Florida Girls

Queenpin Chronicles #1

by L.L. Kirchner

Not everything is sunshine in Florida

Broke and orphaned near the close of WWII, 18-year-old Thelma Miles joins a troupe of touring swimsuit models in an attempt to flee her criminal past, only to find she's stepped into the mafia's lair. When the head of the Florida underworld offers her everything she never knew she wanted, she must decide if she’ll forge a new future or return to the life she knows.

Against the backdrop of war, L.L. Kirchner’s Florida Girls weaves a complex tale of independence and interdependence among women doing what they can to survive and thrive in a society controlled by men. The women of the Florida Girls come together from many different backgrounds, form new friendships and strengthen old bonds in a world of crime and glamour that could get somebody killed at any moment.

Florida Girls in the first book in the series, The Queenpin Chronicles, which follows Thelma's journey as she struggles to forge her future at a time when women were expected to step aside gratefully as men returned from battle. Driven to succeed in a man’s world, the women of The Queenpin Chronicles discover strength and brutality and love they didn’t know they were capable of.

Coming May 28, 2024.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Summer, World War II

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2024

About the author

L.L. Kirchner is an award-winning screenwriter and Pushcart-nominated author whose life and work as an expat in Asia became the basis of two memoirs that combine humor with “her discerning eye” (Foreword Reviews)—or, as an NPR interviewer said, her memoir is “like Eat, Pray, Love, but funny.” She lives in Florida with her favorite husband. Drawing on her eclectic background as a religion editor, dating columnist, and bridal editor, Kirchner’s work explores feminist narratives. Read more at her blog, IllBehavedWomen.com or LLKirchner.com. She lives in Florida with her favorite husband.

In 2024, Kirchner will launch her highly anticipated trilogy, the Queenpin Chronicles, with her debut novel, FLORIDA GIRLS. Set in 1940s Florida, this multi-POV suspense story follows an unconventional heroine navigating the criminal underworld and fighting for independence in a male-dominated society. Through vivid prose and richly drawn characters, Kirchner illuminates the patriarchal and self-imposed boundaries women face while celebrating the strength of those who dare to break free.

Get her latest writing as well as craft and publishing tips at https://illbehavedwomen.com.

Reviews

[✧ Leia ✧ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started off so well, but fell apart towards the end. A big part of that was the editing. Examples:

🌴not enough build up before certain characters took certain actions
🌴 Kathleen getting a monologue from her dead mother when up to that point it had been Thelma’s shtick
🌴 switching POVs for a single paragraph at the end of a chapter
🌴 Thelma suddenly has been into chomping cigars the whole time when not that much earlier she had never had one before
🌴 telling and not showing

As far as the actual writing, the ending itself could have been stronger, as honestly it seemed like many dramatic things happened that were only loosely tied together. I usually diagnose this as “too much plot.” Everyone has a double motive that isn’t always sensible or well explained. The romance feels flat. Thelma makes decisions off screen and we aren’t sure how she got there.

Thelma’s “tough girl” act didn’t work, either. I’m down to read about unlikeable characters, but I think the author intended “morally grey” and instead wrote “bipolar sociopath.”

There was also a mistake with the marketing, as the book focuses mostly on Thelma and Kathleen, with very little screen time given to the other Florida Girls. From the back of the cover, I thought it would be a girl gang and it very much was not. I thought the strongest parts of this book were the beginning and the research. The author’s deep knowledge of this era made the setting feel authentic. I also liked the reveal with Sal, as I genuinely was not expecting that but it made so much sense.

[Marie Girulat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the gifted audiobook.

This was an interesting historical read. The story takes us back to the late WWII era, following a group of young women on a bond tour. They form a strong bond in a male-dominated world and the main character, Thelma, undergoes a transformation into a confident woman who takes on a mob boss, the mafia, and the FBI.

The narrative unfolds from different perspectives, delving into the inner lives, struggles, and motives of the characters. Organized crime, Hollywood glamour, and the societal views of women in that era are intricately woven into the story.

The narrator did an exceptional job in bringing the characters to life and immersing us in the 1940s.

It was captivating, and the ending sets the stage for the sequel, "The Vegas Girls," which is set to be published on January 1, 2025.

If you love historical fiction with strong female characters and a gripping plot, this book is a must-read.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

L.L. Kirchner, the Author of “Florida Girls” has written a captivating, intriguing and suspenseful Historical Fiction novel. The timeline for this story is set during World War Two. In this well written novel, the author describes the scenery, costumes and the colorful and dramatic characters. The characters are described as complex, and complicated. I love that the theme revolves around women banding together against men. There is a sisterhood that uses all the means necessary to make things happen.

The author discusses corruption, espionage, mob, mafia connections, bootlegging, German spies, United States Intelligence, talent and swimsuit contests, races, dancing and music of the times. One of the female protagonists, Thelma Miles is attempting to leave a criminal and difficult life behind, to find that she is faced with this again. Thelma becomes one of “The Florida Girls” in competition, that travels through Florida and the country using support of the war effort. There are powerful men and tremendous danger. Can Thelma and the other women she works with help change the world, and women’s place in it? I highly recommend this memorable book, and look forward to reading the next in the series.

[Marilyn Goncalves · Rating 5 out of 5]

love books with a lot of characters and this book has quite a few. Lately I’ve been enjoying historical fiction more and more, this was right up my alley. Set in Florida in the 1940’s with a lot of real history weaved into the fiction made this just that more enjoyable. This has strong women characters, mob connections, lots of intrigue.

[Megan Pace · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like this. At all. The only reason I’m giving it a second star is because I wasn’t duped - this was for a book club so I knew going in that it wasn’t something I would’ve chosen. So, it’s not like I read the synopsis and thought, yeah, let’s give it a try. No, I let someone else choose this disappointment for me.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Satisfied my historical fiction itch and a plus that it is based in my hometown area. This is part of a series, and I will definitely read the others. I mean, it's called the Queenpin Chronicles. What's not to love?

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating story that transported me to Florida during 1940. I love historical fiction book and when they come with strong female characters even better.
A powerful story about women from different backgrounds and their personal journeys in the face of adversity. This is the first book in a series and can’t wait for the next one.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.

𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 by L.L. Kirchner released May 28, 2024.

https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong women in a historical setting. This book is set toward the end of World War II.

The book starts in St. Petersburg, Florida but the setting moves all across the country as a group of Florida Girls are performing to boost morale and get the GIs to relocate to St. Petersburg once the war ends.

This grand idea of the Florida Girls is thanks to the owners of the Sun City Emporium, Doc and Kathleen Young. Kathleen is an important character to the plot.

Thelma Miles is a main character that really develops during this read.

The chapter titles did a great job of keeping me straight in both the who and what was happening.

This book has the mafia, government intelligence, strong female friendships, and several twists along the way.

I’m so glad this is going to be a series. Not only am I invested in the characters, I’m also there for the drama that I anticipate continuing.

[Bookfan36 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief synopsis from the book cover:
Not everything is sunshine in Florida

Broke and orphaned near the close of WWII, 18-year-old Thelma Miles joins a troupe of touring swimsuit models in an attempt to flee her criminal past, only to find she's stepped into the mafia's lair. When the head of the Florida underworld offers her everything she never knew she wanted, she must decide if she’ll forge a new future or return to the life she knows.

Against the backdrop of war, L.L. Kirchner’s Florida Girls weaves a complex tale of independence and interdependence among women doing what they can to survive and thrive in a society controlled by men. The women of the Florida Girls come together from many different backgrounds, form new friendships and strengthen old bonds in a world of crime and glamour that could get somebody killed at any moment.

Florida Girls in the first book in the series, The Queenpin Chronicles, which follows Thelma's journey as she struggles to forge her future at a time when women were expected to step aside gratefully as men returned from battle. Driven to succeed in a man’s world, the women of The Queenpin Chronicles discover strength and brutality and love they didn’t know they were capable of.

My rating:

Plot 3.5 out of 5 Star
Compelling and emotionally resonant, but dark and heavy at times.

Character Development 4.0 out of 5 Star
Thelma’s transformation is nuanced and believable, though emotionally difficult.

Themes & Message 4.5 out of 5 Star
Strong cautionary message about power, identity, and moral boundaries.

Writing Style 3.0 out of 5 Star
Clear and effective, but not especially lyrical or immersive.

Enjoyment 3.0 out of 5 Star
Thought-provoking, but not always enjoyable due to its emotional weight.

Overall 3.5 out of 5 Star
A powerful and layered story with strong themes and character work,
though its darker tone may limit enjoyment for some readers.


Recommended for readers of:

Historical Fiction
Crime

Review:

Florida Girls tells the story of Thelma, a young woman who slowly gets pulled into a world of crime and control. What starts as a small decision — missing a bus and going to an audition — becomes the first step in a journey that changes her life. The book shows how easy it is to be drawn into something dangerous when it promises power, safety, or a way out.
Thelma’s choices aren’t just about ambition. They’re shaped by her past, her mother, and the life she’s known. She believes she can stay in control, but over time, she loses herself. The author doesn’t offer a happy ending or a clear moment of redemption. Instead, we watch Thelma
become colder, more distant — someone who survives, but at a cost.
Final Thoughts

This story is a reminder of how important it is to know your values and protect your peace. It takes real strength to walk away from something that looks powerful but is actually harmful. Thelma’s story shows what can happen when you don’t — and that message stayed with me.

Florida Girls isn’t just a story about crime or ambition. It’s a deeper look at how our past shapes us, how power can quietly change who we are, and how difficult it is to walk away once we’re in too deep. Thelma’s journey may read as survival to some, but to others — it feels more like a warning. Her choices remind us of the importance of staying true to ourselves, even when the world offers easier, shinier paths.

Overall

A powerful and emotionally layered story that left a lasting impression. At times, it felt more dark than enjoyable, but its strength lies in the clarity of its cautionary themes.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Florida Girls is a wild ride of the home front of World War II mixed with young women, the Mafia and racism. While at first, I was completely sold on a World War II historical fiction taking place on the American home front, I was underwhelmed by the end of the novel. As someone who loves books that are plot driven with unique and redeeming characters, Florida Girls, for me, fell flat.

Characters:
There were so many characters in this novel it became difficult to keep track. Between the Mafia members, the supporting characters and the actual Florida girls, the amount of characters made it hard to remember who was who and keeping track became difficult. Because of the amount of characters in the book, it was difficult to make any of them redeemable or memorable. I would not want my daughter (if I had one) to necessarily grow up to be like any of the women in this book. I wouldn't want my sons to grow up like any of the men in this book. Most of the characters were not good people.

Plot:
So much of this plot was unbelievable. I understand the work is fiction, however, with many of the events that happened in the main character's life, it made it hard to believe anything was true or could have been true. There was so much happening in the book but it still did not read like the plot was truly driving the book. It was hard to even tell where the climax of the book was because there were so many events happening and moving the story along.

All in all, while this was not my favorite book, I would definitely look up this author again and try to read more of her work. The historical research was well done as well as the information about the various locations. The connection of the Mafia was a nice touch to show a different side of the World War II home front that many people would not expect.

*I received a free copy of this book from The Niche Reader.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 – 3.5 Stars

Florida Girls is the first book in the Queenpin Chronicles by L.L. Kirchner. This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Kirchner, so I really didn’t know what to expect from one of her stories, but the blurb sounded quite intriguing, and I do love great historical fiction – so I happily snaped up a copy to explore.
This proved to be a bit of a dramatic ‘noir’ historical women’s fiction set in the tumultuous backdrop of 1940s Florida. The story follows 18-year-old Thelma Miles, who, after losing her mother, joins a troupe of swimsuit-clad performers on a war bond tour. But this isn’t just glitz and show tunes—these girls are navigating stages and shadows alike, brushing up against the dark underbelly of organized crime.
There is a LOT going on in the story, and a LOT of characters, and details to keep track of - not only getting multiple character perspectives , but also several FBI ‘field reports’ were woven through the storyline - which gave the story a bit of a wordy, choppy, and ‘over-saturated’ feel at time-which definitely added some confusion to the mix. But, I get what the author was aiming for, as at its heart, Florida Girls is about found family, and the bonds of sisterhood among the women — despite their differences in race, class, and background. Their tour journeys toward both triumph and tragedy….
The series consists of:
-Florida Girls (Book #1)
-Vegas Girls (Book #2)
-Havana Girls (Book #3)

Happy Reading…

Thank you, L.L. Kirchner!

[Sarah Ravellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to the series. Set in the 1940s, The Florida Girls follows 18-year-old Thelma Miles who, after the death of her mother, falls into a troupe of singing and dancing swimsuit models on a war bond tour across America. The girls find themselves rubbing shoulders with organised crime.
Told from differing points of view, we see the inner lives, struggles and motives of various characters, for instance Kathleen Young, the troupe organiser, married to Doc Young the disabled snake oil salesman. Thelma, the young girl with an old head on her shoulders negotiating her way through complex relationships and plots. The Giancarlo family, part of the local mafia. I liked these different perspectives told in separately headed chapters. Kirchner moves the story along swiftly, dropping in field reports from US intelligence, ramping up the tension as their focus moves from one character to another.
The book offers a wealth of period detail, most notably in the costumes and clothes of the characters – “Kathleen Young raced for Sun City’s front door as much as her pencil skirt allowed speed.” What came across to me was the warmth the girls had for each other despite coming from differing social and racial backgrounds. Thrown together in the troupe, they face success and tragedy together.
The close of the story offers an intriguing ending which sets up the next stage of the Queen Pin Chronicles.
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this fascinatingly complex historical fiction novel, readers follow Thelma, Kathleen, and the rest of the Florida Girls touring swimsuit models as they travel across the United States to win a competition not knowing that the local mafia has a hand in the tour and many other things that the women will come across. With different motivations and backgrounds, all of the women involved with the tour have no idea (or some idea) of what they have really gotten into. Readers, going back and forth between Thelma and Kathleen’s perspectives, have a lot to focus on in this novel, as no one character knows the whole story. With the high stakes of mafia involvement and the secrets that many of these women are running from, readers are in for a high-stakes and exciting historical fiction novel. With so many characters and secrets to unpack, this novel will keep readers on the edges of their seats. With excellent prose and narrative development, readers will definitely enjoy this historical fiction novel and its brush with the thriller genre. Complicated, exciting, and immersive, Kirchner’s latest novel is a great read for all fans of the historical fiction genre who want a little more drama and action in their books.

Thanks to NetGalley and LILA Books for the advance copy.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel was a real page turner!

Set in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1944, eighteen year old Thelma Miles joins a troupe of swimsuit models on a national war bond tour. She was hoping to have escaped her dangerous past and be free of the mafia, but she soon discovers she can’t just walk away. Her new boss Kathleen Young keeps putting Thelma in danger with some of the deadliest crime syndicates in Florida, just so she can climb the social ladder. The pair form an uneasy alliance after Kathleen gets caught in the crossfire, and they both need to take to the road and run.

Thelma is haunted by flickering premonitions that she can’t control and has to navigate both wartime in America with power plays and changing loyalties. With Thelma’s dangerous second sight and Kathleen’s ruthless ambition the pair prove that women can have it all. They just need to survive the tour and not murder anyone, else!

I felt fully immersed in the story as the descriptive narrative brought the time period and setting vividly to life. Whilst the added historical details transported me back in time. I enjoyed how Thelma and Kathleen’s relationship developed throughout the story. The gripping storyline and plot twists kept me reading way past my bedtime!

[Beejai Bohls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. I couldn't but it down. The author writes incredibly well and the multiple perspective that are given during the book allow for the reader to get more insight as to what everyone is feeling. The women are incredible and they are strong, assertive, passionate, and just all together a complete boos girl group. It is historical fiction which not my normal genre to read but sometimes, you just need to do a palate cleanse from what you normally read. This book will definitely keep your attention. It has a very women's power center to the book. Don't get me wrong the book does have some suspense and things like the mob, espionage, spies, etc. So it does really keep you on your toes and keeps your attention. I found myself turn page after page to see what these women were going to do next. I was not disappointed. I can't wait to read the other books in this series to see what these women do next and where they go. If you like historical fiction this series would be a great one. If you normally don't read this genre, you wouldn't be disappointed in the the plot but it might drag more than your typical read. I say that because there are spots in the book where it did drag for me.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

What was supposed to be a quick stop changed Thelma's life forever. Thelma was on her way to Miami from the north, when he bus ride made a stop in St. Petersburg for a quick stop, she goes the Sun City Emporium - World's Most Unusual Drugstore, and for being a good samaritan misses her bus and ends up staying on this city, auditioning for the Florida Girls, getting a spot in it and traveling the country on a tour singing and dancing in support of the troops oversees during WWII.
This sounds innocent enough and a little bit like a fairy tale, right? Well things are not what it seem, we find Thelma in the middle of an FBI investigation into possible places for the germans to land a submarine in the city, Cuban smugglers and the local mafia whose boss is more to her than what she could have ever thought off.
With a good amount of historical research and good writing his book grab me almost sine the beginning. Can't wait to read the following one in the series.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the dynamic kick-off to the THE QUEENPIN CHRONICLES.

Set mainly in Florida during the 1940s, this has a big cast and cinematic feel. It's not surprising since the author is an award-winning screenwriter.

I loved how young women trying to survive or flee from their crimes are pulled into the world of organized crime—the mob and mafia. Yet they have tenacity and strong friendships, and they're up to something.

I enjoyed the swimsuit-touring group The Florida Girls, which was traveling to support the war effort. The descriptions of the costumes and the scenery were vivid and bold.

A lot is going on in this book, and as I mentioned above, many characters come into play. But it offers strong women, danger, suspense, and drama, all set against a historical backdrop.

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @llkirchner_ for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read so many books that’s set in this era but this one was different in the sense it wasn’t set in a Europe or Britain so it was good to see it through American eyes …..


So Thelma joins a group of swimsuit models that entertain the soldiers and her boss Kathleen is lower gingery and wants to hob non with the who’s who of society but Thelma has a dark past and wants to escape that and what looked like a fresh start ends up looking more lumping from the pit to the frying pan 😱🤷‍♀️🙈

It’s not all doom and gloom though because it also shows the strength we as women draw from each and we can stand together and fight for what we believe in especially in an era where woman were seen as weak and inferior ..,.

It took a bit of getting into and you need to keep up but once you get into it you really are in for quite the read 😉

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story had a lot of twists and turns and kept you on your toes. After I got into it, I didn’t want to put it down. There was so much going on between all the characters and they had various storylines. The characters were well developed as while. I’m from the Tampa Bay/St. Pete area so this made it even more interesting. The story basically is about a large store that decides to have a couple of girls go around and perform to make money.The story goes into their lives during this difficult time. It takes place at the end of the war, so they promote it as helping the men in war. While that is going on,there is the Florida mafia, organized crime, gambling, death and relationships. It was interesting to read about this time in America’s history.

[Kate Shanahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting and history behind Florida Girls drew me to buy this book. How could I not read a book inspired by actual "Florida Man" type events in St. Petersburg, Florida at the end of WW2? What a unique setting! The protagonist Thelma is escaping her unsavory past after her mother's death by going to Florida. Uncertain of what she'll do there, her life is changed when she misses the bus. She's drawn into a scheme that involves young women in swimsuits, the mafia, and bolita. My one bit of confusion was the ending. I had to reread it a few times to understand what happened to Thelma's love interest because the impact on Thelma isn't described, a missed opportunity to create an emotional connection between the reader and the main character.

[Amanda Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this quote about this series; ‘Perfect for readers who love their heroines formidable and flawed.’, that is all I needed to dig in, and I am glad I did. The setting for this book is Set in 1940’s WWII time, stateside, inspired by true events. Our protagonist, Thelma Miles, escaped from her old life in the north to Florida, to start over as a secretary in Florida. Things do not go as planned, as she joins a group of women on a national war bond tour. This story of reinvention and resilience, takes many twists and turns and keeps you guessing and turning page after page. The end of the book has a preview of the next book in the series and is intriguing enough to inspire the reader to keep going through the end.

[Clo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by this book as I love historical fiction and the time setting and the mafia connections in this book sounded like something I’d enjoy. I loved that throughout the book, we get a lot of real history woven in and I did feel like I was learning lots about the time period in America while reading. I also liked the strong female characters we meet, especially Thelma and Peggy and I loved how they develop their own group to rival the mafia men and make their own way in the world. It was good watching them grow and develop from the beginning of the book. I also loved the ending and can’t wait to read the next one!
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader.

[Sarah Bowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique book with a group of swimsuit/ singing girls called Florida Girls are on a USO type ish tour during WW2 but it's a front for a Mafia crime syndicate.

There are a lot of POVS here and it's a bit hard to keep some of the people straight but we mostly are in the mind and see through the eyes of Thelma. She is a girl who just happened to miss a bus she was supposed to be on now she quickly becomes embroiled in this tour and the darker part of it.

I hated what Thelma was made to do for her mom but it did give her information to use later to benefit her through this stage of her life she had found herself in.

[Jillian Amspacker · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Rise of Bad B*tches.. kinda

I wanted to love this book so much because who doesn’t love some women empowerment mixed with mafia and murders, all set in the 1940’s.

While the story was great, the multiple characters popped around in varying paragraphs, let alone chapters. I had to read and re-read multiple times to know who was talking. Also, in conversations, full details weren’t explained to the other characters that were supposed to be “bombs” or secrets.. but somehow the characters knew the details? It could just be me.

Overall, it is a good book, give it a try - but maybe make a map?

[Brooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this for a book club and it has all the ingredients for something I would like: strong women, mafia intrigue, WWII, Florida setting….but it just sort of fell flat for me.
The research for the location and time period were great and I did get a strong sense of the environment - I always love rounding out my understanding of Florida history. However there was way too much plot and not enough character development. I was never anxious during the suspenseful parts and I didn’t feel any emotion when good or bad things happened to anyone.
After all that, I may give a listen to the next one but I’m not desperate to do so.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Florida Girls by L. L. Kirchner is Book 1 in the Queenpin Chronicles. It is a Historical Fiction set in Florida in 1944. This book had a lot of promise, but didn't quite hit the mark for me. I liked the premise of exploring the happenings of the women while the men were off at war. However, there were too many working parts that I found it difficult to follow at times. With multiple perspectives, lots of characters, and plenty of twists and turns, this book made my head spin. While most of the story was well-written, some of it felt really drawn out while other parts felt rushed and incomplete. Overall, it was an okay read, but fell flat of what I was hoping for.

[Madison McGlone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would rate 3.5 ⭐️

I read this for Tampa Girls Book Club. We have the author coming to our meeting today, and I’m really looking forward to learning more about her thoughts on it! I haven’t read historical fiction in a while, so it took me a little to get into it, but I found the storyline creative and compelling and overall enjoyed my time reading it. I did listen to the audiobook a bit too to ensure I could finish the book before the meeting, but I wouldn’t recommend that. The narrator’s voices for the characters weren’t the best.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly love historical fiction, especially in the area of World War II. Thelma is joining a group of traveling and competing swimsuit models in an attempt to get away from her criminal past. What she didn't bargain for is finding herself deep in mob activities.

This book showcases the strong stands that the women of the 40's took when the men started coming home from the war.

The author has done a great deal of research to ensure that the elements of this story are historically accurate. It has enhanced the story more and I look forward to reading more in this series.

[Brandy L Vaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Florida Girls: Book 1 of The Queen Pin Chronicles" by L.L. Kirchner is an absolute page-turner. The novel vividly captures the vibrant essence of Florida while weaving an intriguing tale of ambition, friendship, and suspense. Kirchner's dynamic characters are both relatable and compelling, drawing readers deep into their world. The plot is fast-paced and filled with unexpected twists, making it impossible to put down. The author's sharp prose and rich storytelling create a captivating journey that leaves you eagerly anticipating the next installment.

[Jade Brunton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will start off by saying that Historical Fiction is hit or miss for me. I did enjoy the historical fiction in this book and thought that it was written very well for the WWII time period. Reading this made me realize how much things for women have changed from then until now. While I did enjoy this read, I felt there were too many characters and story lines to keep up. There were multiple points of view in one chapter and I often found myself getting confused. I really enjoyed the story line and read the rest of the series.