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A Village at War #2
The Spitfire Girl
England, 1941. ‘I’m sorry. Freddy’s plane went down.’ Her knees buckle. ‘No,’ she whispers. But the next words break through her despair. ‘There is a chance we can rescue him. And you are the only one who can.’ She didn’t wait to answer. She would do anything to get Freddy home.
Sally has always been happiest flying her stunt plane, thrilling audiences across the world, with her oldest friend and dearest love Freddy. Until the war tears everything apart.
When she is approached by the Ministry of Defence, Sally jumps at the chance to be part of a classified project. Seeing the new, improved Spitfire plane, her jaw drops. She’s been chosen to run test flights and get it battle ready. This could turn the tide of war. But she can’t tell a soul, not even Freddy.
Even though she’s making sure the plane is safe for Royal Air Force pilots like her darling Freddy, her heart breaks as the secret weighs on their relationship. And as she tries to close the distance between them, disaster strikes. Freddy has been lost over Nazi-occupied France. And he was in the top-secret Spitfire.
Stunned, Sally can’t believe he took the plane on its first mission. But with Nazis on the hunt, time is running out. Sally must risk everything to stop the plane from falling into enemy hands and rescue her beloved Freddy. Will she find Freddy and bring him safely back to Bramble Heath, or will they be parted forever?
A totally unputdownable and emotional historical novel, perfect for fans of Diney Costeloe, Nadine Dorries and Rosie Clarke.
Sally has always been happiest flying her stunt plane, thrilling audiences across the world, with her oldest friend and dearest love Freddy. Until the war tears everything apart.
When she is approached by the Ministry of Defence, Sally jumps at the chance to be part of a classified project. Seeing the new, improved Spitfire plane, her jaw drops. She’s been chosen to run test flights and get it battle ready. This could turn the tide of war. But she can’t tell a soul, not even Freddy.
Even though she’s making sure the plane is safe for Royal Air Force pilots like her darling Freddy, her heart breaks as the secret weighs on their relationship. And as she tries to close the distance between them, disaster strikes. Freddy has been lost over Nazi-occupied France. And he was in the top-secret Spitfire.
Stunned, Sally can’t believe he took the plane on its first mission. But with Nazis on the hunt, time is running out. Sally must risk everything to stop the plane from falling into enemy hands and rescue her beloved Freddy. Will she find Freddy and bring him safely back to Bramble Heath, or will they be parted forever?
A totally unputdownable and emotional historical novel, perfect for fans of Diney Costeloe, Nadine Dorries and Rosie Clarke.
316 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2023
424 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Curzon
11 books44 followersEllie Curzon is the pen name of Catherine Curzon and Helen Barrell. Catherine and Helen began writing together in the spring of 2017 and swiftly discovered a shared love of the past and a uniquely British sort of story. They drink gallons of tea, spend hours discussing the importance of good tailoring and are never at a loss for a bit of derring-do.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 39 reviews
September 3, 2023
After initially struggling to get into this book I persevered and am glad I did! I struggled to bond with the main character and found her a bit cocky and everything seemed to be handed to her on a plate. I also found it hard to believe that both she and her boyfriend would be serving for the forces and remain in the village in which they had lived before the war and both stayed together.
I had no previous knowledge of there being several versions of the Spitfire plane and on learning this I was interested to research and find out more.
The storyline in France was particularly gripping and highlighted the vital work of the Resistance networks across Europe during the war.
I was in tears on reading the final few chapters and the happy ending of the book!
Thank you to NetGalley and of course Ellie Curzon and her publishers for allowing me to read and review this title.
I had no previous knowledge of there being several versions of the Spitfire plane and on learning this I was interested to research and find out more.
The storyline in France was particularly gripping and highlighted the vital work of the Resistance networks across Europe during the war.
I was in tears on reading the final few chapters and the happy ending of the book!
Thank you to NetGalley and of course Ellie Curzon and her publishers for allowing me to read and review this title.
September 28, 2023
I didn’t really know what I was going to get when I started reading this book. Perhaps I thought I was going to get another WWII historical fiction like there are so many others. But this is very different.
There is so much that I enjoyed about this book. For one, it took place in one time period. And while I don’t mind dual timelines, it’s used a lot in WWII historical fiction so I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Additionally, I’m not a person that cares about knowledge of planes. However, this book really piqued my interest about the Spitfire plane!
The BEST part about this book was that Sally was such a strong, courageous female main character. She never hesitated and she was so brave. While she and those that surrounded her realized that she couldn’t fly a plane in combat, they knew and acknowledged her skillset was above everyone else’s.
