Dangerous Days for the Home Front Nurses

Home Front Nurses #2

by Rachel Brimble

Preorder the BRAND NEW instalment of a wartime saga series from Rachel Brimble April 1942, Bath – the nurses are under fire in the city they once thought safe…

Freda knows the work she does on the home front is vital. Especially when bombs begin raining down on her beloved city of Bath and she and her friends find themselves feeling the effects of war like never before.

Years of being told to be a ‘good girl’ by her mother, Freda has always done what’s been expected of her. But, even though she’s proud of her work nursing soldiers and victims of war, she can’t help but wonder if there’s more for her in life. And her secret desire to become a journalist feels increasingly like a calling she can’t resist.

Even though it’s not considered work suitable for women, Freda knows she has to follow her dream. Even if it means leaving her nursing, friendships and maybe even true love behind. But then tragedy strikes close to home, and she has to ask herself – can she ever find a way to make her dreams come true?

A completely gripping, heartwarming story of friendship, love and following your dreams. Dangerous Days for T{::} he Home Front Nurses is perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane, Rosie Clarke, and Call the Midwife.

Bestselling authors are loving The Home Front Nurses

‘I enjoyed this heart-warming yet gritty and gripping first book of the series. Sylvia, Freda and Veronica, work hard in their job of nursing the wounded, each of them with their own secret heartache… Compelling reading. Another winner for this lovely author and only the first in a series that will garner a host of readers.’ Lizzie Lane

‘This a new writer for me and I absolutely loved this book. Well-researched, well-written and I couldn’t put it down.’ Fenella J Miller

‘A fantastic start to what promises to be a brilliant series.’ Rosie Clarke

‘Heartwarming! I loved following the lives of the three girls, and the storyline pulled me in quickly, holding my attention. It was hard to put down!’ Patricia McBride

‘Rachel Brimble brings Sylvia, Freda and Veronica to life in her skilled and vivid storytelling. As the friends face the perils of war on the home front, we stand beside them, sharing their hopes, dreams and fears. I can’t wait to read more in this series.’ May Ellis

Readers love it too!

‘A sweet and enticing wartime story for anyone missing Call the Midwife.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Absolutely 10/10! Amazing storyline and loved the characters and setting, loved how the girls forged a friendship and stuck by each other, can’t wait to read more about these ladies.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A hopeful story about friendship and learning to trust.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Womens Fiction

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2025

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

[linda hole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this ww2 saga. An e arc from netgalley, my opinion is my own

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I now have a better idea of what it was like for the British subjects during World War 2. I now have a better understanding of what they went through. My respect has grown even more for all of those that experienced the horrors.

Dangerous Days for the Home Front Nurses tells the story of three nurses that have been together since the release of The Home Front Girls. They have matured. They have become more confident. They are dedicated to their patients in Bath and to each other.

I never stopped to think how different cities and towns prepared for attacks. I never thought that some would think they were invincible. The story shows just how dangerous some decision can be for the citizens. Hear the explostions. Breath the powdered concrete. Feel the heat from the fires. Follow the lives of the nurses, their families and the patients.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I recommend reading the 1st book in this series before reading this one. I haven't read the 1st book and I feel like I would've enjoyed this more if I had. That said, this is a good book. I am looking forward to reading the next installment. There are enough cliff hangers to keep me interested.

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Home Front Nurses series . It was wonderful to be back in the company of nurses and friends, Veronica, Freda and Sylvia. Freda loves her job at the hospital helping the war injured soldiers, but she secretly desires to be a journalist. Her two friends Sylvia and Veronica have their own problems to contend with but they are all there to support each other during these difficult times. Right from the start I was taken right into the very heart of the story and found myself desperately wanting to find out how everything would work out for everyone . The descriptions of the war and the suffering endured were written so vividly by the author. I’m really loving this series and can’t wait for book three.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another dive into life in wartime Britain.

Freda is a nurse in Bath when the Germans decide to focus on bombing that city; along with her fellow nurses she has to move the patients in the middle of an attack. iWhile Freda realises that her work in the hospital is vital, what she really wants to do is be a journalist reporting on the war . . .

I was a bit disappointed to discover that this is the second in series - when the publisher puts 'brand new series' on a book, I expect it to be the start of something new. On the whole - and as a previous reviewer and fan of Rachel Brimble's writing - I did enjoy this one, but there were a few minor niggles; the most obvious one being the constant use of first names on the ward. No ward sister would have allowed that in the sixties, never mind during wartime. However, I realise I can be a bit pedantic at times and overall this was a very enjoyable read. For me, 4*.

[annasbook nookk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Dangerous Days for the Home Front Nurses (book 2 of The Home Front Nurses) by Rachel Brimble
Out 14th February.

The story was about the sheer resilience of wartime Britain and Freda, who was seeking her purpose in life.
She was a nurse in Bath, struggling with her mum's expectations of her as a “good girl” while also dreaming of a career in journalism.

I felt so immersed in this book that I read it in one day. It was lovely to read about Freda’s determination to follow her own path and reach her dreams, and I cheered for her throughout. The story was full of duty, friendship, and love, as well as the struggle to follow one's heart at such a tragic and scary time.

If you like historical romance, I'd recommend any of Rachels's books.

[Dawn Lawrence Read_with_Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Rachel Brimble book and I loved it. It’s the war time story of three friends who are nurses. They battle their way through the war whilst going through family, friend and love sagas. I liked this so much I have purchased the first book in the series even though it will be going back in time. I really hope there will be more books added to the series. The book was a real page turner and hard to put down, it was heartbreaking, sad, hopeful and happy, a real bag of mixed emotions. The description of the air raids really sounded like I imagine they would be back in the war scary stuff! Only one thing disappointed me ….. news about Dot and what happened about her situation. When the book ended with no further news I was like Noooooooooo! I hope the storyline is picked up in the next book. So good, totally worth 5 big fat stars.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book of the series starts with a bang and doesn't let up for a minute! On the very first page, Hitler has finally focused his attention on the historic city of Bath and the Luftwaffe is dropping incendiary bombs on a completely undefended city. Rachel Brimble brilliantly reminds the reader that even with the horrors of the war, women must still deal with the harsh realities of being female. Our Home Front nurses face the challenges of gender roles, racism, and unplanned pregnancy in their lives away from the hospital. I love this series and look forward to the third book's release in July.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series and it was good to catch up with the friends again. It was very descriptive of how the nurses struggled when Bath got bombed. It was so well written it was easy to imagine what the people of Bath had to put up with. Freda, Veronica and Sylvia all have their own personal issues going on but they always find time to support each other too. There are some happy times as well as the sad moments for the girls and there are more things we need to know. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we catch up with the home front nurses again.

[Caroline Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy from NetGalley.
A great update with the nurses, even as they face the Baedeker Raids in Bath. I can’t wait for the next installment, and I hope it won’t be the last!

[Jayne Greig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous, loved this follow on book. The era, characters entice me to read this novel. No one will be disappointed with this book if they enjoy WW11, nursing and romance. Awaiting the follow on book

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical novel is part of a series and features strong female characters, friends and nurses, as they tackle life in the middle of a war.

It's well written and is a enjoyable read for historical saga fans.

[Sue Rouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Rachel and the second in this series. Kathy, Veronica and Freda are all nurses who work together in difficult circumstances as bombs rain down in Bath. Family situations previous assaults and the horrors of war still affect these young nurses. A good finish but would love to see more from these characters. Thanks to Rachel and her publisher.

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

Dangerous Days for the Home Front Nurses is the page-turning second installment of the Home Front Nurses series.

This second installment of the Home Front Nurses series continues to follow the lives of three young nurses: Freda, Sylvia, and Veronica. We see them working under difficult circumstances, handling complicated personal lives, maintaining friendships, and contemplating romance. I recommend reading the series in order.

Freda, Sylvia, and Veronica are there for each other professionally and personally. Over these two installments, their friendship grows stronger as they learn to trust and depend upon one another.

We are in war conditions and the hospital and their neighborhoods have suffered bomb damage. Freya, Sylvia, and Veronica are exhausted and stretched to their limits. Resilience, resourcefulness, and bravery are needed. The author provides vivid details and descriptions, providing a strong sense of place and putting us in the middle of the action and drama.

Romance is not the focus of the story, but there is a side of romance for each character (including one f/f).

Thoughtful themes include duty, friendship, romance, family, community, endurance, resiliency, finding your purpose, and following your heart.

Content Consideration: War injuries and bomb damage, medical content, references to a past rape

Fans of WWII stories that feature nursing and nurses will appreciate this engaging story. I recommend reading the series in order.

Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #DangerousDaysForTheHomeFrontNurses upon my request. All opinions are my own.

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

[Shelagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read Dangerous Days For The Home Front Nurses, I didn’t realise it was book two in the series. Honestly, that didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story, though I expect I would have been more familiar with the three nurses who are the central characters. This book is set in Bath in 1942 and much of the story takes place in the Borough Hospital, where the patients are a mix of military and civilians. I had no idea that Bath was bombed during World War Two so found that fact interesting. I loved the way the bombing and subsequent events were depicted through the eyes of Freda, Sylvia and Veronica. Each has her own strengths and weaknesses and while the bombing and its aftermath made for an interesting secondary thread, this story is really about those three women. I admired them for their work ethic and their care of the patients, but I also warmed to them as people with individual vulnerabilities. For Freda, it is her family and particularly her younger sister, who is an absolute prat, in my opinion. I thought Freda showed the patience of a saint in her dealings with Dorothy. Sylvia was engaged to Jesse, who is largely off the page, but broke off the engagement and urged him to join the forces. She’s still in love with him and riddled with worry about his wellbeing. Veronica, meanwhile, was raped five years before this story opens and lives only a few doors away from her attacker. She’s determined to leave home and move as far away from him as possible and equally determined to ensure her mother doesn’t find out. As the story unfolds, each woman comes to grips with her issues. I loved the way this story depicted the fighting spirit of all three women but also the determination of the people of Bath to rebuild and show Hitler their inner strength. Throughout the book, there are strong themes of friendship, family dynamics, and discrimination, which add depth to the story.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Home Front Nurses was one of the best books I read in 2024 and I have been looking forward to the second book since then. Dangerous Days for the Home Front Nurses begins in April 1942 in Bath. It can be read as a standalone but is much better if you read the first book before, so you know all the characters.
The story follows on from the first book, beginning as the hospital the nurses work at is being bombed, so we’re straight into the action. The three leading characters in the series are the nurses Freda, Sylvia and Veronica. As the bombs fall on Bath for the first time, they must tend to the patients before finding out if their houses are still intact and if their families and friends are safe.
Each of the three nurses has their own private secrets and personal struggles, but we mainly concentrate on Freda in this story. We also find out more about some of the minor characters including Kathy, a fellow nurse who hasn’t been very nice in the past, but things become a bit clearer when we find out more about her life.
This is just my kind of book. I love reading books set at home in Britain during the World Wars and this one gives a real authentic feel of how things would have been then. I love a book with strong females as the leading characters and the themes of friendship as well as romance (often at a distance, due to the War) and all the different family dynamics.
Rachel Brimble writes beautifully, her books are well-paced and easy to get into. Each of the characters is believable and you really care about them and their fates, hoping they will all find happiness. This book continued from the first book perfectly and I really enjoyed catching up with everyone again. This is becoming one of my favourite book series and I am already looking forward to Book 3.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

With strong heroines, a vividly rendered setting, page-turning drama and touching romance, Dangerous Days for the Home Front Girls by Rachel Brimble is sure to tick all the right boxes for saga fans.

Freda cannot remember a time when she didn’t want to be a journalist. However, as a good girl who has always done as she was told, Freda has instead chosen to focus all of her time, energy and efforts into nursing. Well aware that the work she does on the home front is absolutely vital – especially during wartime when bombs are falling down even on her beloved city of Bath – Freda has reached a point in her life where she cannot help but wonder whether she should continue to do other people’s bidding or whether she should start chasing her dreams.

Well aware that journalism is not a profession considered to be suitable for a woman, Freda has come to a crossroads in her life. Should she take a leap of faith and try to make it in a man’s world? Will she find the courage to follow her heart and her passion – even if it means leaving nursing and the friendships she has made? Or will Freda continue to put herself last and everyone else first?

Written with her customary flair and style, Rachel Brimble’s Dangerous Days for the Home Front Girls is a dramatic, emotional and heartrending tale about treading your own path, finding your own place in the world, standing up for yourself and following your heart that captivated me from page one and kept me engrossed till the very end.

Rachel Brimble is a writer who gets it right every time and she has penned another surefire hit with Dangerous Days for the Home Front Girls.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dangerous Days for the Home Front Nurses by Rachel Brimble is part of a saga revolving around these young nurses, their families, and their patients. It is during World War II and they are in Bath, a place previously ignored by the Nazis. But, tonight they had been bombed and although it was over, everyone feared they would come again. At this point there was nothing to be done but clean up and transfer patients to the basement where they would be safer. Freda, Veronica, Sylvia, and Kathy all had personal stories that wove in and out of the hospital’s story. Typical stuff, mostly: one of them had been raped five years earlier, one had a sister that was pregnant with no husband, one in love with a Negro man, and others wondering what their future would hold. It was an engrossing read, realizing that many problems we have today are no different than those nurses almost a hundred years ago.

Brimble did a nice job of delineating the personalities of each of the women we encountered, not always easy. There was no over-arching plot, but rather, small, individual ones. Since there were so many main characters, there was always something going on, which kept it lively. It is always good to remember that other people have lives, too. Times were different then: some good, some bad. It was an enjoyable read which went quickly but gave us some insight into the various characters and their responses to life.

I was invited to read Dangerous Days for the Home Front Nurses by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #RachelBrimble #DangersDaysForTheHomeFrontNurses

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this fantastic new instalment in Rachel Brimble’s World War II historical fiction series, readers rejoin Freda, Sylvia, and Veronica in 1942 as the war rages on and their lives at home continue to change. Tired of doing what is expected of her, Freda wants to know what else is out there and if she can really make a go as a journalist. If following her dream means leaving love, friends, family, and nursing behind, Freda must decide if this is really worth it. As Sylvia and Veronica continue their professional development as nurses and as friends, readers will learn more about their personal challenges during the dangers and horrors of the Blitz. A fantastic continuation of this World War II historical fiction series, readers will love the social challenges and complexities that Freda and her friends face in this engaging and immersive new novel. The characters are the star of the novel and really bring the challenges of the home front and the Blitz to life in fascinating detail and moving experiences. Excellently written, full of incredible historical details, and emotional, this latest Home Front Nurses novel is a must-read for fans of Brimble’s series and her other World War II novels.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Katie Awdas · Rating 5 out of 5]

After only giving the first book in the series 3 stars I was sceptical about the second book. I'm glad I gave it a go as it was definitely a 5 star read. The first half of the book was detailed and intense about the bombing raids on Bath and the impact on the hospital and it's patients. It was well written and gave the reader a sense of being there. The second half of the book was perhaps not so captivating but in parts was enjoyable all the same (I dislike pregnancy storylines as I feel there are too many of them in wartime fiction books).

This second book had less bickering with Kathy and I hope the third in the series will see them all being friends. I also hope one of the main characters (I don't want to spoil it for others!) get's her wish to transfer elsewhere to continue her nursing as I feel this would be a strong storyline to follow.

The end of the book left lots of avenues open which makes me excited for the next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author for allowing me to read an Arc copy.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

This is the second book in the Home Front Nurses series, set in Bath during WWII. I enjoyed the previous book, so I was excited to read this one as well.

The book follows three nurses, Freda, Sylvia and Veronica, who established a friendship in the previous book. I connected with all of these characters the first time round, so it was lovely to read about them again. In fact, it felt a little bit like visiting old friends.

Once again, I appreciated the bonds of friendship between the three main characters, and I was also happy to see the return of some other characters that I was fond of in the previous book. I started to feel as though I'd bonded with the characters in my own way. This was light and easy to read, and I found it heartwarming too, though there were also a few tearjerker moments.

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

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home Front Nurses #2

Freda is seeking a purpose in life. She is a nurse in Bath but dreams of a career in journalism. Freda has always done what was expected of her. She is proud of her work for nursing soldiers and victims of war, but she can't help wondering if there's more to life. Even though journalism is not considered work suitable for women, /freda knows she has to follow her dream.

This book has been descriptively written. It's filled with mixed emotions. It tells us exactly how towns and cities prepared for the attacks from the enemy. How it must have felt in the dangerous situations war brought. I did prefer the first half of this book as that was where the bombing of Bath took place.

Published 14th February 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #RachelBrimble for my ARC of #DangerousDaysForTheHomeFrontNurses in exchange for an honest review.

[Emma Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series continues and does not disappoint and think this book is even better.

It starts with a bombing raid in Bath and parts of the hospital getting hit. We see how the girls Freda, Sylvia and Veronica cope with it all. They all pull together to help the patients. Veronica seems to be coping and seems to be getting stronger and more confident. Freda has problems at home. Sylvia feels bad about Jesse hoping he is safe.

I really liked the way the book was written and how the bombing affected the different people in the book. The characters all worked well together. There was a bit of romance as well which was good.

I would hope there is another book to find out what happens to the three woman.

Would recommend this book.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the bombs dropping on war-ravaged Bath, the three friends who are nurses at a busy Bath hospital are facing dangerous times. It's the second novel in the series, but there is sufficient backstory to catch up if you missed the first book. Immersively portraying the young nurses' sense of fear and courage, Sylvia, Freda and Veronica's continuing stories are explored in this emotional and poignant read. The societal expectations and the difficulties women face when they wish to pursue roles and relationships outside the expected norm define this story, and you invest in the nurses' lives. It's a satisfying read if you like WW2 historical romantic fiction with relatable characters and emotional drama.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Soozee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book continues the stories of the three friends who are nursing during the Second World War in Bath. So far the bombing has avoided the historic town, but now we find Freda, Veronica and Sylvia under fire as the hospital is bombed. The battle is told in a fairly saccharine manner, with no gory details, but we do understand the pressure the nursing staff were under at such times. The girls are also trying to sort out their own lives, their future careers, the people they love and come to terms with how War separates and damages such relationships.

Its a good read, and while its helpful to have read the earlier books, it does stand alone. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Firetruckmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“Dangerous Days for the Home Front Nurses” by Rachel Brimble is the second book in the “Home Front Nurses” series. While this book can be read as a stand-alone as Ms. Brimble does a good job filling in some backstories when needed, I do recommend the first book if possible. This book continues to follow three nurse friends - Veronica, Sylvia, and Freda - as they deal with the Germans bombing their town and hospital. The writing is engaging. I found the first part of the book more interesting than the second, but the second had a bit more plot development and set up for the next book in the series.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boom! That is what this book started with, literally, as bombs rain down on the city of Bath. What an exciting way to start a story. The following chapters were emotional ones. The first half of the book focuses on the hospital and how the nurses and patients deal with the awful bombing and the aftermath. The second half is just as emotional but the bombs falling aren't Hitla's, they are the trials facing nurses Freda, Veronica and Sylvia; their relationships, their families and decisions for the future.

I thoroughly enjoyed this instalment of the Home Front Nurses and am very much looking forward to the next one.

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am trying to type this review with a bandage on my hand and somehow I keep on wiping out my review! This is my third attempt, lol.

This book is a good fictional but realistic account of the loves and lives of three young nurses during WWII in Bath. When I think about how young these nurses actually were, I really admire them a great deal. I guess they didn't have any choice about being bombed but how they dealt with it was pretty incredible.

I wish I had read the first book because it would have given some more depth and background but the author covers this pretty well in any case.

4 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows the lives and loves of three nurses working in Bath. Freda, Veronica and Sylvia are very good friends and look out for each other. They all have their own special problems with their families and their love lives. As well as their personal problems there is the aftermath of the bombing of Bath to contend with. They were all confused why Bath had been targeted. The author portrays how this affected them and the people living in the city, and how it made them reconsider what they wanted to do with their lives. I hadn’t read the first in the series but this didn’t spoil my enjoyment. This was an engaging read and as it is a series, some matters are not resolved. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Pat Fairbairn · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed the books

I have read the 2 books now and enjoyed reading them, looking forward to getting the 3rd one and reading about how they are all getting on, the friendship between them is so lovely, and how they are always ready to help their friends. Plus how they care for their patients is so lovely