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Nurse Millie #1
Call Nurse Millie
It's 1945 and, as the troops begin to return home, the inhabitants of London attempt to put their lives back together. For 25-year-old Millie, a qualified nurse and midwife, the jubilation at the end of the war is short-lived as she tends to the needs of the East End community around her. But while Millie witnesses tragedy and brutality in her job, she also finds strength and kindness. And when misfortune befalls her own family, it is the enduring spirit of the community that shows Millie that even the toughest of circumstances can be overcome.
Through Millie's eyes, we see the harsh realities and unexpected joys in the lives of the patients she treats, as well as the camaraderie that is forged with the fellow nurses that she lives with. Filled with unforgettable characters and moving personal stories, this vividly brings to life the colourful world of a post-war East London.
Best selling author Lesley Pearce described Call Nurse Millie as '‘A delightful, well researched story that really does depict nursing and the living conditions in the East End at the end of the war’.
Through Millie's eyes, we see the harsh realities and unexpected joys in the lives of the patients she treats, as well as the camaraderie that is forged with the fellow nurses that she lives with. Filled with unforgettable characters and moving personal stories, this vividly brings to life the colourful world of a post-war East London.
Best selling author Lesley Pearce described Call Nurse Millie as '‘A delightful, well researched story that really does depict nursing and the living conditions in the East End at the end of the war’.
424 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2013
49 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
Jean Fullerton
30 books198 followersI was born into a large, East End family and grew up in the overcrowded streets clustered around the Tower of London. I still live in East London, just five miles from where I was born. I feel that it is that my background that gives my historical East London stories their distinctive authenticity.
I first fell in love with history at school when I read Anya Seton’s book Katherine. Since then I have read everything I can about English history but I am particularly fascinated by the 18th and 19th century and my books are set in this period. I just love my native city and the East End in particular which is why I write stories to bring that vibrant area of London alive.
I am also passionate about historical accuracy and I enjoy researching the details almost as much as weaving the story. If one of my characters walks down a street you can be assured that that street actually existed. Take a look at Jean’s East End and see the actual location where my characters played out their stories.
I first fell in love with history at school when I read Anya Seton’s book Katherine. Since then I have read everything I can about English history but I am particularly fascinated by the 18th and 19th century and my books are set in this period. I just love my native city and the East End in particular which is why I write stories to bring that vibrant area of London alive.
I am also passionate about historical accuracy and I enjoy researching the details almost as much as weaving the story. If one of my characters walks down a street you can be assured that that street actually existed. Take a look at Jean’s East End and see the actual location where my characters played out their stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 20, 2013
I was lucky enough to be able to read a pre-published copy sent to me by Jean; 1945 and fresh out of the war torn years, we follow Millie a qualified District Nurse and mid wife while she takes her skills on to the streets of East End London, where rationing still exits, people pay for health care and friends and neighbours rally round when it really counts. If you love post war British history when everyone is recovering and getting themselves back on their feet and the way a community pulls together in times of strife, mixed with a little romance, then this is a book for you.
Jean will be taking part in an interview on Tuesday 21st May on BBC Radio Essex at 2.20pm combined with an on-line launch on the 22rd. She is also running a giveaway here on Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17...
Jean will be taking part in an interview on Tuesday 21st May on BBC Radio Essex at 2.20pm combined with an on-line launch on the 22rd. She is also running a giveaway here on Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17...
May 25, 2013
I really enjoyed this novel. It answered lots of questions about what life before the advent of the welfare state. We see the post war London through the sympathetic eyes of Queen’s Nurse, Millie - the squalor and disease that was part of everyday life for the slum dwellers. It is clear that the author has done her research, but this is no history lesson. She uses a light hand to skilfully weave historical fact/social history and a great story together in such a way that the reader is engaged and entertained. I read Call Nurse Millie quickly because I wanted to know what happened to Millie’s fiancé, the other nurses, her mother and all of the well rounded secondary characters who walk across the pages of this novel. I don’t want to write a spoiler so I’ll just say there is romance, tragedy, humour and, ultimately, a happy conclusion for most of the characters.
I hope there will be a sequel and that Nurse Millie will be knocking on our doors, very soon. "
I hope there will be a sequel and that Nurse Millie will be knocking on our doors, very soon. "
May 30, 2013
This novel begins just as WWII ends. It definitely is a book for fans of Call The Midwife. The novel really paints a picture of what health care was like in the 40s and it is pretty scary.
These nurses really did everything and they got little respect, and the rules and regulations they followed to have a job will make modern women shake their head.
Millie is an exceptionally good nurse who seems to have the weight of the world on her shoulders. From the very start of the book, bad things seem to happen to her family and to her. But Millie is a tough girl and she soldiers on.
She's a character that you can really admire. She's smart, she's loyal and she genuinely cares about the patients. She goes above and beyond the call of duty in many cases.
I found myself on the edge with worry for her many times, and I cheered her on as well. Millie was a character I could identify with on many levels. She was a caring daughter, taking care of her mother and putting her life on hold until she recovered, even to the extent that it almost cost her her job.
It is hard being a caregiver while working in this day and age, in the 1940s it was even harder.
She did all of this and struggled with her own love life. She had to make sacrifices too. I felt so bad for her when it came to her love life. I was glad when she did find love, but I think she settled, though most would disagree.
Jean Fullerton has a wonderfully easy writing style. The book read almost like a memoir. So the flow was continuous, but it was enough that you never felt lost with what was going on in the story. She also created a wonderful cast of characters. I'd be hard pressed to say which among the other nurses and patients I liked best.
I often shook my head when I read the old Harlequin Romances from the late 60s and early 70s where many of the heroines were nurses, this book showed me that though those books may have been cheesy, the portrayals of nursing were accurate.
They certainly did much more work than the visiting nurses that we see today.
The book ended in such a way, it is open for a sequel, which I hope Ms. Fullerton writers
I highly recommend this book to those who like more contemporary historical fiction or people that love Call The Midwife.
These nurses really did everything and they got little respect, and the rules and regulations they followed to have a job will make modern women shake their head.
Millie is an exceptionally good nurse who seems to have the weight of the world on her shoulders. From the very start of the book, bad things seem to happen to her family and to her. But Millie is a tough girl and she soldiers on.
She's a character that you can really admire. She's smart, she's loyal and she genuinely cares about the patients. She goes above and beyond the call of duty in many cases.
I found myself on the edge with worry for her many times, and I cheered her on as well. Millie was a character I could identify with on many levels. She was a caring daughter, taking care of her mother and putting her life on hold until she recovered, even to the extent that it almost cost her her job.
It is hard being a caregiver while working in this day and age, in the 1940s it was even harder.
She did all of this and struggled with her own love life. She had to make sacrifices too. I felt so bad for her when it came to her love life. I was glad when she did find love, but I think she settled, though most would disagree.
Jean Fullerton has a wonderfully easy writing style. The book read almost like a memoir. So the flow was continuous, but it was enough that you never felt lost with what was going on in the story. She also created a wonderful cast of characters. I'd be hard pressed to say which among the other nurses and patients I liked best.
I often shook my head when I read the old Harlequin Romances from the late 60s and early 70s where many of the heroines were nurses, this book showed me that though those books may have been cheesy, the portrayals of nursing were accurate.
They certainly did much more work than the visiting nurses that we see today.
The book ended in such a way, it is open for a sequel, which I hope Ms. Fullerton writers
I highly recommend this book to those who like more contemporary historical fiction or people that love Call The Midwife.
November 11, 2013
The author very kindly gave me the opportunity to read a pre-publication copy of this entertaining account of a Nurse's life in London immediately after the end of World War II. I hope the author will forgive me for having taken so long to read and review her novel but unfortunately life rather got in the way and I was unable to read it as soon as I had hoped. The follow up All Change for Nurse Millie is due for publication next February and I plan to read it as soon as it is released if I can. It is worth mentioning that the author of this book has a great deal of experience in healthcare, as well as being passionate about her native city both of which I believe shows in the attention to detail found in the novel. Being so well researched Call Nurse Millie is a vivid description of life in the East End of London, during a time of great strife.
Millie is the feisty protagonist of the story, it is through her eyes and the way she deals with everything life throws at her that you will learn more of the community spirit that existed during that period. Health Care was only available to those that paid for it, rationing was an every day occurrence. Life was harsh yet there was still time for happiness and romance. The characters and storylines develop well throughout the novel, by the end I really cared about them and wanted to know more about their lives. This is why it is good news that the sequel as mentioned above is coming soon. In conclusion I found this read like a true story it certainly feels authentic enough to be one.
I would not normally compare a novel to a television programme but this one reminded me of one I have enjoyed recently, the series from a true story, was 'Call The Midwife'. Fans of this series will definitely enjoy this novel as will those that are interested in the immediate post war social history of the UK.
http://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogspo...
Millie is the feisty protagonist of the story, it is through her eyes and the way she deals with everything life throws at her that you will learn more of the community spirit that existed during that period. Health Care was only available to those that paid for it, rationing was an every day occurrence. Life was harsh yet there was still time for happiness and romance. The characters and storylines develop well throughout the novel, by the end I really cared about them and wanted to know more about their lives. This is why it is good news that the sequel as mentioned above is coming soon. In conclusion I found this read like a true story it certainly feels authentic enough to be one.
I would not normally compare a novel to a television programme but this one reminded me of one I have enjoyed recently, the series from a true story, was 'Call The Midwife'. Fans of this series will definitely enjoy this novel as will those that are interested in the immediate post war social history of the UK.
http://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogspo...
June 11, 2013
Right from the beginning, I found myself engrossed in this fascinating, well-written book. I am an incredible fan of historical fiction, and this was from a time period of which I knew very little--post WWII. It also takes place in England, and I was grateful for my knowledge of "English" phrases. I may have struggled to understand some of the terms otherwise.
I completely fell in love with Millie. I was very grateful that the author did not make this a fairy-tale story with everyone living happily ever after. The reader is sure to find every kind of emotion imaginable from sorrow to joy to anger. However, our heroine overcame every obstacle in her own way. In spite of those that came against her, she prevailed and even triumphed both personally and professionally.
I only have one or two criticisms, and they are quite mild. There is some profanity in the book, but mostly, those who speak it are the ones you would expect to do so. If I had been writing the book, I wouldn't have included the profanity, but I wasn't overly offended since there were very few instances of it. There is some implied sex in the book, but I was glad to see that the prevailing idea was that infidelity is not right.
When the book ended, I was actually sad. I can only hope that the author writes a sequel because I feel that I want to know more about Millie. I learned so much about history during this time period, and it was well worth the read. Don't automatically assume that you know everything that will happen in the book. I found this book an absolute delight, and I would happily recommend it to just about anyone.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
I completely fell in love with Millie. I was very grateful that the author did not make this a fairy-tale story with everyone living happily ever after. The reader is sure to find every kind of emotion imaginable from sorrow to joy to anger. However, our heroine overcame every obstacle in her own way. In spite of those that came against her, she prevailed and even triumphed both personally and professionally.
I only have one or two criticisms, and they are quite mild. There is some profanity in the book, but mostly, those who speak it are the ones you would expect to do so. If I had been writing the book, I wouldn't have included the profanity, but I wasn't overly offended since there were very few instances of it. There is some implied sex in the book, but I was glad to see that the prevailing idea was that infidelity is not right.
When the book ended, I was actually sad. I can only hope that the author writes a sequel because I feel that I want to know more about Millie. I learned so much about history during this time period, and it was well worth the read. Don't automatically assume that you know everything that will happen in the book. I found this book an absolute delight, and I would happily recommend it to just about anyone.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
July 10, 2013
This story begins in the East End of London, 1945 as peace is declared and just as Millie's father passes away.
Young district nurse Millie has to juggle the challenges of a district nurse in the East End of London and caring for her mother, whose mental health has deteriorated since the death of her father.
Millie meets the handsome Alex and romance blossoms. She then begins to wonder about who Alex really is. When all is revealed and Millie can relax, Alex proposes to her, but their romance does not run smoothly. As a fiancee, daughter and nurse, Millie has some difficult choices to make.
The author's wonderfully written descriptions of life for Millie had me feeling like I was walking in step with Millie as she went about her rounds and visited the sick and needy of the parish. There are some very vivid characters in this gripping story.
The author was once an East End district nurse and so I had every faith in her attention to detail. A well researched and well written novel gives a moving and sometimes heartbreaking look at social history of pre-NHS nursing in England.
Young district nurse Millie has to juggle the challenges of a district nurse in the East End of London and caring for her mother, whose mental health has deteriorated since the death of her father.
Millie meets the handsome Alex and romance blossoms. She then begins to wonder about who Alex really is. When all is revealed and Millie can relax, Alex proposes to her, but their romance does not run smoothly. As a fiancee, daughter and nurse, Millie has some difficult choices to make.
The author's wonderfully written descriptions of life for Millie had me feeling like I was walking in step with Millie as she went about her rounds and visited the sick and needy of the parish. There are some very vivid characters in this gripping story.
The author was once an East End district nurse and so I had every faith in her attention to detail. A well researched and well written novel gives a moving and sometimes heartbreaking look at social history of pre-NHS nursing in England.
May 19, 2013
Having read Jean Fullerton's Victorian East End novels, I was thrilled to be asked by the author to read the wartime-set 'Call Nurse Millie'. Not a natural follower of 'Call the Midwife' type books, but confident of Ms Fullerton's skill, I settled down to read it.
Completely immersed in the book's world, I was pedalling Millie's bicycle with her, hands freezing, and treading warily with her as she visited the miserable conditions people survived in. I admired her calm sense in dealing with all this plus her difficult relations and egotistical superiors, or helping learners become confident, or dancing in her beau's arms.
Not only is 'Call Nurse Millie' a very well written novel, it's the story of Britain changing as the new health and welfare systems are introduced. A fascinating read. Recommended.
Completely immersed in the book's world, I was pedalling Millie's bicycle with her, hands freezing, and treading warily with her as she visited the miserable conditions people survived in. I admired her calm sense in dealing with all this plus her difficult relations and egotistical superiors, or helping learners become confident, or dancing in her beau's arms.
Not only is 'Call Nurse Millie' a very well written novel, it's the story of Britain changing as the new health and welfare systems are introduced. A fascinating read. Recommended.
Read
June 22, 2013Addictive and enjoyable, with a plucky heroine and totally convincing portrayal of district nursing in the post-war East End of London. Looking forward to the sequel.
February 6, 2017
I read this on the kindle
This is the 1st in a series I really enjoyed it so much was reading until early hours of the morning
This is set as WW2 is ending same sort of area as Call The Midwife is set in but this is about district nurses who also are midwives rather than just a Midwife
This is the 1st in a series I really enjoyed it so much was reading until early hours of the morning
This is set as WW2 is ending same sort of area as Call The Midwife is set in but this is about district nurses who also are midwives rather than just a Midwife
March 4, 2014
Jean Fullerton paints a vivid picture of life in post-war London in her enchanting and engrossing saga, Call Nurse Millie.
Sister Millie Sullivan was looking forward to celebrating the end of the Second World War. However, her happiness was short-lived when her beloved father died suddenly on VE day. Juggling the demands of her challenging job as a district nurse in one of London’s poorest areas with caring for her grieving mother Doris is not easy, but Millie knows that she must not let her own personal sorrow get in the way of her profession. Her patients’ safety and well-being is paramount – however this doesn’t stop Millie from missing her dad or from wondering how her mother is coping now that the love of her life is no longer by her side. Although her mother keeps herself busy by becoming more active in the community, Millie cannot quite shake off the feeling that all is not quite well with Doris. Romance is the last thing on the young nurse’s mind. With her workload constantly increasing and her duties getting heavier and heavier, Millie has got neither the time nor the energy for a relationship. But when she meets dashing policeman Alex Nolan at a dance, Millie soon begins to realise that there is more to life than work…
The war had been the making of Alex Nolan. Having spent most of his adult life lurching from one dead-end job to the next, Alex had spent most of the war fighting shoulder to shoulder with men born to great privilege – and time and again he proved himself to be their equal. Determined to make something of himself now that he’s on Civvy Street, Alex had joined the police force and had his eyes firmly set on climbing up the ladder and making it to the top. But when Alex realizes that the only way he can make his dreams of promotion come true is by emigrating, will he manage to convince Millie – whom he has fallen madly in love with – to join him in Palestine and leave her old life behind?
Nobody had been more surprised than Millie when she had started walking out with Alex. Attraction had quickly given way to a love that simply couldn’t be denied. However, Millie is not sure whether she is ready to leave everything that is dear and familiar behind, especially when the burden of responsibility is weighing heavily upon her shoulder.
Happiness is within the plucky young nurse’s reach. But does it lie thousands of miles away or is it closer than she’s ever even imagined?
Call Nurse Millie is a compelling, warm-hearted and captivating tale that beautifully captures the joys, the sorrows, the humanity and the heart of a community poised on the precipice of great change. Jean Fullerton has managed to recreate the triumphs, hardships and humour of the people of the East End with flair, skill and ease and the reader finds herself caring not just for Millie and her friends, but also for the colourful supporting characters who people this outstanding saga. The historical background is beautifully rendered and exquisitely evoked, the action fast-paced, the dialogue wonderfully authentic and the emotion heartfelt and true.
Jean Fullerton has outdone herself with Call Nurse Millie and she has written a first-class tale readers will not easily forget!
This review was originally published on the Single Titles website.
Sister Millie Sullivan was looking forward to celebrating the end of the Second World War. However, her happiness was short-lived when her beloved father died suddenly on VE day. Juggling the demands of her challenging job as a district nurse in one of London’s poorest areas with caring for her grieving mother Doris is not easy, but Millie knows that she must not let her own personal sorrow get in the way of her profession. Her patients’ safety and well-being is paramount – however this doesn’t stop Millie from missing her dad or from wondering how her mother is coping now that the love of her life is no longer by her side. Although her mother keeps herself busy by becoming more active in the community, Millie cannot quite shake off the feeling that all is not quite well with Doris. Romance is the last thing on the young nurse’s mind. With her workload constantly increasing and her duties getting heavier and heavier, Millie has got neither the time nor the energy for a relationship. But when she meets dashing policeman Alex Nolan at a dance, Millie soon begins to realise that there is more to life than work…
The war had been the making of Alex Nolan. Having spent most of his adult life lurching from one dead-end job to the next, Alex had spent most of the war fighting shoulder to shoulder with men born to great privilege – and time and again he proved himself to be their equal. Determined to make something of himself now that he’s on Civvy Street, Alex had joined the police force and had his eyes firmly set on climbing up the ladder and making it to the top. But when Alex realizes that the only way he can make his dreams of promotion come true is by emigrating, will he manage to convince Millie – whom he has fallen madly in love with – to join him in Palestine and leave her old life behind?
Nobody had been more surprised than Millie when she had started walking out with Alex. Attraction had quickly given way to a love that simply couldn’t be denied. However, Millie is not sure whether she is ready to leave everything that is dear and familiar behind, especially when the burden of responsibility is weighing heavily upon her shoulder.
Happiness is within the plucky young nurse’s reach. But does it lie thousands of miles away or is it closer than she’s ever even imagined?
Call Nurse Millie is a compelling, warm-hearted and captivating tale that beautifully captures the joys, the sorrows, the humanity and the heart of a community poised on the precipice of great change. Jean Fullerton has managed to recreate the triumphs, hardships and humour of the people of the East End with flair, skill and ease and the reader finds herself caring not just for Millie and her friends, but also for the colourful supporting characters who people this outstanding saga. The historical background is beautifully rendered and exquisitely evoked, the action fast-paced, the dialogue wonderfully authentic and the emotion heartfelt and true.
Jean Fullerton has outdone herself with Call Nurse Millie and she has written a first-class tale readers will not easily forget!
This review was originally published on the Single Titles website.
May 23, 2013
It’s 1945, and the Second World War is over, but for 25 year old Millie Sullivan, her life as a qualified nurse and midwife in the East End of London is as busy as ever. Together with her nurse colleagues at Munroe House Nurse’s Home, Millie witnesses her share of tragedy and yet her determined spirit sees her though the harsh reality of living through some tough circumstances. The indomitable spirit of the people who inhabit the overcrowded streets and the bomb damaged buildings of the East End, come gloriously alive in this wonderful historical saga.
This is the first of Jean Fullerton’s books I have read, but I am impressed with the way she controls the narrative and allows the characters to develop, so that by the end of the book you really care about what happens to them. Millie in particular is a feisty heroine who encapsulates the spirit of the time in her no nonsense approach and down to earth way of dealing with whatever life throws at her. By using her undoubted skill as qualified nurse, the author has used her medical knowledge to good effect, and has written a story which pulls you in from the very beginning. The individual stories really tug at your heart strings, and yet beyond the heartbreak and tragedy, there is always hope for a better future.
Overall, this is a really lovely story, which will appeal to anyone who enjoys post-war social history. I really enjoyed it.
Author Spotlight
http://jaffareadstoo.blogspot.co.uk/2...
This is the first of Jean Fullerton’s books I have read, but I am impressed with the way she controls the narrative and allows the characters to develop, so that by the end of the book you really care about what happens to them. Millie in particular is a feisty heroine who encapsulates the spirit of the time in her no nonsense approach and down to earth way of dealing with whatever life throws at her. By using her undoubted skill as qualified nurse, the author has used her medical knowledge to good effect, and has written a story which pulls you in from the very beginning. The individual stories really tug at your heart strings, and yet beyond the heartbreak and tragedy, there is always hope for a better future.
Overall, this is a really lovely story, which will appeal to anyone who enjoys post-war social history. I really enjoyed it.
Author Spotlight
http://jaffareadstoo.blogspot.co.uk/2...
May 23, 2013
CALL NURSE MILLIE by Jean Fullerton is an interesting Post WW2/Historical Fiction set in 1945 England. Fast paced story of midwives during post WW2 in East London. Follow 25 year old nurse Millie and her friends on a journey of not only discovery but one of compassion,misery,tragedy, camaraderie,unbelievable kindness and love. If you enjoy learning more of nurses,the nursing career during the 1900′s, than “Call Nurse Millie” is the book for you. If you watch the TV series on PBS,”Call the Midwife”and enjoy it than you will enjoy “Call Nurse Millie”with a few twists and turns included. Ms. Fullerton is a wonderful storyteller,her characters engaging and believable,the plot enticing. You almost feel as if you are there in East London with her characters. You will find joy and sadness as real life is portray through the pages of “Call Nurse Millie”. An enjoyable read and one I would recommend to historical fiction readers,post WW2 readers,military readers,nurses,and anyone who enjoys a great read. Received for an honest review from the publicist and/or author.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
August 8, 2014
This was a wonderful down to earth story. It is just after world war two. People are still suffering the aftermath of war. Rationing still rears its head, still having to pay for healthcare which is extremely difficult for many people who are poor and have no means of financial support. Enter Millie she is a nurse/midwife in the poorer side of town and the author Jean Fullerton takes you on a memorable and bumpy ride similar to the bike and travels Millie has in her job. Millie jumps on her bike and starts her day be it delivering new babies or attending to elderly patients who have difficulty walking because of ulcerated legs. She is there not only to change dressings but to give genuine caring, kindness and warmth, this is where these wonderful nurses come into their own. The author drew a picture of how the friends and neighbours no matter what their circumstances were like would help with sharing rations, advice or just being there for their friends. I found this a very heartfelt story. Highly recommend.
May 31, 2013
Ms Fullerton did a wonderful job of capturing the language and setting of post-war London. The characters who populate the stories, and there are many of them in this book, are all well developed and interesting, whether they are people you sympathize with or not. Everyone is moving in a fast changing environment that they don’t understand and some cope better than others.
Anyone who thinks the United Kingdom today is as it has always been should read this book and get an up close and personal look at what it took to build the society that is there today. The citizens of London are an amazing lot and have had to be extremely flexible all along the way. I admire them and the characters of Ms Fullerton’s book.
Becky's complete 5 sweet pea review appears at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Anyone who thinks the United Kingdom today is as it has always been should read this book and get an up close and personal look at what it took to build the society that is there today. The citizens of London are an amazing lot and have had to be extremely flexible all along the way. I admire them and the characters of Ms Fullerton’s book.
Becky's complete 5 sweet pea review appears at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
July 20, 2015
This is the first Jean Fullerton book I've read and it definitely won't be the last. I'm a big family saga fan because they're about ordinary people doing ordinary things. 'Call Nurse Millie' is a good example of this genre - working class girl strives against circumstances to reach her goals and aspirations. Set in the East End of London immediately after WWII, Millie is a midwife cum district nurse who must overcome all the limitations of pre-NHS Britain. I found the research behind the story absolutely fascinating. For instance, I didn't realise that diabetics had to have their insulin injections administered by district nurses. Of course, there's plenty of heart-warming characters and a poignant romance that I suspect may have repercussions in a follow-up novel.
May 16, 2013
I took Call Nurse Millie to read on the train to and from Oxford yesterday and finished it this morning. I have enjoyed all Jean Fullerton's Victorian books and was looking forward to this postwar nursing book. I wasn't disappointed. I loved it and can honestly say it brought tears to my eyes on more than once occasion.
The author's attention to historical and medical detail, wonderful characters and gripping story line make this a must read book.
If you enjoyed 'Call the Midwife' you'll love this book.
It has 'best-seller' written all over it.
The author's attention to historical and medical detail, wonderful characters and gripping story line make this a must read book.
If you enjoyed 'Call the Midwife' you'll love this book.
It has 'best-seller' written all over it.
Want to read
May 24, 201317th June 2013
Received a free copy today as part of a first reads giveaway I am still reading another giveaway book at the moment but will read and review as soon as possible.
Thank you for this giveaway.
Received a free copy today as part of a first reads giveaway I am still reading another giveaway book at the moment but will read and review as soon as possible.
Thank you for this giveaway.
January 10, 2015
good read. realistic characters. faithful to attitudes of the time, clinical details accurate. life in the "nurses home" reflected my experiences - albeit decades later. good read. fast read. lost love found love ethical challenges divided loyalties are all here
October 19, 2013
I read the kindle edition, but as that is not here, I have left the default as pb.
September 4, 2013
very good,would reccomend
March 7, 2014
A nice quick, light read. Ideal for fans of 'Call the Midwife'. Lovely period details.
March 19, 2015
Really enjoyed this book and all the details involved describing the period.
July 2, 2016
One of a series
Not as good as some of the other books in the series but a gentle read on a rainy day. Light hearted and enjoyable
Not as good as some of the other books in the series but a gentle read on a rainy day. Light hearted and enjoyable
July 30, 2016
It was a real page turner
January 18, 2019
This is another wonderful book by Jean Fullerton. I really liked the feel of the book and the characters in the East End of London. Millie comes across as a loveable character who really cares for her patients and her Mum.
There is sadness in the book, when she calls off her wedding to look after her sick mum and you are left wondering if she will find true love by the end of the book. There is also joy when the local community help her by caring for her mum and fighting to help her keep her job.
This is a story that is full of historical nursing references from the late 1940's and its left me feeling warm inside and full of admiration for the Nurses of that time. Loved it.
There is sadness in the book, when she calls off her wedding to look after her sick mum and you are left wondering if she will find true love by the end of the book. There is also joy when the local community help her by caring for her mum and fighting to help her keep her job.
This is a story that is full of historical nursing references from the late 1940's and its left me feeling warm inside and full of admiration for the Nurses of that time. Loved it.
June 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It’s not the most joyful. A lot of events conspire to cause the well-intentioned and highly professional nurse Millie, maximum stress. Still, she navigates her way through these with tenacity and always with her recently widowed mother and her patients as her prime concerns. I am looking forward to reading the sequel to this book. Even though the end of this story ends on a high note, some little clues I picked up makes me think that things may not be the happily-ever-after she hopes for.
February 23, 2022
I loved this book
A very readable book in the respect that it was a lovely story with very interesting people.
Millie and her friends were a funny at times and her aunt a terrible snob which is always amusing.
I love Jean Fullerton’s books and have downloaded the others in this series although the Christmas and Easter books have very few pages so not sure I will purchase them.
A very readable book in the respect that it was a lovely story with very interesting people.
Millie and her friends were a funny at times and her aunt a terrible snob which is always amusing.
I love Jean Fullerton’s books and have downloaded the others in this series although the Christmas and Easter books have very few pages so not sure I will purchase them.
February 11, 2019
Dieselblackcat
It’s a good book give a bit of an insight to what went on after the war with the midwife s and what they were doing. Entertaining read. Still would have like Millie to marry her policeman 👮♂️.
It’s a good book give a bit of an insight to what went on after the war with the midwife s and what they were doing. Entertaining read. Still would have like Millie to marry her policeman 👮♂️.
November 3, 2019
The attention to detail makes this an absorbing read.
April 25, 2020
Interesting characters and a must read for any Call The Midwife fans.
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