There are moments of suspense and horror in this book – not horror as in horror movie, but horror as in the way Hitler’s followers treated others.
Overall, this was a beautifully written book and I’m so glad I got the chance to read it!
There is so much that I enjoyed about this book. For one, it took place in one time period. And while I don’t mind dual timelines, it’s used a lot in WWII historical fiction so I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Additionally, I’m not a person that cares about knowledge of planes. However, this book really piqued my interest about the Spitfire plane!
The BEST part about this book was that Sally was such a strong, courageous female main character. She never hesitated and she was so brave. While she and those that surrounded her realized that she couldn’t fly a plane in combat, they knew and acknowledged her skillset was above everyone else’s.
There are moments of suspense and horror in this book – not horror as in horror movie, but horror as in the way Hitler’s followers treated others.
Overall, this was a beautifully written book and I’m so glad I got the chance to read it!
July 5, 2024
Prompt-book about a plane
A young woman during WWII flies airplanes from factories to airfields in England. The story was good, but the writing was rather, YA ish.
A young woman during WWII flies airplanes from factories to airfields in England. The story was good, but the writing was rather, YA ish.
September 18, 2023
Thank you for the chance to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion.
I had not realised that this was book 2 in a series but to be honest this can be read as a standalone book without having read the previous ones with no problems. I suppose if one had read the previous one then they would have met some of the characters before but the context is not lost as with some series.
I had also read about the author and found it was a pseudonym for two authors and I wondered how this would work and would it lead to a disjointed book - but I didn't even notice the difference.
It is a story that on the face of it could be seen as unbelievable - but I think that perhaps something similar DID happen in WW2 - but such was the secrecy when people were asked to sign the extended Official Secrets Act and the consequences of breaching that Act seemed so severe, that many did not speak of their experiences and that has now been forever lost.
At the end of the day it is a tale of love overcoming all - the tyranny of the Nazis, the comradeship of the French and the French Resistance and a sleepy English village in a way as well as the skills of the Attagirls in the ATS who moved aircraft for the RAF here there and everywhere.
The book is well written and the main characters are well described and likeable - such that I found myself sneaking 'just another chapter' when I should have been doing other things (who needs to dust?)
I hope there are more adventures from the Village
Thank you again
I had not realised that this was book 2 in a series but to be honest this can be read as a standalone book without having read the previous ones with no problems. I suppose if one had read the previous one then they would have met some of the characters before but the context is not lost as with some series.
I had also read about the author and found it was a pseudonym for two authors and I wondered how this would work and would it lead to a disjointed book - but I didn't even notice the difference.
It is a story that on the face of it could be seen as unbelievable - but I think that perhaps something similar DID happen in WW2 - but such was the secrecy when people were asked to sign the extended Official Secrets Act and the consequences of breaching that Act seemed so severe, that many did not speak of their experiences and that has now been forever lost.
At the end of the day it is a tale of love overcoming all - the tyranny of the Nazis, the comradeship of the French and the French Resistance and a sleepy English village in a way as well as the skills of the Attagirls in the ATS who moved aircraft for the RAF here there and everywhere.
The book is well written and the main characters are well described and likeable - such that I found myself sneaking 'just another chapter' when I should have been doing other things (who needs to dust?)
I hope there are more adventures from the Village
Thank you again
March 28, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this amazing book sally and freddie were stunt pilots who wowed their audiences with their dare devil plane rides but now england is at war and freddie is a pilot with the RAF and sally well the better pilot is just delivering planes to different places around england but it keeps her flying and she is happy until one day she is approached to become a test pilot for the new spitfire, to see what it can do... and she jumps at the chance this story had me on tenterhooks with where it leads you too.... to france, and a race against time for the plane to be salvaged but it also shows the integrity of the resistance and the pressure they were all under, what a thrilling book this one was to read will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works
September 24, 2023
The Spitfire Girl from the series, A Village at War, by Ellie Curzon was a wonderful WWII novel. This is my favorite genre to read. Ms. Curzon is a gifted author and many pages kept me on the edge of my seat, heart drumming.
The story begins in the village of Bramble Heath somewhere in Britain. Bramble Heath was selected as an RAF facility and the family who lived in the home there were moved out and the RAF used the home for administration. The Toussaint and Carr families were happy to be able to support the war effort. Sally Toussaint and Freddy Carr were daredevil pilots who performed air shows before the war. After Britain was drawn into the war, Freddy became an RAF pilot and Sally became one of the brave ATA girls, transporting planes to various air bases. It was a dangerous and scary job losing more than one ATA during a flight.
Sally tested a new Spitfire to make sure all the kinks were out of the plane before they were mass-produced. Her test flight brought all her abilities to bear, which left me breathless at times. It was very dangerous flying. Freddy was chosen to fly the first mission but had to land in occupied France. To keep the new Spitfire from the Nazis and get it home safely was Sally’s job.
Her entry into France was fraught with danger for her, Freddy, and the brave Resistance workers in St. Aubert. This story kept my interest until the very end and the emotions I felt mirrored those of Sally, Freddy, the villagers of St. Aubert, and those in the Resistance. Ms. Curzon very well-scripted the bravery they displayed in the face of terrifying incidents between the Nazis and townspeople. I felt their fear myself.
I received a free Kindle copy from Bookouture Publishers, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story begins in the village of Bramble Heath somewhere in Britain. Bramble Heath was selected as an RAF facility and the family who lived in the home there were moved out and the RAF used the home for administration. The Toussaint and Carr families were happy to be able to support the war effort. Sally Toussaint and Freddy Carr were daredevil pilots who performed air shows before the war. After Britain was drawn into the war, Freddy became an RAF pilot and Sally became one of the brave ATA girls, transporting planes to various air bases. It was a dangerous and scary job losing more than one ATA during a flight.
Sally tested a new Spitfire to make sure all the kinks were out of the plane before they were mass-produced. Her test flight brought all her abilities to bear, which left me breathless at times. It was very dangerous flying. Freddy was chosen to fly the first mission but had to land in occupied France. To keep the new Spitfire from the Nazis and get it home safely was Sally’s job.
Her entry into France was fraught with danger for her, Freddy, and the brave Resistance workers in St. Aubert. This story kept my interest until the very end and the emotions I felt mirrored those of Sally, Freddy, the villagers of St. Aubert, and those in the Resistance. Ms. Curzon very well-scripted the bravery they displayed in the face of terrifying incidents between the Nazis and townspeople. I felt their fear myself.
I received a free Kindle copy from Bookouture Publishers, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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November 28, 2025Lots of spoilers - sorry.I don't know how to review this exceptional book without revealing a lot of its secrets. This is the story of a very brave young lady named Sally, but it is so much more. It is about a secret test plane, the girl who flies it and her love - also a young pilot. Sally is simply remarkable. She agrees to fly the prototype Spitfire, and fly she does, She survives not one but two harrowing landings with faulty landing gear. She helps, with her mechanical knowledge,the maintenance crew repair and replace the bad wiring.On the first night test flight she is followed by a Messerschmidt. Her hero - her boyfriend saves the day by shooting the Nazi down, even though he was unaware Sally was in the Spitfire. My heart was in my belly reading this. The nightcap for Sally and Freddy is they get engaged that very night. As a reader, I was extactly happy for them.
Then Sally finds out Freddy has been shot down in occupied France. The new Spitfire is in jeopardy, and initially Sally doesn't know if Freddy is alive. Sally is asked to return to France where she was born and assume the role of a young French girl to rescue the secret plane. Freddy is injured but well, being hidden by the French Resistence. Sally parachutes into France finds Freddy and a group of extrenely brave Resistence workers. I bit my tongue several times in these later chapters. In my opinion, they are extremely well written. I highly recommend this book.
Then Sally finds out Freddy has been shot down in occupied France. The new Spitfire is in jeopardy, and initially Sally doesn't know if Freddy is alive. Sally is asked to return to France where she was born and assume the role of a young French girl to rescue the secret plane. Freddy is injured but well, being hidden by the French Resistence. Sally parachutes into France finds Freddy and a group of extrenely brave Resistence workers. I bit my tongue several times in these later chapters. In my opinion, they are extremely well written. I highly recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2023
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“The Spitfire Girl,” by Ellie Curzon, is the second in the “A Village at War” series. This book, however, can be read as a stand-alone, although if one has read the first book characters from that book made appearances in minor roles. This book follows two people - Sally and Freddy. Both are pilots - in fact both did stunt flying before WWII. A number of things happen in this book - Sally is a flyer for the ATA and Freddy is an RAF. Telling much more would give away the plot, but suffice to say that there’s some romance (once again, the ending is very predictable) but there’s also some action and drama. I found this story to be stronger than the first one in this series, and it’s obvious that the author did a bit of research into RAF airplanes and the French resistance.
“The Spitfire Girl,” by Ellie Curzon, is the second in the “A Village at War” series. This book, however, can be read as a stand-alone, although if one has read the first book characters from that book made appearances in minor roles. This book follows two people - Sally and Freddy. Both are pilots - in fact both did stunt flying before WWII. A number of things happen in this book - Sally is a flyer for the ATA and Freddy is an RAF. Telling much more would give away the plot, but suffice to say that there’s some romance (once again, the ending is very predictable) but there’s also some action and drama. I found this story to be stronger than the first one in this series, and it’s obvious that the author did a bit of research into RAF airplanes and the French resistance.
September 28, 2023
THE SPITFIRE GiRL is the second novel in the A Vilage at War series by JAMIE CURZON. It is an incredibly moving WW11 story with vibrant characters who are willing to do whatever it takes to win the war against Hitler. The bravery shown by Toussaint and Carr, stunt pilots who use their passion for flying in the war effort is quite amazing, and their love story is beautiful. It is an exciting book, full of raw emotion, and one you will not be able to put down. I cannot recommend The Spitfire Girl highly enough. it is well written and kept me enthralled. The horrors of war come out very strongly, especially in occupied France….. I do not want to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you. I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bookouture. The oponions in this review are completely my own.
October 18, 2023
I think this book is aimed at the YA market rather than the adult fiction segment. The story of a barnstorming ferry pilot becoming a test pilot for the RAF is a bit farfetched. Women were very much discriminated against in the military during WW2. The women of the US Army WASPs had to fight, scratch, and claw just to be allowed to deliver often unarmed aircraft to the front. This despite being experienced, often record holding pilots. But if you look past this bit of fantasy, the remainder of the book is a fine tale of adventure and heroism. Sally is sent to France to retrieve the plane she's been developing and we meet members of the underground. This is a bit more realistic as there are a number of women who parachuted into the occupied countries as spies. Many of their biographies are stranger than fiction. I recommend "The White Mouse" and "A Woman of No Importance."
September 13, 2023
The Spitfire Girl is the second book in A Village at War series. This can be read as a standalone with no problem.
What a heartbreaking yet heartwarming story showing the courage and bravery pilots had during World War 2.
The main characters are Sally and Freddie. Childhood friends that grew up together flying and performing stunts for shows. When the war starts up, Freddie becomes a pilot and Sally is a flyer that flys the planes from one place to another.
There is a lot of information about the French Resistance as well as what went on with the RAF airplanes.
All in all, a intriguing story that kept me engaged and intrigued.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
What a heartbreaking yet heartwarming story showing the courage and bravery pilots had during World War 2.
The main characters are Sally and Freddie. Childhood friends that grew up together flying and performing stunts for shows. When the war starts up, Freddie becomes a pilot and Sally is a flyer that flys the planes from one place to another.
There is a lot of information about the French Resistance as well as what went on with the RAF airplanes.
All in all, a intriguing story that kept me engaged and intrigued.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 30, 2023
The Spitfire Girl by Ellie Curzon
This was Ellie’s second book in her A Village of War series. It also her second book I read. The Spitfire Girl was also able to read as standalone.
Like her book before, the story plot, characters and the writing style were brilliant. The characters were all likable and inspiring. Sally was the main character. She was brave and courageous, also determined. It felt great to read her story and the way she acted to save Freddy.
The author Ellie always found the way to tell the story about love under Nazi occupation. If you would like to read heartwarming WW2 story, The Spirfire Girl by Ellie Curzon is the one to read.
Many thanks to NetGalley, bookouture and Ellie for my copy.
Kindle: 340 pages
Pub date: Sep 27, 2023
This was Ellie’s second book in her A Village of War series. It also her second book I read. The Spitfire Girl was also able to read as standalone.
Like her book before, the story plot, characters and the writing style were brilliant. The characters were all likable and inspiring. Sally was the main character. She was brave and courageous, also determined. It felt great to read her story and the way she acted to save Freddy.
The author Ellie always found the way to tell the story about love under Nazi occupation. If you would like to read heartwarming WW2 story, The Spirfire Girl by Ellie Curzon is the one to read.
Many thanks to NetGalley, bookouture and Ellie for my copy.
Kindle: 340 pages
Pub date: Sep 27, 2023
October 15, 2023
Deserves more than 5 stars
This is a story of the brave pilots during WW II. Freddy and Sally were stunt pilots and sweethearts before the war. Freddy is in the RAF and Sally is in the unit that transports Spitfires. Her excellent flying experience lands her the job of testing a new Spitfire, which eventually is piloted by Freddy into battle. I won't ruin anything by saying more, but I will say this book depicts the bravery of the resistance in France and the horrors of Hitler and his followers. Wonderful book, and I plan to read more by this author.
This is a story of the brave pilots during WW II. Freddy and Sally were stunt pilots and sweethearts before the war. Freddy is in the RAF and Sally is in the unit that transports Spitfires. Her excellent flying experience lands her the job of testing a new Spitfire, which eventually is piloted by Freddy into battle. I won't ruin anything by saying more, but I will say this book depicts the bravery of the resistance in France and the horrors of Hitler and his followers. Wonderful book, and I plan to read more by this author.
May 1, 2024
Very trivial romantic novel but..
The story of the ATA pilot woman is interesting and original, but why not write which mark is the experimental Spitfire. The romantic story is very dull and very expected. The activity of the heroine in France is absolutely unreliable, and the happy end is penny dreadful boring happy end. If I could read only the story of the ATA woman-pilot turned into a test pilot without all the romantic trash and the unreliable story in France, it would be an excellent novel.
The story of the ATA pilot woman is interesting and original, but why not write which mark is the experimental Spitfire. The romantic story is very dull and very expected. The activity of the heroine in France is absolutely unreliable, and the happy end is penny dreadful boring happy end. If I could read only the story of the ATA woman-pilot turned into a test pilot without all the romantic trash and the unreliable story in France, it would be an excellent novel.
August 26, 2023
This is the second book in the series but it can be read as a stand-alone, I’m always amazed by the resilience and courage that was shown by everyone affected most by the atrocities inflicted during this terrible period in history. The author has clearly done her research and given the reader an enjoyable story.
February 18, 2024
Spitfire Girl
This was a very interesting book about a select group of women during World War II. They were very brave. This book kept me going until the very end. It shows the bravery of the French people and the resistance they displayed.
This was a very interesting book about a select group of women during World War II. They were very brave. This book kept me going until the very end. It shows the bravery of the French people and the resistance they displayed.
December 1, 2024
wonderful
Inspiring & hopeful unraveling at top speed. The Spitfires were an integral part of Britains battle against NAZI Germany. This story brings this to light and highlights the importance of women during WWII.
Inspiring & hopeful unraveling at top speed. The Spitfires were an integral part of Britains battle against NAZI Germany. This story brings this to light and highlights the importance of women during WWII.
March 29, 2025
What can I say? EXCELLENT!
I stayed up all night because I couldn't put this book down! The characters, the heroes, the history and last but not least the sweet and powerful romance. Much praise for this book and the author!
I stayed up all night because I couldn't put this book down! The characters, the heroes, the history and last but not least the sweet and powerful romance. Much praise for this book and the author!
June 24, 2025
heart rendering
I loved this book following on the tales of bramble heath with sally one of the ATTA girls and her exploits transporting planes and secret aircraft too roll on the next book ❤️❤️
I loved this book following on the tales of bramble heath with sally one of the ATTA girls and her exploits transporting planes and secret aircraft too roll on the next book ❤️❤️
September 14, 2023
Beautiful novel, loved every page. Very detailed account of what women did in WW11. Loved the story nd how everyone rallied around to help. This is a book that you can’t put down.
October 17, 2023
Wonderful, exciting story!
Having read the Ration Book Baby, I had high hopes for this book. I was not disappointed. Great story with all the feels!!
Having read the Ration Book Baby, I had high hopes for this book. I was not disappointed. Great story with all the feels!!
October 23, 2023
What a book!!
This is the best book I have read in a long time. It was thrilling, suspenseful and filled with wonderful characters. It is a must read!!!!
This is the best book I have read in a long time. It was thrilling, suspenseful and filled with wonderful characters. It is a must read!!!!
October 26, 2023
Good thrilling story
Nothing to dislike. Very gripping story, told beautifully of love bravery, of our brave people in the 2 nd war.
Recommend
Nothing to dislike. Very gripping story, told beautifully of love bravery, of our brave people in the 2 nd war.
Recommend
November 19, 2023
The story of the 1st woman test pilot. She was in the ATA, but had experience as a stunt pilot .
February 22, 2024
Loved it
It was sweet and authentic.Reflecting the trials of WWII and surviving thevtrials of war and lack of things during war.
It was sweet and authentic.Reflecting the trials of WWII and surviving thevtrials of war and lack of things during war.
May 10, 2024
Love it. Couldn't wait to get to the end to find out what happened.
May 25, 2024
Wow what a incredibly good story!
I loved this one just as I did the others in this series! A amazing storyline too! Sadly there's only one left.
I loved this one just as I did the others in this series! A amazing storyline too! Sadly there's only one left.
September 20, 2024
great book
No one recommended the book. Read “ “The Ration Book baby“ and it was also good . Finally a book that had characters to follow same as this book
No one recommended the book. Read “ “The Ration Book baby“ and it was also good . Finally a book that had characters to follow same as this book
January 4, 2025
I am loving this series!! The ATA Girls, the RAF, the Resistance fighters in France, all were so brave. Very interesting, learning a lot about planes and flying.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 39 reviews