The Home Front Nurses

Home Front Nurses #1

by Rachel Brimble

As war rages and brave soldiers returning home from the frontline need nurses more than ever, fiercely proud redhead Sylvia Roberts is determined to help in any way she can. In spite of her mother’s belief she isn’t good enough, Sylvia believes that becoming a home front nurse is her calling.

Together with the two friends she makes on her first day in the job – Freda and Veronica – she knows she can help save lives. And, as the devastation of war shows no signs of ceasing, their work becomes ever more vital.

Then Sylvia’s life is thrown into the path of a man who might just be able to capture her heart. Even though he is somebody who everyone – except her best friends – seems prejudiced against. Can love really conquer all, in times of war?

One thing she knows is that – in the dangerous days that will follow – she and her friends will all need to support each other right to the end…

T {::} he Home Front Nurses is a gripping, uplifting story of unbreakable bonds of friendship in times of strife and heartbreak.

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Genres: Historical Fiction, Womens Fiction, Romance

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2024

About the author

Rachel Brimble is the author of multiple Amazon bestselling books, including her latest series, The Home Front Nurses set in Bath during WWII. Book 4 of the series releases Feb 2026.

When she's not writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family. And in the evening, a period or crime drama on the TV while she completes her latest 1500 piece jigsaw puzzle!

Rachel is a member of the Female Entrepeneur Association and has an Etsy shop, The Writer Printable Co, providing resources she has created to help new authors achieve their writing dreams.

Reviews

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a light, quick read. The main characters are three young women who have qualified as nurses, right at the beginning of the war. They meet on their first day and get on extremely well. They stick together through thick and thin. Sylvia is the tough nut of the group and the mother hen. They all have their secrets, some of which come out in this story. It's the beginning of a series so there are more secrets to be exposed.
I felt like there was too much going on too soon but yet there was no real depth to the characters. I didn't get to know them and some things happened too easily. There were a couple of little things that niggled, one of which was the amount of sugar one girl had in her tea which had been rationed for two years at that stage.
It is laying the ground work for a series so will probably pick up as it goes along.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an early copy.

[linda hole · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book about the strong friendship between female characters. A book about resilience. A book about a strong community. Yes it had all that, but the story did not go into depth , so I felt i just needed more from the story. But still a good start to a series.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Home Front Nurses is book one in a new series by another new-to-me author, Rachel Brimble.

The war is raging in 1941 Bath, and the young women, Sylvia, Freda and Veronica, have just become registered nurses. Veronica has a secret that has dropped her apart inside for the past four years; Sylvia is trying to prove to people that she isn't like her mother! While Frida has a dream to fight for!

I was captivated from the beginning - I'm so pleased another favourite author, Lizzie Lane, encouraged Rachel to tell this story based in Bath. I don't know Bath, but I'd certainly like to visit now although I'm sure nothing is as it was in 1941! The characters are strong women of their era and I'm keen to read more about them.

I recommend you grab your copy today from:

https://mybook.to/homefrontsocial

[annasbook nookk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows Sylvia Roberts, a determined woman who, along with her friends Freda and Veronica, works as a home front nurse during WWII.

While dealing with the difficulties of war and their relationships, Sylvia finds herself drawn to a man who others would not approve of.

The first book in the series had me hooked from the start; I loved the girls' friendship, closeness, and loyalty to one another.

Rachel is a new author to me, and I am excited to read the rest of the series.

[Katherine Radley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, felt it was an easy read. It did lack depth in parts and to start I really struggled to work out which character was which but I did very much enjoy it!

[MRS J P WELSH]

Excellent read

A really enjoyable read. The storylines are compelling and the characters realistic. Women playing their different parts during war time . I look forward to the next book

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Home Front Nurses is the first book in a new series by Rachel Brimble. I must admit that I’ve not heard of this author before but as I’m a fan of historical sagas I just knew I really wanted to read it and I’m so glad I did. Sylvia, Veronica and Freda are three young women who meet on the first day as qualified nurses and as time goes by the three of them become firm friends. It’s a tough time for the nurses as war is tearing through Britain and many soldiers are being sent to the hospitals from the front with terrible injuries. The three women are also dealing with their own personal issues. But the friends are there for each other in their time of need. As soon as I had settled into story I knew I was going to really enjoy it. I did find the first few chapters a little bit slow but it soon picked up and I was completely enthralled and just wanted to find out how things would develop for each of them. My heart went out to Sylvia at times but she is a strong and feisty young lady. The characters are great and all well described and whilst it’s an easy read it is one that will keep you interested until the final chapter. I am really looking forward to reading the second book in what I see as being a wonderful saga series.

[Carol (Reading Ladies) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Home Front Nurses is the first installment of a WWII series featuring three skilled and resilient women.

Three nurses, Sylvia, Veronica, and Freda, meet at the hospital in Bath on their first day of working together in 1941. Each woman has personal challenges, and the medical situation grows more demanding as the injured arrive from the front lines

All three women are mentally tough, determined, competent, resilient, and likable. Sylvia is a natural leader at work but faces challenges at home with her mother. Veronica suffers from PTSD and distrusts men as a result of a prior sexual attack. Freda is a writer at heart who receives no support or encouragement from her family. I always appreciate themes of friendship and women supporting women, and this series will likely provide many opportunities to explore these themes.

The focus of this story is the introduction of three main characters, their back stories, and current challenges. I didn’t realize that this book is #1 in a planned series and was surprised when the story abruptly ended. Even though there is limited sense of closure, it does leave me eager to continue the series.

I always enjoy a WWII Home Front story. It causes me to ponder my role in the war effort. I doubt I’d be working in the medical field, but it’s interesting to read about.

Content Consideration: medical content, war injuries, prejudice/racism, (past) sexual assault and (current) PTSD

I can warmly recommend The Home Front Nurses for fans of home front stories and for those who enjoy medical content from a nurse’s point of view. The characters are mentally strong, unique, and likable. Readers who enjoy a series, will appreciate this first installment.

Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary e ARC of #TheHomeFrontNurses upon my request. All opinions are my own.

For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of this series. Set in a hospital in Bath it tells the stories of three nurses who make friends as they try to cope with everything the War throws at them. Each of them have their own problems but their friendship and the trust they have in each other helps them to share with each other what’s going on in their lives. They are strong independent women trying to make a difference during a difficult time in the world. I highly recommend this book.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new to me author, and the first in a series that was an enjoyable read.
Set in the 1940s I found the setting and descriptions absorbing and would read more of this series.

If you enjoy historical sagas and this time period I think this could be a good choice for you.

[Soozee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set during WW2 in Bath, three girls qualify as nurses and start work in a hospital taking wounded from Bristol, where the bombing is hitting women and children. Each of them has issues - Sylvia has to overcome her loose-moralled mother and the reputation she picked up by association, Veronica was attacked and fears all men and Freda harbours a desire to write, but her family are not supportive.

The story unfolds and is an interesting read. There are a couple of anachronisms - ladies didn't wear 'tights' in the 1940s (unless maybe they were in the circus) but that aside its an easy and interesting read and sets the reader up for the next in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a good start to a new series dealing with the newly qualified nurses and their trials and problems. This looks like it will be a good series. This book lays the foundations of the different stories the new nurses have and I can imagine things will only get better. Thank you to @theblidbookclub for giving me the chance to read it.

[Angela Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great. Read

Love the story line. Definitively looking forward to the,sequel!!!
I felt as if I was standing and observing all that was happening
Haptoru was exciting but also. Sad

[Sue Rouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hospital WW2 Saga

A great book from Rachel following three newly qualified nurses based at a hospital in Bath. Each chapter follows a different one but much collaboration as they start work in their new roles. Thanks to Rachel and her publisher.

[Mrs A Duarte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nurses becoming friends in bad times.

Great insight from 3 nurses training in wartime. Very well written account of their lives in the bad times of war.

[Kim Ligon · Rating 5 out of 5]

War on the home front

This story of three new nurses who form a friendship while working in a hospital in Bath while nearby Bristol is being terrorized. I loved the three very different personalities and the challenges they each faced. A well written glimpse of life in Great Britain during World War II. I can't wait to read the next one.

[Lucy Dunphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

A promising start to a new saga. I loved the determination and compassion of the three girls and their friendship was admirable. I'm sure the next book will have a few surprises in store for us. There were a fair few unanswered questions. I'm so hoping that Veronica gets the justice she deserves. I'll look forward to the followup

[johnanimalantics.net, Margaret G Conlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

What an absolutely amazing read right from the beginning to the end. Everything about it was truly compelling. I’m thoroughly impressed with all the different strands of the nurses as well as the other contenders in this marvellous book. Thank you for keeping me entertained over the past few days. It did not disappoint.😊

[Lyn Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, well written, characters are believable, got engrossed in their lives. Can’t wait for 2nd book to be released.

[Tracy Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Couldn't put it down felt I really got to know the characters can't wait to read the next one too

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in 1941 in Bath, this is the story of three plucky nurses, Sylvia, Freda and Veronica who meet on their first day of working together and quickly become fast friends. Each woman has her own set of struggles and obstacles to overcome and the devastation of the war is felt by everyone. But this is a hopeful story about friendship and learning to trust.
I love stories about women who strive for their own goals in life independent of men and who understand the joy and security of close female friendships. I’m looking forward to more books in the series!
Thank you to Netgalley for the review copy.

[Alani · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is about 3 new nurses beginning their career in a hospital in Bath, England, during WWII. The book lacked character and environmental development. Even though a war is supposed to be raging outside of Bath, the reader does not feel the intensity that would've come with the war being so close. I have read many books set during WWII, and this one was seriously lacking. Also, as a nurse, the "nursing" part of the book did not seem researched at all, especially the brand new nurses closing patients after major surgeries.

[Jayne Greig · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this book. But unfortunately it didn’t do it for me. I felt the story meandered and lacked a goal. I loved the characters, thought they framed the book.
Some areas I questioned as to it being correct, a nurse is a nurse and she’s never an anaesthetist who is a Doctor and a scrub nurse wouldn’t have completed suturing the wound after the surgeon had completed the operation.
The ending was abrupt and I felt was rushed and completed on a strange note.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I was able to find the audio version through my local library app. I dont know. I have read a few of these types of ebooks but the newer books are so woke with all these charcters they put in their books. I am really starting to not wanting to read them anymore.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series, so I was excited to read it. I do enjoy historical fiction and sagas set in wartime Britain. Here, we are in Bath in September 1941, during World War II.
The story features three newly-qualified nurses – Sylvia, Freda and Veronica. The chapters are written from their points of view, so we get to see inside their thoughts. All of them have difficult relationships with their mothers and all of them hiding things. Will they be able to help each other deals with problems from the past?
Sylvia Roberts is 23. She seems affected by being dumped by her fiancé a year ago, yet she is strong and feisty and can stand up for herself. Now she has finished her nursing training, she needs to move back in with her mother Eileen, who works in a pub, is vulgar and has a reputation.
There’s one black family who live on Castle Street and Sylvia soon realises she finds the oldest son Jesse Howard very attractive and it seems to be reciprocated. He is a railway worker and his mum is widowed with five kids. Sadly, there is plenty of racism from the neighbours, including Eileen. How would a relationship between Sylvia and Jesse be possible in these circumstances?
Freda Parkes appears to have a loving family home. Her parents tell her how proud they are of her becoming a fully qualified nurse. Her dad’s a policeman. Her brother has died in the war, with her other brother fighting away, and her little sister Dorothy (20) at home. But there is conflict. Freda’s mother has exacting ambitions for Freda’s future and these don’t tally with Freda’s own hopes of becoming a writer.
Veronica Campbell is the shy one of the three nurses and comes across as nervous and vulnerable. Her demanding mother is a sister on a hospital ward and she is desperate to move out of home.
The three nurses begin under the watchful eye (or perhaps more accurately, the critical glare) of Sister Dyer. There are six nurses on the ward including the spiteful Kathy Scott, who has been an enemy of Sylvia’s since they did their training together. They must learn to deal with all the wounded coming in, from those that have had their houses bombed to soldiers returning from battle.
Well, I really enjoyed this book. There are perfectly sized chapters, which I enjoyed and – most importantly – absolutely great characters. They all jumped off the page in full 3D and I loved the three girls straight away and liked how they are all quite different from one another, but become firm friends. I was cheering them on from the first page.
The book is really easy to get into and very readable. I wanted to keep reading to find out what happens, fingers crossed that the girls get their dream lives and the baddies get what’s coming to them. I am now looking forward to the second book in the series.

[Keka Mondal · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 Book Review: "The Home Front Nurses" by Rachel Brimble
📚Genre: Historical Series / Wartime
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

🌟 Blurb Insight:
In The Home Front Nurses, Rachel Brimble transports us to September 1941, where amidst the chaos of war, three women find that their most significant battles are fought not on the front lines, but on the home front. In the city of Bath, these courageous and compassionate women answer the call of duty, becoming the lifeline for soldiers returning from the horrors of war. But their story is much more than that—it's a tale of friendship, love, and unbreakable bonds forged in the fire of adversity.

🌟 Why You'll Love It:
💔 Heartfelt Friendship: The bond between Sylvia, Freda, and Veronica is the heartbeat of this story. Their support for one another through the toughest times is both inspiring and deeply moving. This book celebrates the power of female friendship in a way that will resonate with readers.
💖 A Love Story in War: Sylvia’s romantic journey is filled with emotional depth and complexity. Brimble beautifully captures the challenges of finding love during wartime, where prejudices and societal expectations can stand in the way of happiness.
🩺 Historical Depth: Set against the backdrop of World War II, the novel is rich in historical detail, providing a vivid portrayal of the era. From the streets of Bath to the frontline struggles, readers are immersed in the realities of war.
👩‍⚕ Empowerment: Sylvia's determination to become a home front nurse despite societal pressures is a testament to the strength and resilience of women. Her story is one of empowerment, courage, and the belief that everyone has a role to play in the fight for a better world.

🎯 Perfect For:
✨Fans of historical fiction that highlights the roles of women during World War II.
✨Readers who enjoy stories of strong female friendships and emotional journeys.
✨Anyone looking for an inspiring tale of love, resilience, and hope during trying times.

Join Sylvia, Freda, and Veronica on their journey, and discover the true meaning of bravery and love. Thanks to @rachelsrandomresources and @netgalley for the #ARC #BlogTour

#TheHomeFrontNurses #RachelBrimble #BookReview #HistoricalFiction #WWIIFiction #WomenInWar #FemaleFriendship #ReadersOfInstagram #IGReads #InstaBooks #Bookstagram #Bookstagrammer #BookstagramCommunity #Netgalley

[Fi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nursing and war on the Home Front are two of my favourite genres, and so I fully expected to enjoy this book; the ‘plot’ gave yet another new slant on this period in history, but the book was marred by the apparent lack of proper research by the author: one or two minor oversights could be overlooked, but the glaring errors in this book just kept on coming:

Nurses in 1942 did not wear tights: they weren’t available in the UK until the 1950s
Sugar was rationed, and nobody would blithely add 2 teaspoons to their cup of tea
At various points in the book air raid sirens were heard to go off, and yet people carried on with whatever they were doing: air raid shelters were barely ever even mentioned
When Sylvia went across to try to speak to Jesse’s mother one night, she knew there was someone at home when she saw the hall light come on - this would have been in direct contravention of blackout regulations
Freda travelled with her newspaper boss from Bath to Bristol, a round trip of approx 25 miles: where did they get the petrol for such a journey?
As they were setting off from Bath, there was talk of them leaving the flow of traffic, and the street lights, behind them: I very much doubt that there was any appreciable traffic in Bath at this period of time; and there most definitely would not have been any street lights!
The dialogue between Sylvia and Jesse – and sometimes between Sylvia & the other nurses – did not always sound authentic for the era, but more appropriate for the 1960s or 70s

This is all such a shame; the characters were well-drawn, and I wanted to know what happened to them, but oh, it was a struggle to try & ignore so many niggling inconsistencies

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the first book in a new World War II historical fiction series, Rachel Brimble brings the Bath home front to life through the eyes of nurses Sylvia, Freda, and Veronica. Becoming friends upon their assignment to the same hospital in the city, all three women have different challenges and struggles to go through. Alternating between their perspectives, readers gain an understanding of their very different lives and dreams against the backdrop of World War II. Their distinct personalities and goals keep their chapters from blending together, while the growing friendship between the three women is particularly enjoyable to follow. All three women are clever, competent, and kind, and the emotional stakes of the novel (through their three storylines) are particularly high against the backdrop of the war and the Battle of Britain. With the interesting focuses on nursing, journalism, and race relations in wartime Britain, Brimble brings some interesting plot points to life in this novel. The characters are the stars of the novel, and Sylvia, Freda, and Veronica’s friendship is the heart of the emotional narrative, particularly since future books will develop their friendship. A fantastic read for fans of World War II fiction by Fenella J. Miller and Roberta Kagan, readers are sure to enjoy the new Home Front Nurses series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Home Front Nurses by Rachel Brimble takes readers to 1941 in Bath, England where three ladies have finished their nursing training and are ready to work on the wards. Sylvia, Freda, and Veronica quickly become friends. Each character comes from a different background. They have their own struggles and hindrances to overcome plus they are dealing with the war. Planes fly over daily, bombing victims are flooding into the wards, rationing is a reality, and the loss of loved ones to the war is devastating. I found The Home Front Nurses to be easy to read. I liked Sylvia, Freda, and Veronica. I did feel that the story lacked depth. I would have liked more time spent on nursing and less on romance. I was surprised by some of the topics touched upon in The Home Front Nurses (unwanted attentions by men, a woman being violated by a man, a woman attracted to another woman, and an interracial couple). The story does have mild foul language. There were a couple of incorrect details in the story (an example is tights would not have been available for the ladies to wear). I liked the resilience of Sylvia, Freda, and Veronica as well as their strong bond. Overall, I enjoyed The Home Front Nurses, and I am curious to see what happens next.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This WWII saga follows three young nurses, Sylvia, Freda and Veronica, in 1940s Bath. I warmed to all three of these characters, and appreciated them in different ways. Sylvia was the first to be introduced, and somehow, she was the one I felt the strongest connection with. Freda was the one that I identified with the most, while Veronica was the one that I sympathised the most.

A nurse’s work is invaluable; when we think of nurses, we think of someone who cares, reassures, comforts. The three main characters did all of these things, and much more besides. They were kind, strong and determined, and all looking to find their way in the world.

In addition to the three main characters, there were some other characters that made a strong impression on me, like Jesse. He was a wonderful character who warmed my heart.

Sylvia, Freda and Veronica established a strong bond of friendship, and that was something that I could appreciate. I also find that historical sagas have a strange way of making me feel nostalgic for a time that I have never lived in, for places and people I've never known. That was the case with this book too.

This didn't take too long to read, but it was heartwarming, inspiring, and provided the escape that I hoped for.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.