Operation Winter Wedding

The Army Girls #4

by Fenella J. Miller

Preorder the next instalment in the emotional wartime Army Girls series from Fenella J Miller. May 1942

Since joining the ATS all Clara Felgate has wanted to do is be a dispatch driver and serve with the brave boys abroad, doing her bit for King and country. But almost as soon as she arrives at Camberley Barracks, Clara seems to bring a string of bad luck with her.

Captain Perry Harrow shouldn’t even be at the barracks teaching a bunch of ATS girls how to drive. He should be fighting on the front line with his men. Thankfully Lance Corporal Felgate is perfectly proficient, and Perry finds himself drawn to the hardworking ATS girl.

Despite their duties keeping them busy, Clara and Perry are drawn to each other, too. But they both know a relationship would be disastrous. With the war still raging, their future together can’t be guaranteed. Unless they make the most of the time they have and make this one military operation they know will have a happy outcome!

Praise for Fenella J.

'Yet again, Fenella Miller has thrilled me with another of her historical stories. She brings alive a variety of emotions and weaves in facts relating to the era, all of which keep me reading into the small hours.' Glynis Peters– Bestselling author of The Secret Orphan.

'Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller's characters and lose yourself in another time and another place.' Lizzie Lane

'Engaging characters and setting which whisks you back to the home front of wartime Britain. A fabulous series!' Jean Fullerton

'Loved every word of this book. Fenella is a great author and leaves her books with you wanting more. I can’t wait to read the next one.' 5 star Reader Review!

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Fiction

410 pages, Paperback

Published August 28, 2024

About the author

Fenella Jane Miller was born in the Isle of Man. Her father was a Yorkshire man and her mother the daughter of a Rajah. She has worked as a nanny, cleaner, field worker, hotelier, chef, secondary and primary teacher and is now a full time writer.

She has over twenty five Regency romantic adventures published plus one Jane Austen re-telling and one YA romantic fantasy.

see also Fenella-Jane Miller

Reviews

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been LOVING this series by Fenella J Miller so whenever there is a new instalment, I rush to read it!

I’ve always loved the insights into the working wartime girls and no more than the army, ATS and all that goes on behind the scenes. Fenella paints them as the most kick ass women (which they are!) and I love getting to know them. With great storylines and super likeable characters, you can’t go much wrong.

Again I was racing through the chapters and I didn’t even notice the dwindling pages. Fenella has the natural ability to absorb you wholly into a book and I’m always left wanting more! It did end somewhat abruptly but that may have been because I blinked and seemed to finish it in no time.

Forever hoping there will be endless in this series!

Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.

[Pat Langhelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 is Clara's story brilliant

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Army Girls Operation Winter Wedding by Fenella J Miller is another in her series of women serving in the British Armed Forces in World War II. Clara Felgate was finished with basic training and on to her chosen career. She wanted to be a driver, preferably a dispatch rider near the front. If not, an ambulance driver. She was a get-it-done kind of person and also a non-commissioned officer, the lowest one possible. When the train arrived at the station there were a dozen or more women going to the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Army) base, so she thought there would be transportation. They waited, after Clara got them organized, and still nothing so she started them marching. It was only a couple of miles. They could do it. The transport showed up but was driven by a rude young man who seemed to not like women. After putting up with him for a while, he bumped his head and Clara took the wheel. She had never driven a lorry before, but she could do it. It was the first day and she wasn’t going to spend it sitting out in the middle of nowhere. She figured out where to go and made it to the base, where questions were asked and answered. Clara had made it!

This is a well-researched and interesting narrative about individual women in the war. They are are young, they start off untrained, and some of them don’t make it. Clara is not one of those. It is an entertaining book that doesn’t so much have a plot as it is more a slice-of-life. It is also a romance, plenty of those during war. It is low key, though, and much more about the army. There is no guarantee Clara will make it overseas, but that is still her goal. It was an entertaining story, showing a different part of life and WWII books often show. It was touching and real. I loved it!

I was invited to read Army Girls Operation Winter Wedding by BoldWood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #FenellaJMiller #ArmyGirlsOperationWinter Wedding

[Marea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lance Corporal Clara Felgate wanted to become a dispatch driver right from the start. When arriving at Camberley Barracks things started going wrong right from the start, but Clara took it all in stride and proved that she was definitely going to be an asset to the ATS. That she was not going to let anything hold her back.

Captain Perry Harrow hated his assignment, he should be back on the front lines overseas with his men, not being at a training camp for women learning how to drive in the ATS.

When these two meet there is a connection but it is one that isn’t suppose to be happening. Now the question will be are they both going to take a chance and see where it goes or will they follow the rules and stay apart. Especially since there is a bit of an age gap between them.

This is the 4th in the series about Army Girls written by Fenella J Miller. Each one of them has touched on a specific character and the romance which came into their lives. This book I was looking forward to because I loved Clara. She came across as this girl who wasn’t looking for romance, she was looking to prove her parents wrong because she could do anything. In this book there was a few times I was getting frustrated. The first was because of Clara, as soon as she met Captain Perry Harrow she would flip back and forth, one time being tough and then the next being all google eyed. She ended up getting 2 major injuries which caused her not to be able to do her job and he was the reason they happened. The second was the slang. Yes I do understand all the slang being used in the UK especially during the war and I grew up listening to some of it, it seemed to be necessary to add it into almost every conversation. Now is it a good book yes, and is it one to add to your collection, yes especially since some of the other characters are in it.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Operation Winter Wedding was a great way to visit with of my favorite characters in The Army Girl series. Clara has been dedicated to helping the war effort. She has dreamed of training on all of the vehicles. Her goal is to become a dispatch rider, riding on a motorcycle.

I was in awe of Clara. Her family threatened to disown her if she joined the ATS. They could not stop her. She chose country over family. To me, that says everything. Considering she had grown up in boarding school, her initiative took extreme bravery and determination.

Arriving at Camberley changes everything for Clara and gives readers insight into some of the struggles that occurred during World War Two England. Nothing seems to stop her from doing what she feels is right, taking the reader along for the ride. It was so cool to gain some understanding of what my Aunt did in the war by reading what happened on the base and in the classroom. I learned so much about the ATS drivers and gained new ways to search for more details.

Clara's life on base is full of challenges, but none greater than Captain Peregrine Harrow. Their romance, non-romance was very entertaining. I am glad I wasn't in Clara's head and only had to read what was happening between her and the Captain. The drama surrounding their romance was extensive and filled the pages to the very end.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the latest book in the Army Girls series, Miller brings Lance Corporal Clara Felgate, her ATS career, and her love life to the center of the novel. Already a skilled driver, Clara wants to be a dispatch diver and serve abroad, but her time at Camberley Barracks is marred by wild accidents and bad luck, many of which involve grumpy yet handsome Captain Perry Harrow, the driving instructor. Their interactions may be chaotic and rarely cheerful, but their chemistry is strong even though they know a relationship would be disastrous for their respective careers, especially since the war means a happy ever after is not a guarantee. Readers follow their relationship and the hard work of ATS drivers on the home front throughout this incredibly powerful and emotional World War II historical fiction novel. With all of Miller’s strengths at play, the latest Army Girls novel is engaging, exciting, and emotional, and Clara is a competent and clever, if accident-prone, female lead. Clara and Perry’s relationship is charming and heartwarming, and readers will love this latest book if they like grumpy-sunshine dynamics in a historical setting. Their relationship is really the heart of this novel, and Miller has done an incredible job bringing it and the ATS to life.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I am put off when a book is described as heartbreaking. I don't want to read a book that will have me crying more than anything else. Fenella J Miller puts just the right balance of sad and happy events. I always finish books of hers smiling. This book was no exception. What I particularly liked about this story is that much of it focused on the romance between the main characters, Clara and Perry. Sometimes books set in wartime concentrate mainly on the war itself with just a little romance hinted at here and there. I much prefer romance taking the lead in a story.

Clara and Perry don't have the easiest of romances, and much of the time I don't think Clara knew what she wanted. It was nice to read how her character grew and how things developed between her and Perry. I very much enjoyed reading about her work in the army. I honestly believe I have learned more about the war since reading books like this than I ever did in school.

I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one in the series.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of period detail, this story summons up the spirit of the times and lets you glimpse into the lives of the Army Girls, who are training to be dispatch drivers. You realise how young they all are and how despite their role in the forces, fighting for King and Country, they are still expected to toe the line. Within the times, they are living far from home and training for difficult circumstances but still expected to give way to men when required.

You soon realise that Clara is a determined and capable young woman. She has set her heart on being sent to mainland Europe to support the forces but as time goes on, there are different pressures on her. When Clara meets Perry, she realises that both their jobs cause them to be separated. They both have to try to take advantage of their time together and learn to live in the present. There are some humorous events in the story, especially around Clara's training and these make for a lively story.

In short: enjoyable reading
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well the beginning of this book had me smiling from ear to ear with Clara and the other army girls antics. Clara is quite a strong independent character and it was beautiful to watch the vulnerable side of her develop as her relationship with Perry grew and the war continues to rage on. I find it interesting to read about the proper way that is acceptable to behave in those times as it's nothing like now. In some ways we have come so far and in others not so much. I enjoyed reading about how the women were learning to drive and I was excited that Clara aced it and became a pro at manevouring a lorry. I would have loved the book to be more festive but I realised that wasn't the focus. A emotional but happy wartime tale.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

This book is part of the Army Girls series, and I haven't read any of the previous books. Based on this one, I would be open to reading more of the series.

This WWII saga follows Clara, a driver in the ATS. I enjoyed Clara as a protagonist because she struck me as courageous, confident and assertive. Following her journey, I appreciated the bonds that she formed with some of the other characters. I also became invested in the romantic element of the story; that warmed my heart. This was a light, relaxing read that helped me to escape for a little while.

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

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been on board with the Army Girls since they reported for duty, I can safely say that this is one of my favourite historical fiction series set in WWII and wartorn Britain.

I can't believe we're already on to the fourth book in the series. It's always great to catch up with the girls to see what they're up to. Clara has always been the main character right back from those heady days of sign up and we've seen her blossom into a beautiful young woman and now she's planning to take her place next to Perry and say 'I do'.

As always Miller delights us with such lovely characters, their community spirit never once wavering.

Operation Winter Wedding is the perfect book to cosy up with under a blanket as the summer nights come to a close.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows Clara, a gal from the ATS or Auxiliary Territorial Services, who arrives at the train station for training during WWII. Captain Perry Harrow is working at her base while recovering from surgery. He’s helping to train her, but she’s proficient in what she does. There’s an attraction between the two from the beginning.


This is the 4th in the Army Girls series. I’m enjoying getting to know all of the girls and learning about life on the homefront during WWII. I enjoyed Perry and Clara’s story; following up on the happenings of the previous Army Girls story was a bonus. The author does a great job, of creating interesting characters and engaging stories. I’m hoping there will be more Army Girls stories.


Thanks to @rachelrandomresources, @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley and the author for this ARC.

[Bev Walkling · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wedding and a reunion.

This is book 4 in the Army Girl Series and tells the story of what happened to Clara after leaving her fellow ATS trainee friends. The novel culminated in her marriage to an officer she meets at her first posting. Her wedding includes a reunion of friends.

There were things I found a little unlikely in regards to her relationship with Perry (her spouse). Clara had a tendency to change her mind about things almost as often as the wind changes direction - doubtless a sign of her youth and naivety. The ending of the story felt a little rushed as well. I enjoyed it,but would definitely call it a beach read kind of book.

[Miss Bluejeanlottie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ring ring!!! Pick this book up! You will not hang up! Army Girl series is investment I'm glad I decided to dive into! I have always found the women of any war to be brave! Bravery is both made and hard to come by any era! Clara represents a determination from the start of the novel that had me addicted to reading this immediately. 💗

Clara really wants to be a driver! To help the war effort! I love her cookie dough and strong heart! The romance was really sweet! Captain Harrow had my heart immediately! 🎙️

I truly love this book! 🌌

THANK YOU NETGALLEY!!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!! I’ve really enjoyed immersing myself into the Army Girls series and book four did not disappoint. These young women came from all over with different backgrounds and had such chemistry from their first meeting. Friendship, loyalty, duty, courage, bravery play a big part in all the Army Girls Books. Operation Winter Wedding is Clara’s story, a determined naïve, witty, charismatic character. I enjoyed the chemistry and banter between her an Captain Harrow. Sadly, this is the last in the series, however to me the series feels unfinished. The war is not over the invasion is about to happen, loved ones are still fighting and doing their part and where do they all end up? Fenella Miller has written a gripping, page turning series. I highly recommend to those that love a good romance set during WW2 to read.
I would like to thank Boldwood Books, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this complimentary copy for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#ArmyGirlsOperationWinterWedding #NetGalley

[Storied Conversation · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Army Girls Operation Winter Wedding** by Fenella J Miller offers an engaging glimpse into the lives of women serving in the British Armed Forces during World War II. The story follows Clara Felgate, a determined young woman eager to make her mark as a driver, whether as a dispatch rider near the front or an ambulance driver. The book is a well-researched, slice-of-life narrative that highlights Clara's resourcefulness and the challenges faced by women in the military. While there’s a subtle romance, the focus remains on Clara’s military journey. It’s a touching and realistic portrayal of wartime life that provides a fresh perspective on WWII, making it a highly enjoyable read.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Army Girls: Operation Winter Wedding is the latest in Fenella J Millers Army Girls series.

Clara has joined the ATS to be a driver but hasnt been having much luck. She soon finds herself enamoured with a certain Captain!

I love how Fenella draws us in and keeps us captivated! The characters are so lifelike they could be real. It was great to revisit the Army Girls and am keeping my fingers crossed ther will be more to come.

Grab your copy soon: https://mybook.to/winterweddingsocial

[Jillean Ansley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am glad I have finished this series, not sure why I persisted with them. I thought the first book rather good so kept on collecting the rest of the series. The girls were in the army with responsibilities at work showing good decision making, however they were wishy washy, weak , irritating, indecisive then stubborn to the stage of boring in their personal lives. This last book was so irritating, she was a mess, he a domineering know it all. Could I imagine a marriage working??? Not at all.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great series about 4 girls who make friends when they join the ATS. Each book tells of one of the girls journey through this difficult time. This book is Clara’s turn and how she meets the love of her life quite unexpectedly when she’s training to be a despatch rider. A great book to snuggle down and enjoy as it draws you in to Clara’s life. I highly recommend this series.

[Jayne Greig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this WW11 book, very entertaining and descriptive . The characters were lovely, but at times the main character was a bit irritating. It gave a good account of life in the war with trials and tribulations. Well worth a read. e lovely, but at times the main character was a bit irritating. It gave a good account of life in the war with trials and tribulations. Well worth a read.

[Mrs Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!!

Such a lovely story. I have really enjoyed reading about these A.T.S girls and their experiences. My nan was an A.T.S girl, and I used to love to hear her stories too!! Thank you for writing these stories and allowing me to imagine my lovely nan doing some of the things Minnie, Grace, Clara, and Eileen have done. Xx

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Army Girls

Worth the wait .Army Girls was a great series for n Kindle unlimited..was so happy to finally read the much awaited Operation Wedding with another favorite .Clara..I think this winter I will reread this series .

[Marilyn Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit repetitive

Although I enjoyed the book I found it a bit repetitive and there were several timing mistakes. Also it did go on a lot about their on/off relationship, and the different in their ages which really wasn't that much.

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series of books thank you to @thebd polling for giving me the chance to read it. I flew through this instalment of the series wanting to find out what happened. I need more.

[S M Wiltshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I have enjoyed reading all 4 books very good read
Cannot wait to see what's next to read
Thank you

[ANNE BARNES · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading all 4 books in this series. I love how they all feed into each other. Maybe there could be a fifth book that updates on how their lives move on after the end of the war.

[Mrs S R Teagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what a story

Loved the book would recommend to one and all I hope there is a follow on book just to see what happens tothem

[Ann Crookall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book

Wow what can I say about this book, fantastic from start to finish, loved all the characters in it, roll on to the next book.

[Karen Milne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story