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Nightingales #12
The Nightingale Daughters
Brought to you by Penguin.
It's 1957, and three young women are beginning their nursing training at the Florence Nightingale Hospital in London's East End...
Winne desperately wants to win her mother's approval - but will following in her footsteps and becoming a nurse help?
Tearaway Viv has never been one to follow the rules, though the Nightingale may help her mend her ways.
Beth is following her late sister's dream by training as a nurse. Will it be the right path for her?
There's a steep learning curve ahead. But with friendship on their side, the Nightingale Daughters are ready to rise to the challenge.
It's 1957, and three young women are beginning their nursing training at the Florence Nightingale Hospital in London's East End...
Winne desperately wants to win her mother's approval - but will following in her footsteps and becoming a nurse help?
Tearaway Viv has never been one to follow the rules, though the Nightingale may help her mend her ways.
Beth is following her late sister's dream by training as a nurse. Will it be the right path for her?
There's a steep learning curve ahead. But with friendship on their side, the Nightingale Daughters are ready to rise to the challenge.
- GenresMedical
Audible Audio
Published September 14, 2023
82 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Donna Douglas
35 books256 followersWelcome to my Goodreads page.
I'm the author of the Nightingale novels, a series of stories set in an East End hospital in the 1930s, published by Arrow.
The first in the series, The Nightingale Girls, follows the lives of three girls from very different backgrounds as they join the Nightingale Hospital as students. The second, The Nightingale Sisters, will be published next spring.
I'm originally from London, but I now live in the beautiful city of York.
I'm the author of the Nightingale novels, a series of stories set in an East End hospital in the 1930s, published by Arrow.
The first in the series, The Nightingale Girls, follows the lives of three girls from very different backgrounds as they join the Nightingale Hospital as students. The second, The Nightingale Sisters, will be published next spring.
I'm originally from London, but I now live in the beautiful city of York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 24, 2023
Absolutely loved this one . Huge fan of this series .
October 14, 2023
Absolutely loved this reboot of the Nightingale Nurses series. I can't wait to read more of the new generation of nurses get on in 1950's London.
October 13, 2023
I'm so glad to see this series back and the original three girls also play a prominent role. Helen is now matron, sadly separated from David which for her seems a valid reason but him not so much. Dora's daughter Winnie is one of the main characters and Millie is there because she's married to Helen's brother and her oldest son is training to be a doctor. As with the first series we start off with three main characters, unlike the original these girls might not last the whole series.
There's Winnie who is Dora's daughter determined to prove herself to her mother who seems overly critical of her daughter while fawning over Winnie's twin brother Walter who's serving in the army during the Suez Crisis. But deep down Dora is proud of her daughter she just worries about her.
Beth is the daughter of a movie star. Her sister was the one wanting to be a nurse when she's killed in a tragic accident and Beth takes up her training for her even though she doesn't really want to be a nurse but is an artist. She soon finds herself slipping behind in the courses.
Viv like Winnie is an east end girl. She was basically abandoned by her mother who married a GI and went to America as a war bride leaving her with her seemingly grumpy unloving grandmother but like Dora the old lady Lil has a lot of heart and compassion for her granddaughter. Viv seems to be in trouble at first sneaking out to be with her boyfriend but after getting caught sneaking in late. Her and Winnie immediately clash probably too similar to get along.
There's the usual drama, Camilla the posh rich girl is there to annoy by being so perfect. Poor Beth struggles and catches the eye of a professor who might not be as kind and helpful as Beth first thought. There's some lecherous men treating the women in their lives awful. Helen and William have their own family drama, and Millie was amazing in how she dealt with it. I loved following Dora in her district nursing duties and how her storyline ended up tying into Winnie's. This was a nostalgic read, I mean the girls even end up sharing the same room Dora, Helen and Millie did. The ending left it open for more books, I mean we don't know about Helen and David, what about Beth? How will Dora and Viv handle on the ward training? Will we learn more about Camilla and the other secondary characters? Maybe one of them will step up and become a main character. I hope these books keep going I never realized how much I missed these characters and I almost want to go back and read the originals all over again while waiting for the next one to come out.
There's Winnie who is Dora's daughter determined to prove herself to her mother who seems overly critical of her daughter while fawning over Winnie's twin brother Walter who's serving in the army during the Suez Crisis. But deep down Dora is proud of her daughter she just worries about her.
