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World War II #1
Goodnight Sweetheart
On the eve of World War II in Liverpool, life is about to change forever for one girl. As war breaks out so too does Molly Dearden! Molly is used to living in the shadow of her older sister, June. When their mother died Molly was just seven years old, and June helped their grief-stricken father look after her in their tiny home in the tight-knit Edge Hill district of Liverpool. But as her 17th birthday passes, Molly doesn't realize how much she is going to have to grow up. As the threat of a second world war looms, she must learn to protect herself, her family, and her heart. When hostilities finally break out, Molly finds the courage to enlist in the Women's Voluntary Service. There, she can help the war effort and finally stand on her own two feet. It's a terrifying time, but also some of the best days of her life, especially when she meets and falls for Eddie. The pair live for the precious hours when Eddie is on leave from the Navy and excitedly plan their future together. But then tragedy strikes. Devastated, Molly can take no more. But then the terrible reality of war hits her home town and Molly must find the strength to protect those closest to her heart.
565 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 2006
About the author
Annie Groves
40 books173 followersPenelope Jones Halsall aka: Caroline Courtney, Penny Jordan, Lydia Hitchcock, Melinda Wright
Penelope "Penny" Jones was born on November 24, 1946 in a Preston, Lancashire, England.
She had been a keen reader from the childhood. She was a storyteller long before she began to write romantic fiction.
She has earned a living as a writer since the 1970s when, as a shorthand typist, she entered a competition run by the Romantic Novelists' Association. Although she didn't win, she found an agent. She published four regency novels as Caroline Courtney, before changing her name to Melinda Wright and then she wrote two thrillers as Lydia Hitchcock. Soon after that, Mills and Boon accepted her first novel for them, Falcon's Prey as Penny Jordan. However, for her present historical romance novels, she has adopted her mother's maiden-name to become Annie Groves. Almost 70m of her 167 Mills and Boon novels have been sold worldwide.
Now Penny Halsall lived in a house in Nantwich, Cheshire. She worked from home.
Penny died on 31 December 2011.
Penelope "Penny" Jones was born on November 24, 1946 in a Preston, Lancashire, England.
She had been a keen reader from the childhood. She was a storyteller long before she began to write romantic fiction.
She has earned a living as a writer since the 1970s when, as a shorthand typist, she entered a competition run by the Romantic Novelists' Association. Although she didn't win, she found an agent. She published four regency novels as Caroline Courtney, before changing her name to Melinda Wright and then she wrote two thrillers as Lydia Hitchcock. Soon after that, Mills and Boon accepted her first novel for them, Falcon's Prey as Penny Jordan. However, for her present historical romance novels, she has adopted her mother's maiden-name to become Annie Groves. Almost 70m of her 167 Mills and Boon novels have been sold worldwide.
Now Penny Halsall lived in a house in Nantwich, Cheshire. She worked from home.
Penny died on 31 December 2011.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 2, 2017
Really enjoyed reading this book. Love stories set in this era and this book was no exception.
Recommended
Recommended
March 23, 2013
I intensely dislike the majority of characters in this book. How can so many people be like that? So bitchy and nasty and short with one another, or trying to control the every action of the poor, dear, beautiful protagonist.
It's your run of the mill wartime saga - dragging on for too long, about a female character who doesn't really develop much past the quivering walk-over she was at the beginning, falling in love with someone who's perfect only to lose him and then falling in love again with an arrogant dick...
Little Miss Molly Mary-Sue Dearden was just too much of a Mary-Sue, even though she knew she was vaguely attractive. And she was really quite dumb and needed to grow a pair and tell her sister June to just shut up and mind her business.
And June. God, don't get me started on June. How could someone possibly be so obnoxious and nasty and judgemental?
Overall: Not the worst wartime saga I've read, but Annie Groves has produced much better material recently.
It's your run of the mill wartime saga - dragging on for too long, about a female character who doesn't really develop much past the quivering walk-over she was at the beginning, falling in love with someone who's perfect only to lose him and then falling in love again with an arrogant dick...
Little Miss Molly Mary-Sue Dearden was just too much of a Mary-Sue, even though she knew she was vaguely attractive. And she was really quite dumb and needed to grow a pair and tell her sister June to just shut up and mind her business.
And June. God, don't get me started on June. How could someone possibly be so obnoxious and nasty and judgemental?
Overall: Not the worst wartime saga I've read, but Annie Groves has produced much better material recently.
December 23, 2013
I chose this book because I'm interested in wartime fiction. The novel certainly had an authentic setting with plenty of details about life in Liverpool during the early years of the Second World War. The main character Molly was a sweet girl, very sympathetic. For me, the novel was a little on the lighter side. The genre is definitely romance with Molly being courted by three different men, and the war serving as the backdrop for her personal life. If readers enjoy historical romance, they would like this book.
May 29, 2011
It made me feel like I was there, during the II World War. Truly a great book.
November 17, 2013
This book does a lovely job of bringing history to life, but teeters perilously close to the mundane with its too-good-to-be-true protagonist and its neatly tied up storyline.
March 29, 2018
Loveved this series, 5 star rating. Read many years ago .
December 27, 2018
Goodnight sweetheart
I loved this book, will definitely read more by this author. Books like this just make you think what it was like back then but people just got on with things and helped each other. I like these sort of books.
I loved this book, will definitely read more by this author. Books like this just make you think what it was like back then but people just got on with things and helped each other. I like these sort of books.
January 22, 2024
As another reviewer said Annie Groves has written better. Much like the Campion series I thought this one was slow to start but would pick up once the war started and it sort of did. The story follows Molly Dearden. Molly works in a clothing factory with her sister June. June has little to no redeeming qualities. I had hoped she would be like Bella from the Campion series but sadly there was no real redemption arch for her. Molly is quite literally forced into an engagement with local creep Johnny who does have a redemption arch in this book. When Johnny says they are practically engaged June takes it as they are because she's an awful person. And like a lot of awful people her soon to be husband is a sweet kind natured man who is as equally abused by June as Molly is. Molly instead falls in love with Eddie a neighbour's nephew. Eddie is serving in the merchant navy very dangerous. Her engagement to Johnny ends in a hilarious way and she and Eddie are weeks from marriage when he dies. Molly after recovering from depression throws herself into her WVS work driving emergency vehicles and runs into Johnny again who was invalided out of the army after Dunkirk. June has a baby named after the then future queen and her sister although in a weird slip up when discussing her nickname Lillibet they say it's good enough for the queen even though she wasn't queen yet. June becomes even more awful and despite the book trying to make me like her I honestly was glad to see what happened to her in the end. So overall not a bad book but Annie Groves both the real one and the subsequent ghost writers have written much better than this one.
July 25, 2021
Book review - Goodnight Sweetheart by Annie Groves.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A historical romance if there ever was one! I really enjoyed this book with its descriptive elements of life on Britain during the war. I personally loved how it was from the women’s perspective and it really opened my mind to the roles they were to carry out.
Molly is a young girl with a whole life ahead of her but lives under the control of her big sister. She is engaged to a man who her sister set her up with but is in love with another. Then, tragedy strikes and their city is under attack from the German bombers. Molly does her bit to help during the war but is it enough to save those she loves?
I’m a sucker for a wartime romance and this is exactly what this was! It was so interesting to read the detailed descriptions of the effects war had on women yet I couldn’t help hating the majority of them (don’t get me started on Molly’s sister, June). I did find that the story repeated itself quite frequently which meant there was lots of unnecessary detail but that’s just me being impatient and wanting to know the storyline as quick as possible!
If historical, wartime romance is your thing, this book is one for you!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A historical romance if there ever was one! I really enjoyed this book with its descriptive elements of life on Britain during the war. I personally loved how it was from the women’s perspective and it really opened my mind to the roles they were to carry out.
Molly is a young girl with a whole life ahead of her but lives under the control of her big sister. She is engaged to a man who her sister set her up with but is in love with another. Then, tragedy strikes and their city is under attack from the German bombers. Molly does her bit to help during the war but is it enough to save those she loves?
I’m a sucker for a wartime romance and this is exactly what this was! It was so interesting to read the detailed descriptions of the effects war had on women yet I couldn’t help hating the majority of them (don’t get me started on Molly’s sister, June). I did find that the story repeated itself quite frequently which meant there was lots of unnecessary detail but that’s just me being impatient and wanting to know the storyline as quick as possible!
If historical, wartime romance is your thing, this book is one for you!
March 12, 2026
This was an interesting read. It follows the protagonist Molly, a working-class Liverpudlian girl, through the lead-up and the first couple of years of World War II as she navigates romance and her relationship with her family. It meanders somewhat and doesn't have quite the structured story arc of most novels, but the meandering reflects real life quite well. There's a depth and familiarity with both Liverpool and life during the Blitz that comes through clearly.
July 7, 2018
As always am sad to come to the end...
I am an avid reader of Britsh women's lives during WWII. But Annie Groves is perhaps my favorite! Her character's are so believable and fleshed out I get seriously drawn into their lives. And consequently longing for their stories not to end! So glad there are a lot off stories.
I am an avid reader of Britsh women's lives during WWII. But Annie Groves is perhaps my favorite! Her character's are so believable and fleshed out I get seriously drawn into their lives. And consequently longing for their stories not to end! So glad there are a lot off stories.
May 17, 2020
A good read
I have read all of Annie groves books, the other series about the 2nd world war were brilliant but I could tell that the last one wasn't written by her and although others since and this one is good, it just isn't quite the same depth to it. I can't remember who has taken over but still using the same name.
I have read all of Annie groves books, the other series about the 2nd world war were brilliant but I could tell that the last one wasn't written by her and although others since and this one is good, it just isn't quite the same depth to it. I can't remember who has taken over but still using the same name.
October 26, 2020
I always love these type of books, these are my go to books when I need a book I can get right into and not put down.
Unlike other war romance books I have read, I felt that this was more descriptive about the bombings and not all about the families, romance.
First book I have read by Annie Groves, will definitely look out for more by her.
Unlike other war romance books I have read, I felt that this was more descriptive about the bombings and not all about the families, romance.
First book I have read by Annie Groves, will definitely look out for more by her.
June 20, 2022
A wonderful story about Molly, a young woman caught up in the horror of WW2. She finds the love of her life, suffers his loss but eventually finds love again in the arms of her deceased sister's husband Frank, fulfilling her sister's wish of bringing up her child Lillybet as her own. A captivating social history of war torn Liverpool and the resilience of its residents.
May 28, 2018
Loved it! A cracking god read!
February 25, 2019
Easy to read, plenty of emotion and a really strong main character.
September 13, 2019
Great Story
This book is really good and it is one that you cannot put down, would recommend it as a good read to everyone.
This book is really good and it is one that you cannot put down, would recommend it as a good read to everyone.
Read
August 23, 2020I sort of remember this story but can't do a review as I read it in 2016 but just wanted to record it in the books I have read
May 17, 2021
Not a bad novel, just a bit 'same-y''as I have read so many in a similar vein. Good details from the author who has researched the period well.
February 16, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this book
March 22, 2022
Struggled with this as it seemed to go on forever without a great deal happening. Parts were enjoyable but on the whole I'd got bored with it.
October 15, 2022
Great read
It’s one that you can’t put down although in some parts it seemed to repeat what you already knew but still an enjoyable read
It’s one that you can’t put down although in some parts it seemed to repeat what you already knew but still an enjoyable read
May 4, 2024
Mothers blessing
Very interesting read about ww2 in England. I can't imagine how hard and scary it was!! I !enjoy!ed ?reading and learning
Very interesting read about ww2 in England. I can't imagine how hard and scary it was!! I !enjoy!ed ?reading and learning
July 21, 2020
Im Sommer 1939 ist Molly Dearden eine zurückhaltende Siebzehnjährige, die in einer Näherei arbeitet, heimlich für Frank, den Freund ihrer älteren Schwester June, schwärmt und gerade zum ersten Mal mit dem Charmeur Johnny ausgegangen ist. Dass der sie nach dem ersten Date gleich als seine Verlobte betrachtet, geht ihr eigentlich ein bisschen zu schnell, aber nachdem sich die Neuigkeit schon wie ein Lauffeuer herumgesprochen hat, dürfte es schwierig sein, aus der Nummer noch herauszukommen. Und als ob das noch nicht genug wäre, kommt Eddie, der Neffe einer Nachbarin, zu Besuch, und zwischen ihm und Molly funkt es ganz gewaltig. Unglücklich ist sie hin- und hergerissen zwischen Kopf und Herz und hofft,
Neben dem üblichen Beziehungsklatsch beschäftigt die Menschen in Liverpool vor allem eines: die Gerüchte um einen unvermeidlichen Krieg mit Deutschland. Man baut bereits Luftschutzkeller und hortet Lebensmittel, und nur wenige Wochen nach Mollys schicksalhafter Verabredung werden die Vermutungen bitterer Ernst. Die Männer werden zum Militärdienst eingezogen, und Molly meldet sich zum freiwilligen Hilfsdienst.
Es dauert nicht lange, bis die ersten Bomben auf Liverpool fallen und sich Molly mit einem Ausmaß an Zerstörung, Leid und Tod konfrontiert sieht, das sie sich in ihren schlimmsten Träumen nicht hätte vorstellen können. Ihre Einsätze verlangen ihr alles ab, einen normalen Alltag gibt es praktisch nicht mehr, und die Angst um Eddie und die anderen jungen Männer in ihrem Umfeld quält sie zusätzlich.
Ganz sicher keine hohe Literatur, dieses Buch, doch die sehr authentische Darstellung Liverpools zu Kriegsbeginn, inklusive Originaldialekt, und die Schilderungen der Bombennächte, der Aufenthalte im Luftschutzkeller, der verwundeten Soldaten und obdachlosen Menschen, die Molly betreut, machten es für mich dennoch zu einer sehr berührenden Lektüre. Ich war mittendrin in den Geschehnissen und konnte so gut mit Molly mitfühlen, dass mir ab und an sogar die Tränen kamen.
Die Liebes- und Familiengeschichte ist nicht wunder wie originell, liest sich aber nett. Die Charaktere fand ich auch recht gut ausgearbeitet und glaubwürdig, vor allem als Kinder ihrer Zeit. Zwischendurch schwächelte der Plot mal ein bisschen und wurde für meine Begriffe ewas zu schmonzettig, aber die Autorin hat die Kurve dann wieder gekriegt und mich mit einigen überraschenden Entwicklungen wieder "eingefangen".
Neben dem üblichen Beziehungsklatsch beschäftigt die Menschen in Liverpool vor allem eines: die Gerüchte um einen unvermeidlichen Krieg mit Deutschland. Man baut bereits Luftschutzkeller und hortet Lebensmittel, und nur wenige Wochen nach Mollys schicksalhafter Verabredung werden die Vermutungen bitterer Ernst. Die Männer werden zum Militärdienst eingezogen, und Molly meldet sich zum freiwilligen Hilfsdienst.
Es dauert nicht lange, bis die ersten Bomben auf Liverpool fallen und sich Molly mit einem Ausmaß an Zerstörung, Leid und Tod konfrontiert sieht, das sie sich in ihren schlimmsten Träumen nicht hätte vorstellen können. Ihre Einsätze verlangen ihr alles ab, einen normalen Alltag gibt es praktisch nicht mehr, und die Angst um Eddie und die anderen jungen Männer in ihrem Umfeld quält sie zusätzlich.
Ganz sicher keine hohe Literatur, dieses Buch, doch die sehr authentische Darstellung Liverpools zu Kriegsbeginn, inklusive Originaldialekt, und die Schilderungen der Bombennächte, der Aufenthalte im Luftschutzkeller, der verwundeten Soldaten und obdachlosen Menschen, die Molly betreut, machten es für mich dennoch zu einer sehr berührenden Lektüre. Ich war mittendrin in den Geschehnissen und konnte so gut mit Molly mitfühlen, dass mir ab und an sogar die Tränen kamen.
Die Liebes- und Familiengeschichte ist nicht wunder wie originell, liest sich aber nett. Die Charaktere fand ich auch recht gut ausgearbeitet und glaubwürdig, vor allem als Kinder ihrer Zeit. Zwischendurch schwächelte der Plot mal ein bisschen und wurde für meine Begriffe ewas zu schmonzettig, aber die Autorin hat die Kurve dann wieder gekriegt und mich mit einigen überraschenden Entwicklungen wieder "eingefangen".
December 20, 2021
I love Annie Grove books so I was excited about this! It was my day off on Saturday so I thought I would read a bit. Then the power went out. So I ended up reading the entire thing (all 563 pages) in less than 24 hours.
At the age of seventeen, Molly has always lived in the shadow of her sister June. When the war breaks out, Molly joins the Women’s Voluntary Service, doing her part in helping with the Liverpool blitz. Slowly she starts to become her own person, falling in love, experiencing heart break and becoming stronger than she ever thought.
This was a good one! At first Molly annoyed me a bit, but I had to remember she’s a seventeen year old. Then I really liked her. And her sister - omg, I’ve never hated a character more! She was soooo horrible to everyone.
The entire time I thought ‘this is five stars! I love it!’ but then in the last 30 pages, I was like ‘what?’ The ending took a turn in a direction I didn’t expect it too and it wasn’t good. I was disappointed by it.
At the age of seventeen, Molly has always lived in the shadow of her sister June. When the war breaks out, Molly joins the Women’s Voluntary Service, doing her part in helping with the Liverpool blitz. Slowly she starts to become her own person, falling in love, experiencing heart break and becoming stronger than she ever thought.
This was a good one! At first Molly annoyed me a bit, but I had to remember she’s a seventeen year old. Then I really liked her. And her sister - omg, I’ve never hated a character more! She was soooo horrible to everyone.
The entire time I thought ‘this is five stars! I love it!’ but then in the last 30 pages, I was like ‘what?’ The ending took a turn in a direction I didn’t expect it too and it wasn’t good. I was disappointed by it.
February 12, 2014
A great Book, once I started this I couldn't stop reading. It has opened me up to a whole new area of reading and interest in war, which I once felt was a bore. Definitely going to read the others books now..!
July 23, 2012
Loved Reading it the First time and Just as Much Reading it again :)
February 12, 2013
Another great war time read. Just ordered the next one in the series.
February 7, 2014
Took me a bit to get into the style of writing but got to love the characters and kept going. Looking forward to book 2 next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews