write another in this absolutely wonderful collection of stories, there are far too many people left to wonder (and care) about, so I do hope she will feel moved to return to the saga! I liked the fact that this book turned a bit more towards looking beyond London and the descriptions of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) and the tense scenes in France had me on the edge of my seat. As I have noted in other reviews I lived through the war, know people who served in clandestine operations and also those of us who went on living our "ordinary" lives - Helen Carey does justice to them all. A wonderful story.
July 26, 2020
This is the third instalment of the Lavender Road series and I enjoyed it as much, indeed more, than the preceding 2 - it stays faithful to the characters and storyline of Lavender Road and Some Sunny Day but also extends the action into France and the work of the Special Operations Executive. The book is really exciting and fulfilling, a real page turner and I really hope that Helen Carey will produce another ( or more, ideally) in this series.
April 1, 2016
I have enjoyed reading all 3 books in this series my parents went though the WW2 living in the same area my Dad was a Policeman at Lavender Hill during that time.
I as a child I remember so many of the street names, Northcote Markets & walking on Clapham Common etc.
Thank you Helen Carey for bringing all those memories back.
I as a child I remember so many of the street names, Northcote Markets & walking on Clapham Common etc.
Thank you Helen Carey for bringing all those memories back.
September 9, 2016
A fascinating story of London during the second world war and the lives of the women who held the fort while so many men were away fighting. In addition to the humour and romance there is a thrilling tale of bravery in occupied France. This is the first Lavender Road book I have read but I now look forward to reading more.
August 3, 2012
Helen Carey is a brilliant author who quickly drew me into the book. She gave me a great insight into the hardship of life in London during world war 2 and what it was like to train as a spy and be dropped behind enemy lines. Fabulous!!!
March 23, 2015
On a Wing and a Prayer
I enjoyed this series of books very much! This was the 3rd book in a series about a group of folks that lived on Lavender St in London during World War II. I liked the folks so much and hated that the series ended.
I enjoyed this series of books very much! This was the 3rd book in a series about a group of folks that lived on Lavender St in London during World War II. I liked the folks so much and hated that the series ended.
April 1, 2013
Wish there was another one!
November 15, 2015
The third in in the Lavender Street trilogy. A good read. The trilogy should be read in order to understand all the characters.
July 1, 2019
On a Wing and a Prayer: Lavender Road Book 3 was written by Helen Carey. This third book continues the stories which began in Lavender Road. Jen is still trying to become an actress. She is performing in small plays and comedies throughout England; but her name is still not up in lights as she wishes. She needs to work on her singing and on her acting. She and her Mother, Joyce Carter, are still at each other. Neither understands the other and Simon, her Father, continues to bully his way through life. Once more he is in jail; but this time his son, Mick put him there. Louise is trying to find a husband who fits her standards. Could the young naval captain be the lucky man? Jack fits all her qualifications; but can she love him? Helen has tried to join the SOE operatives; but she failed to use a parachute. Now she has a chance to go to France to deliver a letter personally to France. Can she deliver the letter and discover who the traitor is? Finally, can Katy keep the Pub going, Malcolm in good health, and still hope for Wade to come home?
The book tells of the unusual lived of the women, warts and all, so that those people who read this series can get an idea of what it was like during World War II in London. Women’s roles are changing and with it women.
The book was excellent.
The book tells of the unusual lived of the women, warts and all, so that those people who read this series can get an idea of what it was like during World War II in London. Women’s roles are changing and with it women.
The book was excellent.
November 3, 2023
4.0 3rd book in the series. As the WWII begins its third year life is still very tough for Londeners and Lady Helen de Burrell volunteers to join the SOE and puts her life on the line by going overseas as a spy. War goes on in Lavender Road as Katy struggles to manage the pub on her own and now with a young son. Katy's husband Ward is still missing and in a POW camp. Joyce is still being abused by her husband Stanley but luckily he ends up back in prison and with her employer Mrs. Rutherford they decide to open up a cafe'. Jen is still trying to become a singing star and traveling with a group of entertainers. Life goes on and struggles become more challenging but these ladies are tough. Louise gets married but her husband is away at sea and she longs for independence away from her parents.
September 21, 2024
Great character studies
I love the Lavender Road series of books about life among the residents of Lavender Road, a street in an unfashionable area of London during World War II. Each of the many characters is richly drawn, and each has a love story, however different they may be. But at the heart of the series is how each character grows and develops as the war and its circumstances touch them. It's a story of bravery, of sacrifice, of community, of home and hearth, and especially, of love. Great reading.
I love the Lavender Road series of books about life among the residents of Lavender Road, a street in an unfashionable area of London during World War II. Each of the many characters is richly drawn, and each has a love story, however different they may be. But at the heart of the series is how each character grows and develops as the war and its circumstances touch them. It's a story of bravery, of sacrifice, of community, of home and hearth, and especially, of love. Great reading.
August 8, 2018
As usual I've read this one before the others in the series but I did enjoy it despite the facts that no-one would have known her whereabouts while in the SOE as predicted here. It was a secret service and totally kept under wraps. However it did give a good insight into the training and dangers they went through during this time. The characters are very good and the storyline is interesting.
September 8, 2018
WW2 Historical Fiction
With several stories intermingling, we see the women of Lavender Road, Celia, Joyce, Louise, Pam, Jen, Helen, and Katy as they have troubles and triumphs, while living with the war. From running a pub, a cafe, having babies, nursing and entertaining, these women will endear themselves to you forever.
With several stories intermingling, we see the women of Lavender Road, Celia, Joyce, Louise, Pam, Jen, Helen, and Katy as they have troubles and triumphs, while living with the war. From running a pub, a cafe, having babies, nursing and entertaining, these women will endear themselves to you forever.
February 24, 2019
I am currently soaring through these books with total enjoyment. This one really brought out the human struggle with the war, and how the covert missions played such a role. The flare of her writing, and the profound effect she leaves on her audience is remarkable. I could not put this one down at all, a real nail biter at times. Totally brilliant series.
September 5, 2017
After reading #1 in this four-book series, I would have preferred to read the others in proper order, but it was not to be. Missed #2 but found #3 in a used book store in Alnick so took the opportunity and was glad I did. Thoroughly enjoyed this latest addition to the ongoing WWII saga!
May 23, 2018
Book 3 Best one yet
Book three was the best of the series so far. It had a quicker pace . I enjoyed reading it so much I was done in a few days reading this book. Plan on getting book 4 of the series.
Book three was the best of the series so far. It had a quicker pace . I enjoyed reading it so much I was done in a few days reading this book. Plan on getting book 4 of the series.
September 19, 2018
This is Book 3 in the Lavender Road series and yet again this book doesn’t disappoint . I absolutely love the way the author describes the characters and when I read this book I actually felt I was there with them. A wonderful addition to this war time saga .
January 31, 2019
Wonderful story!
Love this series! Love these characters! It is great to learn more about what World War ll was like in London and the surrounding area. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
Love this series! Love these characters! It is great to learn more about what World War ll was like in London and the surrounding area. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
November 8, 2021
Great book
This series just keeps getting better and better. The characters are so vivid and really emotional. And always "just getting on with it" the way the British people do. Can't wait to read the next book.
This series just keeps getting better and better. The characters are so vivid and really emotional. And always "just getting on with it" the way the British people do. Can't wait to read the next book.
January 11, 2022
I am really enjoying this series - this is the third and expands on the troubles and joys of a group of women who love on Lavender Road in war-torn London during WWII. As the watt expands so does the study which includes the resistance in France.
April 19, 2022
My Musings
Wow, this is so suspenseful. Sometimes I want to shake Louise an Jen, but I still love these characters. I am so glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited and can't wait to read the next book in this outstanding series. Happy reading!
Wow, this is so suspenseful. Sometimes I want to shake Louise an Jen, but I still love these characters. I am so glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited and can't wait to read the next book in this outstanding series. Happy reading!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews