What do you think?
Rate this book
The Home Front Girls #2
Courage for the Home Front Girls
Manchester, 1940. The Blitz is threatening to destroy everything they love. These girls will never stop trying to help their country – and each other. But will it be enough when disaster looms? By day, Betty works cheerfully with her best friend Sally, now the manager of the salvage depot. By night, they both do their bit for the war effort as Auxiliary Fire Service girls. But Betty wishes she could do more. So when Samuel, a kind and gentle young bookseller, needs help sorting out novels to entertain the boys overseas, Betty volunteers. Anything for the troops! There might be a flashy, handsome stranger who keeps seeking her out at the depot, but she can’t help enjoying Samuel’s quiet humour as they work together during the blackouts. But when the worst night-time air raid they’ve ever seen strikes, Sally’s home is destroyed. Even worse, any of Sally’s treasured possessions that did survive the blast are stolen by looters. Desperate to help her friend, Betty could never have expected the guilt when she uncovers what really happened… Was it all her fault?Despite Samuel’s best efforts, Betty can’t forgive herself. Determined to set things right, Betty sets off to catch the thief, leaving Samuel in the dark. And then the sirens begin, warning of another bombing raid. Can Betty find the strength to finish what she started, despite the threat to everything she holds dear? Or will the smoke clear on heartbreak for the home front girls? An utterly gripping and heart-wrenching saga that will transport readers back in time. With a guaranteed happy ending, this is perfect for fans of Fenella J Miller, Rosie Clarke and Nadine Dorries.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2024
796 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Susanna Bavin
9 books58 followersI am a saga writer, living in beautiful North Wales. Moving here was the fulfilment of a lifelong dream, but my writing is inspired by my Mancunian roots.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 7, 2024
Sally, who was featured in the first book of this series, is newly married to Andrew. She has just been made manager of the salvage depot where she works. This new promotion makes Sally proud, but she must contend with the overbearing Mrs. Lockwood, who thinks she should have been given the job.
Sally also works alongside with Betty, and the two of them are also voluntary fire-watchers. Indeed, World War II is raging. Air-raid sirens increase the already palpable tension. Then there is Lorna, a socialite who now works at the salvage yard, and due to drama and difficulties where she lived in London, she has had no choice to be working there, and works on an uneasy friendship with Sally and Betty.
Betty splits her time at the salvage depot to help a rather shy young man named Samual Atkinson, and they organize books donated for those needing a distraction from the war. In fact, Samuel said to Betty: “Films are an important part of c-culture. People need stories.” The same was true of books, especially for soldiers overseas. Samuel’s job running a bookshop was very important work at that time. As much as Betty enjoys her time at the bookshop, her head is turned by a young man with a “Clark Gable mustache”.
As in the first book of the series, The Home Front Girls, the tragedy and fear the war created unsurprising tension, but there is also drama that Sally, Betty and Lorna face as they each go about their daily routine.
While this second book would do well as a standalone novel, the connection that the girls share builds a fine foundation by reading the first book as well. In this second book, I love how Sally and Betty’s friendship has grown, and with Lorna now there with them, that too was something worth watching grow. I also continually enjoy some important parts of history that authors like Susanna Bavin brings to our attention, especially as more and more generations pass. I definitely can see a third book in this series, and I do look forward to reading it.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Sally also works alongside with Betty, and the two of them are also voluntary fire-watchers. Indeed, World War II is raging. Air-raid sirens increase the already palpable tension. Then there is Lorna, a socialite who now works at the salvage yard, and due to drama and difficulties where she lived in London, she has had no choice to be working there, and works on an uneasy friendship with Sally and Betty.
Betty splits her time at the salvage depot to help a rather shy young man named Samual Atkinson, and they organize books donated for those needing a distraction from the war. In fact, Samuel said to Betty: “Films are an important part of c-culture. People need stories.” The same was true of books, especially for soldiers overseas. Samuel’s job running a bookshop was very important work at that time. As much as Betty enjoys her time at the bookshop, her head is turned by a young man with a “Clark Gable mustache”.
As in the first book of the series, The Home Front Girls, the tragedy and fear the war created unsurprising tension, but there is also drama that Sally, Betty and Lorna face as they each go about their daily routine.
While this second book would do well as a standalone novel, the connection that the girls share builds a fine foundation by reading the first book as well. In this second book, I love how Sally and Betty’s friendship has grown, and with Lorna now there with them, that too was something worth watching grow. I also continually enjoy some important parts of history that authors like Susanna Bavin brings to our attention, especially as more and more generations pass. I definitely can see a third book in this series, and I do look forward to reading it.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
March 26, 2024
First of all this is book number 2 in the series and I have read the first one.
I Just love when you get so connected and invested in the book that you feel a part of the community. You sigh when the Main characters are naive, you laugh with them. And you cry with them. So this book makes you feel. What I thought was minus with this book, some parts were too predictable. But I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
I Just love when you get so connected and invested in the book that you feel a part of the community. You sigh when the Main characters are naive, you laugh with them. And you cry with them. So this book makes you feel. What I thought was minus with this book, some parts were too predictable. But I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
October 24, 2024
"These girls will never stop trying to help their country – and each other"
It is 1940 Sally and Betty have been set to work in Manchester at a salvage yard, where anything and everything which can be repurposed for the war effort, is collected, sorted and redistributed. Having first met under strained circumstances, the girls, previously only on nodding terms, are now the best of friends, despite Sally's recent marriage to Andrew and her promotion to depot. manager. Now, a new girl has also been assigned to help in the yard, but Lorna is a completely different kettle of fish; obviously from a monied and entitled background, she announces that she feels the war work allocated to her is far below her station and that Sally definitely does not meet her expectations of how a manager should look or behave.
Sally has a keen eye and realises that the more valuable donated items might be resold or auctioned to earn some equally coveted extra cash for the war coffers. This includes the many vintage books which cross the doors of the yard. She therefore engages the services of local bookseller, Samuel Atkinson, who swaps Sally's potential treasures for his own salvage books, which he collects in his shop. The mutual attraction between Betty and Samuel is obvious, although Samuel is very shy and Betty has had her head turned by the vivacious and handsome stranger, Eddie Markham, who visits her at the yard when he knows she is going to be alone.
A bombing raid which destroys the home Sally and Andrew share with his mother, although thankfully none of them are injured, sets about a chain of events which could threaten Betty's reputation and freedom, whilst costing Sally her job and good name, when the true reason for Eddie's sudden interest in courting Betty is revealed. The ensuing press interest and police involvement in the salvage yard, does however, bring out into the open, the reasons which exist for Lorna's antipathy towards her workmates. She is both amazed and overwhelmed by Betty and Sally's reaction to her admission, so instead of working against the girls to clear their good names, she is only too keen to play her part in unmasking the duplicitous Eddie, lay a stake in the ground for any doubters of Sally's ability to run the yard and be able to call both girls her true friends. Samuel, deciding that he needs to choose to be a lion or a lamb, steps up to protect the girls when help is most needed and it looks as though a second chance for him to woo the naïve, but now much wiser Betty, is on the cards.
...
This is the second episode in what is already for me, a winning 5* series all the way! At its heart is the author's continuing attention to the way in which life here at home was altered and changed forever, whilst the brave men of the country were away fighting on the front lines of WWII. So far, this series has kept quite a small cast of characters at its core, which has made it an almost cosy and intimate reading experience for me. So whilst we are now introduced to a new member of the team, it is done in such a lovely, almost seamless way, with her story dove-tailing beautifully into the main storyline, until they merge. The book works fine as a stand alone story for those confirmed non-series readers, however I do think that reading the episodes in chronological order really does get you right under the skin of what brings the salvage team together and sets the scene for their important work.
Wartime salvage work was modern day recycling in all but name and was considered by many men who were left behind to defend the home front and work in protected jobs of national importance, to be a woman's work. Hence the author writes of female friendships forged by the necessities of war and having to pull together to defeat a common enemy who threatens everyone's future, no matter their class or standing in society. Even this early on, just one year into the war, in what no one could have anticipated being such a lengthy conflict, lives are being redefined on a level playing field and when the battle is finally over, no one will emerge as quite the same person as they were before, especially the women who have discovered an independent voice and have realised their inner strengths to succeed in what had hitherto had been predominantly a man's world of work outside the home.
Author Susanna Bavin writes of the importance of friendships and being able to rely on others around you to lend a helping hand when times get tough and challenging; never judging someone until you have walked in their shoes; and being able to rise above those genuine mistakes and errors of judgement which, let's face it, we all make, to value the true worth of genuine relationships. The characters, no matter how small their role in events, were wonderfully defined and developed and I was able to relate to and invest in them all, no matter that some of them were more important to me than others. I had no previous idea of the important war work a bookseller such as Samuel would have had, in helping to keep up the morale of the troops, so I found his inclusion in the storyline invaluable and satisfying.
The storyline is set firmly in 1940's Manchester, with a single, relatively brief flashback, as the new character of Lorna is introduced. Narration is in the third person and told from multiple viewpoints, with clearly marked bite-sized chapters, for those of us who are unable to finish the book in a single sitting, although I was still kept turning the pages, long after I should have been off working on other projects. The writing skilfully incorporates so much detail about the time and place in which the story is set that I didn't really realise just how much information I was soaking up as I read. Whilst the theatre of action is quite clearly limited to the relatively small geographic footprint of Manchester, England, the author's knowledge and passion for an area she knows so well, shines through, so as an 'armchair' traveller, I never really felt cheated. In fact, having worked for many years in the retail charity sector, I could imagine myself there beside Betty, Lorna and Sally, as they sorted their precious loads of salvage and did their part for King and country. I can't wait to read the next instalment.
It is 1940 Sally and Betty have been set to work in Manchester at a salvage yard, where anything and everything which can be repurposed for the war effort, is collected, sorted and redistributed. Having first met under strained circumstances, the girls, previously only on nodding terms, are now the best of friends, despite Sally's recent marriage to Andrew and her promotion to depot. manager. Now, a new girl has also been assigned to help in the yard, but Lorna is a completely different kettle of fish; obviously from a monied and entitled background, she announces that she feels the war work allocated to her is far below her station and that Sally definitely does not meet her expectations of how a manager should look or behave.
Sally has a keen eye and realises that the more valuable donated items might be resold or auctioned to earn some equally coveted extra cash for the war coffers. This includes the many vintage books which cross the doors of the yard. She therefore engages the services of local bookseller, Samuel Atkinson, who swaps Sally's potential treasures for his own salvage books, which he collects in his shop. The mutual attraction between Betty and Samuel is obvious, although Samuel is very shy and Betty has had her head turned by the vivacious and handsome stranger, Eddie Markham, who visits her at the yard when he knows she is going to be alone.
A bombing raid which destroys the home Sally and Andrew share with his mother, although thankfully none of them are injured, sets about a chain of events which could threaten Betty's reputation and freedom, whilst costing Sally her job and good name, when the true reason for Eddie's sudden interest in courting Betty is revealed. The ensuing press interest and police involvement in the salvage yard, does however, bring out into the open, the reasons which exist for Lorna's antipathy towards her workmates. She is both amazed and overwhelmed by Betty and Sally's reaction to her admission, so instead of working against the girls to clear their good names, she is only too keen to play her part in unmasking the duplicitous Eddie, lay a stake in the ground for any doubters of Sally's ability to run the yard and be able to call both girls her true friends. Samuel, deciding that he needs to choose to be a lion or a lamb, steps up to protect the girls when help is most needed and it looks as though a second chance for him to woo the naïve, but now much wiser Betty, is on the cards.
...
This is the second episode in what is already for me, a winning 5* series all the way! At its heart is the author's continuing attention to the way in which life here at home was altered and changed forever, whilst the brave men of the country were away fighting on the front lines of WWII. So far, this series has kept quite a small cast of characters at its core, which has made it an almost cosy and intimate reading experience for me. So whilst we are now introduced to a new member of the team, it is done in such a lovely, almost seamless way, with her story dove-tailing beautifully into the main storyline, until they merge. The book works fine as a stand alone story for those confirmed non-series readers, however I do think that reading the episodes in chronological order really does get you right under the skin of what brings the salvage team together and sets the scene for their important work.
Wartime salvage work was modern day recycling in all but name and was considered by many men who were left behind to defend the home front and work in protected jobs of national importance, to be a woman's work. Hence the author writes of female friendships forged by the necessities of war and having to pull together to defeat a common enemy who threatens everyone's future, no matter their class or standing in society. Even this early on, just one year into the war, in what no one could have anticipated being such a lengthy conflict, lives are being redefined on a level playing field and when the battle is finally over, no one will emerge as quite the same person as they were before, especially the women who have discovered an independent voice and have realised their inner strengths to succeed in what had hitherto had been predominantly a man's world of work outside the home.
Author Susanna Bavin writes of the importance of friendships and being able to rely on others around you to lend a helping hand when times get tough and challenging; never judging someone until you have walked in their shoes; and being able to rise above those genuine mistakes and errors of judgement which, let's face it, we all make, to value the true worth of genuine relationships. The characters, no matter how small their role in events, were wonderfully defined and developed and I was able to relate to and invest in them all, no matter that some of them were more important to me than others. I had no previous idea of the important war work a bookseller such as Samuel would have had, in helping to keep up the morale of the troops, so I found his inclusion in the storyline invaluable and satisfying.
The storyline is set firmly in 1940's Manchester, with a single, relatively brief flashback, as the new character of Lorna is introduced. Narration is in the third person and told from multiple viewpoints, with clearly marked bite-sized chapters, for those of us who are unable to finish the book in a single sitting, although I was still kept turning the pages, long after I should have been off working on other projects. The writing skilfully incorporates so much detail about the time and place in which the story is set that I didn't really realise just how much information I was soaking up as I read. Whilst the theatre of action is quite clearly limited to the relatively small geographic footprint of Manchester, England, the author's knowledge and passion for an area she knows so well, shines through, so as an 'armchair' traveller, I never really felt cheated. In fact, having worked for many years in the retail charity sector, I could imagine myself there beside Betty, Lorna and Sally, as they sorted their precious loads of salvage and did their part for King and country. I can't wait to read the next instalment.
May 11, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this slow burner of a book
this is the 2nd book in the series and it doesnt distract at all from the storyline...
sally has just been made manager at the salvage depot and she loves it, its her bit for the war effort and knows everything she can about what the salvage can bring to the war....
betty is also working at the depot and is hoping to put her past behind her
lorna is a new girl to be added and though sally hadnt been involved in her getting a position at the depot she has no grounds to get rid of her and hopes she can pull her wait.... though at the moment lorna doesnt want to be there at all...its all so far beneath her
as the war carries on betty is at the depot one day when the air raid siren goes off and she goes down to the air raid shelter she isnt on her own as her friend eddie is also there, he came in to say hello
theres trouble ahead for the girls if only they could see it coming....
this is a sunday read slow and steady but its the camaraderie of the girls that keeps the storyline interesting
this is the 2nd book in the series and it doesnt distract at all from the storyline...
sally has just been made manager at the salvage depot and she loves it, its her bit for the war effort and knows everything she can about what the salvage can bring to the war....
betty is also working at the depot and is hoping to put her past behind her
lorna is a new girl to be added and though sally hadnt been involved in her getting a position at the depot she has no grounds to get rid of her and hopes she can pull her wait.... though at the moment lorna doesnt want to be there at all...its all so far beneath her
as the war carries on betty is at the depot one day when the air raid siren goes off and she goes down to the air raid shelter she isnt on her own as her friend eddie is also there, he came in to say hello
theres trouble ahead for the girls if only they could see it coming....
this is a sunday read slow and steady but its the camaraderie of the girls that keeps the storyline interesting
May 19, 2024
This is Book 2 in the Home Front Girls series. It can however be read as a standalone but do try and read book 1 as it’s also a wonderful read. We are back with Sally and her friend Betty who both work at the salvage yard and Sally is now the Manager of the depot. It’s 1940 and the Blitz is causing upheaval and havoc everywhere. The two women are doing their utmost to help their country during this dreadful war. We are introduced to some new characters in this book. I won’t be giving too much away about them but let’s just say some of them are hiding a secret or two. This is another excellent read in this series and I really developed a strong liking for the majority of the characters and the storyline kept my interest right up until the final chapter. I love the strong bond that has developed between Sally and Betty and how close they now are . The author has such a wonderful way with words and describes so well how the people were affected by the war and how they would do anything to help each other. I really look forward to reading the third book as I so want to find out how they are all getting on . ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 16, 2024
Saga fans will thoroughly enjoy curling up with the latest engrossing wartime tale by Susanna Bavin: Courage for the Home Front Girls.
Doing their bit for king and country is of paramount importance to best friends Betty and Sally. By day, the two of them work in the salvage depot and by night they help the Auxiliary Fire Services. Their days are certainly packed, however, Betty still thinks that she could do more. When she hears that bookseller Samuel needs help sorting out books to send to the boys on the front line, Betty volunteers. Samuel’s kindness and humour quickly wins Betty over and she soon begins to look forward to spending time with him and being in his company.
However, tragedy strikes when Sally’s home is attacked during an air raid and her few meagre possessions are mercilessly and shamelessly taken by looters. Determined to move mountains to help out her friend, Betty is adamant that she will find the thief who took the last few things Sally possessed. However, as she begins to do some digging, she is flabbergasted by what she discovers – and by the stunning realization that it might all have been her fault!
Despite Samuel’s warnings, Betty plunges ahead and unwittingly puts herself in danger. With another bombing raid about to hit Manchester, there is danger round every corner for Betty. Can she help reunite Sally with her possessions? Will this valiant home front girl be successful in her quest for justice? Or is she about to lose it all?
Susanna Bavin knows how to write a rattling good saga rich in atmosphere, humour, drama, grit and emotion and Courage for the Home Front Girls is an excellent example of her storytelling prowess. A well-written and compelling tale about the ties that bind, the power of friendship and the importance of loyalty, Courage for the Home Front Girls is a spellbinding read by Susanna Bavin fans of Nancy Revell and Rosie Clarke do not want to miss.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Doing their bit for king and country is of paramount importance to best friends Betty and Sally. By day, the two of them work in the salvage depot and by night they help the Auxiliary Fire Services. Their days are certainly packed, however, Betty still thinks that she could do more. When she hears that bookseller Samuel needs help sorting out books to send to the boys on the front line, Betty volunteers. Samuel’s kindness and humour quickly wins Betty over and she soon begins to look forward to spending time with him and being in his company.
However, tragedy strikes when Sally’s home is attacked during an air raid and her few meagre possessions are mercilessly and shamelessly taken by looters. Determined to move mountains to help out her friend, Betty is adamant that she will find the thief who took the last few things Sally possessed. However, as she begins to do some digging, she is flabbergasted by what she discovers – and by the stunning realization that it might all have been her fault!
Despite Samuel’s warnings, Betty plunges ahead and unwittingly puts herself in danger. With another bombing raid about to hit Manchester, there is danger round every corner for Betty. Can she help reunite Sally with her possessions? Will this valiant home front girl be successful in her quest for justice? Or is she about to lose it all?
Susanna Bavin knows how to write a rattling good saga rich in atmosphere, humour, drama, grit and emotion and Courage for the Home Front Girls is an excellent example of her storytelling prowess. A well-written and compelling tale about the ties that bind, the power of friendship and the importance of loyalty, Courage for the Home Front Girls is a spellbinding read by Susanna Bavin fans of Nancy Revell and Rosie Clarke do not want to miss.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 12, 2024
Courage for the Homefront Girls is the second in a planned trilogy The Homefront Girls by Susanna Bavin. Both books can easily be read as standalone stories as there is plenty of background information provided as to what previously happened and it’s not a case of having to dig deep and read between the lines which I dislike having to do in books when I am dipping into a series rather than starting at the beginning. As it is only a few short weeks between publication dates for both books the characters and storyline were very much fresh in my mind when I started this second story and I have to say from the outset I really enjoyed this book and even more so than the first. I think this is partly because I was familiar with the characters and there were no what I felt were introductory chapters as there needed to be in the previous book. Things pick up more or less from where the previous book left off and then moved along at a good pace throughout. I felt this book really moved the series along as a whole and with the introduction of a new character it also made things feel fresh.
October 1940 and the war is in full swing with bombs falling nightly on Manchester where Sally and Betty live. They are two brave and strong women who at first you would never have put them together as friends but through circumstance they have come together and now have a solid friendship which is only strengthened throughout the course of the book. A change in both their work circumstances has lead to them both working at the salvage depot. To be honest I’ve never given the merest of thoughts to the topic of salvage but Susanna Bavin makes it interesting and informative and has clearly done a lot of research around her subject matter. All the little details surrounding the salvage work the girls do, what the salvage is used for, how it benefits the war effort and how it establishes a sense of self-worth and community spirit all add to the entire story. But apart from that it’s the personal lives amidst the backdrop of the war that make this an exciting, heart-warming and engaging read.
Sally is now happily married to Andrew and they live with his mother. She has stepped up to become manager of the depot although Mrs Lockwood from the WVS seems to think that she is the bee’s knees and is in charge of everything. Boy did she deserve to be put in her place and this has needed to occur since book one. She is an awful person who thinks she is above everyone else and can just boss them around without actually doing any work herself, be it voluntary or paid. I don’t know how Sally kept her anger under control because the way she was spoken to was abhorrent and it was so demeaning. She held her dignity and self-worth very well because she knew she needed the job and also the fact that she enjoyed working with Betty. I did find Sally ever so slightly took a back seat at some points in this book and Betty and the new character of Lorna came to the fore but when Sally was needed the most she really put her neck on the line and I admired how she dealt with one of the major plots of the book and it showed how friends are always there for each other through the good times and bad.
For me Betty as a character is still someone who is very vulnerable and gullible and she shows these characteristics very strongly here. She has gained some independence since a situation in the previous book but still has very much a rocky relationship with her stepmother Grace. She longs to keep the connection with her Dad but new events with her mean he very well may be disappointed with her. Grace takes every opportunity to get a dig in at Betty and keep her away from her father. It’s like she resents Betty in the first place. I just wish that Betty was strong enough to stand up to her but she doesn’t ever say what she is truly feeling for fear it would upset her father and create a big chasm between them.
Betty meets Samuel when he needs help in his bookshop sorting through books that have been donated for the troops and to be used to replenish stocks of libraries that have been bombed out. Samuel is an absolute sweetheart. So kind, gentle and unassuming and you could tell that he is very self-conscious of his stammer. It was plain to see that he was developing feelings for Betty but she has her head in the clouds and is obsessed with another man who comes to the depot-Eddie. Right from the start Eddie caught Betty’s attention and she was right under his spell. He seemed to be a charmer and too good to be true. There was just something about him that seemed very off to me and my suspicions grew the further I read and suffice to say Betty’s story took a very interesting turn in the last quarter or so of the book and I wondered would she find anyway to redeem herself.
Lorna was the new character who was introduced and it was a breath of fresh air to have someone new as I was expecting the story to continue to follow just Sally and Betty. Lorna comes from a totally different background to that of Sally and Betty but is brought royally back down to earth when a court case with her fiancée who had jilted her goes terribly wrong. Her parents are furious and it’s obvious that don’t particularly care for her feelings rather instead they favour the money they would have benefitted from had she married George who held a title. Lorna does have feelings and I genuinely think that she did love George but thanks to her parents she was caught up in a mess that was only going to turn out one way. As a means of escaping the publicity surrounding the court case Lorna is sent away by her father and he finds her a job at the savage yard where he hopes no one find her nor will anyone discover her story. To say Lorna experiences a fall from grace would be an under statement and when she first arrives at the depot she seems to be very stuck up and acts like the work is so far beneath her. No wonder Sally and Betty couldn’t warm to her and Sally had to exert her authority even though it wouldn’t have been her favourite thing to do.
Deep down Lorna is lonely and over time she comes to regret what she went through with George and wishes that things could have turned out differently. Still, as much of an addition as she was I didn’t 100% warm to her and I still feel more connected to Betty and Sally. Maybe that will change with the next book. She was very emotionally separate from both of the girls when she was working but when a big twist occurs in the story which I do admit I guessed at, she really did start to change and become more down to earth. I loved the twist and how all the girls had to come together as one in a time of great trouble. It showed how friendships really matter and that we all have to take care of one another especially with all the hardships and horrors that the war brings. I really enjoyed my return visit to the Homefront Girls. The character development has been very good and the storyline kept me engaged. I’m looking forward to seeing how everything pans out in the concluding instalment which I hope we won’t be kept waiting too long for.
October 1940 and the war is in full swing with bombs falling nightly on Manchester where Sally and Betty live. They are two brave and strong women who at first you would never have put them together as friends but through circumstance they have come together and now have a solid friendship which is only strengthened throughout the course of the book. A change in both their work circumstances has lead to them both working at the salvage depot. To be honest I’ve never given the merest of thoughts to the topic of salvage but Susanna Bavin makes it interesting and informative and has clearly done a lot of research around her subject matter. All the little details surrounding the salvage work the girls do, what the salvage is used for, how it benefits the war effort and how it establishes a sense of self-worth and community spirit all add to the entire story. But apart from that it’s the personal lives amidst the backdrop of the war that make this an exciting, heart-warming and engaging read.
Sally is now happily married to Andrew and they live with his mother. She has stepped up to become manager of the depot although Mrs Lockwood from the WVS seems to think that she is the bee’s knees and is in charge of everything. Boy did she deserve to be put in her place and this has needed to occur since book one. She is an awful person who thinks she is above everyone else and can just boss them around without actually doing any work herself, be it voluntary or paid. I don’t know how Sally kept her anger under control because the way she was spoken to was abhorrent and it was so demeaning. She held her dignity and self-worth very well because she knew she needed the job and also the fact that she enjoyed working with Betty. I did find Sally ever so slightly took a back seat at some points in this book and Betty and the new character of Lorna came to the fore but when Sally was needed the most she really put her neck on the line and I admired how she dealt with one of the major plots of the book and it showed how friends are always there for each other through the good times and bad.
For me Betty as a character is still someone who is very vulnerable and gullible and she shows these characteristics very strongly here. She has gained some independence since a situation in the previous book but still has very much a rocky relationship with her stepmother Grace. She longs to keep the connection with her Dad but new events with her mean he very well may be disappointed with her. Grace takes every opportunity to get a dig in at Betty and keep her away from her father. It’s like she resents Betty in the first place. I just wish that Betty was strong enough to stand up to her but she doesn’t ever say what she is truly feeling for fear it would upset her father and create a big chasm between them.
Betty meets Samuel when he needs help in his bookshop sorting through books that have been donated for the troops and to be used to replenish stocks of libraries that have been bombed out. Samuel is an absolute sweetheart. So kind, gentle and unassuming and you could tell that he is very self-conscious of his stammer. It was plain to see that he was developing feelings for Betty but she has her head in the clouds and is obsessed with another man who comes to the depot-Eddie. Right from the start Eddie caught Betty’s attention and she was right under his spell. He seemed to be a charmer and too good to be true. There was just something about him that seemed very off to me and my suspicions grew the further I read and suffice to say Betty’s story took a very interesting turn in the last quarter or so of the book and I wondered would she find anyway to redeem herself.
Lorna was the new character who was introduced and it was a breath of fresh air to have someone new as I was expecting the story to continue to follow just Sally and Betty. Lorna comes from a totally different background to that of Sally and Betty but is brought royally back down to earth when a court case with her fiancée who had jilted her goes terribly wrong. Her parents are furious and it’s obvious that don’t particularly care for her feelings rather instead they favour the money they would have benefitted from had she married George who held a title. Lorna does have feelings and I genuinely think that she did love George but thanks to her parents she was caught up in a mess that was only going to turn out one way. As a means of escaping the publicity surrounding the court case Lorna is sent away by her father and he finds her a job at the savage yard where he hopes no one find her nor will anyone discover her story. To say Lorna experiences a fall from grace would be an under statement and when she first arrives at the depot she seems to be very stuck up and acts like the work is so far beneath her. No wonder Sally and Betty couldn’t warm to her and Sally had to exert her authority even though it wouldn’t have been her favourite thing to do.
Deep down Lorna is lonely and over time she comes to regret what she went through with George and wishes that things could have turned out differently. Still, as much of an addition as she was I didn’t 100% warm to her and I still feel more connected to Betty and Sally. Maybe that will change with the next book. She was very emotionally separate from both of the girls when she was working but when a big twist occurs in the story which I do admit I guessed at, she really did start to change and become more down to earth. I loved the twist and how all the girls had to come together as one in a time of great trouble. It showed how friendships really matter and that we all have to take care of one another especially with all the hardships and horrors that the war brings. I really enjoyed my return visit to the Homefront Girls. The character development has been very good and the storyline kept me engaged. I’m looking forward to seeing how everything pans out in the concluding instalment which I hope we won’t be kept waiting too long for.
October 14, 2024
Courage for the Home Front Girls picks up right where The Home Front Girls left off, with Sally the new manager of the salvage depot and Betty happily working alongside her. As the war continues, with bombs dropping around them, Sally is grateful for her new husband and her new mother-in-law. But Mrs. Lockwood is still a thorn in her side, and goes out of her way to try to wrest control of the depot from Sally. I enjoyed watching Sally (who is a sweetheart by nature) dig deep down and find the gumption needed to stand up for herself.
For Betty, while she harbors no ill-will for Sally, she wants what Sally has; the love of a good man. Early on, we are introduced to two prospects for Betty. While each is charming, one is handsome as sin and the other average. Both make navigating romance difficult for Sally. She has little self-esteem, and is easily taken in by flattery, which leads to trouble that may cost her her job and her father.
We are also introduced to a new character, society girl, Lorna. The newspapers paint her as spoiled and self-centered, even heartless. With her friends believing the lies about her failed engagement (all instigated by her father) one cannot help but take Lorna to heart. She truly loved her fiancée, but has now been sent into hiding at the salvage yard until the gossip surrounding the family name dies down. Having no work skills or ethics. Lorna is quick to thumb her nose at working in such a filthy place, and she isn't sure what to make of Sally and Betty. But as time goes along, Lorna takes a few risks in the hopes of finding what she desperately wants; friendship.
I more than enjoyed this story. It was easy to get caught up in the lives of Sally, Betty and Lorna, to cheer them on and also want to reach through the pages and offer a hug or helping hand when needed. Three different women who captivate the heartstrings and don't let go. I look forward to not only reading the Christmas story, but to continuing on with their day-today lives and problems.
For Betty, while she harbors no ill-will for Sally, she wants what Sally has; the love of a good man. Early on, we are introduced to two prospects for Betty. While each is charming, one is handsome as sin and the other average. Both make navigating romance difficult for Sally. She has little self-esteem, and is easily taken in by flattery, which leads to trouble that may cost her her job and her father.
We are also introduced to a new character, society girl, Lorna. The newspapers paint her as spoiled and self-centered, even heartless. With her friends believing the lies about her failed engagement (all instigated by her father) one cannot help but take Lorna to heart. She truly loved her fiancée, but has now been sent into hiding at the salvage yard until the gossip surrounding the family name dies down. Having no work skills or ethics. Lorna is quick to thumb her nose at working in such a filthy place, and she isn't sure what to make of Sally and Betty. But as time goes along, Lorna takes a few risks in the hopes of finding what she desperately wants; friendship.
I more than enjoyed this story. It was easy to get caught up in the lives of Sally, Betty and Lorna, to cheer them on and also want to reach through the pages and offer a hug or helping hand when needed. Three different women who captivate the heartstrings and don't let go. I look forward to not only reading the Christmas story, but to continuing on with their day-today lives and problems.
May 12, 2024
Courage for the Home Front Girls by Susanna Bavin is my first time reading from this author, the second book in "The Home Front Girls" series and oh my life I was utterly invested in Betty and Sally from the get-go!
Betty and Sally are best friends, working in the same salvage depot and volunteering for the Auxiliary fire service, doing their part on the home front in WWII. Betty volunteers to help with sorting out books to send to the soldiers overseas and meets Samuel, a quiet, but candid man who she almost immediately falls for, but who is the man that keeps asking after her at work?
Sally loses everything in a terrible air raid, the worst the girls have ever experienced. Not only was sallys home decimated, but all of her property stolen, leaving her destitute. Betty finds out thee truth behind the looting and feels that she is somehow responsible and as such, embarks on a mission to catch the thief, racing out into the night... and immediate peril from another raid!
Oh my goodness, my heart was ricocheting around my chest throughout this book. The characters are likable, relatable and endearing, the research is outstanding and the storyline compelling. Susanna Bavin writes from the heart and soul and with her wonderful descriptions, deep empathy for her characters and dynamic storylines is an author I will be following from here on out
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author Susanna Bavin for this wonderful ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
Betty and Sally are best friends, working in the same salvage depot and volunteering for the Auxiliary fire service, doing their part on the home front in WWII. Betty volunteers to help with sorting out books to send to the soldiers overseas and meets Samuel, a quiet, but candid man who she almost immediately falls for, but who is the man that keeps asking after her at work?
Sally loses everything in a terrible air raid, the worst the girls have ever experienced. Not only was sallys home decimated, but all of her property stolen, leaving her destitute. Betty finds out thee truth behind the looting and feels that she is somehow responsible and as such, embarks on a mission to catch the thief, racing out into the night... and immediate peril from another raid!
Oh my goodness, my heart was ricocheting around my chest throughout this book. The characters are likable, relatable and endearing, the research is outstanding and the storyline compelling. Susanna Bavin writes from the heart and soul and with her wonderful descriptions, deep empathy for her characters and dynamic storylines is an author I will be following from here on out
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author Susanna Bavin for this wonderful ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
March 30, 2024
I loved this! The first one in the series immediately got me hooked and it was the perfect new wartime series that I was looking for. The first one isn’t completely necessary for the enjoyment of the second as the author fills you in and it can be a great place to jump in but I’d thoroughly recommend reading number one because it was so good.
It was such an enjoyable read and I honestly couldn’t wait to get stuck into the second. I adore all the characters, from new salvage manager Sally and all round good (but gullible egg) Betty and in this one, we have a whole new member to the duo, now trio, Jilted Lorna.
Lorna’s character was a great addition and she was one of those that you slowly get to know, not sure if you like at first and then very rapidly love and start to root for. She’s from higher society and of course, wartime work is beneath her but she is enveloped into the salvage fold and starts to see life from a different perspective. She actually ended up being one of my favourites!
This one was another great story and one that had me quickly flying through the pages. I was sad to finish it but so happy to have read it. They are so addicting! Next one needed stat.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
It was such an enjoyable read and I honestly couldn’t wait to get stuck into the second. I adore all the characters, from new salvage manager Sally and all round good (but gullible egg) Betty and in this one, we have a whole new member to the duo, now trio, Jilted Lorna.
Lorna’s character was a great addition and she was one of those that you slowly get to know, not sure if you like at first and then very rapidly love and start to root for. She’s from higher society and of course, wartime work is beneath her but she is enveloped into the salvage fold and starts to see life from a different perspective. She actually ended up being one of my favourites!
This one was another great story and one that had me quickly flying through the pages. I was sad to finish it but so happy to have read it. They are so addicting! Next one needed stat.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
April 3, 2024
This is book two in the series about the Home Front Girls, although I think it could be read as a stand-alone story.
We meet Betty and Sally again, working at the Salvage Yard, where Sally is now in charge. Their friendship and working relationship is strong but when a new girl Lorna joins their Salvage Yard, things are certainly strained as Betty and Sally can see straight away that Lorna is not used to working in this type of environment, in fact she is not used to working at all! There is a big secret surrounding Lorna ( but no spoilers here) who hilariously finds everything below her. Soon, Betty finds herself being taken advantage of. Will her friends be able to use their friendships to help her? When the bombing raids are really bad, will the three girls get through them without losses?
I truly loved the camaraderie between the three girls in this story. The Salvage Yard was such an important feature of life during the wartime years, but it's never really spoken about. It's like a modern-day recycling centre, where everything was repurposed and reused. I have read the first book in this series, too, which was also very good, and I am now hoping for another book in this series featuring these three girls.
A well deserved five star read.
#CouragefortheHomeFrontgirls #Netgalley
We meet Betty and Sally again, working at the Salvage Yard, where Sally is now in charge. Their friendship and working relationship is strong but when a new girl Lorna joins their Salvage Yard, things are certainly strained as Betty and Sally can see straight away that Lorna is not used to working in this type of environment, in fact she is not used to working at all! There is a big secret surrounding Lorna ( but no spoilers here) who hilariously finds everything below her. Soon, Betty finds herself being taken advantage of. Will her friends be able to use their friendships to help her? When the bombing raids are really bad, will the three girls get through them without losses?
I truly loved the camaraderie between the three girls in this story. The Salvage Yard was such an important feature of life during the wartime years, but it's never really spoken about. It's like a modern-day recycling centre, where everything was repurposed and reused. I have read the first book in this series, too, which was also very good, and I am now hoping for another book in this series featuring these three girls.
A well deserved five star read.
#CouragefortheHomeFrontgirls #Netgalley
May 26, 2024
Book 2 in the Home Front Girls series, and it just keeps getting better!!
We are reunited with Betty and Sally who are facing new challenges in their lives, set against the backdrop of the War in 1940. Sally has a new role as the salvage depot manager, so that brings new responsibilities her way, and Betty finds herself smitten by Samuel the bookseller, and starts volunteering to help him sort books to send overseas.
And we are also introduced to Lorna, who is facing pressure from her family to marry for money, but she's not on board, and soon finds herself as the victim of a 'hate' campaign in the press where she's being blamed for the faults of others.
These women never fail to impress me with their 'can do' attitude, and no matter what was going on in their own lives they were willing to do their bit and step out of their comfort zones to help others. And when they meet Lorna, you really see the damage that hearing only one side of a story can do to your impression of that person. Especially when you find the reality of that person to be really lovely and hardworking - not what the press would have you believe about her!
It's another emotional read with devastation never far away, and the strength of the characters and their personalities really shines through and makes for a wonderful read. Can't wait for the next catch up with the girls!!
We are reunited with Betty and Sally who are facing new challenges in their lives, set against the backdrop of the War in 1940. Sally has a new role as the salvage depot manager, so that brings new responsibilities her way, and Betty finds herself smitten by Samuel the bookseller, and starts volunteering to help him sort books to send overseas.
And we are also introduced to Lorna, who is facing pressure from her family to marry for money, but she's not on board, and soon finds herself as the victim of a 'hate' campaign in the press where she's being blamed for the faults of others.
These women never fail to impress me with their 'can do' attitude, and no matter what was going on in their own lives they were willing to do their bit and step out of their comfort zones to help others. And when they meet Lorna, you really see the damage that hearing only one side of a story can do to your impression of that person. Especially when you find the reality of that person to be really lovely and hardworking - not what the press would have you believe about her!
It's another emotional read with devastation never far away, and the strength of the characters and their personalities really shines through and makes for a wonderful read. Can't wait for the next catch up with the girls!!
April 28, 2024
We are back in Manchester, in 1940, and Sally and Betty are both still working in the salvage depot. They work hard and do a great job for the war effort.
Sally is now the manager of the depot, and when they are told they have a new member of staff, they look forward to some more help.
Lorna has had a hard time, and thanks to the papers, she needs to move away until the dust settles.
Lorna’s father sends her to Manchester to work in the salvage yard. Lorna isn’t happy about having to work there, she enjoys spending her time getting her nails and hair done!
I enjoyed being back with Sally and Betty, they are both such great characters. I wasn’t sure about Lorna to start with, but she did grow on me.
There were plenty of new characters in the tale, and I did like Samuel, who was a bookseller. He’s also doing his bit for the war effort by making sure donated books get to the troops, children etc.
With Betty finally meeting someone, and Sally settling well into married life, the story had plenty to keep me hooked.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Sally is now the manager of the depot, and when they are told they have a new member of staff, they look forward to some more help.
Lorna has had a hard time, and thanks to the papers, she needs to move away until the dust settles.
Lorna’s father sends her to Manchester to work in the salvage yard. Lorna isn’t happy about having to work there, she enjoys spending her time getting her nails and hair done!
I enjoyed being back with Sally and Betty, they are both such great characters. I wasn’t sure about Lorna to start with, but she did grow on me.
There were plenty of new characters in the tale, and I did like Samuel, who was a bookseller. He’s also doing his bit for the war effort by making sure donated books get to the troops, children etc.
With Betty finally meeting someone, and Sally settling well into married life, the story had plenty to keep me hooked.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 17, 2024
Courage for the Home Front Girls is the second in Susanna Bavin's series and it's most definitely courage that the girls need in this outing, with Sally and Betty from the first book being joined by a new girl, Lorna. In Manchester in 1940, bombs are raining down and the girls are kept busy at the salvage yard and with their voluntary duties with the WVS or firewatching.
Sally's home suffers in the bombing raids, and Betty's lovely, but rather gullible, nature means she gets tricked again. Lorna's story of how she ends up working in salvage was really interesting to read and I'm looking forward to seeing how things pan out for her in the next book.
I particularly liked the new character of Samuel, a gentle bookseller who turns out to be capable of being steely and determined when he needs to be. All the characters are well-drawn and I found myself feeling really pleased to be back with them for the next chapter in their stories. The story has a good pace to it and despite the difficulties the characters have living through the devastation of war, it's easy to read and I looked forward to picking it up and reading a bit more.
Susanna Bavin is a favourite author of mine. With this series she's portrayed life on the home front so well, and as with all good sagas I felt like I wanted to step right in and be part of the characters' lives, although I'd prefer to steer clear of the bombastic Mrs Lockwood!
I'm eager now to read the next book, Christmas for the Home Front Girls, which will be just the ticket for the festive season.
Sally's home suffers in the bombing raids, and Betty's lovely, but rather gullible, nature means she gets tricked again. Lorna's story of how she ends up working in salvage was really interesting to read and I'm looking forward to seeing how things pan out for her in the next book.
I particularly liked the new character of Samuel, a gentle bookseller who turns out to be capable of being steely and determined when he needs to be. All the characters are well-drawn and I found myself feeling really pleased to be back with them for the next chapter in their stories. The story has a good pace to it and despite the difficulties the characters have living through the devastation of war, it's easy to read and I looked forward to picking it up and reading a bit more.
Susanna Bavin is a favourite author of mine. With this series she's portrayed life on the home front so well, and as with all good sagas I felt like I wanted to step right in and be part of the characters' lives, although I'd prefer to steer clear of the bombastic Mrs Lockwood!
I'm eager now to read the next book, Christmas for the Home Front Girls, which will be just the ticket for the festive season.
May 9, 2024
Thank you for the chance to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion
This is the second book in the series about women in different occupations helping the effort in WW2
Once again we meet Sally and Betty and a new worker - Lorna. Lorna is from a different walk of life and thinks herself far above sorting salvage.
But after a disastrous broken engagement and Court Case she realises that her colleagues are full of kindness and compassion and that every one needs to pull together for the War.
As with book one this is well written and well researched. With characters to love and hate and getting to know ones we met in book one better, this is a book full of life in WW2 and the work that the 'salvage girls' have to do. It is more centred around Betty and the mistakes she makes and the realisations she comes to.
A beautiful representation of North West life in WW2
This is the second book in the series about women in different occupations helping the effort in WW2
Once again we meet Sally and Betty and a new worker - Lorna. Lorna is from a different walk of life and thinks herself far above sorting salvage.
But after a disastrous broken engagement and Court Case she realises that her colleagues are full of kindness and compassion and that every one needs to pull together for the War.
As with book one this is well written and well researched. With characters to love and hate and getting to know ones we met in book one better, this is a book full of life in WW2 and the work that the 'salvage girls' have to do. It is more centred around Betty and the mistakes she makes and the realisations she comes to.
A beautiful representation of North West life in WW2
April 15, 2024
Courage for the Homefront Girls is more than just a historical novel; it's a story of inner strength, friendship, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Susanna Bavin has crafted a tale that not only honors the spirit of those who lived through the war but also resonates with anyone who understands the power of hope and human connection.
Bavin excels in capturing the WWII era's ambiance, from the sounds of air raid sirens to the solidarity found within the community during blackouts. The detailed setting and historical context are immersive, allowing readers to feel the impact of each bombing raid and the weight of every decision the characters make. A truly inspiring read that captures the essence of its time while providing lessons that are timeless.
Bavin excels in capturing the WWII era's ambiance, from the sounds of air raid sirens to the solidarity found within the community during blackouts. The detailed setting and historical context are immersive, allowing readers to feel the impact of each bombing raid and the weight of every decision the characters make. A truly inspiring read that captures the essence of its time while providing lessons that are timeless.
May 12, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this story. It’s the 2nd in a series and easy to read as a standalone. *I read both stories. This continues with the friendship of Betty and Sally who work at the salvage depot in Manchester during WWII. Everyone takes on additional responsibilities and Sally and Betty work at the Salvage Depot during the day and are fire spotters at night. It introduces some new characters rich socialite Lorna, charming Eddie, and sweet and steady Samuel.
My thoughts: I’m really enjoying this series. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to live during that time. Most everyone felt a sense of duty and patriotism to their country and they had to take on additional responsibilities at home. It would’ve been hard to live in an area where you were bombed most nights and either had to spend your night in nearby shelters. The characters are great, even the new ones. I enjoyed the camaraderie among the girls and there was even a bit of mystery for them to solve. The author did a wonderful job of telling an engaging story, all while showing the way of life during WWII England.
I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Thanks to @bookouture, @netgalley, and the author of this ARC.
My thoughts: I’m really enjoying this series. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to live during that time. Most everyone felt a sense of duty and patriotism to their country and they had to take on additional responsibilities at home. It would’ve been hard to live in an area where you were bombed most nights and either had to spend your night in nearby shelters. The characters are great, even the new ones. I enjoyed the camaraderie among the girls and there was even a bit of mystery for them to solve. The author did a wonderful job of telling an engaging story, all while showing the way of life during WWII England.
I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Thanks to @bookouture, @netgalley, and the author of this ARC.
June 13, 2024
Another fantastic book by this author continuing on from the last book and does not disappoint.
Sally & Betty are still working in the salvage depot with Sally now the manager. As they are a member down Mrs Lockwood who thinks she is in charge brings in Lorna who has troubles of her own. We see how things go with all the woman. Betty meets a man who seems to be perfect in her eyes. We also see Samuel entering their life’s who seems a nice man.
I enjoyed the camaraderie in the book and nothing got the woman down. It was interesting to find out what happens with them.
I could not put the book down. It was very interesting.
Would recommend the book and the previous one.
Sally & Betty are still working in the salvage depot with Sally now the manager. As they are a member down Mrs Lockwood who thinks she is in charge brings in Lorna who has troubles of her own. We see how things go with all the woman. Betty meets a man who seems to be perfect in her eyes. We also see Samuel entering their life’s who seems a nice man.
I enjoyed the camaraderie in the book and nothing got the woman down. It was interesting to find out what happens with them.
I could not put the book down. It was very interesting.
Would recommend the book and the previous one.
March 27, 2024
Another brilliant read. As I said with the first book it's great when you know so many of the places and helps you to picture the storyline happening.
The characters are all well described and you can't help but feel you know them as individuals. Some you like, others not so! I could see where the storyline with Eddie was heading and was glad Betty got justice!
The book is well written and an enjoyable bedtime read. Thank you to the publishers, NetGalley and Susanna for allowing me to read an Arc copy. I look forward to the next in the series!
The characters are all well described and you can't help but feel you know them as individuals. Some you like, others not so! I could see where the storyline with Eddie was heading and was glad Betty got justice!
The book is well written and an enjoyable bedtime read. Thank you to the publishers, NetGalley and Susanna for allowing me to read an Arc copy. I look forward to the next in the series!
May 10, 2024
It was great to be back with Sally and Betty. Now that Sally had been promoted it left a job in the salvage depot. Mrs Lockwood came barging in like she was the boss with Lorna the new recruit. Sally and Betty couldn’t help but notice that Lorna seemed to think herself better than them and definitely too good to do this grubby work. The book follows the ups and downs of all three of the girls as they all have their own struggles as they try to get through this difficult time during World War Two. I look forward to reading book three when it comes out
June 15, 2025
I couldn't put it down
I absolutely loved this book! It was totally entertaining, and informative too! I love to read about the war, fictional and non-fictional stories, they're so interesting. I've read 2 books so far in the series, and just purchased the 3rd, and I can't wait to get started reading it. I highly recommend this book, this series, to anyone who loves reading about the war, and how people survived, the friendships, the families, how they had to make-do with what they had, the whole experience of living through it all.
I absolutely loved this book! It was totally entertaining, and informative too! I love to read about the war, fictional and non-fictional stories, they're so interesting. I've read 2 books so far in the series, and just purchased the 3rd, and I can't wait to get started reading it. I highly recommend this book, this series, to anyone who loves reading about the war, and how people survived, the friendships, the families, how they had to make-do with what they had, the whole experience of living through it all.
May 28, 2024
Another wonderful read in this saga. It was lovely to revisit Sally and Betty. Lorna was an unexpected surprise. She went from being a spoilt socialite to somebody who showed genuine compassion and a true friend to the girls. I didn't know anything about salvage work before reading these books, and its quite fascinating. I'm hoping that we will eventually get Deborah's story. But until then, I can't wait for the next book.
February 3, 2025
lovely series can’t wait to read the next two books
lovely series can’t wait to read the next two books.
I love this era and the author has really researched the things that went on during the war and made it real believable in a way that it did happen and yet still made light of people’s real life stories if that makes sense. So it was not all doom and gloom in the darkest of days during the wars, there was a bit of light shining in too.
lovely series can’t wait to read the next two books.
I love this era and the author has really researched the things that went on during the war and made it real believable in a way that it did happen and yet still made light of people’s real life stories if that makes sense. So it was not all doom and gloom in the darkest of days during the wars, there was a bit of light shining in too.
April 1, 2024
So glad that I got to read this early through Netgalley as I really enjoyed the 1st. This still features Sally and Betty and introduces new character Lorna to the salvage yard. This book was excellent like the first, the story just flows and you want to know what is going to happen next so you have to keep reading. I'm really looking forward to reading book 3.
Read
October 15, 2024I enjoyed reading this book but it could have dealt better with the woman who is determined to take over and become top dog, but Sally should have done more to bring her down. Maybe Book3 will deal with it. I do hope so. I think we can all remember people like those mentioned in the book. Good read though.
May 30, 2024
Good book series
Never a dull moment with these girls in a very trying time for each of them. Could not put this fast paced book down. It is so vivid you feel like you are right there with them. Can't wait to read the next book.
Never a dull moment with these girls in a very trying time for each of them. Could not put this fast paced book down. It is so vivid you feel like you are right there with them. Can't wait to read the next book.
July 21, 2024
Another great read from Susanna Bavin on the story of The Homefront Girls which picks you up from the first book with Lorna as the new girl. This book is another one that you have to keep reading. I am now looking forward to reading the next one.
January 11, 2025
A brilliant story.
This is the second book in this series about the Home Front Girls and it is a delightful series. You feel like you know them all personally and their families and friends and the problems they faced.
This is the second book in this series about the Home Front Girls and it is a delightful series. You feel like you know them all personally and their families and friends and the problems they faced.
June 29, 2024
Heart warming war time read.
July 27, 2024
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews