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Wartime Hotel #2
Hopeful Hearts at the Wartime Hotel
Discover a brand-new, unforgettable WWII saga brimming with irresistible charm and warmth! Perfect for fans of historical fiction by Ellie Dean and Lesley Eames. 📖✨
Manchester, 1942.
When Kitty Dunbar was forced to confront her husband’s debts and close the family hotel, she transformed Dunbar’s into a storage business for bombed-out families. But with her daughter to support, and relishing her new independence, Kitty is keen to come up with more ways to use the once prestigious hotel.
Sharing her home are former chambermaid Lily, and kind-hearted welfare worker Beatrice, both haunted by past loss. Together, the three women create a new kind of family in the heart of the Manchester Blitz: one built on respect and resilience. When Kitty suggests hosting wedding receptions in the old dining room, her friends are happy and willing to lend a hand – and help to serve ‘Dunbar’s Wartime Wedding Punch’!
But when Lily meets a handsome doctor, and Beatrice comes face to face with an old flame, will hearts finally be mended, or broken once more?
While war rages around them, can these three women find the courage to keep fighting for their dreams?
Manchester, 1942.
When Kitty Dunbar was forced to confront her husband’s debts and close the family hotel, she transformed Dunbar’s into a storage business for bombed-out families. But with her daughter to support, and relishing her new independence, Kitty is keen to come up with more ways to use the once prestigious hotel.
Sharing her home are former chambermaid Lily, and kind-hearted welfare worker Beatrice, both haunted by past loss. Together, the three women create a new kind of family in the heart of the Manchester Blitz: one built on respect and resilience. When Kitty suggests hosting wedding receptions in the old dining room, her friends are happy and willing to lend a hand – and help to serve ‘Dunbar’s Wartime Wedding Punch’!
But when Lily meets a handsome doctor, and Beatrice comes face to face with an old flame, will hearts finally be mended, or broken once more?
While war rages around them, can these three women find the courage to keep fighting for their dreams?
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2025
About the author
Maisie Thomas
21 books51 followersMaisie Thomas was born and brought up in Manchester, which provides the location for her Railway Girls novels. She loves writing stories with strong female characters, set in times when women needed determination and vision to make their mark. The Railway Girls series is inspired by her great aunt, Jessie, who worked as a railway clerk during the First World War.
Maisie now lives on the beautiful North Wales coast with her railway enthusiast husband, Kevin, and their two rescue cats. They often enjoy holidays chugging up and down the UK’s heritage steam railways.
Maisie now lives on the beautiful North Wales coast with her railway enthusiast husband, Kevin, and their two rescue cats. They often enjoy holidays chugging up and down the UK’s heritage steam railways.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 13, 2025
The Wartime Hotel, Book 2
Manchester, 1942: When Kitty Dunbar was forced to confront her husbands debts and close the family hotel, she transformed Dunbar's into a storage business for bombed-out families. But with her daughter to support, and relishing her new independence, Kitty is keen to come up with more ways to use the previous hotel. Sharing her home with her former chambermaid Lily, and kindhearted welfare worker Beatrice, both haunted by their past loss. Together, the three women create a new kind of family in the heart of Manchester Blitz one built on respect and resilience. When Kitty suggests hosting wedding receptions in the old dining room, her friends are happy to lend a hand - and help to serve "Dunbar's Wartime Wedding Punch."
The writing flows from the pages in this quick and easy read. It has a lot of historical detail. The characters are well-developed. There were lots of things I did not know about that were told in this story, one of them being that a woman could not open a bank account without their husband's written permission. Thankfully things have changed. This is a well-written and informative read.
Published 15th September 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #MaisieThomas for my ARC of #HopefukHeartsAtTheWartimeHotel in exchange for an honest review.
Manchester, 1942: When Kitty Dunbar was forced to confront her husbands debts and close the family hotel, she transformed Dunbar's into a storage business for bombed-out families. But with her daughter to support, and relishing her new independence, Kitty is keen to come up with more ways to use the previous hotel. Sharing her home with her former chambermaid Lily, and kindhearted welfare worker Beatrice, both haunted by their past loss. Together, the three women create a new kind of family in the heart of Manchester Blitz one built on respect and resilience. When Kitty suggests hosting wedding receptions in the old dining room, her friends are happy to lend a hand - and help to serve "Dunbar's Wartime Wedding Punch."
The writing flows from the pages in this quick and easy read. It has a lot of historical detail. The characters are well-developed. There were lots of things I did not know about that were told in this story, one of them being that a woman could not open a bank account without their husband's written permission. Thankfully things have changed. This is a well-written and informative read.
Published 15th September 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #MaisieThomas for my ARC of #HopefukHeartsAtTheWartimeHotel in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2025
Welcome back to the Dunbar's hotel. During war ot has become a storage house and so much more. Catch UP with the.girls, take part of their daily life.. Spiced with tough and heartbreaking decisions, heroic acts, and new ideas and beginnings. And of course filled with hope. I really enjoy this series.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
August 10, 2025
Hopeful Hearts at the Wartime Hotel is the second installment in a WWII home front series, featuring three entrepreneurial women.
Hopeful Hearts at the Wartime Hotel continues to follow the lives of three women who are keeping the Dunbar Hotel afloat during WWII. Kitty Dunbar was forced to take matters into her own hands as a result of her husband’s bad business decisions. She transformed the hotel into a storage facility to help bombed-out families save their salvaged belongings. Lily, a former hotel employee, and Beatrice, a kind-hearted social worker, team up with LIly to save the hotel. Their latest innovative idea involves hosting wedding receptions.
I love stories of women supporting women, and a WWII home front setting provides many challenges for our three main characters. In book one, we see the three women forge a friendship and combine their efforts to save the Dunbar Hotel by turning it into a storage facility. In this installment, the hotel is at capacity (storage-wise), so the women need to increase their income in additional ways. This leads to their idea of hosting wedding receptions. At this point, the women work well together, and they also support each other personally. Kitty’s daughter is now coming of age and lends her support as well. Strong women are up to the task in challenging times.
A strong theme of hope runs through both books. Even when making difficult decisions and facing challenging times, friendship and hope for a better future sustain the three women.
As with any series, I recommend reading the books in order. This is the second installment, so it’s not a daunting task to read both. Although the author spends time in the beginning of this story refreshing our memory of book one, it’s not the same as having read it for yourself. I look forward to following the lives of these three women in future installments.
Fans of home front WWII histfic will find a lot to appreciate in this heartfelt and uplifting series.
Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #HopefulHeartsAtTheWartimeHotel upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
Hopeful Hearts at the Wartime Hotel continues to follow the lives of three women who are keeping the Dunbar Hotel afloat during WWII. Kitty Dunbar was forced to take matters into her own hands as a result of her husband’s bad business decisions. She transformed the hotel into a storage facility to help bombed-out families save their salvaged belongings. Lily, a former hotel employee, and Beatrice, a kind-hearted social worker, team up with LIly to save the hotel. Their latest innovative idea involves hosting wedding receptions.
I love stories of women supporting women, and a WWII home front setting provides many challenges for our three main characters. In book one, we see the three women forge a friendship and combine their efforts to save the Dunbar Hotel by turning it into a storage facility. In this installment, the hotel is at capacity (storage-wise), so the women need to increase their income in additional ways. This leads to their idea of hosting wedding receptions. At this point, the women work well together, and they also support each other personally. Kitty’s daughter is now coming of age and lends her support as well. Strong women are up to the task in challenging times.
A strong theme of hope runs through both books. Even when making difficult decisions and facing challenging times, friendship and hope for a better future sustain the three women.
As with any series, I recommend reading the books in order. This is the second installment, so it’s not a daunting task to read both. Although the author spends time in the beginning of this story refreshing our memory of book one, it’s not the same as having read it for yourself. I look forward to following the lives of these three women in future installments.
Fans of home front WWII histfic will find a lot to appreciate in this heartfelt and uplifting series.
Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #HopefulHeartsAtTheWartimeHotel upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
March 4, 2026
"All I require is a letter of consent from your husband, giving his permission."
That quote! ⏫ 🤯 That was about a wife needing permission from her husband to open a bank account! Can you even imagine?! However, it was 1942 and a very different time, so I guess no one knew any different.
This is the second book in the Wartime Hotel series. Kitty and her friends are all still living at the Dunbar Hotel, now a storage business run by Kitty herself. In this book though, we see her diversify into letting people hold their wedding receptions in the old hotel 💒. The three friends are resourceful in how they manage to turn an old dining room into a space where love can be celebrated 💐.
In this book, the friends find themselves in all sorts of love tangles too 💕, some life-changing and some with difficult decisions to make. Throughout it all though, they stand by each other and support one another through those decisions—sometimes judging, but ultimately always there in the end 🤝. As with the last book, hope shines through ✨, and I found myself rooting for the girls, sharing in their home life and chatting around the kitchen table drinking tea ☕.
I already have the next book in the series ready to read 📚, so I will be diving in soon.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Hopeful Hearts at the Wartime Hotel.
That quote! ⏫ 🤯 That was about a wife needing permission from her husband to open a bank account! Can you even imagine?! However, it was 1942 and a very different time, so I guess no one knew any different.
This is the second book in the Wartime Hotel series. Kitty and her friends are all still living at the Dunbar Hotel, now a storage business run by Kitty herself. In this book though, we see her diversify into letting people hold their wedding receptions in the old hotel 💒. The three friends are resourceful in how they manage to turn an old dining room into a space where love can be celebrated 💐.
In this book, the friends find themselves in all sorts of love tangles too 💕, some life-changing and some with difficult decisions to make. Throughout it all though, they stand by each other and support one another through those decisions—sometimes judging, but ultimately always there in the end 🤝. As with the last book, hope shines through ✨, and I found myself rooting for the girls, sharing in their home life and chatting around the kitchen table drinking tea ☕.
I already have the next book in the series ready to read 📚, so I will be diving in soon.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Hopeful Hearts at the Wartime Hotel.
February 4, 2026
Wartime saga at it's best, Maisie Thomas draws such beautiful characters so that you quickly become part of their 'family', laughing and crying with them in equal measure.
September 9, 2025
This was the second in the series and it was great to meet up with the staff and families of all at the Dunbar Hotel.
Kitty is doing well and diversifying while trying to avoid her feckless husband from getting his hands on all the profits. It was heartwarming for it to be his own mother to find a solution for the banking issue.
Then there was Beatrice and her mission to help children who were care-givers and missing out on childhood. She re-encounters an old flame who in some ways has betrayed her in the worst way possible.
And Lily still badly affected by a loss from book one and her inability to realise her husband, Daniel, also had his own grief to overcome.
Whilst it’s easy to read this as a stand-alone one gets far more context if you read the first book in the series - as the characters have been developed more fully in this book. Whatever will come in book 3.
It’s not a spoiler to say that Maisie Thomas writes under other names - and I have just read one of those novels. It was slightly confusing to read a part of this book that was directly taken from the other one I had read. It was a character name that hit me. But what a clever cross over - no mention anywhere in either books blurb that this might happen - but there was definite crossover.
Brilliant writing well researched and executed.
Can’t wait for the next instalment. I wonder how things will work for Lily and the predicament she finds herself in
Kitty is doing well and diversifying while trying to avoid her feckless husband from getting his hands on all the profits. It was heartwarming for it to be his own mother to find a solution for the banking issue.
Then there was Beatrice and her mission to help children who were care-givers and missing out on childhood. She re-encounters an old flame who in some ways has betrayed her in the worst way possible.
And Lily still badly affected by a loss from book one and her inability to realise her husband, Daniel, also had his own grief to overcome.
Whilst it’s easy to read this as a stand-alone one gets far more context if you read the first book in the series - as the characters have been developed more fully in this book. Whatever will come in book 3.
It’s not a spoiler to say that Maisie Thomas writes under other names - and I have just read one of those novels. It was slightly confusing to read a part of this book that was directly taken from the other one I had read. It was a character name that hit me. But what a clever cross over - no mention anywhere in either books blurb that this might happen - but there was definite crossover.
Brilliant writing well researched and executed.
Can’t wait for the next instalment. I wonder how things will work for Lily and the predicament she finds herself in
January 15, 2026
Brilliant, can't wait for the next installment
August 17, 2025
Great story, I really enjoyed book 2 of the women living in Dunbars hotel during WW2. Dunbars has now opened up a reception room and they are hosting wedding receptions on top of the storage business. The women are still doing their war work and the bombs are dropping. The emotions in this book are all over the place, so much going on! I literally couldn’t put it down. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series. Highly recommended 5⭐️
November 6, 2025
It's March 1942 and Kitty is a proud member of the WVS (women's voluntary service) as well as her work at Dunbar's. The other characters that we met in the previous book are also in this book and it's good to catch-up with Kitty and her daughter Abbie, Beatrice and Lily. Dunbars is still a storage business and Beatrice is still running her Time Off Club, a club for youngsters who have responsibility for the family as the mother is ill. But Kitty is not happy with her husband, he is still denying her money and now he doesn't want her to have access to Dunbar's bank account, this is causing Kitty difficulties as she has bills to pay. She is now certain that their marriage is now over and will be applying for a divorce as soon as it is possible to do so. But things are a lot different then to what they are now and Kitty doesn't find it easy to deal with the bureaucracy. Beatrice is also finding things difficult, when literally bumping into her ex she finds out that he now has five children, and they split up because he wouldn't have a family with her!
Kitty soon has an idea that will bring extra money to her (rather than her husband) and that's to let out some rooms as a self contained flat and her colleague from the Town Hall (Fay Brewer) has found her the ideal solution, three girls from the Town Hall who are on secondment from London and they need accommodation for a few weeks, this certainly sounds like a good plan and sets to work getting the flat ready. Lily is still happy staying at Dunbar's and after saving the lives of some children (who were playing in an old building) along with the help of a local doctor, she dismisses it as nothing, but a few days later when the father of one of the children calls in to thank her for saving his daughters life, Beatrice sees him and is surprised to see it's her ex Frank! But through it all the war is still going on, there are still air raids and incendiaries bombs being dropped. The rationing system for clothes was still hitting them hard as well as the rationing system for some food stuff being changed. But through it all the women stick together and if anything their friendships are stronger for it. The WVS also helps to bring everyone together, bringing help to those who need it.
This is book two in this series and it's just as good as book one, I loved catching up with all the characters. I loved the wartime camaraderie between everyone and how people would do anything to help complete strangers who had lost everything in the bombing. As Beatrice metions towards the end of the book that she has learnt that when something needs doing women just get on with it, I think that statement really embraces this book. I also loved the small crossover with one of Maisie Thomas's other books. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves reading WW2 saga stories. A much deserved five-star read.
#Netgalley
#BoldwoodBooks
#MaisieThomas
#HopefulHeartsAtTheWartimeHotel
Kitty soon has an idea that will bring extra money to her (rather than her husband) and that's to let out some rooms as a self contained flat and her colleague from the Town Hall (Fay Brewer) has found her the ideal solution, three girls from the Town Hall who are on secondment from London and they need accommodation for a few weeks, this certainly sounds like a good plan and sets to work getting the flat ready. Lily is still happy staying at Dunbar's and after saving the lives of some children (who were playing in an old building) along with the help of a local doctor, she dismisses it as nothing, but a few days later when the father of one of the children calls in to thank her for saving his daughters life, Beatrice sees him and is surprised to see it's her ex Frank! But through it all the war is still going on, there are still air raids and incendiaries bombs being dropped. The rationing system for clothes was still hitting them hard as well as the rationing system for some food stuff being changed. But through it all the women stick together and if anything their friendships are stronger for it. The WVS also helps to bring everyone together, bringing help to those who need it.
This is book two in this series and it's just as good as book one, I loved catching up with all the characters. I loved the wartime camaraderie between everyone and how people would do anything to help complete strangers who had lost everything in the bombing. As Beatrice metions towards the end of the book that she has learnt that when something needs doing women just get on with it, I think that statement really embraces this book. I also loved the small crossover with one of Maisie Thomas's other books. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves reading WW2 saga stories. A much deserved five-star read.
#Netgalley
#BoldwoodBooks
#MaisieThomas
#HopefulHeartsAtTheWartimeHotel
July 15, 2026
Dette er virkelig en skøn serie at læse midt i sommervarmen. Da jeg næsten går død, når der er fuld knald på solen, er det godt at have noget læsestof, der både hygger og opløfter. Og det gør denne serie.
De tre kvinder i Dunbar's Hotel, har en travl tilværelse fyldt med arbejde og nødhjælpsarbejde. Om aftenen drives der klubber for børn og hotellet er fyldt - næsten til bristepunktet - af inventar fra udbombede huse. Alligevel finder kvinderne plads til udlejning af ejerens lejlighed.
Kitty er gift med Bill, som ejer hotellet. Desværre kan Bill ikke håndtere pengesager, så det har været et stort problem for Kitty. Da han blev indkaldt til militæret, viste det sig at han havde en uoverskuelig gæld. Så al inventaret blev fjernet fra hotellet til at dække hans lån.
Kittys svigermor er flyttet ind på hotellet, for hendes hus blev bombet og familien hjælper naturligvis hinanden. Det er heldigt, at Kitty og svigermoderen netop har fundet ud af, at de trods mange udfordringer og forskelligheder, alligevel holder af hinanden. Men det er naturligvis svært, pludseligt at skulle leve i samme hus.
Beatrice møder ved et tilfælde, sin gamle forlovede. Forlovelsen gik i vasken, da Beatrice opdagede, at han gerne ville giftes, men ikke ønskede børn. Nu hvor hun møder ham igen, viser det sig, at han ikke blot har været gift, men også har 5 børn.
Lily er en smuk ung kvinde, der er gift, men ægteskabet fungerede ikke. Lily fik et barn der døde straks efter fødslen og hun har skullet gennemleve det store traume at miste sit barn, uden at have hjælp og omsorg fra familie. Hun har blot Kitty og Beatrice, som med glæde vil hjælpe hende, men ikke ønsker at overskride hendes privatsfære. Da Lilys mand kommer hjem fra krig og opdager at sønnen er død, skal Lily pludselig også bære hans sorg. Og det formår hun ikke. Så ægteskabet går i stykker.
De tre kvinder har mange udfordringer med kærligheden, med det mandsdominerede samfund og med tidens moral. Så det er spændende at følge dem.
De tre kvinder i Dunbar's Hotel, har en travl tilværelse fyldt med arbejde og nødhjælpsarbejde. Om aftenen drives der klubber for børn og hotellet er fyldt - næsten til bristepunktet - af inventar fra udbombede huse. Alligevel finder kvinderne plads til udlejning af ejerens lejlighed.
Kitty er gift med Bill, som ejer hotellet. Desværre kan Bill ikke håndtere pengesager, så det har været et stort problem for Kitty. Da han blev indkaldt til militæret, viste det sig at han havde en uoverskuelig gæld. Så al inventaret blev fjernet fra hotellet til at dække hans lån.
Kittys svigermor er flyttet ind på hotellet, for hendes hus blev bombet og familien hjælper naturligvis hinanden. Det er heldigt, at Kitty og svigermoderen netop har fundet ud af, at de trods mange udfordringer og forskelligheder, alligevel holder af hinanden. Men det er naturligvis svært, pludseligt at skulle leve i samme hus.
Beatrice møder ved et tilfælde, sin gamle forlovede. Forlovelsen gik i vasken, da Beatrice opdagede, at han gerne ville giftes, men ikke ønskede børn. Nu hvor hun møder ham igen, viser det sig, at han ikke blot har været gift, men også har 5 børn.
Lily er en smuk ung kvinde, der er gift, men ægteskabet fungerede ikke. Lily fik et barn der døde straks efter fødslen og hun har skullet gennemleve det store traume at miste sit barn, uden at have hjælp og omsorg fra familie. Hun har blot Kitty og Beatrice, som med glæde vil hjælpe hende, men ikke ønsker at overskride hendes privatsfære. Da Lilys mand kommer hjem fra krig og opdager at sønnen er død, skal Lily pludselig også bære hans sorg. Og det formår hun ikke. Så ægteskabet går i stykker.
De tre kvinder har mange udfordringer med kærligheden, med det mandsdominerede samfund og med tidens moral. Så det er spændende at følge dem.
May 18, 2026
Strong Women Characters
This second installment was almost as good as the first. My favorite (and most humorous part) was when the hoteliers from across the street decided to confront Kitty, only to have their wives intercede. All in all, this was a good continuation of the overall story.
This second installment was almost as good as the first. My favorite (and most humorous part) was when the hoteliers from across the street decided to confront Kitty, only to have their wives intercede. All in all, this was a good continuation of the overall story.
January 23, 2026
Hope
Nice to catch back up with the Dunbar Hotel ladies..Kitty Beatrice and Lily..All is not fair in Love and War..
Nice to catch back up with the Dunbar Hotel ladies..Kitty Beatrice and Lily..All is not fair in Love and War..
March 28, 2026
A good story.
This is about a hotel that is turned into a storage unit for people who lost their homes during the war. A story about three friends and their problems they faced.
This is about a hotel that is turned into a storage unit for people who lost their homes during the war. A story about three friends and their problems they faced.
April 27, 2026
the story continues
Having met the protagonist in the first volume, I was intrigued to see how the plot developed and wasn’t disappointed.
Having met the protagonist in the first volume, I was intrigued to see how the plot developed and wasn’t disappointed.
September 1, 2026
lovely story of the strength of women
A lovely fiction story about the strong women during World War II. I definitely enjoyed the read and look forward to the next book.
A lovely fiction story about the strong women during World War II. I definitely enjoyed the read and look forward to the next book.
March 23, 2026
This is the second in the Wartime Hotel Series. The 3 friends are living at the hotel, which is now a storage business, as well as taking on a new business with them holding weddings.
I enjoyed the sequel to this story. Kitty is running the hotel business, while her husband is off to war and raising their daughter, and the other girls are involved in new romances. I loved the friendship between the girls as well as her daughter and Kitty's mother-in-law. It's always interesting to learn more about what life was like on the British home front during this time. This had found family, some intrigue, romance, and charting new territory as a businesswoman during WWII. I'm looking forward to the next installment in the story.
Thanks to @netgalley @boldwood and the author for this arc.
I enjoyed the sequel to this story. Kitty is running the hotel business, while her husband is off to war and raising their daughter, and the other girls are involved in new romances. I loved the friendship between the girls as well as her daughter and Kitty's mother-in-law. It's always interesting to learn more about what life was like on the British home front during this time. This had found family, some intrigue, romance, and charting new territory as a businesswoman during WWII. I'm looking forward to the next installment in the story.
Thanks to @netgalley @boldwood and the author for this arc.
November 6, 2025
It's March 1942 and Kitty is a proud member of the WVS (women's voluntary service) as well as her work at Dunbar's. The other characters that we met in the previous book are also in this book and it's good to catch-up with Kitty and her daughter Abbie, Beatrice and Lily. Dunbars is still a storage business and Beatrice is still running her Time Off Club, a club for youngsters who have responsibility for the family as the mother is ill. But Kitty is not happy with her husband, he is still denying her money and now he doesn't want her to have access to Dunbar's bank account, this is causing Kitty difficulties as she has bills to pay. She is now certain that their marriage is now over and will be applying for a divorce as soon as it is possible to do so. But things are a lot different then to what they are now and Kitty doesn't find it easy to deal with the bureaucracy. Beatrice is also finding things difficult, when literally bumping into her ex she finds out that he now has five children, and they split up because he wouldn't have a family with her!
Kitty soon has an idea that will bring extra money to her (rather than her husband) and that's to let out some rooms as a self contained flat and her colleague from the Town Hall (Fay Brewer) has found her the ideal solution, three girls from the Town Hall who are on secondment from London and they need accommodation for a few weeks, this certainly sounds like a good plan and sets to work getting the flat ready. Lily is still happy staying at Dunbar's and after saving the lives of some children (who were playing in an old building) along with the help of a local doctor, she dismisses it as nothing, but a few days later when the father of one of the children calls in to thank her for saving his daughters life, Beatrice sees him and is surprised to see it's her ex Frank! But through it all the war is still going on, there are still air raids and incendiaries bombs being dropped. The rationing system for clothes was still hitting them hard as well as the rationing system for some food stuff being changed. But through it all the women stick together and if anything their friendships are stronger for it. The WVS also helps to bring everyone together, bringing help to those who need it.
This is book two in this series and it's just as good as book one, I loved catching up with all the characters. I loved the wartime camaraderie between everyone and how people would do anything to help complete strangers who had lost everything in the bombing. As Beatrice metions towards the end of the book that she has learnt that when something needs doing women just get on with it, I think that statement really embraces this book. I also loved the small crossover with one of Maisie Thomas's other books. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves reading WW2 saga stories. A much deserved five-star read.
#Netgalley
#BoldwoodBooks
#MaisieThomas
#HopefulHeartsAtTheWartimeHotel
Kitty soon has an idea that will bring extra money to her (rather than her husband) and that's to let out some rooms as a self contained flat and her colleague from the Town Hall (Fay Brewer) has found her the ideal solution, three girls from the Town Hall who are on secondment from London and they need accommodation for a few weeks, this certainly sounds like a good plan and sets to work getting the flat ready. Lily is still happy staying at Dunbar's and after saving the lives of some children (who were playing in an old building) along with the help of a local doctor, she dismisses it as nothing, but a few days later when the father of one of the children calls in to thank her for saving his daughters life, Beatrice sees him and is surprised to see it's her ex Frank! But through it all the war is still going on, there are still air raids and incendiaries bombs being dropped. The rationing system for clothes was still hitting them hard as well as the rationing system for some food stuff being changed. But through it all the women stick together and if anything their friendships are stronger for it. The WVS also helps to bring everyone together, bringing help to those who need it.
This is book two in this series and it's just as good as book one, I loved catching up with all the characters. I loved the wartime camaraderie between everyone and how people would do anything to help complete strangers who had lost everything in the bombing. As Beatrice metions towards the end of the book that she has learnt that when something needs doing women just get on with it, I think that statement really embraces this book. I also loved the small crossover with one of Maisie Thomas's other books. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves reading WW2 saga stories. A much deserved five-star read.
#Netgalley
#BoldwoodBooks
#MaisieThomas
#HopefulHeartsAtTheWartimeHotel
January 24, 2026
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. This book was interesting.... I did mostly enjoy it, there was times the book did drag a little bit on..but all in all if you are wanting to read a easy to read slow pace type historical fiction you will like this novel.
September 22, 2025
I knew early on from the first chapter that I would love the characters in this book. Hopeful Hearts at the Wartime Hotel is an engaging WWII historical fiction novel about three main characters who live at Dunbar’s (formerly a hotel but now a storage facility for furniture stowed away from the Blitz).
