What do you think?
Rate this book
The Kingston Women #1
The War Twins of London: A WWII Historical Fiction Novel
When the war hits London, all they have is each other.
Identical twins Maggie and Tillie are thriving in 1940s London. Waitresses in one of the city's finest institutions and both with budding romances, the war could not feel farther away.
But, slowly, the tides begin to change. The war in Europe is creeping toward the UK, and the men are being called to aid in military efforts. Tillie's fiancé Colin joins the RAF, flying dangerous missions over Germany, and Maggie's childhood love Micah finds himself far away in France, with no way to return. Devastated but determined, the twins resolve to do their part for their country - Maggie in the Women's Voluntary Service and Tillie for the British Red Cross.
Then, the Blitz begins. And everything changes.
Nightly airstrikes wreak havoc on the city, leaving ruin in their wake. Ambulance shifts for Tillie become desperate missions to pull injured women and children from the rubble, while the constant fear for the fates of their beloveds, far from home, is almost too much for the girls to bear.
And when tragedy strikes for both sisters, they know nothing will ever be the same again.
Will the twins be strong enough to protect themselves and the ones they love? And can true love really prevail when the skies are darkened by war?
Identical twins Maggie and Tillie are thriving in 1940s London. Waitresses in one of the city's finest institutions and both with budding romances, the war could not feel farther away.
But, slowly, the tides begin to change. The war in Europe is creeping toward the UK, and the men are being called to aid in military efforts. Tillie's fiancé Colin joins the RAF, flying dangerous missions over Germany, and Maggie's childhood love Micah finds himself far away in France, with no way to return. Devastated but determined, the twins resolve to do their part for their country - Maggie in the Women's Voluntary Service and Tillie for the British Red Cross.
Then, the Blitz begins. And everything changes.
Nightly airstrikes wreak havoc on the city, leaving ruin in their wake. Ambulance shifts for Tillie become desperate missions to pull injured women and children from the rubble, while the constant fear for the fates of their beloveds, far from home, is almost too much for the girls to bear.
And when tragedy strikes for both sisters, they know nothing will ever be the same again.
Will the twins be strong enough to protect themselves and the ones they love? And can true love really prevail when the skies are darkened by war?
276 pages, ebook
First published February 7, 2022
563 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Deb Stratas
20 books40 followersI tell well-researched and highly readable stories about powerful women in extraordinary circumstances. Readers are transported to other times and places, inspired to be authentic in their own lives.
As a proud British royalist, I've been fascinated with the English monarchy - from the early days of the War of the Roses, through the Tudor era, the trials and triumphs of England during World War II, and the current royal House of Windsor.
In researching England, I've developed a strong passion for the brave women of World War II. What they did was nothing short of heroic - sending their husbands and sons off to fight, dealing with rationing, long queues, and the terror of bombing and its aftermath while looking after the home. And starting in 1941, they were conscripted to work in the forces, factories, or fields.
So, I started writing a series about young women facing numerous challenges in wartime London.
My latest book is the first in my Bletchley Park series: The Unquiet Translator, about a young linguistics student recruited to work at the home of the codebreakers - Bletchley Park. Watch for books 2 and 3, which follow Violet's sister, Fern and cousin Isabelle.
The War Twins of London, A Burning London Sky, and The Code Girl from London follow sisters in dangerous roles - fighting for love, family, and life itself. The final book in the series is Christmas with the Kingston Girls, focusing on the family's wartime Christmases.
Having read many books about Diana, Princess of Wales, I decided to write the book I always wanted to read - one that would capture the thoughts and feelings of this young Princess during her extraordinary royal life. Explore them through my Diana Spencer series and At Home with Diana.
I share more about the childhood of the Duke of Windsor and his mindset when he abdicated in The Royal Key. I combined this with a modern-day love story about Annabelle and her healing journey. The Time Traveller's Wife meets Downton Abbey in this time travel story.
As a proud British royalist, I've been fascinated with the English monarchy - from the early days of the War of the Roses, through the Tudor era, the trials and triumphs of England during World War II, and the current royal House of Windsor.
