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A New Recruit for the Resistance Girls: A heart-stopping wartime tale of courage, sacrifice, and betrayal from Alice G May
A BRAND-NEW stunningly powerful and gripping World War II saga of defiance, danger, and daring women who refused to be silenced. Inspired by the true-life stories of The Women's Secret Army. Perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and A Call to Spy. 🪖📖 They said women were a liability in war. They were wrong...
March 1940
A woman desperate for escape…
A skilled mechanic, Fliss Makepeace chafes under the suffocating expectations of her family and society. Ordered to abandon her beloved engines for a 'woman's job' and pressured into a brutal marriage with the menacing Jake, Fliss feels trapped. But as the drums of war beat louder, she vows to serve King and Country rather than surrender to a life of quiet torment.
A chance to serve her country…
Joining the ATS offers Fliss not just a uniform, but freedom. Yet, a chance encounter with the formidable Major Stapleton propels her into an even deeper a clandestine Women's Army, poised to become the British Resistance should Hitler invade. For Fliss, it's an undeniable call to duty—and a thrilling escape from her past.
And turn the tide of war?
At a secret research base, Fliss and the other ATS girls join scientists in a race against time to intercept Hitler's deadly bombing raids. The work is exhilarating, exhausting and fraught with peril. When a vicious attack rocks the isolated compound, a chilling question echoes through the Is there a German spy in their midst?
With their vital mission now at risk, Fliss must draw on every ounce of her mechanical ingenuity and intuition to unmask the traitor before their secret war plans—and their lives—are shattered.
A heart-stopping story of courage, betrayal, and the hidden heroines who risked everything to change the course of history. Inspired by the true-life stories of The Women's Secret Army. Perfect for fans of Kate Quinn, Lana Kortchik and Tenko!
'A gripping tale of women learning to be part of a secret service in case of invasion or spies. I was hooked and couldn’t wait to know what happened.' Bestselling author Rosie Clarke
'Absolutely loved it, couldn’t put it down, had me hooked from beginning to end. Can't wait for the next one, I know it will be just as good.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'A thoroughly engaging read which I couldn’t put down!'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Once I started reading it, I didn't want to put it down.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'This book was perfect, and I am very much looking forward to the next one in the series.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'I enjoyed this book about the strong and intelligent women who trained and served during WW II in Great Britain. I couldn't put the book down. I stayed up late to finish this story.
March 1940
A woman desperate for escape…
A skilled mechanic, Fliss Makepeace chafes under the suffocating expectations of her family and society. Ordered to abandon her beloved engines for a 'woman's job' and pressured into a brutal marriage with the menacing Jake, Fliss feels trapped. But as the drums of war beat louder, she vows to serve King and Country rather than surrender to a life of quiet torment.
A chance to serve her country…
Joining the ATS offers Fliss not just a uniform, but freedom. Yet, a chance encounter with the formidable Major Stapleton propels her into an even deeper a clandestine Women's Army, poised to become the British Resistance should Hitler invade. For Fliss, it's an undeniable call to duty—and a thrilling escape from her past.
And turn the tide of war?
At a secret research base, Fliss and the other ATS girls join scientists in a race against time to intercept Hitler's deadly bombing raids. The work is exhilarating, exhausting and fraught with peril. When a vicious attack rocks the isolated compound, a chilling question echoes through the Is there a German spy in their midst?
With their vital mission now at risk, Fliss must draw on every ounce of her mechanical ingenuity and intuition to unmask the traitor before their secret war plans—and their lives—are shattered.
A heart-stopping story of courage, betrayal, and the hidden heroines who risked everything to change the course of history. Inspired by the true-life stories of The Women's Secret Army. Perfect for fans of Kate Quinn, Lana Kortchik and Tenko!
'A gripping tale of women learning to be part of a secret service in case of invasion or spies. I was hooked and couldn’t wait to know what happened.' Bestselling author Rosie Clarke
'Absolutely loved it, couldn’t put it down, had me hooked from beginning to end. Can't wait for the next one, I know it will be just as good.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'A thoroughly engaging read which I couldn’t put down!'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'Once I started reading it, I didn't want to put it down.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'This book was perfect, and I am very much looking forward to the next one in the series.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'I enjoyed this book about the strong and intelligent women who trained and served during WW II in Great Britain. I couldn't put the book down. I stayed up late to finish this story.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2025
110 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Alice G. May
15 books12 followersAlice 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 6, 2025
very entertaining. thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
November 26, 2025
The second in a loosely connected series, A New Recruit for the Resistance Girls is a page-turning story based on the real-life “home front” experiences of The Women’s Secret Army in Britain during WWII. They are brave, defiant, and daring women who train to take on spies and provide resistance should Germany invade Britain.
Fliss is desperate to escape her homelife, where her father is pressuring her into an undesirable marriage and she’s been consigned to do paperwork for her father’s business rather than work with the machines she loves. Feeling trapped, she jumps at the chance to join the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service–a branch of the British Army created to allow women to serve their country in noncombat roles). Once she has her uniform and a taste of freedom, she has the opportunity to work at a secret research base and support the scientists as they race against time to intercept Hitler’s deadly bombing raids. But is there a spy in their midst? Fliss must summon up her courage and use her mechanical abilities to safeguard their mission. Fliss is admirable because she works hard and earns the respect of her colleagues and superiors. Through Fliss, we see what roles women played during the war, what they were up against, and what they were able to accomplish.
I love themes of women supporting women in difficult times and challenging circumstances. Their cleverness and bravery are powerful parts of the story in a male-dominated, wartime environment.
If you enjoy a generous side of thriller with your histfic, you will appreciate this page-turning and unputdownable story. Danger surrounds Fliss as she investigates the possibility of a spy in their midst and confronts the angry and possessive man who is following/stalking her.
The home front during WWII is one of my favorite subgenres of historical fiction. I often wonder how I would have supported the war effort. Fans of strong female characters and histfic with sides of thriller will want to add this to their TBRs. Even though it’s #2 in a series, it can be read as a standalone.
Content Consideration: stalking
Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #ANewRecruitForTheResistanceGirls upon my request. All opinions are my own. I’m posting this review later than I intended because of family circumstances...my apologies to the publisher and author.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
Fliss is desperate to escape her homelife, where her father is pressuring her into an undesirable marriage and she’s been consigned to do paperwork for her father’s business rather than work with the machines she loves. Feeling trapped, she jumps at the chance to join the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service–a branch of the British Army created to allow women to serve their country in noncombat roles). Once she has her uniform and a taste of freedom, she has the opportunity to work at a secret research base and support the scientists as they race against time to intercept Hitler’s deadly bombing raids. But is there a spy in their midst? Fliss must summon up her courage and use her mechanical abilities to safeguard their mission. Fliss is admirable because she works hard and earns the respect of her colleagues and superiors. Through Fliss, we see what roles women played during the war, what they were up against, and what they were able to accomplish.
I love themes of women supporting women in difficult times and challenging circumstances. Their cleverness and bravery are powerful parts of the story in a male-dominated, wartime environment.
If you enjoy a generous side of thriller with your histfic, you will appreciate this page-turning and unputdownable story. Danger surrounds Fliss as she investigates the possibility of a spy in their midst and confronts the angry and possessive man who is following/stalking her.
The home front during WWII is one of my favorite subgenres of historical fiction. I often wonder how I would have supported the war effort. Fans of strong female characters and histfic with sides of thriller will want to add this to their TBRs. Even though it’s #2 in a series, it can be read as a standalone.
Content Consideration: stalking
Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #ANewRecruitForTheResistanceGirls upon my request. All opinions are my own. I’m posting this review later than I intended because of family circumstances...my apologies to the publisher and author.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
October 16, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy of this novel.
This is the second in the author’s ’resistance girls’ series, set in Second World War Britain, but works well on its own. Major Stapleton once again appears, repeating her role as the officer responsible for recruiting and training select female service volunteers into the ‘secret army’ of resistance operatives. In this volume, we follow the story of working-class Fliss Makepeace, in contrast to the earlier book’s upper middle class Wren Ashworth. Wren makes a fleeting appearance here, but their only ties are a keen desire to join the ATZ and ‘do their bit,’ and the fact that the formidable major quickly sizes up their special skills.
Where Fliss is concerned, the war presents a rare opportunity to get away from her loving but controlling family and the too comfortable town that is the only world she knows. Although volunteers naturally emphasized their patriotism and anti-Nazism, and there is no reason to doubt that these were genuine, it’s entirely reasonable that many young women longed for the kind of freedom and excitement that the volunteer army represented. Like Fliss, they wanted to leave home, escape familial and neighborly expectations, and, even if only temporary, to live the sort of life only men had ever had a chance at. And she actually had a relatively less stifling job than most twenty-year-old women of her background. She had secretarial training and worked for her father but she helped to run his auto repair shop and had picked up decidedly non-traditional mechanical skills too.
Fliss is also motivated by her ‘relationship’ with Jake, which is something she truly chafes against but is constantly urged towards by her family and friends. Jake is something of a straw man in this tale—he represents a strong motive for her to defy her parents and run away to join, with Major Stapleton’s encouragement. But he is such a brute, nasty, short-fused and clearly inclined to violence, that it’s hard to believe no one sees the dangers of such a relationship. Things look up quickly, however—not only does she just barely escape him, but even while trying to board the train with him in hot pursuit, she meets the kind and gentle Daniel. Things won’t be uncomplicated, and she isn’t finished with Jake, but it’s easy to see where this will lead.
In the meantime, we see Fliss working hard and finding her place among her new colleagues, and trying to get along with her immediate superior, the testy and impatient Beaky. Fliss is nothing if not brave, however, and soon proves her mettle with the male officers and the busy ‘boffins,’ as the scientists were called. As she does so, she is drawn ever deeper into following the route that the Major had foreseen for her. She ends up doing her bit in the dangerous high-stakes game of the wartime espionage that could make the difference as to who the victors would be.
This is a well-written, easy to read story, though not as suspenseful as it could be considering Fliss’s experiences. The author does a nice job in showing both what women were up against, and what they were able to accomplish despite the circumstances of women fighting a war in back-up positions. I especially liked the camaraderie of the young women, and their spirited refusal to live down to what the men in power expected of them.
This is the second in the author’s ’resistance girls’ series, set in Second World War Britain, but works well on its own. Major Stapleton once again appears, repeating her role as the officer responsible for recruiting and training select female service volunteers into the ‘secret army’ of resistance operatives. In this volume, we follow the story of working-class Fliss Makepeace, in contrast to the earlier book’s upper middle class Wren Ashworth. Wren makes a fleeting appearance here, but their only ties are a keen desire to join the ATZ and ‘do their bit,’ and the fact that the formidable major quickly sizes up their special skills.
Where Fliss is concerned, the war presents a rare opportunity to get away from her loving but controlling family and the too comfortable town that is the only world she knows. Although volunteers naturally emphasized their patriotism and anti-Nazism, and there is no reason to doubt that these were genuine, it’s entirely reasonable that many young women longed for the kind of freedom and excitement that the volunteer army represented. Like Fliss, they wanted to leave home, escape familial and neighborly expectations, and, even if only temporary, to live the sort of life only men had ever had a chance at. And she actually had a relatively less stifling job than most twenty-year-old women of her background. She had secretarial training and worked for her father but she helped to run his auto repair shop and had picked up decidedly non-traditional mechanical skills too.
Fliss is also motivated by her ‘relationship’ with Jake, which is something she truly chafes against but is constantly urged towards by her family and friends. Jake is something of a straw man in this tale—he represents a strong motive for her to defy her parents and run away to join, with Major Stapleton’s encouragement. But he is such a brute, nasty, short-fused and clearly inclined to violence, that it’s hard to believe no one sees the dangers of such a relationship. Things look up quickly, however—not only does she just barely escape him, but even while trying to board the train with him in hot pursuit, she meets the kind and gentle Daniel. Things won’t be uncomplicated, and she isn’t finished with Jake, but it’s easy to see where this will lead.
In the meantime, we see Fliss working hard and finding her place among her new colleagues, and trying to get along with her immediate superior, the testy and impatient Beaky. Fliss is nothing if not brave, however, and soon proves her mettle with the male officers and the busy ‘boffins,’ as the scientists were called. As she does so, she is drawn ever deeper into following the route that the Major had foreseen for her. She ends up doing her bit in the dangerous high-stakes game of the wartime espionage that could make the difference as to who the victors would be.
This is a well-written, easy to read story, though not as suspenseful as it could be considering Fliss’s experiences. The author does a nice job in showing both what women were up against, and what they were able to accomplish despite the circumstances of women fighting a war in back-up positions. I especially liked the camaraderie of the young women, and their spirited refusal to live down to what the men in power expected of them.
October 7, 2025
I simply loved and thoroughly enjoyed this book on the makings of a spy hidden in plain sight.
Felicity Makepeace is an ordinary girl, but one with a knowledge of all things mechanical and vehicular. An oddity in wartime England and therefore not taken seriously, working at a time when gender roles were more strictly defined than they are at present.
Tough circumstances force her to join the ATS - the Auxiliary Territorial Services -- created to aid the war. She garners the attention of one Major Stapleton with her ingenuity, resourcefulness and intelligence. The major who also understands Fliss' difficult circumstances, paves the way for her to join the ATS out of turn.
Underestimated from day one, and looked on disfavourably by her superior for being the Major's "pet", Fliss has her work cut out to be taken seriously and as more than just a pretty face airhead.
Her hard work, intelligence, serendipity, lucky breaks, a supportive top boss in Major Stapleton who sees in her the kind of stuff she wants for her secret squad, has Fliss training as an undercover operator in hidden plain sight. Fliss also has to battle demons that have tracked her from home.
She has to work alongside the scientists responsible for developing RADAR systems while ensuring Germany does not get their hands on the project. But with numerous break-ins, attempted robbery (stopped heroically by Fliss), attempted kidnapping of the top scientist on the project, it's clear they have a mole.
Can Fliss and her compatriots find the mole & save the day especially when a plot to murder a VVIP on a secret visit to the facility, & destroy the precious RADAR equipment is uncovered at the last minute?
It's edge of your seat action all through the novel and it had me turning the pages feverishly to know what happened next. These pioneering women broke the glass ceiling in an essentially male dominated profession, changed mindsets and indeed made it much4 easier for women to join the workforce post World War Two. These pioneers opened up new vistas to women, making possible a sea change from a life of quiet domesticity and (ill) treatment as the weaker sex to one of economic, societal and social freedom in the future.
Alice G. May delineates this in her novel a tad clumsily but on the whole, her work is rip roaring enjoyable. I received an ARC from Boldwood Books via NetGalley, but the opinions expressed are my own.
Felicity Makepeace is an ordinary girl, but one with a knowledge of all things mechanical and vehicular. An oddity in wartime England and therefore not taken seriously, working at a time when gender roles were more strictly defined than they are at present.
Tough circumstances force her to join the ATS - the Auxiliary Territorial Services -- created to aid the war. She garners the attention of one Major Stapleton with her ingenuity, resourcefulness and intelligence. The major who also understands Fliss' difficult circumstances, paves the way for her to join the ATS out of turn.
Underestimated from day one, and looked on disfavourably by her superior for being the Major's "pet", Fliss has her work cut out to be taken seriously and as more than just a pretty face airhead.
Her hard work, intelligence, serendipity, lucky breaks, a supportive top boss in Major Stapleton who sees in her the kind of stuff she wants for her secret squad, has Fliss training as an undercover operator in hidden plain sight. Fliss also has to battle demons that have tracked her from home.
She has to work alongside the scientists responsible for developing RADAR systems while ensuring Germany does not get their hands on the project. But with numerous break-ins, attempted robbery (stopped heroically by Fliss), attempted kidnapping of the top scientist on the project, it's clear they have a mole.
Can Fliss and her compatriots find the mole & save the day especially when a plot to murder a VVIP on a secret visit to the facility, & destroy the precious RADAR equipment is uncovered at the last minute?
It's edge of your seat action all through the novel and it had me turning the pages feverishly to know what happened next. These pioneering women broke the glass ceiling in an essentially male dominated profession, changed mindsets and indeed made it much4 easier for women to join the workforce post World War Two. These pioneers opened up new vistas to women, making possible a sea change from a life of quiet domesticity and (ill) treatment as the weaker sex to one of economic, societal and social freedom in the future.
Alice G. May delineates this in her novel a tad clumsily but on the whole, her work is rip roaring enjoyable. I received an ARC from Boldwood Books via NetGalley, but the opinions expressed are my own.
October 25, 2025
Inspired by true events, A New Recruit for the Resistance Girls by Alice G. May is a warm-hearted wartime saga that will keep readers glued to its pages.
There is nothing Fliss Makepeace doesn’t know about engines. The skilled mechanic is happiest when she’s putting her skills to good use – much to her family’s dismay who want her to abandon her passion and get married. Forced to marry cruel Jake, Fliss feels trapped, however, with the country at war, she might just find the way out she has been searching for. Determined to do her duty for king and country, Fliss joins the ATS and although the work is hard and the hours long, she cannot remember a time where she ever felt this happy – or free.
A chance meeting with the formidable Major Stapleton propels her into her most thrilling assignment yet: a secret army poised to become the British Resistance should Hitler invade. Fliss and the other ATS girls are determined to do everything in their power to intercept the enemy’s bombs, but when an isolated compound is rocked by a terrifying attack, the question on everyone’s lips is: might there be a German spy among their number hiding in plain sight?
In a race against time, Fliss must use her skills, ingenuity and intelligence to unmask the traitorous enemy – before it’s too late…
Alice G May’s A New Recruit for the Resistance Girls is a superb wartime saga written straight from the heart. Brilliantly researched, wonderfully evocative and beautifully told, this wonderful tale of courage, friendship, hope and resilience is full of strong women that leap off the pages, compelling drama and searing emotional intensity.
Wartime saga fans will not want to miss Alice G May’s latest compulsively readable tale, A New Recruit for the Resistance Girls.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There is nothing Fliss Makepeace doesn’t know about engines. The skilled mechanic is happiest when she’s putting her skills to good use – much to her family’s dismay who want her to abandon her passion and get married. Forced to marry cruel Jake, Fliss feels trapped, however, with the country at war, she might just find the way out she has been searching for. Determined to do her duty for king and country, Fliss joins the ATS and although the work is hard and the hours long, she cannot remember a time where she ever felt this happy – or free.
A chance meeting with the formidable Major Stapleton propels her into her most thrilling assignment yet: a secret army poised to become the British Resistance should Hitler invade. Fliss and the other ATS girls are determined to do everything in their power to intercept the enemy’s bombs, but when an isolated compound is rocked by a terrifying attack, the question on everyone’s lips is: might there be a German spy among their number hiding in plain sight?
In a race against time, Fliss must use her skills, ingenuity and intelligence to unmask the traitorous enemy – before it’s too late…
Alice G May’s A New Recruit for the Resistance Girls is a superb wartime saga written straight from the heart. Brilliantly researched, wonderfully evocative and beautifully told, this wonderful tale of courage, friendship, hope and resilience is full of strong women that leap off the pages, compelling drama and searing emotional intensity.
Wartime saga fans will not want to miss Alice G May’s latest compulsively readable tale, A New Recruit for the Resistance Girls.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 11, 2025
The Resistance Girls Books 2
March 1940: A woman desperate for escape....
A skilled mechanic, Fliss Makepeace chafes under the suffocating expectations of her family and society. Ordered to abandon her beloved engines for a "woman's job" and pressured into a brutal marriage with the menacing Jake, Fliss feels trapped. But as the drums of war beat louder, she vows to serve King and Country rather than surrender to a life of quiet torment.
A chance to fight for her Country....
Joining the ATS offers Fliss not just a uniform, but freedom. Yet a chance encounter with the formidable Major Stapledon propels her into an even clandestine Women's army, poised to become the British Resistance should Hitler invade. For Fliss, it's an undeniable call to duty - and a thrilling escape from her past.
Fliss sees joining the war effort as a better option than living with a man who is abusive to her. I like reading books that tell us about how women helped to defend Britain during the war. The women played vital roles, especially in the Resistance.
This is a well-written book with strong female characters.
Published 16th October 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #AliceGMay for my ARC of #ANewRecruitForTheRestistanceGirls in exchange for an honest review.
March 1940: A woman desperate for escape....
A skilled mechanic, Fliss Makepeace chafes under the suffocating expectations of her family and society. Ordered to abandon her beloved engines for a "woman's job" and pressured into a brutal marriage with the menacing Jake, Fliss feels trapped. But as the drums of war beat louder, she vows to serve King and Country rather than surrender to a life of quiet torment.
A chance to fight for her Country....
Joining the ATS offers Fliss not just a uniform, but freedom. Yet a chance encounter with the formidable Major Stapledon propels her into an even clandestine Women's army, poised to become the British Resistance should Hitler invade. For Fliss, it's an undeniable call to duty - and a thrilling escape from her past.
Fliss sees joining the war effort as a better option than living with a man who is abusive to her. I like reading books that tell us about how women helped to defend Britain during the war. The women played vital roles, especially in the Resistance.
This is a well-written book with strong female characters.
Published 16th October 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #AliceGMay for my ARC of #ANewRecruitForTheRestistanceGirls in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2025
Felicity "Fliss" Makepeace stumbles into a position with the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service) when she determines to run away from a marriage to an abusive man arranged by her parents. From there, she stumbles into working undercover for the good of Great Britain during WW2.
It's a compelling premise. I enjoy historical fiction and have read a ton of those set during WW2. This one took a different angle from others I've read--women working as spies--so I was interested and on board to enjoy it.
It is a superficially enjoyable book. Suspense, friendship, romance, danger, and heroics combine to keep the reader entertained. For me this was a bubblegum novel. I honestly think it reads more like YA fiction than adult. I kept thinking, "This feels like a Nancy Drew story." That's not a slam against the book; I just think it's not categorized well. It didn't resonate with me as a story written for adults.
Had I not received this as a digital ARC from NetGalley and Boldwood Books, I'm not sure I would have finished it. It didn't have the depth I usually need in my historical fiction. (My historical fiction loves fall in the Kate Quinn, Stephanie Dray and Madeline Martin camps.)
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
It's a compelling premise. I enjoy historical fiction and have read a ton of those set during WW2. This one took a different angle from others I've read--women working as spies--so I was interested and on board to enjoy it.
It is a superficially enjoyable book. Suspense, friendship, romance, danger, and heroics combine to keep the reader entertained. For me this was a bubblegum novel. I honestly think it reads more like YA fiction than adult. I kept thinking, "This feels like a Nancy Drew story." That's not a slam against the book; I just think it's not categorized well. It didn't resonate with me as a story written for adults.
Had I not received this as a digital ARC from NetGalley and Boldwood Books, I'm not sure I would have finished it. It didn't have the depth I usually need in my historical fiction. (My historical fiction loves fall in the Kate Quinn, Stephanie Dray and Madeline Martin camps.)
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
October 7, 2025
What an amazing story! It was fast paced and interesting to see how new things were continually added to keep the interest of the reader. Felicity (Fliss to her friends) begins as a "housekeeper" in the ATS but experience has her using more and more of the skills she has until at the end of the story she and Daniel risk their lives to save the life of a VIP. The pair are the epitomy of the hero's of WW2 that we have come to know and love. This story offers love and hate; freedom and restrictions; violence and non-violence. Every venture has consequences, and although often predictable, it is refreshing to see the variety of directions Alice May uses to develop Fliss as a member of the resistance.
I would have liked to read more about Felicity's family and her relationship with them.
Thank you to Alice May for writing this story. Thank you to Boldwood books for publishing and Netgalley for sharing the book in exchange for a freely given honest review.
I would have liked to read more about Felicity's family and her relationship with them.
Thank you to Alice May for writing this story. Thank you to Boldwood books for publishing and Netgalley for sharing the book in exchange for a freely given honest review.
October 17, 2025
This book captivated me from beginning to end. I enjoyed the developing friendships between Fliss and the women she joined the ATS with. I particularly enjoyed reading as the role she played within the ATS changed.
Being based on fact made the book fascinating to me. Although not written to be an educational book, I did learn many things that I didn't know. One of those things was that British scientists developed the first practical RADAR system, which was pivotal in World War 2!
Add to that that one of the characters is based on a relative of the author, and you can appreciate how well researched this story is. You can find out who it is in the author's notes at the end of the book.
A budding romance unfolds throughout the book, adding some light moments to a serious time in history.
This was a fascinating, edge-of-your-seat read that I couldn't read quickly enough. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series!
Being based on fact made the book fascinating to me. Although not written to be an educational book, I did learn many things that I didn't know. One of those things was that British scientists developed the first practical RADAR system, which was pivotal in World War 2!
Add to that that one of the characters is based on a relative of the author, and you can appreciate how well researched this story is. You can find out who it is in the author's notes at the end of the book.
A budding romance unfolds throughout the book, adding some light moments to a serious time in history.
This was a fascinating, edge-of-your-seat read that I couldn't read quickly enough. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series!
October 12, 2025
This is the second resistance girls book that I've read. Easy to pick as a standalone book but good to collect the set as the stories are full of adventure.
Fliss has an interesting job helping in the war. Sad that she had to flee her home in order to find herself but she grows through the story.
The characters are mostly fun with a number of women learning to adapt to wartime Britain and be useful in a way that people don't expect!
Fliss has a number of roles which make her fascinating. She has good instincts and manages situations well. A natural problem solver!
Jake gets dealt with approximately and Daniel and Fliss seem a great team. Would like to know what happens next for the characters. Carl's promotion seems tricky now and it'd be good to see how things pan out for him given the situation in this.
Fliss has an interesting job helping in the war. Sad that she had to flee her home in order to find herself but she grows through the story.
The characters are mostly fun with a number of women learning to adapt to wartime Britain and be useful in a way that people don't expect!
Fliss has a number of roles which make her fascinating. She has good instincts and manages situations well. A natural problem solver!
Jake gets dealt with approximately and Daniel and Fliss seem a great team. Would like to know what happens next for the characters. Carl's promotion seems tricky now and it'd be good to see how things pan out for him given the situation in this.
September 26, 2025
When Fliss (Felicity) is confronted with a future with an abusive man she sees joining the war effort as an escape. Little does she know that instead of merely an escape, she will come into her own and prove to be a valuable UK citizen during her service.
I enjoyed reading this book, learning more about the early radar systems and how England defended itself against the Germans. Knowing that women played important roles beyond the traditional cooks and cleaners is great to know and something that should be taught in history classes. I also loved seeing the relationship develop between Fliss and Daniel, who couldn’t be more different than Jake, her abuser.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
I enjoyed reading this book, learning more about the early radar systems and how England defended itself against the Germans. Knowing that women played important roles beyond the traditional cooks and cleaners is great to know and something that should be taught in history classes. I also loved seeing the relationship develop between Fliss and Daniel, who couldn’t be more different than Jake, her abuser.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
October 22, 2025
This is the 2nd in the Resistance Girls series, focusing on a group of friends who went through training together for the ATS during WWII. They are eventually recruited to become part of Britain's secret army of women. Fliss was one of those girls. She worked with her father's mechanic shop and had hoped to do that forever. However, when it became clear she'd have to marry someone she didn't love, she ran off and joined the ATS. She was smart, trained as a secretary, but she could fix most anything. She ends up at a site where they were developing radar. During this time, women were underestimated, so they were able to observe things that were going on and report back to leadership.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and Fliss, who was a whip-smart, capable woman. It was a good story that had me turning the pages about life on the home front. I loved Fliss and her friends, who were trying to make a difference in the war.
Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley, @rachelsrandomresources, and the author for this arc.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and Fliss, who was a whip-smart, capable woman. It was a good story that had me turning the pages about life on the home front. I loved Fliss and her friends, who were trying to make a difference in the war.
Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley, @rachelsrandomresources, and the author for this arc.
October 27, 2025
The second book in the Resistance series follows Felicity, aka Fliss, a bright young woman fleeing and unwanted marriage. A New Recruit for The Resistance Girls is a story of bravery, courage, betrayal, friendship, and love, all set against a backdrop of danger. Alice May has done an incredible job writing an unputdownable story inspired by real women in The Women's Secret Army. Women during World War II paved the way for how women are perceived in the workplace today and proved that even in the darkest times, there was hope and light. I can’t wait to read Connie’s story next. Highly recommended 5 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.
#ANewRecruitfortheResistanceGirls #NetGalley.
I would like to thank the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#ANewRecruitfortheResistanceGirls #NetGalley.
October 13, 2025
A rip roaring read this wartime tale is full of page turning action that makes you feel alert. Fliss is the protagonist who joins the ATS after unwanted advances from a young man. Fliss is a intelligent woman who sacrifices and strives valiantly with her comrades. I love how she makes herself be seen while also being humble. There is a lot of action happening while friendships and romantic relationships develop. I was so excited to turn the pages in this book because I never knew what would happen next and I just had to find out and I was not disappointed.
November 14, 2025
Oh my goodness this book had everything and was such an interesting read and I kept wanting to find out what happened so could not put the book down.
Right from the start it had gripped me and I enjoyed reading about the woman and the part they had in how they had to overcome the men who thought they could not do the jobs that they do in protecting the country. I liked all the cloak and dagger of the book. I thought the chemistry with the main character and the man who helps her was good.
It all came together in the end and look forward to the next book.
Would recommend this book.
Right from the start it had gripped me and I enjoyed reading about the woman and the part they had in how they had to overcome the men who thought they could not do the jobs that they do in protecting the country. I liked all the cloak and dagger of the book. I thought the chemistry with the main character and the man who helps her was good.
It all came together in the end and look forward to the next book.
Would recommend this book.
November 23, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this story about women working secretly, hidden in plain sight in WW2 in the UK. Fliss Makepeace runs away from home and joins the ATS, firstly as a cleaner/housekeeper and then is spotted and works as a secretary on a secret project and then the story gets more involved. There is drama, romance and women standing up for themselves. Lots to like. Looking forward to book three coming soon.
November 26, 2025
Felicity joins the army in WWII to escape a marriage her parents are trying to force on her. Her ability to type helps her to rise to an important position. It is a good story, not only as a spy story, but also to demonstrate the condition of women in England during the pre-war era. This is the second in a trilogy, and I will to be happy to read the third, which is coming soon. A good one for teens. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc with no pressure for a positive review.
December 27, 2025
Far fetched or maybe not!
I like the way Alice uses ordinary young women and men to become experts in the arts and ways of WW11 events. The battle to save and rescue Churchill was, maybe a little far fetched but on reflection, yes why not an ordinary, extra-ordinary young couple being at the forefront of it all. Most of the amazing and heroic feats during the war were achieved by ordinary young persons.
A great couple of tales so far, I am waiting eagerly for volume three.
I like the way Alice uses ordinary young women and men to become experts in the arts and ways of WW11 events. The battle to save and rescue Churchill was, maybe a little far fetched but on reflection, yes why not an ordinary, extra-ordinary young couple being at the forefront of it all. Most of the amazing and heroic feats during the war were achieved by ordinary young persons.
A great couple of tales so far, I am waiting eagerly for volume three.
September 30, 2025
A wonderful second in the series book following The Resistance Girls. As Major Stapleton interviews Fliss for a position in helping the war effort little do either of them know where it will lead. Fliss needs to escape home quickly and the only way is to join up. A brilliant story and I can’t wait for the next instalment. Thanks to Alice and her publisher.
October 20, 2025
a book that’s absolutely brilliant
This story of Fliss and her colleagues will ensnare you from the first to the last page. My housework suffered as did my sleep both were put aside for this book. I was sorry when it finished.
Highly recommend making time to save putting the book down.
Congratulations to Alice G May on a wonderful work
This story of Fliss and her colleagues will ensnare you from the first to the last page. My housework suffered as did my sleep both were put aside for this book. I was sorry when it finished.
Highly recommend making time to save putting the book down.
Congratulations to Alice G May on a wonderful work
October 22, 2025
This is a compelling and easy read which lovers of historical fiction will enjoy.
If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
September 2, 2025
An amazing and hard to put down story of one woman out to prove herself to the world and fight for her country. I’m sorry I missed book 1, but I look forward to book 3.
October 17, 2025
A WWII story of women facing the dangers of the war. It will have you hooked from the first pages. Well researched with great characters to.
November 5, 2025
What an interesting and lovely read! I was able to picture each scene, imagining the characters playing out the story. Can’t wait for book 3…
November 18, 2025
brilliant
Brilliant book, really enjoyed it I found it hard to put it down. Look forward to the next book in the series
Brilliant book, really enjoyed it I found it hard to put it down. Look forward to the next book in the series
November 18, 2025
It was good, but not quite up to the standard of the first book
December 19, 2025
Enthralling
Brilliant read again from Alice G May. Romance embroiled with mystery and friendship. I have really enjoyed this series and hope for more.
Brilliant read again from Alice G May. Romance embroiled with mystery and friendship. I have really enjoyed this series and hope for more.
October 20, 2025
I thought this was a well written book. It showcases the role that women played during the war. I really like Fliss and her strength and determination. I’m looking forward to the next one in this series.
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