The Girls of Bomber Command

Bomber Command Girls #1

by Vicki Beeby

Pearl has given up on her dreams of being a journalist after being denied a promotion because of her gender. Joining the WAAF as a radio telephone operator for Bomber Command, Pearl's new job at RAF Fenthorpe serves two purposes – providing an income for her grandmother, and keeping a close eye on her younger sister, Thea , an instrument repairer at another Lincolnshire bomber station. Pearl befriends Met WAAF Jenny as well as Australian pilot Greg , who she guides home safely during an emergency. Pearl's journalism background doesn't go to waste, however – a series of thefts from pilots rekindles her investigative fire and she is soon caught up in the mystery. But when all signs point to the perpetrator being her sister, she finds herself up against the clock to prove her sister’s innocence… A captivating and heartwarming WWII saga for fans of Daisy Styles and Johanna Bell.

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

304 pages, Paperback

Published November 9, 2023

About the author

Vicki Beeby writes historical fiction about the friendships and loves of service women brought together by the Second World War.

Her first job was as a civil engineer on a sewage treatment project, so things could only improve from there. Since then, she has worked as a maths teacher and education consultant before turning freelance to give herself more time to write.

In her free time, when she can drag herself away from reading, she enjoys walking and travelling to far-off places by train. She lives in Shropshire in a house that doesn’t contain nearly enough bookshelves.

Reviews

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources for sending me this FREE E-Book to promote and review for Vicki as part of The Blog Tour this month. This was my first time reading a book in a series by Vicki so i wasnt sure what to expect but i have to say i really loved and enjoyed this one especially seeing how the friendships between the 3 Women evolved throughout the story.

The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. I could pick just one as my favorite since i seemed to enjoy all the characters.

The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in the book while reading, especially when the scenery was described.

Overall a Phenomenal Book 1 in this Historical Fiction Series about 3 Women working as Bomber Commanders during WW2. Can't wait to read Book 2 when it comes out.

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a brand new historical saga series by Vicki Beeby. I loved everything about this book from the excellent writing and the superb characters . From the writing and descriptions it’s not hard to tell that this author has put a lot of work into the story and getting the historical facts correct . This is such an interesting read learning all about the work involved at bomber command during the Second World War . Then of course we have the friendship and romance element both which were a lovely addition to this read . After finishing this book I have absolutely no doubt this is going to be a fantastic new series .

[Coriolana Weatherby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was exactly what I was looking for! A romance involving flyboys or bomberboys! You can tell the writer did her research, I’m sure it won’t bother many readers but for those who are more aware of the air war history it’s important to get the details right. Like the main differences between a Manchester and a Lancaster, the different kind of missions, and the protocols on a station. On to the next!

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slightly different story about women in Bomber Command during WW2. Very interesting and it made me realise what a difficult job they had. Flighers relied on them to land safely without crashing. This is the start of a new series and I hope I can read more. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Renske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come.

This is the first book in the new Bomber Command series and I already want to read the rest. I loved the book so much. It felt like Vicki took a lot of time to properly research the time and the story.

I loved Pearl she was a bit like me always trying to take care of people even if the others didn't really want or need the care she was giving. I loved Greg he brought the perfect balance for Pearl. I absolutely loved Jenny and her mispronunciations. The romance part of the story felt very natural and it flowed really well in the book.

I did not know much about the bomber command girls so reading about their life on the base was really interesting and I learned a lot.

Thank you to NetGalley, Vicki Beeby and the publisher for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Bomber Command Girls series and it is very much a story of women and war but not only that it really does make you realise what different people went through during wartimes and how the coped with war, with friendship and even with love.

The story revolves around three women, Pearl, Thea and Jenny as well as the obligatory male, Greg!
With Pearl joining the WAAF after failing to get the journalism job she had hoped for, Thea her sister already working with the WAAF and Jenny who becomes firm friends with both sisters when they all work at Fenthorpe. This is a story with true heart and soul, it deals with love and loss, friendship and comradery. It is written in a way that makes it easy to read but has the depth and heart you want to make it worth reading. A great story and wonderful characters. I really enjoyed it.

The Girls of Bomber Command
Vicki Beeby

[Anne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impeccably researched and beautifully written, this was a book I very much enjoyed. Pearl joins the WAAF when the newspaper reporter’s job that should have been hers is given to a male colleague who’s far less able, just because he has a wife and family to support – an opportunity to support the war effort, but also to keep an eye on her troublesome younger sister at a nearby base. She’s disappointed to find that the same attitudes prevail at Bomber Command, female radio telephone operators being made less than welcome by some – until she proves her capability by talking in Australian pilot Greg, his crew having jettisoned and an engine of his Manchester bomber on fire. And yes, of course, a relationship develops between them – but it’s not the easiest journey, with particular (and very understandable) obstacles along the way.

But this book is far more than a wartime romance. There’s a particular focus on family that sometimes makes Pearl a less sympathetic character than I might have wanted her to be – but the way she interferes in her sister’s life becomes more acceptable as we learn more about the background and get to know them both better. I very much enjoyed the story about setting up a newspaper on the base, and the enthusiasm of everyone involved – and the way Pearl becomes able to use her investigative training to help shed light on the perpetrator of a series of callous thefts, with more than a little real drama along the way. And I really loved the female friendships – especially bookish Jenny, and the moments of gentle humour – although I did think all the characterisation, even of relatively minor characters, was superbly done. The book’s sense of place is excellent too – life on the bases, but also taking in the landscape and the streets of Lincoln.

But perhaps the main thing that struck me about this book was the immense amount of research that must have been needed to bring the settings so vividly to life – and the author uses every bit of the detail quite wonderfully, making you entirely present in the moment as the radio telephone operators gather on the runways to watch the departures for the next bombing raid, feeling the tension as they count the planes back in again safely. The life of a pilot was so well captured too, both on base and when we join Greg on his bombing raids and experience every moment – and I loved the excitement caused by of the first delivery of Lancasters, finally giving them the right equipment to do their jobs. It’s not a book that shies away from the realities either – the author’s note tells us that RAF Bomber Command had one of the highest casualty rates of any Allied unit during WW2, and there are times when those planes don’t return. And the emotional aspects of their lives are superbly handled – air crew not wanting to become personally involved because of their uncertain future, but equally wanting to take risks and party just to celebrate the joy of still being alive.

If all sagas were as good as this, I’d read them far more often – I learned so much about the wartime experiences of these brave individuals, and was entirely immersed in the story throughout by the author’s well-paced storytelling. This is a series I’d really like to stay with – I’m invested in the characters and their lives, and they feel like friends – and I’ll look forward to seeing what comes next. I loved it, and – even if sagas aren’t something you usually read either – would very much recommend it to others.

[Angela Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the chance to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion.

I have read other books by this author and loved them so it was lovely to see the start of a new series

And what a wonderful series this is going to be,
I often read books set in WW2 and have found it fascinating to learn how various aspects of the 'war machine' worked and this was a different perspective.

It gave the narrative around the women who worked for Bomber Command in various different roles - and also the perspective of the pilots and how they lived with and reacted to the fact that each mission may well be their last.
It also showed how badly women were treated in other types of work and men given jobs they were perfectly capable of - but thankfully over time Pearl's skills were recognised and she got the recognition she deserved.
The addition of the 'newspaper' was a great part of the book
Throw in a bit of romance, sisterly dynamics and some more despicable acts and you get a well researched and well written book.
I loved the way that one of the characters admitted that she hadn't had the best education but loved to read and read widely. As a result she often pronounced words as she saw them written - it must have given Vicki Beeby much fun working out these words and not only how to use them but how to phonetically spell them out to make her point.

All in all a thoroughly good read - which actually brought me to tears at one point in Pearl's romance - a sign of a good book that I can imagine how the conversation actually went and tears are the result.

Looking forward to the next one

[Mary4reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching story about the temerity of a young journalist and her relationship with her sister and a pilot, set in WW2. Such an important reminder of the bravery and sacrifices made by pilots and their families.

[Ann Crookall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best story ever .

Beautiful story from start to finish, I couldn't put the book down you will be hooked into the book, roll on to the next book.

[Sharron Tennant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great start to another brilliant series
thanks for the escapism 😊

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girls Of Bomber Command by Vicki Beeby is a powerful historical novel that I loved. It is set during the middle of World War II mainly on an airbase in Lincolnshire.
As we follow the lives of the men and women of bomber command, we see the fragility of life. “If I have tomorrow” is a phrase a young pilot utters. Whenever the men flew their missions, they never knew if they would return to base – whether it was a leaflet or bomb drop. They lived hard and they played hard. Daredevil antics on the base were a way to unwind and cope with the enormous responsibility that was on young shoulders.
We witness the devastating effects of an aircraft not returning to base. “The crew are like family.” All members hurt if one of their own is lost.
Life is hard for the girls on base. They are friends with the airmen and worry each time bomber command teams take to the air. Even in the middle of the night, they wait for the planes to return, greeting each man with a smile, a mug of tea and a ‘welcome home’. Life was lived on a knife edge for all.
We follow a character whose ambitions had been squashed just because she was a woman. Her dreams and hard work to become a reporter were passed over in favour of a younger, less qualified male. Within the air force, her dreams can begin as she sets about setting up a newspaper for the base. She has a drive and the tenacity to succeed.
Life has dealt two characters bitter blows. Two sisters were orphaned at a young age, being brought up by a grandmother. The older sister became a surrogate mother to the younger one and finds it hard to let go that role, even though both girls are now in their twenties.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Girls Of Bomber Command. It was a powerful read. I was able to learn and appreciate just how fragile life was for the aircrews and the devastating effects for all the serving members when aircrafts did not return. Ground crew worried until all the planes were safely counted in. It was a marvellous read.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a couple of my favourite wartime authors that I always diligently read as soon as they have a new book out and Vicki Beeby is one of them! I’ve loved all of her books and when I saw the title of this one, I couldn’t wait! A glimpse into bomber command with a whole new cast of characters to get to know?! Yes please. I still have such a fond place for her wrens series so this one has come as a very welcome addition!

Vicki always manages to capture the spirit of the times. She writes the most perfect wartime stories that have you invested in all the characters and truly in with all the developments. There’s friendship, strength, camaraderie and the ‘keep calm and carry on’ attitude that perfectly encapsulates the feel of this era.

Here we meet Pearl, Jenny and Thea. All three stationed at an RAF camp in Lincolnshire (and as someone who used to live there and has such fond memories of the place) it was a lovely reminder of my old home. I still get out of breath just thinking about walking up steep hill! I was glad the girls who also valiantly walked up that hill joined me in my pain!

Pearl was a delight to follow, as she navigates herself around working at Bomber Command. She also harbours her dreams to work as a journalist, and setting up a newspaper for the base was so lovely as we saw it grow from idea to success. Thea, her unruly sister, also works in the WAAF and working with your over protective older sister can be somewhat of a buzzkill when trying to be your own person. And finally Jenny, who I just love! She comes from humble beginnings but has a big heart and she’s just the sort of person you’d love to be friends with.

I can say I’m fully entrenched into this series now and can’t wait for follow ups. I also love and admire the amount of research that the author puts into these books prior to writing and it really shows!

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

[Lisa S · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this as part of the judging panel for RNA, so was assigned this book instead of being one I chose myself.

The story centres around Pearl Cooper who dreams of becoming a journalist, but after being passed over for promotion to a journalist position for a man she applies to join the WAAF and ends up working in bomber command for RAF Fenthorpe.

We see how Pearl learns to adapt to her new life and the changes to her environment, making new friends and being thoroughly out of her comfort zone when she's used to being very much in control. We also get to meet Thea her younger sister, who signed up before Pearl to get away from her smothering ways as their parents died when they were small and they ended up living with their grandmother.

I struggled a bit with this one, nothing much really happens until over halfway when all of a sudden there are plot twists and action which then feels rushed to conclusion to have the ends tied up by the end of the book. I also found Pearl incredibly annoying and while she did evolve a little over the story I did not really feel engaged by her storyline - I would like to have seen and heard more from Jenny and Thea! I understand this is the first book of a series though, so I guess they will get the opportunity to share their stories.

I was glad to get to the end of this and be able to focus on reading something else - I do think a lot of people will enjoy this story, it just really wasn't for me.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story had a little bit of everything, and I think it would have appeal for a variety of readers. WWII is a painful and interesting time in history, and though I've read a lot about it, I'd never read a book specifically about those in charge of Bomber Command, just the bomber pilots themselves. It was interesting to read from both Pearl and Greg's perspective (though admittedly, it felt a bit jarring at first to have Greg's perspective suddenly come in part-way through the book).

My favorite aspects of the story were the friendship between Pearl and Jenny, and Pearl and Greg's determination to do their bit and do right by others. Generally, the pacing of the story was very good; Beeby knew which events to skip to get to the most important conversations and compelling action. The "mystery" aspects of the story came later than I anticipated and were only a very small part of the story and rather predictable to me, but still enjoyable. While Greg and Pearl had some arguments that were rather frustrating in that they would have been so simple to resolve, both of their actions ultimately felt at least understandable, and I was rooting for them nonetheless.

This book definitely feels like the first in a series, so I hope to read more about Greg, Pearl, Thea, and Jenny.

Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo Publishers for the free advanced digital copy; I was not required to provide a positive review in exchange.

[Kylie Dowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another addictive read. It's going to be tough waiting for the next book. I've read a lot of stuff about WW2 yet Vicki always manages to teach me something new. She skillfully weaves fact in to her fictional characters lives. She must have done some very deep and extensive research, some of the facts in this book were actually hard to find when I searched them. Such as how many successful flights (these only sounded with flights where they reached and bombed their target successfully) the crew of bomber command had to do to finish their 'tour'. It has a stark reality if how fatal the raids could be and how high fatality rates were. How even if crew successfully made it away from their targets they could still end up crashing and/or dying, often over England and even close to their base stations. There was even the danger of The Manchester planes failing to take of properly This could results in the pay load 1000 pounds of bombs) being set of and killing the crew and others that way. The planes crew relied on far more people than I realised. Not just the ground crew and maintenance grew but the women who worked out the weather conditions and wind speeds, known more commonly as Met WAAFS. It was fascinating to learn. There were also staff known as radio telephone operators who's job it was to guide the planes to take off and land safely one at a time

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girls of Bomber Command is written by Vicki Beeby. This is my first book that I have read by this author - and it will not be my last. I loved Pearl. She had such big dreams of becoming a journalist - however when she is passed over for a promotion just because she is female she quits. Worried about bills, she signs up with the WAAF. Her grandmother is worried that she just wants to keep an eye on her younger sister, Thea. However, it's greater then that.

Pearl becomes a radio telephone operator in the Bomber Command. She befriends Jenny. The forge a nice friendship. She also gets to know Greg. Greg is an Australian pilot. However, valuables start to go missing so the group starts to investigate. Pearl is not going to let her investigative skills go to waste. What is shocking is her sister seems to be the prime suspect. Can Pearl prove her innocence?

While I have read my fair share of WWII stories - I have not read one that focused on the Bomber Command. I was not familiar so I read a little bit about their story. The author has done careful research to bring her story to life. I really hope to read more from this author.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Rachel's Random Resources for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am an obsessed fan of historical fiction. I know that the stories are considered fiction but all are based a little bit on history. There is just enough truth to guide to find out what it was like for my family during World War 2. There is just enough reality to help me understand what was going on with the people.

The Girls of Bomber Command took me on a journey that I did not know existed. I didn't realize how many women were involved in the inner workings of an air station. I can't imagine what would have happened if there weren't so many amazing women working to keep the pilots flying.

I had never thought about how situations affected them. I had heard about the dances. I had heard about the hook-ups. And yet I never stopped to think how the men and women dealt with losses. There were so many losses. Yet, the British people seemed to be able to Keep Calm an Carry On. I finally understand my mum's attitude of keeping a stiff upper lip. The strengths of the characters in this story have left me in awe of what is to come in the next book.

[Crystalrainbow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vicki Beeby has done it again!

I enjoyed her last two WW2 series about The Ops Room Girls and The Wrens, but I loved the first in this new series about The Girls of Bomber Command.

A poignant subject, Beeby comments in her notes that the RAF Bomber Command had one of the highest casualty rates of any Allied unit during the Second World War and yet the author manages to portray this sensitively in a very enthralling read.

I loved Pearl, who reminded me of myself as she tries to look after her younger sister and tries to find her own place in the world whilst staying true to her aspirations. Greg has to deal daily with the thought that he might not survive the next bombing mission and that colours how he lives his life.

The author’s notes on the research undertaken to inspire and also to make this story authentic were fascinating.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Katie Awdas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed opinions on this title; some bits I really enjoyed, other bits not so much.

The setting regarding life on a bomber base in Lincolnshire during WW2 was of great interest to me. I felt more could have been told about the work that was undertaken on the base by both the men and women living there. It would have also been good to have had more background on the main characters as I felt like we didn't really know much about Greg and Jenny. Why Thea was transferred from another base was not fully disclosed either.
Perhaps if this is the start of a series we will get to know them more in a future title.

All in all it was an easy read with twists and turns to keep the reader interested.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing team for letting me read an advance copy of the title.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in a brand new historical saga series that I am so excited for as I know it's going to be brilliant. Pearl is the main character who is a journalist well that is what she has always dreamt of being. Pearl ends up in the bomber command and there she meets a friend Jenny and also a pilot Greg. Her sister Thea is also in the bomber command and after a incident Pearl is determined to clear her sisters name. The characters in this are written so that they portray the parts that they play in the story magnificently. I really enjoyed learning about The Bomber Command as it is something that I have never read about in a book and it was intriguing content that has been extensively researched. I loved the characters and the story has plenty of drama that kept me flying through the pages.

[Barbara Deeprose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Read

Pearl has been working in a newspaper office for a long time and is desperate to become a reporter but when she is overlooked for promotion she decides to leave and signed up with the WAAF, training to become a radio telephone operator. Her sister has already joined up and is working nearby. Thea has been sent to work at the same station as her sister, but Thea is not too happy as Pearl has always felt she must look out for Thea she she is the oldest. Pearl soon becomes friends with Greg, an Australian pilot, and they soon decide to set up a newspaper written by and for all the air crew and ground staff. This brings Pearl and Greg closer together but being in the thick of war, will they be able to get together? A lovely book which I thoroughly enjoyed. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

[Carly Rushforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨My Thoughts✨

Thanks so much for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have a few books by this author on my TBR pile but this is the first one I’ve actually read and wow I’ll be reading more as soon as I can, this is WW2 historical fiction at it’s very best.

This was such a heartwarming read and it was so well researched regarding the plight of women in WW2 and how they was pushed aside in favour of men even though they could do the job equally as well if not better.

The three women stole my heart straight away and the relationships had me smiling so much.

We also got a little mystery and intrigue happening which I enjoyed, I won’t say too much as I don’t want to give too much away.

I love Saga books and reading this story has reminded me why.

[Lucy Dunphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

I think because I loved the Ops Girls series so much I'd very high hopes for this, but I was left disappointed. Don't get me wrong, it's well written and I can see that so much research went into it but it just didn't really do it for me. Pearl was a great character and to see her rise above the I equality she faced as regards her gender at the start of the book was admirable and Jenny's constant mispronounciatuon of words was amusing. Your eyes are opened to the extreme dangers these brave people faced everyday and knowing that they might not make it back is heartbreaking. Unfortunately The Girls of Bomber Command just isn't the most memorable historical fiction book I've read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for the opportunity to read this Advance Reader's Copy.

[Luisa Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable, well-written and impeccably researched story. I loved the historical details and the insights into how serving in Bomber Command affected those involved, especially as my grandfather was a navigator in Bomber Command during WWII. Greg was a likeable flawed hero and although I didn’t entirely take to Pearl, the characterisation helped me understand what made her the way she was. Jenny and Thea were interesting secondary characters and I hope they will feature in future books. Recommended for anyone who enjoys wholesome WWII romances.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished reading The Girls of Bomber Command, my first book by author Vicki Beeby. After finishing, I am confident that it won't be my last, especially since it's the first in a new series.

One of the standout features of the book was the likable characters, which made the story all the more enjoyable. I also appreciated that the story was centered around Bomber Command, offering a unique and refreshing change of pace.
It
Surprisingly, it was my first time reading a fiction novel focused on Bomber Command, despite living in Lincolnshire. Overall, I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

[Helen Birkbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been interested in the important but controversial work of Bomber Command and admired the courage of the aircrews, so it was interesting to read about it from the point of view of WAAFs on a station. I found the characters engaging, though both Pearl and Thea could be a bit annoying at times, and the strands of operational danger, romance and solving a mystery were well woven and believable. I'm not quite sure they would have used 'like' instead of 'as if' in the 1940s, but apart from that it was very well written, and I did enjoy Jenny's mispronunciations - I too thought 'awry' was 'orey' for years!

[Carol Waterkeyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued to read this book as my father was one of the crew members in WW2's Bomber Command. Only a third of them survived to the end of the war, thankfully my father was one of them. Vicki Beeby has obviously done a huge amount of research in order to write this convincing tale in two viewpoints - that of the protagonist Pearl, a WAAF, but also that of Greg, a daring Australian pilot. I had a feeling I knew where the plot was going, but that didn't detract from it being a very enjoyable read.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good read, which doesn't skimp over the dangers and distress of life for the RAF bomber crews and their support on the ground. A WAAF newcomer has left a small newspaper after her promised reporter's job was handed to a man. She finds her feet at Bomber Command and decides to start up a news sheet for the base, which is large enough to be a village.

I enjoyed the story and the variety of people present, also the light shed on vital war work done by women.
I read a paperback from Raheny Library. This is an unbiased review.

[Karen Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was much better than I anticipated it would be. The book was well researched and I believe gave a great insight on what life would have been like in the RAF bomber command.
What a roller coaster of emotions it must of been for them, not know if the crews that were sent on a mission would return.
My heart really went out to Pearl and Greg and the heartache they faced.
I can’t wait to read the next two in the series.