In researching England, I've developed a strong passion for the brave women of World War II. What they did was nothing short of heroic - sending their husbands and sons off to fight, dealing with rationing, long queues, and the terror of bombing and its aftermath while looking after the home. And starting in 1941, they were conscripted to work in the forces, factories, or fields.
So, I started writing a series about young women facing numerous challenges in wartime London.
My latest book is the first in my Bletchley Park series: The Unquiet Translator, about a young linguistics student recruited to work at the home of the codebreakers - Bletchley Park. Watch for books 2 and 3, which follow Violet's sister, Fern and cousin Isabelle.
The War Twins of London, A Burning London Sky, and The Code Girl from London follow sisters in dangerous roles - fighting for love, family, and life itself. The final book in the series is Christmas with the Kingston Girls, focusing on the family's wartime Christmases.
Having read many books about Diana, Princess of Wales, I decided to write the book I always wanted to read - one that would capture the thoughts and feelings of this young Princess during her extraordinary royal life. Explore them through my Diana Spencer series and At Home with Diana.
I share more about the childhood of the Duke of Windsor and his mindset when he abdicated in The Royal Key. I combined this with a modern-day love story about Annabelle and her healing journey. The Time Traveller's Wife meets Downton Abbey in this time travel story.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 6, 2024
A different sort of book about the London Blitz during WWII. The story had little surprises, did give some interesting info, and was very predictable. An easy read for those who enjoy historical novels.
January 1, 2024
long winded
I found the story line wishy washy without much substance. The narrative was repetitive and predictable. I did read to the end but found myself skipping large paragraphs that I had already read, and didn’t feel I was missing anything. I found myself getting bored not even halfway through so I won’t read anything from this author again.
I found the story line wishy washy without much substance. The narrative was repetitive and predictable. I did read to the end but found myself skipping large paragraphs that I had already read, and didn’t feel I was missing anything. I found myself getting bored not even halfway through so I won’t read anything from this author again.
January 6, 2024
Read it completely in 5 days! Loved it!
March 15, 2024
Just so so
This book just really lacked any solid story. Was more like a day to day recounting of 18 months in London during the war. Very predictable and ended abruptly. I've read better.
This book just really lacked any solid story. Was more like a day to day recounting of 18 months in London during the war. Very predictable and ended abruptly. I've read better.
January 5, 2023
This is my first book of the year, and what a great book to start off with! The Kingston Twins was a book I couldn't put down. The emotional roller coaster of the family was enthralling. I enjoy becoming part of the dynamic of the story, and this book was one of them books! I especially liked the descriptions. It made me feel I was there, too. To conclude, the Kingston twins. Bravery in the Blitz is a can't put down page turner that I recommend.
February 11, 2025
The War Twins of London by Deb Stratas is a step back in time. It allows you to see London and England during a frightening time in history, including air raids, bomb shelters, devastating telegrams, destruction, and death. Stratas' research is phenomenal. We get to see the details as if we experienced them ourselves. Discover the geography, food, events, and culture of World War II and how two strong and determined twins made the best of it.
July 12, 2024
To begin with I thought that this would be a good series. However, after a few chapters I began to be bored with the story and found myself speed reading through the paragraphs. Basically, there just wasn’t enough to keep my attention. Generally, I really enjoy books about the Blitz of London WW2 but this one just did not flow well and actually needed a real story. 2*’s is being generous.
December 31, 2023
I started writing a much longer review, but I don't want to shatter the author's heart too bad. So it's all erased but definitely not my favorite historical fiction I've ever read and not very interesting. The publisher really needs to hire a better editor, too.
March 15, 2024
This book just doesn't have a real story to it. Very predictable and reads like a day to day recounting of life during an 18 month period during WWII. It just dragged along. I've read better. 2.5 stars
January 24, 2024
Average
This could have been a good book but it was let down by being poorly written. Very poor ending, what happened to Maggie and Micha? And did Kenny come home?
This could have been a good book but it was let down by being poorly written. Very poor ending, what happened to Maggie and Micha? And did Kenny come home?
April 19, 2024
It was a good read about surviving the Blitz in London. How they made Anderson shelters and how everyone pitched in to help. Ambulance drivers, firefighters, fire watchers, volunteers to feed the workers at night. The horrors they went through. Many sons were killed. It was good but I felt like it left a lot unsaid. We don’t know about Kenny, Micah and family and the rest of the questions unanswered. I will continue to read historical fiction especially WW II.
August 31, 2024
The war twins of London
This book was fast paced and easy to read. It was based on historical facts and seamed accurate, and realistic. It made the Blitz seem like it was happening around you as you were reading. I can't wait to read the next book in the series and see how the twins continue to grow. And to find out what happens to the rest of the characters. I highly recommend this series if you are a lover of world war 11 historical fiction.
This book was fast paced and easy to read. It was based on historical facts and seamed accurate, and realistic. It made the Blitz seem like it was happening around you as you were reading. I can't wait to read the next book in the series and see how the twins continue to grow. And to find out what happens to the rest of the characters. I highly recommend this series if you are a lover of world war 11 historical fiction.
January 15, 2025
Couldn't put this down! Fantastic story, well researched
I really enjoyed this! Well researched because I felt like I was living in this. Lots of tiny details added to the realism.
The whole book flows. I can't wait to start the sequel...and it's almost 4 am!!!! Unputtadownable!!!! Well done Deb Stratas for writing such an engrossing book!
I really enjoyed this! Well researched because I felt like I was living in this. Lots of tiny details added to the realism.
The whole book flows. I can't wait to start the sequel...and it's almost 4 am!!!! Unputtadownable!!!! Well done Deb Stratas for writing such an engrossing book!
February 23, 2023
From helping at the Queen of England's party to searching the rubles for survivors, there is no
work that the gorgeous Kingston twins can't do, especially when it comes to serving their
country. Tall, slender, and blond, with an energetic and open personality, Tilly and Maggie had
taken jobs at a famous restaurant in Landon against their father's wish, who was counting on
them to help with the family's small business.
Little did the father know that when the restaurant was chosen to provide catering for a royal
party, his girls would have the chance to meet the new Queen, Elizabeth II. Serving the royals
and their court, Tillie's faith is sealed, although she doesn't know it yet.
This is the beginning of Deb Startas' new novel, The Kingston Twins: Bravery in the Blitz. From
here on, the story flows effortlessly into the stream of London's life. It is the beginning of World
War II. Chamberlain is still Great Britain's Prime Minister, and the Munich Pact to stop the war
still holds.
When I first opened this book, I thought I would read a romance set in WWII London. But I was
mistaken. Tillie and Maggie Kingston are more than some young women looking for the love of
their life. The twin sisters feel they have a higher calling, a better duty to fulfill, and a part to
play in the events that will unfold around them and disrupt their everyday life.
Here is how Maggie's friend, Micah, sees the future:
“In the coming months I should think you'll see people doing all kinds of things they never
would have done before the war," he replied. "Life would become awfully precious, and many will want to make the most of it whilst they can.”
The book's unseen character is the looming war for which every Londoner scrambles to prepare.
Far and unreal at first, the shadow of the world conflagration draws closer to home every day,
and the tension mounts. Mr. Kingston rightly warns his family that this war will be fought in the
sky. Careful preparation of shelters, gas masks and food supplies must be done immediately.
While the young men are called to arms, leaving behind their families and sweethearts, as is the
case with some of the characters in this novel, the women and the older population take on
volunteer tasks from firefighter and ambulance drivers to food serving and nursing. The author
summarized it in one short and eloquent paragraph.
“The war had been underway since September, but nothing seemed to happen. Their men
were gone, sandbags piled up all over London, the blackout caused continual havoc,
children tearfully evacuated to the country; yet life strangely went on as before.”
The start of the Blitz campaign against the United Kingdom finds every member of the Kingston
family busy with the war effort. Between bombing rides, struggles to find food, and long
exhausting working hours, there is little time for anything else. The social life, the romance, and
the fun are thus limited and precious, but the girls haven't yet learned to treasure them. And when
they receive bad news, work becomes their solace. Here is how Maggie chose to spend her time
working along The Women Voluntary Service, querying the french refugees about her friend
Micah:
“Also new to the scene was an influx of refugees from European countries. It broke
Maggie's heart to see the haunted look in their eyes (…). Maggie paid attention to these
needy little groups. She handed out cup after cup of hot tea, alongside with fish paste
sandwiches and biscuits.”
The book reads very much like a telenovela in prose because of the bountiful and easy-to-follow
dialog, often bubbly and colorful, even in the doom of the bombing. Mainly limited to war
preparation or work-related tasks, the action is brief and predictable. Although I was curious to
see what would become of the two girls, I found myself craving a plot that would raise the stakes
for the heroines and create tension and friction within the characters.
As a reader, I always look for clues to get to know the heroes. A writing technique that shows
inner dialog combined with an in-depth description or unspoken feelings left as clues from place
to place helps build an accurate and nuanced persona. Unfortunately, this novel's straightforward
dialog and concise narration left little room for insights or speculation on the depth of the
characters.
World War II has always been a popular choice of settings for writers. The few years that shook
the world have many stories yet to uncover, all full of drama and meaning. People died, families
lost their possession, borders changed, ideologies and politics shifted, and what was once normal
was now just a memory. Life changed forever for everybody.
The Kingston family makes no exception. The war experience they gain will ultimately change
their perspective on life forever. I want to praise the author Deb Stratas, for an accurate and
detailed portrait of the life of an ordinary family in London at the beginning of World War II.
The Kingston Twins: Bravery in the Blitz is an entertaining and easy read that brings a slice of
turbulent history to life.
*****
“The Kingston Twins: Bravery in the Blitz” receives four stars from The Historical Fiction Company
work that the gorgeous Kingston twins can't do, especially when it comes to serving their
country. Tall, slender, and blond, with an energetic and open personality, Tilly and Maggie had
taken jobs at a famous restaurant in Landon against their father's wish, who was counting on
them to help with the family's small business.
Little did the father know that when the restaurant was chosen to provide catering for a royal
party, his girls would have the chance to meet the new Queen, Elizabeth II. Serving the royals
and their court, Tillie's faith is sealed, although she doesn't know it yet.
This is the beginning of Deb Startas' new novel, The Kingston Twins: Bravery in the Blitz. From
here on, the story flows effortlessly into the stream of London's life. It is the beginning of World
War II. Chamberlain is still Great Britain's Prime Minister, and the Munich Pact to stop the war
still holds.
When I first opened this book, I thought I would read a romance set in WWII London. But I was
mistaken. Tillie and Maggie Kingston are more than some young women looking for the love of
their life. The twin sisters feel they have a higher calling, a better duty to fulfill, and a part to
play in the events that will unfold around them and disrupt their everyday life.
Here is how Maggie's friend, Micah, sees the future:
“In the coming months I should think you'll see people doing all kinds of things they never
would have done before the war," he replied. "Life would become awfully precious, and many will want to make the most of it whilst they can.”
The book's unseen character is the looming war for which every Londoner scrambles to prepare.
Far and unreal at first, the shadow of the world conflagration draws closer to home every day,
and the tension mounts. Mr. Kingston rightly warns his family that this war will be fought in the
sky. Careful preparation of shelters, gas masks and food supplies must be done immediately.
While the young men are called to arms, leaving behind their families and sweethearts, as is the
case with some of the characters in this novel, the women and the older population take on
volunteer tasks from firefighter and ambulance drivers to food serving and nursing. The author
summarized it in one short and eloquent paragraph.
“The war had been underway since September, but nothing seemed to happen. Their men
were gone, sandbags piled up all over London, the blackout caused continual havoc,
children tearfully evacuated to the country; yet life strangely went on as before.”
The start of the Blitz campaign against the United Kingdom finds every member of the Kingston
family busy with the war effort. Between bombing rides, struggles to find food, and long
exhausting working hours, there is little time for anything else. The social life, the romance, and
the fun are thus limited and precious, but the girls haven't yet learned to treasure them. And when
they receive bad news, work becomes their solace. Here is how Maggie chose to spend her time
working along The Women Voluntary Service, querying the french refugees about her friend
Micah:
“Also new to the scene was an influx of refugees from European countries. It broke
Maggie's heart to see the haunted look in their eyes (…). Maggie paid attention to these
needy little groups. She handed out cup after cup of hot tea, alongside with fish paste
sandwiches and biscuits.”
The book reads very much like a telenovela in prose because of the bountiful and easy-to-follow
dialog, often bubbly and colorful, even in the doom of the bombing. Mainly limited to war
preparation or work-related tasks, the action is brief and predictable. Although I was curious to
see what would become of the two girls, I found myself craving a plot that would raise the stakes
for the heroines and create tension and friction within the characters.
As a reader, I always look for clues to get to know the heroes. A writing technique that shows
inner dialog combined with an in-depth description or unspoken feelings left as clues from place
to place helps build an accurate and nuanced persona. Unfortunately, this novel's straightforward
dialog and concise narration left little room for insights or speculation on the depth of the
characters.
World War II has always been a popular choice of settings for writers. The few years that shook
the world have many stories yet to uncover, all full of drama and meaning. People died, families
lost their possession, borders changed, ideologies and politics shifted, and what was once normal
was now just a memory. Life changed forever for everybody.
The Kingston family makes no exception. The war experience they gain will ultimately change
their perspective on life forever. I want to praise the author Deb Stratas, for an accurate and
detailed portrait of the life of an ordinary family in London at the beginning of World War II.
The Kingston Twins: Bravery in the Blitz is an entertaining and easy read that brings a slice of
turbulent history to life.
*****
“The Kingston Twins: Bravery in the Blitz” receives four stars from The Historical Fiction Company
June 21, 2024
Inspiring story
This was a great personalized story of the London Blitz of WW II. Good characters. The writing was a bit simple, and the author used the expression "how about a cuppa?" A little too frequently in my opinion.
This was a great personalized story of the London Blitz of WW II. Good characters. The writing was a bit simple, and the author used the expression "how about a cuppa?" A little too frequently in my opinion.
September 13, 2024
The Tough Silent Resistance!
Enjoyed every bit of it. Was shocked at the destruction and senseless killing of civilians. Felt like I was there experiencing the near total destruction of London by the more than fanatical Nazis!
Enjoyed every bit of it. Was shocked at the destruction and senseless killing of civilians. Felt like I was there experiencing the near total destruction of London by the more than fanatical Nazis!
December 28, 2024
Great book
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters are very likable and the storyline was compelling. For anyone who wants to know more about the London Blitz, this is the book for you. I would recommend this book to my friends.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters are very likable and the storyline was compelling. For anyone who wants to know more about the London Blitz, this is the book for you. I would recommend this book to my friends.
December 31, 2024
The story follows two sisters during WWII as they navigate their lives in London. The author does a nice job of weaving fiction with fact as she intertwines the lives of each twin. The story’s pace was on point and it was easy to get engrossed in the time period.
January 31, 2025
I've read alot of WW2 historical fiction and this was different. This book gave you a look at the civilians point of view and how there were different civilian agencies set up to handle the blitz of London. Very interesting read.
June 21, 2024
I enjoyed every page.
Great story of London in the blitz. Charming characters meeting the daily challenges of the war time years in London.
Great story of London in the blitz. Charming characters meeting the daily challenges of the war time years in London.
July 4, 2024
London at War
Although I read this series out if order.. It was nice to revisit this resilient family ..And the War Twins
Although I read this series out if order.. It was nice to revisit this resilient family ..And the War Twins
December 30, 2024
Easy Read
Whilst I wasn’t overwhelmed by the content of this book I found it an easy read with a good story behind it.
Whilst I wasn’t overwhelmed by the content of this book I found it an easy read with a good story behind it.
February 23, 2025
Brilliant read
Wonderful story line from beginning to end,would recommend it to anyone to read this delightful story. A credit to the author
Wonderful story line from beginning to end,would recommend it to anyone to read this delightful story. A credit to the author
May 16, 2025
Enjoyable
My biggest complaint is about the anachronistic phrases such as"easy peasy". P!ease do better research.
The story was fun and I have several more.
My biggest complaint is about the anachronistic phrases such as"easy peasy". P!ease do better research.
The story was fun and I have several more.
September 11, 2022
My sister told me about this book and said it was interesting. I do watch a lot of British TV shows set in the 50’s in which the war often comes up as a topic of experience a character or characters have had, and The Bletchley Circle is a favorite, so I thought I’d give a go. This was very entertaining and quick read for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The Kingston Twins starts out on the precipice of England joining the war against Germany. The twins are young adults, starting out, getting jobs as Nippies (which I googled and found kind of interesting), starting to date, and finding out who they are when war breaks out in Europe. As the story progresses and England joins the fight with the rest of Europe against Germany, Tillie and Maggie jump right in supporting the war effort in whatever way they can.
It’s also about family and friends going off to war and maybe not making it back. It’s about the constant barrage of bombing that destroys so much of England and kills thousands. It’s about people coming together to support each other in a very difficult time. I found the descriptions of the blitz very realistic as well as how everyone dealt with it.
While this book is called the Kingston Twins, this one focuses more on Tillie. Her ups and downs. Her trying to navigate the world of family, romance, and relationships while living in this “who knows what tomorrow will bring” atmosphere. She grows up very quickly. While this is not a romance, there is a light romance that after all that happens is rather satisfying. Like you want something good to happen after all the pain and struggles.
I guess from the end there is a sequel: The Kingston Twins; Wartime Heart. This book it seems will focus on Maggie and her story. I did get kind of invested in her friend Michah’s story. He went to France at the beginning of the war to support his grandparents there. Of course I have to know what happened to him and his family so I’m looking forward to reading that one as well.
The Kingston Twins starts out on the precipice of England joining the war against Germany. The twins are young adults, starting out, getting jobs as Nippies (which I googled and found kind of interesting), starting to date, and finding out who they are when war breaks out in Europe. As the story progresses and England joins the fight with the rest of Europe against Germany, Tillie and Maggie jump right in supporting the war effort in whatever way they can.
It’s also about family and friends going off to war and maybe not making it back. It’s about the constant barrage of bombing that destroys so much of England and kills thousands. It’s about people coming together to support each other in a very difficult time. I found the descriptions of the blitz very realistic as well as how everyone dealt with it.
While this book is called the Kingston Twins, this one focuses more on Tillie. Her ups and downs. Her trying to navigate the world of family, romance, and relationships while living in this “who knows what tomorrow will bring” atmosphere. She grows up very quickly. While this is not a romance, there is a light romance that after all that happens is rather satisfying. Like you want something good to happen after all the pain and struggles.
I guess from the end there is a sequel: The Kingston Twins; Wartime Heart. This book it seems will focus on Maggie and her story. I did get kind of invested in her friend Michah’s story. He went to France at the beginning of the war to support his grandparents there. Of course I have to know what happened to him and his family so I’m looking forward to reading that one as well.
January 17, 2024
I find stories of London during World War II to be quite interesting, to see how the people there survived the intense Nazi bombing while knowing that Hitler could invade at any time.
The book also starts with a glossary which is a really good idea.
The sisters are Maggie and Tilly. Alice is there mother who still remembers the first world war. Both the girls work at a restaurant but they can also work off-site such as at a party for the King and Queen.
Colin is Tillie's boyfriend and he wants to go into the RAF.
Things get more noticeable as the beaches are closed and barbed wire is put up. Meanwhile Colin is pressuring Tillie to have sex with him.
Then there's discussion of Anderson Shelters which were built in backyards or elsewhere to try to help the people in them survive any bombing. The book goes into the many problems there were with the shelters, though, and how eventually people tried to find protection in the underground.
The book then goes into various things people did to their homes such as the requirement to put up blackout curtains, cut down the amount of light coming from their automobiles, deal with the ration books and like things.
The book also notes something I hadn't seen anywhere else and that is deaths caused not by bombing but by accidents due to the very limited amount of light available to see buy at night when driving or walking.
It covers other things done including the censoring of all letters and shipping children out of London, trying to get them to safe places that wouldn't be bombed. The book also talks about posters and Churchill's speeches.
The book then goes further into the war and what happened to Tillie, Maggie, Colin and other specific characters.
To me the characters are interesting but the strength of the book is in its descriptions of how the regular people tried to deal with the war being brought to London, the various things they tried to do to stay safe and still try to have at least a glimmer of a normal life.
The book also starts with a glossary which is a really good idea.
The sisters are Maggie and Tilly. Alice is there mother who still remembers the first world war. Both the girls work at a restaurant but they can also work off-site such as at a party for the King and Queen.
Colin is Tillie's boyfriend and he wants to go into the RAF.
Things get more noticeable as the beaches are closed and barbed wire is put up. Meanwhile Colin is pressuring Tillie to have sex with him.
Then there's discussion of Anderson Shelters which were built in backyards or elsewhere to try to help the people in them survive any bombing. The book goes into the many problems there were with the shelters, though, and how eventually people tried to find protection in the underground.
The book then goes into various things people did to their homes such as the requirement to put up blackout curtains, cut down the amount of light coming from their automobiles, deal with the ration books and like things.
The book also notes something I hadn't seen anywhere else and that is deaths caused not by bombing but by accidents due to the very limited amount of light available to see buy at night when driving or walking.
It covers other things done including the censoring of all letters and shipping children out of London, trying to get them to safe places that wouldn't be bombed. The book also talks about posters and Churchill's speeches.
The book then goes further into the war and what happened to Tillie, Maggie, Colin and other specific characters.
To me the characters are interesting but the strength of the book is in its descriptions of how the regular people tried to deal with the war being brought to London, the various things they tried to do to stay safe and still try to have at least a glimmer of a normal life.
November 16, 2023
Maggie and Tillie Kingston are identical twins and have had a decent loving life with their family. Both girls work as waitresses at a famous restaurant in London and have established themselves as hard workers. So when they are told they are going to be working the Tea for the Royal family event it is not surprising, especially when Tilly will be chosen to serve in the Royal tent. Little did both of the girls realize that this was just the first step in some major events that would be changing their lives and everyone around them forever. A few months later, war is declared, Tillie’s fiancé Colin joins the RAF and Micah, the boy Maggie has loved from afar, must return to France with his family to help his grandfather. With the men heading off to war, the ladies realize that they too must make an effort and support their country, Tillie starts driving an ambulance at night and Maggie joins the WVS working on a mobile canteen van. Both ladies will have to deal with the facts that the people they know and love can be here one day and gone the next. Now the question will be do they both have the strength to continue, no matter what happens.
I really enjoyed this book and know there is a sequel to it. It did look familiar and I found out it had been published as a hardcover last year under a different name. It is one that is very well put together, talks about love, loss, strength, determination, family and more. Nothing can truly match in words what these families went through during WW2 and the London Blitz, but books like this can give us an idea. It is actually great to see so many of these books coming out talking about what they went through.
I really enjoyed this book and know there is a sequel to it. It did look familiar and I found out it had been published as a hardcover last year under a different name. It is one that is very well put together, talks about love, loss, strength, determination, family and more. Nothing can truly match in words what these families went through during WW2 and the London Blitz, but books like this can give us an idea. It is actually great to see so many of these books coming out talking about what they went through.
November 7, 2023
Twins
A serious discourse on the horrors of war and how one family and their friends dealt with constant bombing attacks and rationing while trying desperately to live their lives. Emotional and heartfelt.
A serious discourse on the horrors of war and how one family and their friends dealt with constant bombing attacks and rationing while trying desperately to live their lives. Emotional and heartfelt.
November 30, 2023
Good book
A sweet familybook filled with love and compassion in a very difficult time. And as most British are they were just "getting on with it" whatever the next thing is. Well written and researched. Looking forward to next in the series. I recommend this book.
A sweet familybook filled with love and compassion in a very difficult time. And as most British are they were just "getting on with it" whatever the next thing is. Well written and researched. Looking forward to next in the series. I recommend this book.
January 20, 2024
Hated to have to take a break.
Once you get through the who's who and what's what the story takes off. And boy does it take off. I haven't been this enthralled in a book in a long time. Can't wait to read book II.
Once you get through the who's who and what's what the story takes off. And boy does it take off. I haven't been this enthralled in a book in a long time. Can't wait to read book II.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews