The Resistance Girls

by Alice G. May

A gripping new story of courage and bravery from a wonderful new saga voice. Perfect for fans of Fenella J. Miller, Lizzie Lane and Rosie Clarke. They said women were a liability in war. They were wrong.

An intriguing invitation…

Hampered by a controlling father and overlooked by everyone she knows, Serenity Ashworth (Wren to her friends) is determined to do her duty for the war effort and take advantage of the new opportunities for young women like her. So, when a mysterious letter from a Major Belinda Stapleton arrives, Wren is intrigued.

A secret army of women…

Major Stapleton invites Wren to join her Secret Army – a select group of women operating undercover to combat enemy agents. It’s an opportunity to play a critical role in the British Resistance should Hitler ever invade Britain’s shores. Eager to sign up, Wren must first complete a tough training program and, if she succeeds, will enter a world of secrets and spies where the only people she can rely on are the other girls she's trained with.

A daring and deadly mission

Unable to share her secret with anyone, Wren must be ever alert. But when her twin brother Tommy is reported missing in action, Wren is devastated, and even more determined to hit back at the enemy any way she can. When an unexpected opportunity arises to save Tommy, Wren must overcome all self-doubt and take a chance to save those she loves - even if she pays the ultimate price...

A gripping new saga series filled with courage and bravery inspired by the true-life stories of The Women's Secret Army.

Perfect for fans of Fenella J. Miller, Lizzie lane and Rosie Clarke.

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

328 pages, Paperback

Published April 22, 2025

About the author

Alice May writes contemporary, historical and saga fiction.
Her new series, The Resistance Girls is inspired by the true story of a highly trained secret army of women working undercover to protect British coastal communities during World War Two.

Having always dreamed of being a writer, Alice finally put pen to paper in her forties.
She lives in the New Forest on the Dorset/Hampshire border and gains inspiration from walking both in the forest and along the coast.

Alice also writes non-fiction, including memoir (The House That Sat Down Trilogy) and a colourful series of 'How to Draw The Alice May Way' books, suitable for all ages. She loves public speaking and regularly attends writing festivals, libraries and social groups to give presentations.

Find out more at www.alicegmay.com

Reviews

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Wren's brother joins up she wants to do her bit also for the war. The added bonus will be getting away from her father whose a bully and gives her a very hard time. Going on her initial training she meets lots of new girls, some who become friends and some not.
This story deals with a little known part of women's war history and I enjoyed learning about that.
Unfortunately the story itself did not grab me. The characters were flat and I disliked the main character which didn't help. There were far too many coincidences and this made the story unbelievable.
Still, if you like stories set in the war that are light and an easy read you'll enjoy this one. Just not for me I'm afraid.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an early copy.

[linda hole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abook with skilled , strong and courageous women this is the book for you. A very enjoyable read that Will be keep you Guessing. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable informative read.
When duty calls they will answer
WW2 1942 London and Serenity Ashworth (Wren) koins the ATS signing the secret act, she's willing to do anything, growing up with her twin Tommy in her fathers hands she's ready to catch out spies.
A very determined woman so where will this all lead her into the future.
A very well written book with every chapter been told with lots of informative information about what jobs women were entailed to do.
Loved it.

[Cindy Stein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wren is the daughter of a wealthy British family during WWII. When her twin brother is MIA, she longs to contribute to the war effort. She's then recruited by a female major to join a secret army of women who will form part of the resistance should the Nazis invade and will also work to identify spies.

The first half of this book details Wren's recruitment and training and the second half tells the story of her mission, including her romantic interest in the commander of her facility and her brother's best friend.

As a historical story about a real unit during WWII, this is an interesting read, but as a novel I felt the book lacked an engaging plot.

I was provided an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, easy read. Although the novel deals with a serious topics, undercover women during WWII in England, the author managed to write a light felt story where romance plays a big role. Not much tension but heartwarming.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

[Dawn Lawrence Read_with_Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book was fantastic! Based on real events in WW2 a group of highly skilled and courageous women were recruited to hide in plain site. This book follows Wren throughout the war and her secret missions. Totally hooked from page one, this was a real page turner, it was tense and exciting and had me holding my breath in places when things got a little bit iffy for Wren. World War 2 stories that have some truth to them blow me away, I can’t imagine living through a war and also finding the courage as a woman to fight. A brilliantly told story, I cannot wait for the next in the series. If the quality of book one is anything to go by, book 2:is going to be a cracker. Highly recommend if I could give it more than five stars I would!

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant wartime story which I really enjoyed. It was so informative and interesting. I found out a lot in this book. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wren is determined to do her part in the war. Especially since her Father thinks women don’t belong there.
This was a very fast moving book, I read it in one day.
I liked Wren and her determination. It’s a good book for all historical fiction fans.

[Jan Mawdesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is March 1942 and Wren, Serenity Ashworth, has just made a major change in her, to date, very formal and constricted life, by signing the Official Secrets Act, committing her to working within the secretive corridors of the British Government to pit her skills against Hitler and any possible or even probable invasion of England.
Her father would be furious and her beloved twin Tommy still felt that she should be doing something out of the way of harm, preferably at home well away from danger. She was determined that for once in her life she was going to do something useful, learn new skills and go wherever they sent her; scared not at all but a little intrigued, definitely.
She meets Captain Edward Landers, a long-time friend of her brothers as she is farewelling Tommy off to his base to train as a fighter pilot; a man she finds has a most unusual effect on her senses, and as it turns out, a man she will met again in her new role at her home of Ashworth House.
Wren passes her training courses and is sent back to Ashworth House to take up what appears to be her old role of Secretary but she is in reality on the lookout for a German infiltrator working somewhere in the area.
The work is dangerous, highly classified and when Edward Landers arrives to take charge of the newly establish Maternity Hospital and strategic base, she begins to realise she feels emotionally attracted to him, which could cause some serious complications in her work.
As the days pass they fall into a comfortable working relationship, but then there are the nights when Wren goes out for a run and she takes note of her surroundings; that Edward often swims in the sea and is perhaps a double agent. He begins to believe the same of her!
Wren and Edward have to come to terms with the fact that neither of them can say what they are actually doing, have to learn to trust one another and work together to discover what is behind the information that there are U Boats operating off the coast and why!
Alice G May has captured well the emotions and dedication of the young men and women who took up the challenge to keep Britain safe during the War years, putting their lives on hold, undertaking dangerous work day after ruthless day.
There was a Special Forces Unit established to undertake clandestine work, consisting of women who became highly trained and secretive operatives, so secretive that there is very little recorded history of their operations to be discovered.
What she discovered during her research about the Unit and the people who left a delicate trace have once again come to life in this captivating story The Resistance Girls which is the first in a series which will be well worth following.

[Bethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

|:: The Resistance Girls
By Alice G. May
Chapter 19 Page 100
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

{ Something in her voice and the set of her jaw struck me as odd. She'd always been prickly but I'd never seen her so on edge. Her defiance held a touch of something I couldn't quite put my finger on.
“She's got a point,” I said, taking an apple and sinking my teeth into it. “We can always apologise if we're wrong.”
One by one, people reached for sustenance, drifting towards wooden chairs arranged around the room. We ate in silence. 
The door opened again and Major Stapleton walked in. }

Wren was aching for excitement, she followed her twin Tommy, and the thought of him being away doing his bit for the country while she stayed behind typing letters, safe in the Ashford Estate, where nothing has or ever will happen, made the impending weeks ahead suffocating. Just because she is a woman does not mean she can not fight, protect, or outwit their enemy, too. And Major Stapleton obviously thought the same. Despite Edward and Tommy advising against her going to the secret meeting.. she had to, or she would always wonder, what if?

I'm in love with anything WW2 related. To think that our beloved grandparents and, in some cases, great grandparents, etc, did for us to have a safe and beautiful upbringing in peaceful and successful times.. I find it so truly amazing. They were like us today. Only untrained and blind to what was going on in the world. Only their wits and instinct to guide them, like this book showed.. 

We follow Wren as she is given the opportunity to be the heroine of her story. It was truly inspiring.

Some of the characters were based on real people! 

It made me really swerve from one emotion to another, and I have to admit, I really was wrong about certain things! It was written with so much ease and personality, I loved Wren from the moment I met her, and I adored Edward, even when he was being so frustrating. 

This is such a light hearted, (but at times) gripping, soulful read that it really made me sad coming to the end of the book. We owe our thanks and prayers to these unnamed heroes. Those who worked in the shadows and those who lost their lives. The research that must have gone into writing this book was so well done. You truly could feel the tension and sense the danger. I have a feeling a little of Wren's courage will stay with me now.

A huge thank you to Alice G. May, Boldwood Books, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and relay my honest feedback. ::|

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy Revell and Rosie Clarke fans are going to be gripped by Alice G. May’s atmospheric new saga, The Resistance Girls.

Serenity ‘Wren’ Ashworth wants to do her duty for king and country and take up one of the many opportunities being presented to women during this turbulent time. Underestimated by everyone she knows and browbeaten by her father, when she gets a mysterious invitation by Major Belinda Stapleton to join her Secret Army of women operating undercover to combat enemy agents, she jumps at the chance to do something worthwhile with her life.

Before joining, she must first complete a tough training programme and, if successful, enter a world of secrecy where the only people she can trust are her fellow comrades. However, when Wren’s twin brother goes missing in action, she is completely devastated. Adamant that she will make the enemy pay for what they have done to Tommy, Wren is ever on the alert and when the opportunity comes to save her twin brother, she vows to do whatever it takes for the people she loves – even if she has to pay the ultimate price…

Alice G May has written a dramatic, exciting and evocative historical saga set during the Second World War full of grit and heart that brilliantly brings to life the courage showed by ordinary women during wartime who, with intelligence and dignity, managed to triumph over the many obstacles standing in their path.

The Resistance Girls is a spellbinding historical saga full of strong heroines, emotional conflict and heart-rending emotion that will have fans of the genre adding Alice G. May’s name to the top of their auto-buy list.

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

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Resistance Girls is the first book by Alice G. May that I have read. It won't be the last. Once I started reading it, I didn't want to put it down.

The story revolves around a group of women the army recruits to form a secret special resistance force. Ordinary women who nobody would expect to be anything other than normal housewives, etc. Women who were tasked with looking for anything happening out of the ordinary, seeking out possible spies for the Germans.

Focus is mainly on Serenity (Wren) Ashworth. After her brother is announced missing in action, she decides she needs to do something worthwhile for the war effort. An opportunity opens up to her and she finds herself being called to train for the secret resistance.

I enjoyed reading about the training she and her fellow possible recruits went through and then about Wren's mission.

The drama that unfolded was exciting to read, nefarious activities, friends possibly being spies, life and death scenarios, all had me reading as quickly as I could to discover the outcome.

Amongst all the drama, friendships are formed and a romance develops for Wren which was beautiful, It was also believable despite the circumstances of how they met and how their feelings grew.

This book was perfect, and I am very much looking forward to the next one in the series.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hampered by a controlling father and overlooked by everyone she knows Serenity Ashworth (Wren to her friends) is determined to do her duty for the war effort and take advantage of the new opportunities for young women like her. So, when a mysterious letter from a Major Belinda Stapleton arrives, Wren is intrigued. Major Stapleton invites Wren to join her secret army - a select group of women operating undercover to combat enemy agents. It's an opportunity to play a critical role in the British Resistance should Hitler ever invade Britain's shores. Eager to sign up, Wren must first complete a tough training and, if she succeeds, will enter a world of secrets, and spies where only people she can rely on are the other girl's trained with.

This story is based on real events that took place during WWII. The story follows Wren and her journey throughout the war years and the secret missions she took part in. Some of the characters were based on real people. The book isn't all doom and gloom, in fact it's quite lighthearted, and I found it a gripping read. Friendships are forged, romance develops for Wren, and the Resistance shows how women played a vital role in the war effort.

Published 22nd April 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Boldwoodbooks and the author #AliceGMay for my ARC of #TheResistanceGirls in exchange for an honest review.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this brilliant new World War II historical fiction novel, readers follow Serenity Ashworth (aka Wren) as she decides to do her duty and serve her country while England is at war. Invited by Major Belinda Stapleton to join the Secret Army of women working undercover to fight enemy agents as part of the British Resistance (should the worst happen and Germany invade), Wren must complete the training program and forge bonds with the other girls she’s working with while keeping all of this a secret. When her brother Tommy is reported missing in action, Wren does her part at home until the opportunity to save Tommy comes her way, even if it means risking everything. With great stakes and incredible world-building, readers will love this fantastic new book from Alice May because the characters and settings are so complex and vibrant. The characters’ relationships, particularly between Wren and the other girls she trains with, really solidify the emotional core of this novel and add a lot to Wren’s character development. The world-building is really well done and shows May’s research and commitment to historical detail, and this again really adds a lot to Wren’s overall arc in this fantastic read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! This book has everything. I have heard much about the women trained to help fight the war. But to experience it with them was exhlirating. To see the sorts of training that might have occurred had me respecting them more and more. There was no one in the training more fascinating than Wren Ashworth.

She was raised in a Manor. When she joined the ATF she was sent back home to be a scretary after her father volunteered their home to the war effort. She wanted to do more. She needed to do more. A simple letter will change everything. Her training was intense but the import part she would play would be worth it. It was hard to believe when she was being sent back home as a secretary yet again.

This time will be different. She is now on the look out for traitors. She is listening for what should not be. She is looking for anything out of the ordinary. The intensity of the story increased with her discoveries. Solving mysteries, working to keep England safe made for a thrilling read. It just kept getting better. Wren Ashworth is someone that shows that women played an important in the war effort.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

Serenity, or Wren for short, is keen to make a difference, but her father is unsupportive. Then she receives an invitation to join Major Stapleton's Secret Army. When Wren and her father receive a telegram concerning her twin brother, Tommy, Wren decides to take a chance.

I admired Wren's spirit, courage and determination to succeed, and I appreciated some of the other characters that she met on her way. This story featured a lot of strong characters that made an impression on me. I think the characters who interested me the most were Lexi, even though she initially seemed difficult to like, and Edward, who made me swoon a little bit.

Wren was a great character, and I found her journey exciting, heartwarming and inspiring.

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

[Soozee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based loosely on the fact that there was indeed a secret army of women operating under cover during WW2, at a time when women were still considered useful for running a home and doing basic tasks too menial for men to do, this book follows Wren, an upper class girl who's twin brother is in the army and who's father thinks she is pretty useless all round. However, she is determined to do her bit for the war effort and is sure she has skills that could be useful.

She is recruited for a shadowy team of women, trained up and set to work. The result is an interesting tale, very much a love story, but full of facts about life during WW2 and the sort of training this secret army may have received. The friendships the girls made will stand them in good stead for life.

I enjoyed it very much and look forward to the sequel. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very well written, very fast moving historical fiction set in the UK during the war. It was not at all graphic or gory, focused more on the personal interactions between the main characters.

Wren (Serenity) was frustrated being stuck at home while her twin brother Tommy went off to fight for their country. She manages to join up with a newly formed secret group of specially trained women, but her participation must remain secret, even from her family. Even when Wren feels an attraction to one of her brother's friends, Edward, she can't be completely honest with him.

I did enjoy this book. I hope it is the beginning of a series, because I like this author's style.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Alanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! I think the author did a wonderful job with the characters and storyline considering there is not much information about this special unit available. I had never heard of this project before reading this book. I’ve read lots about the women trained as spy’s and sent to France, but never the unit trained for Britain. The characters feel very real, and it is easy to get lost in the story and stay up too late reading. There is some mild suspense and kissing only clean romance. I am very glad the authors note mentions that this is going to be a series and I can’t wait to read the next one.
Content: mild swearing, and some misogyny that the character has to overcome.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this ARC. This review is voluntary and is my own honest opinion.

[Emma Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful and interesting book to read about the woman during the War.

Wren lives with her Father who doesn’t know how to handle her, she has a twin brother called Tom. Tom is away fighting and Wren wants to do more than just be a typist for the War effort. Wren ends up going for an interview which was to see if she was suitable for special training. Tom her brother and his friend advise her against it, but she doesn’t listen. She goes on the training so she will be deployed. She encounters Edward and the sparks fly.

I really enjoyed the book I liked the characters and was interesting to read some of the events that may have happened. There was nothing in the book that I didn’t like. The way the book flowed was excellent.

Look forward to reading more books from this author.

Would recommend the book.

[Sue Plant · Rating 4 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

when i read books like these knowing they are based on facts they make my blood boil with how women were treated back then.... but then whilst reading this book you feel a sense of achievement with what these women had to overcome and achieve without the recognition they so richly deserve.....

so i am very excited about this author because the way she wrote this book i was sucked right in to the drama that can only be expressed by a young woman who has been stiffled by her father and only helped by her brother who was richly educated and thriving but who was kind enough to help her achieve all that she could....

but even he would turn out surprised with what she was capable of ..... i certainly cant wait for the next book by this author

[Chris Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't do book reviews


I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Convincing characters in this harrowing romance set against the authorized resistance in England by women in the course of WW2. A rather light read that emphasized how foolish the misogyny of the time proved to be. A good afternoon's read.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected eGalley from Boldwood Books courtesy of NetGalley.
#TheResistanceGirls by @alicegmay @theboldbookclub #NetGalley
#undercoverwork #WW2 #England #novel #ww2 #historicalnovel #saga #books #romantic
#realitybased #historicalresearch #historicalpeopleandplaces #misogyny #familyexpectations
@goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble **** Review @booksamillion @bookshop_org @bookshop_org_uk @kobo @Waterstones

[Nadine-Sue Sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting story set in the war. Wren's need to do something for the greater good gets her into a situation that sounds exciting albeit dangerous but exciting nonetheless.

I like Wren's tenacity and she and the resistance girls make a good team, even when they're not meant to be working together. I like that they're all different and there's focus on the different skills that they all have. It's a story that highlights the fact that women could be useful during the war.

The characters are quite fun and I liked the love/hate relationship that Wren and Lexi had. It made for a good read. I think this would make a great series and I'd like to know what happens next and whether they all make it to Trafalgar Square.

[Zandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book by Alice May that I have read. It won’t be the last. I loved it. The story, based on true events, involved a group of girls wanting to make a difference to 5he war effort. They endured tough training and were each assigned a role which involved signing the official secrets act. They were unable to discuss any of their work with anyone. Wren, is sent back to her home, which has been turned into a maternity home, to spy there. Secret passages, bunkers, radio messages, Morse code and even shooting are part of their everyday work. We even have her attempting to rescue a soldier, maybe her brother? To find out you will have to read this interesting book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. My thanks go to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Alice May for an arc of this fascinating book.

[Storied Conversation · Rating 4 out of 5]

is a gripping debut that highlights the often-overlooked role of women in the shadows of wartime espionage. Serenity "Wren" Ashworth is a compelling heroine, and her transformation from grieving sister to covert operative had me completely hooked.

The training, the undercover missions, and the sense of camaraderie among the women made for a riveting story. Add in just the right amount of romance and danger, and you've got a solid, page-turning read. I’ll definitely be continuing this series!

Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources, and the author for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction because it lets me absorb information painlessly, with the bonus of feeling emotional connections with the characters. The Resistance Girls delivered on all counts. I was unaware of these women who were covertly trained to prepare for the Nazi invasion of Britain and then stashed all over the country as the eyes and ears of Churchill. It's a fascinating story with equally fascinating characters. I easily identified with these smart, capable women who were constantly underestimated for no reason other than their gender. The Resistance Girls is the first book in a new series, and I look forward to the release of the next one.

[Jill Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting tale of one young woman’s bid for independence in a time of when women are still regarded as weak and inferior to men. This drew me in and made me want to know all about the second world war in a way that I’ve never been inspired to before. It was handy that there was plenty in the media about the war due to VE day, which backed up and complemented Alice G May’s excellent writing.
In this story, Wren has to convince herself as well as plenty of patronising people that she is perfectly capable of defending her country. She doesn’t disappoint! I’m looking forward to the rest of the series to find out what happens to the other secret army women.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Resistance Girls is the story of Wren a young woman who wants to do her bit for the war. Wren is recruited with other women on a secret operation. The woman are all strong and courageous and I believe that they can do anything they set their minds on. I enjoy war stories because I always learn something new to take away and this book has quite a lot of research done and it is exciting. There is romance in the plot and friendship drama and plenty of breath holding danger.I love that it is the first book of a new saga and I am happily looking forward to reading the next book.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Alice G. May, and I am eager to read the next installment in the series, Felicity's Story. Alice has skillfully used the limited information available, on the bravery and courage of a hidden women's army to craft an incredible story. The Resistance Girls is filled with themes of friendship, hope and self-worth. 4 ½ stars

I would like to thank the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.

#TheResistanceGirls #NetGalley