Reporting For Duty

The Army Girls #1

by Fenella J. Miller

A BRAND NEW series by bestselling author Fenella J. Miller - Meet the Army Girls! Army Girls - reporting for duty!

When duty calls, East End girl Minnie Wolton isn’t afraid to do her bit. She’s excited to be joining the ATS girls and although she knows life at the barracks will be tough, she’s not one to quit! She just hopes the other girls are all good sorts…

With her husband away fighting, Eileen Ruffel is glad of the break from her unhappy marriage. She just wants to make a success of the ATS girls and maybe find happiness too.

Along with the other girls, Minnie and Eileen strike up a firm friendship. The training is hard, but they are determined to prove they are the best new recruits.

But when a young girl is attacked on base, the girls have to pull together like never before to find the culprits….before they strike again.

Praise for Fenella J.

'Yet again, Fenella Miller has thrilled me with another of her historical stories. She brings alive a variety of emotions and weaves in facts relating to the era, all of which keep me reading into the small hours.' Glynis Peters– Bestselling author of The Secret Orphan.

'Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller's characters and lose yourself in another time and another place.' Lizzie Lane

'Engaging characters and setting which whisks you back to the home front of wartime Britain. A fabulous series!' Jean Fullerton

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 2, 2023

About the author

Fenella Jane Miller was born in the Isle of Man. Her father was a Yorkshire man and her mother the daughter of a Rajah. She has worked as a nanny, cleaner, field worker, hotelier, chef, secondary and primary teacher and is now a full time writer.

She has over twenty five Regency romantic adventures published plus one Jane Austen re-telling and one YA romantic fantasy.

see also Fenella-Jane Miller

Reviews

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for sending me this FREE E-Book to promote and review for the Blog Tour this month!! This was my first time reading a Historical Fiction Novel by Fenella so i wasnt sure what to expect but i have to say i throughly loved and enjoyed this one so much more then i thought i would.

The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. Minnie was definately my favorite because i had a Great Grandma named Minnie and because i loved this Minnie's determination to help out her country despite hardships back home.

The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in East End England while reading, especially when the scenery was described.

I also loved how Fenella did all the research on The ATS before writing this book.

Overall a Good Book 1 in this Historical Fiction Series!! Can't wait to read Book 2 when it comes out.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Army Girls: Reporting For Duty is what I've come to expect from author Fenella J. Miller, intriguing, snappy and fun. My favourite aspect of this book, the first in a new series which takes place during World War II, is the historical information from the clothing details to food to vaccines. Though predictable, the story is well worth reading. As always, there is also romance.

Four young girls had their own reasons for joining the Auxiliary Territorial Service. Minnie, Eileen, Grace and Clara have a bit of a rocky start at the beginning of their train journey. But they soon become fast friends as they go through mental and physical training at the base. Rules are rigid, training is grueling and grief is a reality but the girls remain loyal in their own ways. Some soldiers view the women as inferior, unfortunately. But thankfully there are men who treat women as equals. As the characters become wiser through life during the war, they change and grow. In this instalment much of the focus is on Minnie and Eileen.

If you seek a series to engage you from the first page, do add this to your list.

My sincere thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this compelling novel. I look forward to see what happens with the characters as the series progresses!

[Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a brand new series and after finishing it I can guarantee this is going to be a much loved series for readers of this genre .
The story is based around Millie Walton who is from the East End of London and has joined the Women's ATS.
At the training base she meets the others girls who will be training with her .
After a rocky start a good friendship develops between the girls .
I've read a few books by this author and as always you are drawn right into the story from the very start.
Although it is fiction, I enjoy reading factual information about the training that women undergo in the military as well as the provisions they are provided throughout their lives and I look forward to 'learning more'.
Four characters, all from different backgrounds, join the ATS during World War II and must overcome various hardships on their journey.
Minnie, Eileen, Grace and Clara quickly become friends, especially when they share similar training requirements.
This gives insight into many elements of the war and what the girls who volunteered to serve had to endure, i.e.
clothing, vaccinations, expectations, and the different occupations the girls had can choose.
The girls quickly learn that the rules are strict and applied for a reason, that training is difficult to ensure they reach the required standards and that each will be tested physically and mentally.
spirit in one way or another.
The book deals with the inequalities women faced, which was the case at the time, but some men considered the women volunteers to be equal and worthy of their time, and at the same time time to praise how great things they had accomplished.
Throughout this book, we see how the characters grow, gain life experiences and practice, and while focusing on Minnie and Eileen, we see how each girl succeeds.
any.

#bookreview #historicalfiction

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced, wartime drama filled with romance, friendship and the strength in war. Fenella really has the ability to bring a bit of history to life and following our ATS girls in this made for a great read.

Each of our characters, Minnie, Eileen, Grace and Clara each being their own element to the story. With a focus on Eileen and Minnie, we follow these girls as they establish themselves within the ranks of the ATS and find their feet doing their bit for the war.

Handsome officers, difficult training and with dangers a plenty, there’s much to keep you reading. I’ve been reading more and more of this authors books lately and they all have a common theme; they’re all super easy and fun to read. They transport you back into history for a bit and get you rooting for the girls as they navigate their stories.

There’s plenty of drama and action to keep you reading and I always looked forward to going back to read this book.

I read a fair amount of wartime fiction but haven’t read that much about the ATS girls so it was great to learn more about them. It was a really enjoyable book and I always look forward to seeing what Fenella will bring out next!

Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this lovely book on a new series

minnie colton is an east end girl, with a heart of gold and she is excited about reporting for duty

on the train minnie meets up with others about to embark on the same exciting adventure and she soon makes friends with eileen, a married woman who wants to do her bit for the war as her husband is away fighting

this is a brilliant new series and i fell in love with all the characters especially minnie, i am so excited and looking forward to the next book in this series

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read the next one in the series. The characters of Chris and Grace were so much fun to read about. Grace has been through so much in her life but I enjoyed that she kept moving on with a positive attitude.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[CM · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seems unrealistic and at times overly dramatic.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Army Girls Reporting for Duty by Fenella J Miller is a new series focusing two young women out of many who had enlisted in the women’s army: The ATS or Auxiliary Territorial Service in England during World War II. There was a whole group of them at the outset but once they got to base, Millie took them in hand and got them organized. They soon became the sharpest of the new recruits. Millie became fast friends with another enlistee, Eileen, who was married, but whose husband was overseas and had been for several years. Eileen regretted her marriage but swore to follow through on her vows. For now, she was all about the army. Plenty of things happened as the young women did what amounted to boot camp for four weeks. At the end of that they got to choose what their future would be and probably leave the camp to pursue it.

Millie and Eileen are both excellent characters, although vastly different. They had become fast friends in the four weeks they were together Millie was from the East End, had little education and spoke roughly, but she had a head from organizing and for the military. She didn’t believe she could become an officer because of her lack of schooling but thought she could aim for the highest non-commissioned office available. Eileen was happy to let Millie lead. She thought she wanted to train to be a Physical Trainer or PT. Maybe she could even stay here in Chelmsford. They both became friendly with young Lieutenant Sawyer, who was on the base recuperating from surgery on his leg, which had been damaged in a motorcycle accident. He was anxious to be on his way back to his unit at the front in Africa. Such engaging characters, and less a plot than a slice of life. There was so much to be learned from this book about the army life for women during WWII. It is a different life than any of us have been exposed to. As is Miller’s wont, she has written a totally engaging novel and I can’t wait to read the next one.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Army Girls Reporting for Duty by Boldwood Books, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #FenellaJMiller #ArmyGirlsReportingForDuty

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Army Girls Reporting For Duty by Fenella J Miller is a fabulous start to a new historical series. I cannot wait for the subsequent books.
The year is 1942 as we follow four new recruits to the ATS. Three are single, one is unhappily married to a bully who is in the regular army. We witness how war actually broadened the horizons of women. There were those who preferred to join up rather than make loveless marriage alliances.
We witness the regimented life of a recruit. Having heard tales from my Dad about square bashing as he did national conscription in the RAF, after the war, it was easy for me to picture what life was like and what a shock some of the rules would be.
There is a camaraderie as the girls’ bond over mugs of tea and plates of stew. Fraternising with male members of the services was discouraged, however love will always find a way. We see the girls settle into new roles away from civilian life.
The modern reader is horrified learning about the stigma and harsh penalties attached to same sex relationships as characters have to deny who they are.
We see the importance of Whitehall in planning future campaigns.
Down time is encouraged as we follow characters to local cafes and the cinema to see new releases such as Gone With The Wind.
Army Girls Reporting For Duty is sure to be another hit for Fenella J Miller. I read it in just one sitting. I look forward to subsequent books and catching up with old friends.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Jenn Webley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fan of the author, I was looking forward to this new series and was not disappointed in the slightest. It’s of the same ilk that I have read from Fenella J. Miller – where you become highly involved in each characters lives and are keen to know more.
Four characters, all from differing backgrounds, join the ATS during World War II, and must navigate various difficulties throughout their journey. Minnie, Eileen, Grace and Clara become fast friends especially as they share the demands of training. It gave such a brilliant insight into many elements of the war and what the girls volunteering for service were expected to endure i.e., clothing, vaccinations, expectations, and the various career pathways the girls could opt for.
The girls soon learn that the rules are strict and in place for a reason, the training is hard to ensure they reach required standards and that they will each be tested physically and mentally in one way or another.
The book does touch on the inequalities women faced, which was of the time, but some men did see the women who volunteered as equals and worthy of their time, and celebrated just how great they did. Throughout this book we see how the characters mature, gain life experiences as well as training and whilst we focus on Minnie and Eileen, we see how well each girl does on base.
I will look forward to more! Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy to read and review.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay, new series!

I'm happy that Ms Miller has started a new series centered on women during the war. The two main characters are Minnie Wolton and Eileen Ruffel, who meet on the first day of training and remain fast friends throughout the story; well, almost to the end anyway.

Both ladies are part of the ATS, which is an Army group comprised of women. The ATS performs work that there aren't enough men to do, and the women train for about a month, then put in for their choice of occupation. Some are sent to work at the anti-aircraft battalions, others, like Minnie, decide they are best suited to train new recruits. Eileen wants to be a PT instructor.

As the introductory book in the series, we get to know each of the ladies, their friends, some family information and their love interests. I'll be looking forward to the next book to see where Eileen and Minnie end up, and with who.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Inishowen Cailín · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a story set during World War II, it is a gentle and charming read. The realities of war are happening off-page and far away and heavier themes are dealt with in a sympathetic way. The writing style leaves the reader with an impression of a time gone by, of a more innocent and slower pace of life even though war is happening in the background.

The novel centres around four women who join the ATS (Auxilary Territorial Service) with Eileen and Minnie featuring heavily in this first book. The women are all very different and from different backgrounds but they gel well together and thrive as a team. I found myself reading this book in one day as I was so engrossed in the lives of these women. I admired them for joining the ATS and having ambitions to earn promotions. The little bit of romance between Ben and Eileen was a lovely part of the story.

I'm looking forward to following all of these endearing characters in the rest of the series.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Army Girls we follow the story of four girls who have signed up for the Army, Minnie being the main character forms a strong friendship with Eileen. When one of the girls are attacked they all must come together to try and find the culprit and ensure that it doesn't happen again. I was immersed in this book so easily and become hooked quickly. I'm so excited that it's a series and this is the first book. It's a emotional read that the author weaves together with characters that you become invested in. With a few facts from that era woven in, you can tell that it has been extensively researched. I mainly enjoyed the friendship that the girls form in troubling times and I love that they have each other's backs. The fun that they make at times made me smile and feel happy that despite everything they still had good experiences. I will be eagerly keeping my eyes open for the next book in this brand new wonderful series with characters I want to be friends with!

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a brand new series and after finishing it I can guarantee this is going to be a much loved series for readers of this genre .
The story is based around Millie Walton who is from the East End of London and has joined the Women’s ATS. At the training base she meets the others girls who will be training with her . After a rocky start a good friendship develops between the girls . I’ve read a few books by this author and as always you are drawn right into the story from the very start. Although it’s fiction I loved reading the facts about the training the women had to do in the army and also about the supplies they were given. Whilst it’s an easy read it’s also one that you’ll want to keep on turning the pages to find out what’s in store for these women . Now I can’t wait to read book 2. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fenella J Miller's latest historical fiction novel, Army Girls: Reporting for Duty, is a must-read and the first in a new series.

The story revolves around Eileen, an unhappily married woman whose husband is serving overseas, and Minnie, a determined young woman from the East End of London. They both train with several other women on a base, where fraternizing with men is strictly prohibited. Unfortunately, a young woman suffers a serious attack, and Minnie and Eileen do all they can to uncover the perpetrator.

However, their friendship is tested when Minnie later shares some personal information.

Fenella once again delivers an excellent read with Army Girls: Reporting for Duty, and I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment.

[Deborah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am definitely the outsider when it comes to reviewing this book. I had not read anything previously by this author, but thought this looked like something I would enjoy. As it turned out, there were parts I quite liked, but for the most part it was repetitive with characters that weren’t well fleshed out. The writing was also pretty heavy handed as far as delivering the story. I almost quit multiple times, but persevered to the end. I had the second book in my list to read, but returned it.

The stories revolving around Minnie and Eileen, who met on the way to train in the ATS, seemed way too simplistic. The author definitely left it wide open to follow the characters in the rest of the series, but I just really didn’t care. I am definitely in the minority, though.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story of a group of women who enjoyed the Auxiliary Territorial Services during WWII. They were the women's branch of the British Army. The story focuses mostly on Minnie and Eileen who meet on a train heading to their boot camp. Minnie is an East End girl who is excited to be joining up and helping her family out. Eileen is unhappily married and joins up when her husband is off fighting. They make friends with the other girls in the camp, and a few officers as they adjust to a new life in the ATS. This book follows their life on the base as they adjust to life there and deal with those who end up at the base.

I really appreciated learning about a new angle of those who served during WWII on the home front in England. The characters in the story were from all walks of life and I loved the variety of them as they came together and developed their friendships while they adjusted to army life. This is the first book in a new series so the characters were introduced and we learned more about them. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and where it takes the girls.

Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ethel · Rating 4 out of 5]

in 1942 women had choices including the women's division of the army known as the ATS, Auxiliary Territorial Service. The story follows four girls as they begin their ATS journey, women who came from all walks of life. We read as these four girls begin their task as trainees, how they get along living in barracks that house 24 cots, how they met their challenges, how they all united as they met the common cause, WWII. The research was excellent, the writing made the story flow. I already have the sequel, ready to read.

[Bev Walkling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this first book in the army girl's saga as it detailed what Minnie and her new friends had to go through as they joined the ATS - the Women's Army. I felt it was a well researched look at what was involved and compared to another saga book featuring the ATS, I found this one to be extremely informative. I would recommend it to others.

There are some difficult moments in the book including sexual harassment and assault. The women trained in the same spaces as men trained but some of the men were criminals who had been given the choice of the army or jail.

[Lonny Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting a memoir when I purchased this book, but it is in fact a romance/friendship tale of WW2. I was most interested in the character of Minnie. the diminutive, take charge woman who opens the book, but the story gradually swings to Eileen. Eileen is stuck in a loveless marriage though her husband is overseas in the Army. As she navigates basic training, to her dismay, she finds herself falling for the handsome Lieutenant who is recuperating from a motorcycle accident. The book accurately portrays the mores and prejudices of the era. Mildly disappointing.

[Rebekah Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read from Fenella J Miller. NetGalley let me read this book in advance….it’s description sounded like it was my kind of book. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next one. It didn’t end on a cliffhanger but it ended where you want to know more. So hopefully the next one helps out with that. One thing I will say..the description of the book talks about a girl being attacked and they have to pull together to find who did it. That was just a tiny blurb in the book so not sure why it was made to be the main plot. But don’t let that stop you from reading this book! It was an enjoyable read.

[Georgina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually only read Navy or R.A.F war books however because this was a Fenella Miller book I decided to give it a go and I'm so glad I did. It's a really interesting book that gives you an insight into life as an Army Girl in the war and the battles they had to face both in their work life and personal life. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

[johnanimalantics.net, Margaret G Conlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

What an absolutely amazing beautiful read right from the beginning to the end. It had all the romance needed to make you feel,you were right there with the . I’m happy for them that it’ll all work out. I’m not particularly fond of this sort of read but did enjoy a change. It deserved the 5 stars. Thank you for a few hours of uninterrupted relaxing read.😊

[Jane Faulkner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A excellent read.

Many thanks to the author for writing this fascinating piece of history. It is a very British story and all the places mentioned are real. The ATS during the 2nd world war gave ordinary women an opportunity to build skills, self esteem and independence. This will be a treasured book for me.

[Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting History/storyline

I enjoyed this novel I got from Prime. It was interesting reading about England’s TSA. The plot was enjoyable although I was disappointed when the token gay character appeared. I don’t enjoy having that part of the story. So I can’t recommend this series as it is no doubt going to continue to crop up.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have learned a lot about the women supporting the war effort by reading Army Girls: Reporting for Duty. I had known that there were a lot different programs available to the women. Until Army Girls, Reporting For Duty I was absolutely clueless to what it entailed. Until this book I had thought it was strictly volunteer.

I didn't know that women began to be conscripted in 1942. At least the women had choices including the women's division of the army known as the ATS, Auxiliary Territorial Service. Those that joined the ATS had strict protocols to learn during a four week training period. Protocols I had never considered until now. It must have been quite a shock to many of them. I am still in shock as I dive deep into researching what I have learned from this story. Thank you Fenella J. Miller for lighting the fire under my curiosity.

The story follows four girls as they begin their ATS adventure. The reader is soon reminded that the women came from all walks of life. The reader gets to see how they adapt to a new life and how it affects them. Their lives were so different before beginning their training, now they would be housed in barracks with 24 beds and very little room. How did one adapt to new ways like bath day schedules, latrines without ablutions, every minute of your day dictated by others?

I found Army Girls: Reporting for Duty to be a very enjoyable story. There were lots of adventures, taking the girls to different places, giving me a glimpse into the region during WW2. The Chelmsford I know is so different to the one they visited. I can't begin to imagine traveling by train in a region you don't know and there are no names at the stations. The women were so brave, so determined.

I loved watching the characters grow, adapt and mature. They experienced many challenges. Reading about their training was interesting. But what I found even more interesting was what had to be done in the beginning, before training began. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to strip in front of strangers. I couldn't imagine just following along, not knowing what was going to happen next. Now I can.

The story isn't just about their training. The story shows the emotional struggles many of the trainees could have gone through. There is love. There is jealousy. There is friendship. There is good and there is bad. The story was real life during the war. The story shows how women from different social economic backgrounds can unite for a common cause. The story shows what an important part members of the ATS in the war effort. Reading this book gives an understanding I didn't have before.

[Kathaleen A. Gregorich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fenella does it again!

Females J Miller is a wonderful WWII writer. The Army Girls is a fast paced book about four young women from different parts of England. They meet on the train to basic camp and their journey in the English ATS! Enjoy!!!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loving this new series by Fenella J Miller. This series is set in the ATS and follows the joining up of Minnie and Eileen. These women are from completely different backgrounds but soon become friends. I’m looking forward to reading book two.

[Glyniscavell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Army girls

The book was well written and explanations was excellent, a good story based in the war and sometimes you could imagine what the army girls was going through.And it explains what the army girls went through very interesting to

[Janice mcewan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Uplifting wartime novel.

This book gives an insight into the lives of ordinary women during the war. It is honest and straight forward, following an intake of ATS girls. The characters are believable, with their relationships, hardships and joys. You're left wanting more.