Kitty Dunbar runs the business and is busy turning her husband’s failed hotel into a profitable business. Living with her are her two friends, Lily and Beatrice, her mother in law, and her daughter Abbie. Together, they press on through the trials of war and attempt to not only survive but thrive. Lily and Beatrice each have their own troubles. Lily is separated from her husband after a personal tragedy that created a wedge between the two. When a new chance for love is offered to her, she is hesitant but must deal with her past skeletons.
Beatrice is working for the Welfare Department creating new opportunities for children who are the primary caretakers of their disabled parents. Her life seems to be going steadily along until she runs into someone from her past that leaves her torn between motherhood and a career.
Kitty is managing her thriving storage business when her husband’s vices nearly squander any opportunity for her family’s chance at success. Limited by her rights as a woman, she comes up with a creative temporary solution.
I enjoyed each plot, but boy did this book leave off on multiple cliffhangers. Just when I thought each character was going in a certain direction, the author spun the story, and if I’m being honest, I didn’t quite like the trajectory of their lives after sudden choices were made towards the end of the book. They were jarring and didn’t quite add up. I’m hoping this will all be straightened out in the next book, but from the look of things, this series borders on soap opera drama.
Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC. This review is voluntary. All thoughts are my own.
Kitty Dunbar runs the business and is busy turning her husband’s failed hotel into a profitable business. Living with her are her two friends, Lily and Beatrice, her mother in law, and her daughter Abbie. Together, they press on through the trials of war and attempt to not only survive but thrive. Lily and Beatrice each have their own troubles. Lily is separated from her husband after a personal tragedy that created a wedge between the two. When a new chance for love is offered to her, she is hesitant but must deal with her past skeletons.
Beatrice is working for the Welfare Department creating new opportunities for children who are the primary caretakers of their disabled parents. Her life seems to be going steadily along until she runs into someone from her past that leaves her torn between motherhood and a career.
Kitty is managing her thriving storage business when her husband’s vices nearly squander any opportunity for her family’s chance at success. Limited by her rights as a woman, she comes up with a creative temporary solution.
I enjoyed each plot, but boy did this book leave off on multiple cliffhangers. Just when I thought each character was going in a certain direction, the author spun the story, and if I’m being honest, I didn’t quite like the trajectory of their lives after sudden choices were made towards the end of the book. They were jarring and didn’t quite add up. I’m hoping this will all be straightened out in the next book, but from the look of things, this series borders on soap opera drama.
Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC. This review is voluntary. All thoughts are my own.
August 13, 2025
World War Two historical fiction has become a reading obsession. Authors, like Maisie Thomas, have given me so many glimpses into the past. To not just learn about the war, but about those that remain and at home, has me openning book after book.
Hopeful Hearts at Wartme Hotel continues the stories of those living at the Dunbar Hotel. Although it really isn't a hotel anymore. It has become something I never really thought about before reading these books. Instead of guests, the rooms are occupied by the property of those that no longer have homes.
Open the book and follow Beatrice as she tries to help children forced to grow up too soon. Instead of playing; they wait in food lines. Instead of going to school; they cleaned the home. Instead of being a child, they were forced to grow up and take care of a parent that should be caring for them.
Let your respect for Kitty grow. She is thinking of the many ways to keep Dunbar Hotel afloat. Like pulling a rabbit out of a hat; she turns a room into a reception hall. She takes in lodgers by giving up her own rooms. I didn't know how lucky I was until I discovered that as a wife, Kitty had no rights, no money. For Kitty, cash is her savior, determination her motto of survival.
Tears flowed as bombs exploded. Even when people thought they were safe, they weren't. An unexploded bomb puts everyone and everything at risk. The loss of life broke my heart. Thank goodness for the volunteers that stepped up when necessary.
Get lost in the pages and experience what it was like for the British Subjects at home. Learn of predjudice and exeptance. Learn of love and loss. Learn of expectations and restrictions. Get ready for the next book that will hopefully grab you all over again.
Hopeful Hearts at Wartme Hotel continues the stories of those living at the Dunbar Hotel. Although it really isn't a hotel anymore. It has become something I never really thought about before reading these books. Instead of guests, the rooms are occupied by the property of those that no longer have homes.
Open the book and follow Beatrice as she tries to help children forced to grow up too soon. Instead of playing; they wait in food lines. Instead of going to school; they cleaned the home. Instead of being a child, they were forced to grow up and take care of a parent that should be caring for them.
Let your respect for Kitty grow. She is thinking of the many ways to keep Dunbar Hotel afloat. Like pulling a rabbit out of a hat; she turns a room into a reception hall. She takes in lodgers by giving up her own rooms. I didn't know how lucky I was until I discovered that as a wife, Kitty had no rights, no money. For Kitty, cash is her savior, determination her motto of survival.
Tears flowed as bombs exploded. Even when people thought they were safe, they weren't. An unexploded bomb puts everyone and everything at risk. The loss of life broke my heart. Thank goodness for the volunteers that stepped up when necessary.
Get lost in the pages and experience what it was like for the British Subjects at home. Learn of predjudice and exeptance. Learn of love and loss. Learn of expectations and restrictions. Get ready for the next book that will hopefully grab you all over again.
January 12, 2026
To follow
September 21, 2025
The second in this wartime saga series. Kitty Dunbar is still running the hotel as storage, but she needs to still sort out her personal life and finances as everything is so much tied to her husband, Daniel.
She doesn't want to stop the relationship that Daniel has with their daughter, but she knows that money is his weakness not his strength. She needs to get on with her life.
Beatrice, thought she was getting on with her life, after her fiancé left her because he didn't want children. When a chance encounter brings them together it seems he is a father of five now.
Lily is still living at the hotel, and her life is about to change when she finds someone who has taken her interest. However she has secrets and can she really behave in such a way after all that has happened to her.
Through this they continue to survive on the Home Front, through the air raids, rationing, and their volunteer work in the WVS as well as the Time Off Club which was created in the last book, held at the hotel and gives all those young careers a safe place to be children.
Friendships, relationships and a sense of pulling together no matter what life throws at you is the undercurrent in this book. All set on the backdrop of the Second World War.
She doesn't want to stop the relationship that Daniel has with their daughter, but she knows that money is his weakness not his strength. She needs to get on with her life.
Beatrice, thought she was getting on with her life, after her fiancé left her because he didn't want children. When a chance encounter brings them together it seems he is a father of five now.
Lily is still living at the hotel, and her life is about to change when she finds someone who has taken her interest. However she has secrets and can she really behave in such a way after all that has happened to her.
Through this they continue to survive on the Home Front, through the air raids, rationing, and their volunteer work in the WVS as well as the Time Off Club which was created in the last book, held at the hotel and gives all those young careers a safe place to be children.
Friendships, relationships and a sense of pulling together no matter what life throws at you is the undercurrent in this book. All set on the backdrop of the Second World War.
November 24, 2025
It's been so lovely to be reunited with Kitty and the ladies at Dunbar's, as this second book in the series follows on from their first adventure in setting up a storage business during the War to help raise funds to clear her husbands' debts. She has wonderful support in Lily and Beatrice and I've loved catching up with the latest goings on in all their lives.
Kitty is facing new issues running her own business and it's fascinating to see what women were up against during those years when it wasn't really the done thing for them to be starting a business or having their own money. She's looking for new ways to capitalise on the building and isn't afraid to try new things which I admired.
Lily and Beatrice too are going through their own journeys with personal issues, and facing up to the past and you really sense their intrepidation when decisions have to be made especially when emotions come into play. These women work so well as a team together, and always seem willing to go that extra mile despite the danger it might put themselves in.
You get a real sense through these books that wartime bought out the best in these women, and seeing them put in these extraordinary circumstances makes for some really engaging reading. Wonderful!
Kitty is facing new issues running her own business and it's fascinating to see what women were up against during those years when it wasn't really the done thing for them to be starting a business or having their own money. She's looking for new ways to capitalise on the building and isn't afraid to try new things which I admired.
Lily and Beatrice too are going through their own journeys with personal issues, and facing up to the past and you really sense their intrepidation when decisions have to be made especially when emotions come into play. These women work so well as a team together, and always seem willing to go that extra mile despite the danger it might put themselves in.
You get a real sense through these books that wartime bought out the best in these women, and seeing them put in these extraordinary circumstances makes for some really engaging reading. Wonderful!
December 23, 2025
In the latest book in the Wartime Hotel series, readers return to Manchester in 1942 as World War II continues to shape residents’ lives. Kitty Dunbar’s storage business is helping her and her daughter survive, but she is keen to think of more ways to use the hotel and generate an income. Former chambermaid Lily and welfare worker Beatrice, both haunted by their own losses, make up the rest of their family unit and are ready to help Kitty with her latest plan -- hosting wedding receptions in the hotel’s old dining room -- until a second chance at love walks into both of their lives. The characters are charming and entertaining, and their changing relationships really add some great emotional depth to the story. The alternating perspectives really allow their separate and shared story arcs to develop against the backdrop of World War II, and the depth of detail really pulls readers into the characters’ stories and their struggles in wartime Manchester. A great addition to this charming and cozy World War II historical fiction series, fans of the series and similar titles will love the latest book from Maisie Thomas and the new challenges ahead of Kitty, Lily, and Beatrice.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
September 3, 2025
What a joy to walk through the doors of Dunbar’s Hotel again and be reunited with Kitty, Beatrice and Lily!
Hopeful Hearts at the Wartime Hotel is the second book in this series which sees Kitty, Beatrice and Lily all experience a range of heartache, complications, anger and sorrow. But these three female friends of differing ages and backgrounds truly support each other through both the good and the bad times. I won’t say anything more about these good and bad times other than to add that the storyline is captivating, with numerous twists, incidents and some prickly characters who are not short of criticism!
I really enjoyed the ways in which each of these three female main characters truly shines and proves just how capable they really are; through their day jobs, their voluntary war work and even a rescue operation!
Dunbar’s is a place of refuge for Kitty, Beatrice and Lily; a safety net where their valuable friendship continues to flourish. I can’t wait to see what happens next for the ladies of Dunbar’s!
Thank you to Boldwood Books for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Hopeful Hearts at the Wartime Hotel is the second book in this series which sees Kitty, Beatrice and Lily all experience a range of heartache, complications, anger and sorrow. But these three female friends of differing ages and backgrounds truly support each other through both the good and the bad times. I won’t say anything more about these good and bad times other than to add that the storyline is captivating, with numerous twists, incidents and some prickly characters who are not short of criticism!
I really enjoyed the ways in which each of these three female main characters truly shines and proves just how capable they really are; through their day jobs, their voluntary war work and even a rescue operation!
Dunbar’s is a place of refuge for Kitty, Beatrice and Lily; a safety net where their valuable friendship continues to flourish. I can’t wait to see what happens next for the ladies of Dunbar’s!
Thank you to Boldwood Books for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2025
Kitty's life in wartorn Britain proved as interesting as ever and she emerged as an independent but kind and compassionate character. Her world surrounds her daughter who is growing up fast and her relationship with her husband is as difficult as it has always been. The restrictions put upon married women was shocking to a modern reader and you are in wonder at Kitty's ingenuity as she tries to get around the attitudes and behaviour of her husband and the authorities. She finds allies in some other working women and the strong friendships she has with the other inhabitants of the hotel keep her going.
Beatrice and Lily are still living at the hotel and their past relationships catch up with them. You cannot help but feel for Beatrice who feels that life has passed her by and she has a strong longing to be a mother. Lily finds new opportunities but the lure of the past proves to be very strong. The period detail captures life in Manchester in the time and I enjoyed spotting references to familiar landmarks.
In short: strong women rise to the challenge.
Thanks to the publisher
Beatrice and Lily are still living at the hotel and their past relationships catch up with them. You cannot help but feel for Beatrice who feels that life has passed her by and she has a strong longing to be a mother. Lily finds new opportunities but the lure of the past proves to be very strong. The period detail captures life in Manchester in the time and I enjoyed spotting references to familiar landmarks.
In short: strong women rise to the challenge.
Thanks to the publisher
September 21, 2025
We return to the Dunbar Hotel where three friends are surviving the War - Kitty who's husband's family owned the hotel, Beatrice who is making strides in confidence and finding ways to help young children and Lily, still recovering from the loss of her child and subsequent failure of her marriage.
The book raises some interesting issues - for example, Kitty, who's feckless husband's spending habits led to the bailiffs removing almost all the furnishings from the hotel, has made a new source of income storing possessions for those bombed out of their homes. However, she cannot set up a bank account herself or even request to be a co-signatory without her husband's permission, which is not forthcoming. Beatrice has her clubs to help youngsters, but is then amazed to meet an old flame which rocks her world. And Lily finds love with a new man, but is that really what she wants?
A fun and gentle read, drawing the reader along to find what will happen with these feisty women.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book raises some interesting issues - for example, Kitty, who's feckless husband's spending habits led to the bailiffs removing almost all the furnishings from the hotel, has made a new source of income storing possessions for those bombed out of their homes. However, she cannot set up a bank account herself or even request to be a co-signatory without her husband's permission, which is not forthcoming. Beatrice has her clubs to help youngsters, but is then amazed to meet an old flame which rocks her world. And Lily finds love with a new man, but is that really what she wants?
A fun and gentle read, drawing the reader along to find what will happen with these feisty women.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2025
Simba gives this book 2 paws.
Maisie Thomas takes us to WW 2 England and into the lives of three women struggling to survive in war torn England. Kitty Dunbar, was forced to close the hotel when faced with her spendthrift husband's debts and transform the once famous hotel into a storage facility for families displaced due to German bombs. She is raising her 14 year old daughter and has invited former chambermaid Lily and welfare worker Beatrice to share her home. When her own mother-in-law is bombed out of her beloved home this threesome of ladies becomes a foursome along with an impressionable teenage daughter.
While this was a sweet, and sentimental tale, I felt that there was a lot going on as she jumped from character to character in each chapter, and it was hard to follow one individual story. I know that there is a third book coming up in the series, and hopefully more character development as she finishes their stories.
A special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are my own,
Maisie Thomas takes us to WW 2 England and into the lives of three women struggling to survive in war torn England. Kitty Dunbar, was forced to close the hotel when faced with her spendthrift husband's debts and transform the once famous hotel into a storage facility for families displaced due to German bombs. She is raising her 14 year old daughter and has invited former chambermaid Lily and welfare worker Beatrice to share her home. When her own mother-in-law is bombed out of her beloved home this threesome of ladies becomes a foursome along with an impressionable teenage daughter.
While this was a sweet, and sentimental tale, I felt that there was a lot going on as she jumped from character to character in each chapter, and it was hard to follow one individual story. I know that there is a third book coming up in the series, and hopefully more character development as she finishes their stories.
A special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are my own,
August 5, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this second book in the Wartime Hotel Series.I'm not sure what it was, but I really connected with the returning characters and felt truly involved in all their hopes and fears. The description of a near miss at an air raid had me holding my breath and the fortitude shown by the women was inspiring. I was shocked to learn that a woman could not open a bank account without her husband's written permission! Thankfully things have changed through the years. I am already looking forward to book three in the series whenever it might come! I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy wartime stories told in a way that depicts resilience (especially of women)!
Many thanks to #NetGalley and ##BoldwoodBooks for allowing me to read an ARC of this novel. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to #NetGalley and ##BoldwoodBooks for allowing me to read an ARC of this novel. All opinions are my own.
August 12, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this second book in the Wartime Hotel Series.I'm not sure what it was, but I really connected with the returning characters and felt truly involved in all their hopes and fears. The description of a near miss at an air raid had me holding my breath and the fortitude shown by the women was inspiring. I was shocked to learn that a woman could not open a bank account without her husband's written permission! Thankfully things have changed through the years. I am already looking forward to book three in the series whenever it might come! I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy wartime stories told in a way that depicts resilience (especially of women)!
Many thanks to #NetGalley and ##BoldwoodBooks for allowing me to read an ARC of this novel. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to #NetGalley and ##BoldwoodBooks for allowing me to read an ARC of this novel. All opinions are my own.
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