Beth is the daughter of a movie star. Her sister was the one wanting to be a nurse when she's killed in a tragic accident and Beth takes up her training for her even though she doesn't really want to be a nurse but is an artist. She soon finds herself slipping behind in the courses.
Viv like Winnie is an east end girl. She was basically abandoned by her mother who married a GI and went to America as a war bride leaving her with her seemingly grumpy unloving grandmother but like Dora the old lady Lil has a lot of heart and compassion for her granddaughter. Viv seems to be in trouble at first sneaking out to be with her boyfriend but after getting caught sneaking in late. Her and Winnie immediately clash probably too similar to get along.
There's the usual drama, Camilla the posh rich girl is there to annoy by being so perfect. Poor Beth struggles and catches the eye of a professor who might not be as kind and helpful as Beth first thought. There's some lecherous men treating the women in their lives awful. Helen and William have their own family drama, and Millie was amazing in how she dealt with it. I loved following Dora in her district nursing duties and how her storyline ended up tying into Winnie's. This was a nostalgic read, I mean the girls even end up sharing the same room Dora, Helen and Millie did. The ending left it open for more books, I mean we don't know about Helen and David, what about Beth? How will Dora and Viv handle on the ward training? Will we learn more about Camilla and the other secondary characters? Maybe one of them will step up and become a main character. I hope these books keep going I never realized how much I missed these characters and I almost want to go back and read the originals all over again while waiting for the next one to come out.
December 10, 2023
The Nightingale Daughters is the story of a new generation of nurses beginning their training at the Nightingale Hospital in London’s East End in the 1950s. For fans of the original Nightingale series, there are some familiar faces and continuation of stories but this book stands alone quite easily. It’s a comfort read of young women finding where they fit in as well as the exploration of some darker themes.
The main two characters of the novel are Dora and her daughter Winnie. Dora was one of the ‘original’ Nightingales who now works as a district nurse, while Winnie has decided to apply for nursing training in secret. She fears that her mother doesn’t approve of her after she was (unfairly) fired from her last job. Dora and Winnie have an uneasy peace between them – both are alike in their fiery natures but aren’t willing to discuss the hurt that each one feels. When Winnie is accepted for preliminary training, Dora is excited but worried for her daughter, which Winnie hears as disapproval. Winnie shares the same room that her mother did at the nurses’ home with two others – Viv, who intends to be thrown out as soon as possible to spend more time with her boyfriend and Beth, who feels it is her duty to become a nurse in her sister’s honour. There are the usual scrapes and disagreements, as well as the typical know it all in their group of trainees as the young women work towards their exams. Although very different, the three girls become friends of sorts as they sort through who they want to be and support each other through tough times.
There is also a new point of view from the new matron Helen, who was one of the original Nightingales getting used to her new role and separation from her husband. Plus, she has concerns that her brother (who is married to best friend and former fellow nurse Millie) is up to no good. Having the balance between the younger and older group made for a nice balance and differing perspectives of life in the 1950s, relationships and work.
As always, the Nightingale novels are heartwarming and light to read. The majority of issues are dealt with and tied up within the novel, although there are a few cliffhangers that make me confident that another book is soon to come. My only disappointment was that there was no stories of the wards and patients, rather just one of Dora’s district nursing patients who was having a hard time at home. There are serious issues dealt with in the story, such as assault and infidelity, but they are handled sensitively with the overall tone of the book staying positive.
I do enjoy this series and look forward to the next instalment!
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
The main two characters of the novel are Dora and her daughter Winnie. Dora was one of the ‘original’ Nightingales who now works as a district nurse, while Winnie has decided to apply for nursing training in secret. She fears that her mother doesn’t approve of her after she was (unfairly) fired from her last job. Dora and Winnie have an uneasy peace between them – both are alike in their fiery natures but aren’t willing to discuss the hurt that each one feels. When Winnie is accepted for preliminary training, Dora is excited but worried for her daughter, which Winnie hears as disapproval. Winnie shares the same room that her mother did at the nurses’ home with two others – Viv, who intends to be thrown out as soon as possible to spend more time with her boyfriend and Beth, who feels it is her duty to become a nurse in her sister’s honour. There are the usual scrapes and disagreements, as well as the typical know it all in their group of trainees as the young women work towards their exams. Although very different, the three girls become friends of sorts as they sort through who they want to be and support each other through tough times.
There is also a new point of view from the new matron Helen, who was one of the original Nightingales getting used to her new role and separation from her husband. Plus, she has concerns that her brother (who is married to best friend and former fellow nurse Millie) is up to no good. Having the balance between the younger and older group made for a nice balance and differing perspectives of life in the 1950s, relationships and work.
As always, the Nightingale novels are heartwarming and light to read. The majority of issues are dealt with and tied up within the novel, although there are a few cliffhangers that make me confident that another book is soon to come. My only disappointment was that there was no stories of the wards and patients, rather just one of Dora’s district nursing patients who was having a hard time at home. There are serious issues dealt with in the story, such as assault and infidelity, but they are handled sensitively with the overall tone of the book staying positive.
I do enjoy this series and look forward to the next instalment!
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
February 6, 2024
Brilliant.
Any they brilliant book from Donna Douglas. It was so nice to see women of the old characters back and mingling in with the daughters. Timeshare changed in nursing but the camaraderie between the student nurses is the same. Their different personalities make for a very interest read. I hope this is not the last of the Nightingales. I would love to see how this new set of students progress in Nursing. Also Helen Mackay's character still has more to give, especially getting back with her husband David. Surely it cannot be left up in the air, when it is obvious that they both still love each other. Also William's newly found daughter is a character to be explored. I really hope to see another book in the future, exploring all these possibilities. Praise for Donna Douglas.
Any they brilliant book from Donna Douglas. It was so nice to see women of the old characters back and mingling in with the daughters. Timeshare changed in nursing but the camaraderie between the student nurses is the same. Their different personalities make for a very interest read. I hope this is not the last of the Nightingales. I would love to see how this new set of students progress in Nursing. Also Helen Mackay's character still has more to give, especially getting back with her husband David. Surely it cannot be left up in the air, when it is obvious that they both still love each other. Also William's newly found daughter is a character to be explored. I really hope to see another book in the future, exploring all these possibilities. Praise for Donna Douglas.
October 15, 2023
Donna Douglas has outdone herself, absolutely amazing read. I love how she has managed to create a new story without unpicking the characters lives apart from poor Helen but hoping you have plans for her next. Wonder to see Winnie following in her mothers footsteps.
The best bit about this one is having the three original Nightingale Girls back together, cannot wait to see how Winnie and Viv get on with their training and what you have in store for our original ladies.
As always amazing story - cannot wait for the next one
The best bit about this one is having the three original Nightingale Girls back together, cannot wait to see how Winnie and Viv get on with their training and what you have in store for our original ladies.
As always amazing story - cannot wait for the next one
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2024
Just finished this book couldn’t put it down just loved it haveing read all the other nightingale nurses books it was interesting to catch up with Dora mollie and Helen to see how there lifes had turned out Winnie was just like her mother very strong and not giving up even it was just to prove her mother wrong I felt very sorry for Beth trying to be come a nurse because she felt guilty over her sister death and was so please viv decided to take her finals I hope there is going to be a follow up book to see how Winnie progresses on the ward and weather or not viv sigh up the 3 year training
October 18, 2023
Donna Douglas writes another brilliant book. Wonderful characters, fascinating healthcare history, and emotional scenes that had me in tears. Her nightingale books are literally the only books I can't put down and read fast. This time in 4 days. Hoping this is a relaunch of the series and that there'll be more. Great to revisit the Nightingale girls as they head into middle age and meet thè generation that followed.
December 13, 2023
Brilliant follow on to the series
I have just re-read the whole Nightingale Series so I would enjoy The NIghtingale Daughters. Oh how I loved returning to all the characters!
I loved all this series and I am delighted that the Nightingale daughter's is a great follow up!
Congratulations Donna Douglas - I look forward to the next book - I hope!! 😀
I have just re-read the whole Nightingale Series so I would enjoy The NIghtingale Daughters. Oh how I loved returning to all the characters!
I loved all this series and I am delighted that the Nightingale daughter's is a great follow up!
Congratulations Donna Douglas - I look forward to the next book - I hope!! 😀
January 27, 2025
This is book #12 in one of my all-time favorite book series. It surely did not disappoint. It has been a couple of years since book #11 came out, so I was ecstatic when I found out about this one and book #13. Donna Douglas, I adore this series and admire your excellent writing about this amazing time in British history and in the history of British nursing.💙👩⚕️ Well done! Onto book #13!😃
March 30, 2025
I have read all the stories about the nightingale hospital one after the other and have really enjoyed them and sorry they have ended but I suppose it has to end somewhere it was a can’t put down series and I have really enjoyed stories about new nurses eventually being in charge of the hospital and the new nurses following on thank you Donna for such a great read
September 26, 2023
Wonderful book
I am so glad the nightingale nurses are back, I thoroughly enjoyed all the books in the series and it's great to now move on with a new set of nurses and Helen as matron. I hope there will be a lot more books in this new series
I am so glad the nightingale nurses are back, I thoroughly enjoyed all the books in the series and it's great to now move on with a new set of nurses and Helen as matron. I hope there will be a lot more books in this new series
October 3, 2023
Nightingale Hospital
I’ve loved the series of these Nightingale books and i found it hard to put this book down. I’m hoping the series goes on about the daughters of the nurses and if so i’m looking forward to reading more about them.
I’ve loved the series of these Nightingale books and i found it hard to put this book down. I’m hoping the series goes on about the daughters of the nurses and if so i’m looking forward to reading more about them.
October 21, 2023
Left wanting more from the nightingales
Just spent the last 2 days with my nose buried into my kindle, now I want to hear more about the new intakes of the hospital. So many questions left unanswered
Please spoil us with another book
Just spent the last 2 days with my nose buried into my kindle, now I want to hear more about the new intakes of the hospital. So many questions left unanswered
Please spoil us with another book
October 28, 2023
A brilliant story.
Welcome back to the Nightingale Daughters. Just as good as the Nightingale Nurses stories. A pleasant to follow their friendships and struggles in their journey.
Welcome back to the Nightingale Daughters. Just as good as the Nightingale Nurses stories. A pleasant to follow their friendships and struggles in their journey.
November 14, 2023
When I seen this book I was elated at the prospect of getting to know the Nightingale Daughters especially Dora's daughter! The story was fantastic and a real page turner. I love that Helen is in this new book. Mille is as ever just a darling and the shock of the new gossip between the older characters was brilliant. Can't wait for the next instalment .
November 16, 2023
Its been a long wait but it was well worth it, we meet three new girls, one is Dilly's daughter who wants her Mothers approval and she wants to be a nurse will she get through with her brassy attitude.
It is well worth a read
It is well worth a read
February 3, 2024
I loved the previous books in this series and was really happy to hear Donna was writing more. Even though there's been a gap between books I had no problem getting into this one. It was so easy and enjoyable to read that I can't wait for more.
Read
May 11, 2024Interesting read
The characters are very vividly described. The difference in backgrounds and upbringing is handled well. I especially liked the slippery chap get his comeuppance and the matriarch realising she isn't always kind
The characters are very vividly described. The difference in backgrounds and upbringing is handled well. I especially liked the slippery chap get his comeuppance and the matriarch realising she isn't always kind
September 17, 2023
Brilliant book, I have read the others in this series and tis did not disappoint. Hope there are more to come.
September 30, 2023
brilliant follow on book in this series
Started this book and couldn’t stop reading it. Another brilliant Nightingale story and I hope, not the last! Please Donna Douglas
Started this book and couldn’t stop reading it. Another brilliant Nightingale story and I hope, not the last! Please Donna Douglas
October 3, 2023
Really enjoyed reading this book looking to the next one
October 16, 2023
Loved this book can’t wait for the follow on😊
January 5, 2024
Great story line
As an avid reader of Doers didnnna Douglas books I was hoping that a new Nightingale book would soon become available, and The Nightingale Daught
As an avid reader of Doers didnnna Douglas books I was hoping that a new Nightingale book would soon become available, and The Nightingale Daught
January 31, 2024
First class reading as always from Donna Douglas
Loved every second of this book from beginning to end.Couldn't put it down until I finished this fantastic nursing story
Loved every second of this book from beginning to end.Couldn't put it down until I finished this fantastic nursing story
February 4, 2024
I have read the Nightingale entire book series, and have enjoyed them all!!
June 26, 2024
Love this series and catching up wirh familiar characters. It is great to see new generations continuing their nursing training and great stories too
July 27, 2024
A brilliant read like all of The Nightingale books
August 24, 2024
A great read, just like the rest of the series.
January 4, 2024
Fantastic book
I loved this book. Brought back a lot of happy memories when I did my training. A true to life story . Highly recommend
I loved this book. Brought back a lot of happy memories when I did my training. A true to life story . Highly recommend
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews