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Harbour House #4
Blitz Spirit at Harbour House
The brand new heart-wrenching WW2 saga from bestselling author Fenella J. Miller, set during the Blitz! Perfect for fans of Rosie Clarke and Lizzie Lane ❤️ Can love survive the scars of the past when war brings them back together?
September 1940
As the new housekeeper at Harbour House, Lily Turner and her teenage daughter Daphne have forged a resilient life since Lily’s husband Patrick abandoned them. But as war rages, Patrick, now vital to the war effort, is dispatched to Wivenhoe shipyard, forcing him to confront his past—and Lily—once more.
He's no longer the reckless boy who deserted his family; hardened by the years, he’s determined to make amends. Yet, for Lily, the scars of abandonment run deep, and forgiveness is a luxury she's not sure she can afford. But she finds this new version of Patrick intriguing nonetheless..
With the Blitz intensifying and German bombers pounding Britain, life is precarious. When Patrick, Lily, and Daphne are thrust together amidst an air raid, the roar of bombs forces a stark in war's shadow, life is for living, and past regrets are a burden too heavy to carry.
Praise for Fenella J.
'Yet again, Fenella Miller has thrilled me with another of her historical stories. She brings alive a variety of emotions and weaves in facts relating to the era, all of which keep me reading into the small hours.' Glynis Peters
'Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller's characters and lose yourself in another time and another place.' Lizzie Lane
'Engaging characters and setting which whisks you back to the home front of wartime Britain. A fabulous series!' Jean Fullerton
September 1940
As the new housekeeper at Harbour House, Lily Turner and her teenage daughter Daphne have forged a resilient life since Lily’s husband Patrick abandoned them. But as war rages, Patrick, now vital to the war effort, is dispatched to Wivenhoe shipyard, forcing him to confront his past—and Lily—once more.
He's no longer the reckless boy who deserted his family; hardened by the years, he’s determined to make amends. Yet, for Lily, the scars of abandonment run deep, and forgiveness is a luxury she's not sure she can afford. But she finds this new version of Patrick intriguing nonetheless..
With the Blitz intensifying and German bombers pounding Britain, life is precarious. When Patrick, Lily, and Daphne are thrust together amidst an air raid, the roar of bombs forces a stark in war's shadow, life is for living, and past regrets are a burden too heavy to carry.
Praise for Fenella J.
'Yet again, Fenella Miller has thrilled me with another of her historical stories. She brings alive a variety of emotions and weaves in facts relating to the era, all of which keep me reading into the small hours.' Glynis Peters
'Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller's characters and lose yourself in another time and another place.' Lizzie Lane
'Engaging characters and setting which whisks you back to the home front of wartime Britain. A fabulous series!' Jean Fullerton
- GenresHistorical Fiction
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2025
About the author
Fenella J. Miller
164 books160 followersFenella Jane Miller was born in the Isle of Man. Her father was a Yorkshire man and her mother the daughter of a Rajah. She has worked as a nanny, cleaner, field worker, hotelier, chef, secondary and primary teacher and is now a full time writer.
She has over twenty five Regency romantic adventures published plus one Jane Austen re-telling and one YA romantic fantasy.
see also Fenella-Jane Miller
She has over twenty five Regency romantic adventures published plus one Jane Austen re-telling and one YA romantic fantasy.
see also Fenella-Jane Miller
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 3, 2025
Fourth book in the “Harbour House” series, set in WW2.
This one wasn’t quite as interesting to me as the others in the series. The focus was mainly on the return of a long-gone husband and father to his wife and daughter after 14 years of absence. I liked the other books better because they focused more on the Roby family than this one did. Still, it was good historical fiction, with many details about the dangers Londoners faced from Nazi bombs.
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
This one wasn’t quite as interesting to me as the others in the series. The focus was mainly on the return of a long-gone husband and father to his wife and daughter after 14 years of absence. I liked the other books better because they focused more on the Roby family than this one did. Still, it was good historical fiction, with many details about the dangers Londoners faced from Nazi bombs.
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
October 7, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC of this book.
I’ve been dabbling in Boldwood’s various fine historical novels for some years, and Fenella Miller’s Harbour House series is one of my favourites. Book 4 introduces, or reacquaints, readers with the stalwart residents of Wivenhoe, near a shipyard and port on the Colne River that Jonathan Roby is sent to direct for the Admiralty. As the title indicates, the Blitz is the context. It is September 1940 and the war is heating up.
In the previous instalment, Harbour House, now home to the wealthy Roby family, was transitioning into the wartime headquarters of naval operations. As was the case for the many other private homes seconded for this purpose during the Second World War, the family simply confined itself to tighter quarters, while those working for the government or otherwise for the war effort, were billeted in any available space. Twelve-year-old Elizabeth, headstrong as ever, makes a great fuss about joining the child evacuees, supposedly to free up space for her grandparents, little brother George and baby Grace. Really, she wants the freedom and adventure she imagines evacuees will enjoy.
This volume shifts the focus somewhat. Although the Roby family remain important, as masters of the house and through Jonathan’s key position in the war effort, here we see much more of the ‘downstairs’ lives, those of housekeeper Lily and her daughter Daphne. The sudden departure of her husband Patrick when Daphne was only 2 years old left the young mother to make a life for herself and her child without the emotional and financial support of a man. Although Lily certainly struggled through loneliness and anxiety, she at least had something to help her reset her life: Patrick had left her their modest home when he walked out. That in itself indicated that, despite his abandonment, he took some responsibility for his family.
Lily’s own version of Blitz spirit helped her take charge without looking back. She parlayed her cooking and domestic management skills into a job in the Roby household, and a safe and stable home for her daughter, who works half-days at the Red Lion pub to help out. Like the Robys and many others, she takes in two lodgers who have been sent to work in the shipyards. Fate decrees that one of them is the husband who had left 14 years earlier. Lily is ready with divorce papers. He agrees to sign. But then the Blitz happens.
The Nazi terror that was the Blitz unsettles Harbour House as it does millions of other homes, rich and poor, and the human impact, as much unrelenting dread as direct hits, is sensitively portrayed. It’s hard to imagine a century later just how the war affected everything and everyone.
As always, Fenella Miller’s flowing writing and atmospheric contextualization, made possible by her attention to historical facts enhanced by imagination, make for a story that can be read both on its own and as part of the captivating Harbour House series.
I’ve been dabbling in Boldwood’s various fine historical novels for some years, and Fenella Miller’s Harbour House series is one of my favourites. Book 4 introduces, or reacquaints, readers with the stalwart residents of Wivenhoe, near a shipyard and port on the Colne River that Jonathan Roby is sent to direct for the Admiralty. As the title indicates, the Blitz is the context. It is September 1940 and the war is heating up.
In the previous instalment, Harbour House, now home to the wealthy Roby family, was transitioning into the wartime headquarters of naval operations. As was the case for the many other private homes seconded for this purpose during the Second World War, the family simply confined itself to tighter quarters, while those working for the government or otherwise for the war effort, were billeted in any available space. Twelve-year-old Elizabeth, headstrong as ever, makes a great fuss about joining the child evacuees, supposedly to free up space for her grandparents, little brother George and baby Grace. Really, she wants the freedom and adventure she imagines evacuees will enjoy.
This volume shifts the focus somewhat. Although the Roby family remain important, as masters of the house and through Jonathan’s key position in the war effort, here we see much more of the ‘downstairs’ lives, those of housekeeper Lily and her daughter Daphne. The sudden departure of her husband Patrick when Daphne was only 2 years old left the young mother to make a life for herself and her child without the emotional and financial support of a man. Although Lily certainly struggled through loneliness and anxiety, she at least had something to help her reset her life: Patrick had left her their modest home when he walked out. That in itself indicated that, despite his abandonment, he took some responsibility for his family.
Lily’s own version of Blitz spirit helped her take charge without looking back. She parlayed her cooking and domestic management skills into a job in the Roby household, and a safe and stable home for her daughter, who works half-days at the Red Lion pub to help out. Like the Robys and many others, she takes in two lodgers who have been sent to work in the shipyards. Fate decrees that one of them is the husband who had left 14 years earlier. Lily is ready with divorce papers. He agrees to sign. But then the Blitz happens.
The Nazi terror that was the Blitz unsettles Harbour House as it does millions of other homes, rich and poor, and the human impact, as much unrelenting dread as direct hits, is sensitively portrayed. It’s hard to imagine a century later just how the war affected everything and everyone.
As always, Fenella Miller’s flowing writing and atmospheric contextualization, made possible by her attention to historical facts enhanced by imagination, make for a story that can be read both on its own and as part of the captivating Harbour House series.
October 25, 2025
Blitz Spirit at Harbour House continues Fenella J Miller’s touching, emotional and dramatic saga series set during the Second World War.
After her husband Patrick had abandoned her, Lily had no other choice but to be strong. With a daughter to look after, Lily had pulled herself up by her boot straps and fought hard for a future for herself and her daughter, Daphne. Becoming a housekeeper at Harbour House was meant to be a fresh start for the two of them, until shadows of the past reappeared in the most unexpected of ways when Patrick comes back into their lives again.
Patrick is not the reckless and selfish boy who had walked out on his family, but a man who has become vital to Britain’s battle against Hitler. Having grown up and matured, Patrick is determined to make amends – even though Lily is still scarred by the pain of his desertion and is determined to keep him at arm’s length. Yet, with fate thrusting them in close proximity together, Lily cannot deny that she finds herself drawn anew to her estranged husband…
With Hitler’s perfidy showing no sign of abating and the enemy’s bombs showering Britain at an alarming rate, Patrick and Lily are aware that life is fragile and precious. Will they find the strength to put the past behind them and forge forward as a family into the future? Or will this second chance at happiness be cut short by a dangerous enemy determined to win this war at all costs?
Fenella J Miller is a storyteller of substance who never fails to deliver engaging and enjoyable sagas rich in period detail, searing emotion and dramatic intensity. Blitz Spirit at Harbour House is an addictive saga about renewal, redemption, healing and the power of love that touches the heart and one that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
With characters it is impossible not to care about, evocative descriptions of wartime life in Britain and plot lines that involve and immerse the reader, Blitz Spirit at Harbour House is another winner by Fenella J Miller.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
After her husband Patrick had abandoned her, Lily had no other choice but to be strong. With a daughter to look after, Lily had pulled herself up by her boot straps and fought hard for a future for herself and her daughter, Daphne. Becoming a housekeeper at Harbour House was meant to be a fresh start for the two of them, until shadows of the past reappeared in the most unexpected of ways when Patrick comes back into their lives again.
Patrick is not the reckless and selfish boy who had walked out on his family, but a man who has become vital to Britain’s battle against Hitler. Having grown up and matured, Patrick is determined to make amends – even though Lily is still scarred by the pain of his desertion and is determined to keep him at arm’s length. Yet, with fate thrusting them in close proximity together, Lily cannot deny that she finds herself drawn anew to her estranged husband…
With Hitler’s perfidy showing no sign of abating and the enemy’s bombs showering Britain at an alarming rate, Patrick and Lily are aware that life is fragile and precious. Will they find the strength to put the past behind them and forge forward as a family into the future? Or will this second chance at happiness be cut short by a dangerous enemy determined to win this war at all costs?
Fenella J Miller is a storyteller of substance who never fails to deliver engaging and enjoyable sagas rich in period detail, searing emotion and dramatic intensity. Blitz Spirit at Harbour House is an addictive saga about renewal, redemption, healing and the power of love that touches the heart and one that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
With characters it is impossible not to care about, evocative descriptions of wartime life in Britain and plot lines that involve and immerse the reader, Blitz Spirit at Harbour House is another winner by Fenella J Miller.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 9, 2025
This is book four in this series set in Wivenhoe near Colchester in Essex during WW2. The book starts in September 1940 and Lily and her daughter Daphne live in Clifton Terrace in Wivenhoe. She was married at 16, had Daphne at 17 and now is working at the guest house which she loves and finds it much more pleasant than working in the fish canning factory. Her husband left when Daphne was a toddler and she always thought it was her fault he went, but when he expectedly returns and Daphne realises who he is she then has to admit its not his fault, maybe its not the fault of anyone just something that happened a long time ago.
Now the children who live in Colchester are to be evacuated but those outside the town have the choice of staying or going. Emily Roby is twelve and will be one of those to go and she hoped her mum will agree with her.
But first relationships in Wivenhoe are there to be sorted, Daphne is now calling Patrick dad and this is something he is really pleased about and Lily wants nothing more than to have him back home in her house again and Lily is pleased to accompany him to London to retrieve his possessions before his landlady sold them off but he is worried about taking her with the recent raids and so he goes on his own but he is shocked at what he sees, bomb damaged houses and completely missing houses. He picks up his belongings and starts his return journey back to Wivenhoe but is shocked when a raid starts in daylight hours, when he had previously thought that it would be safe till it was dark, but he is so wrong.
A lovely WW2 saga story set in North Essex and the characters are great you can't help but care about them as they learn to live with the devastation that comes with war and learning to forgive and forget about the past and live for the here and now.
A great five-star read from me, I really enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to reading book five in this fabulous series.
#Netgalley
#BlitzSpiritAtHarbourHouse
#FennellaJMiller
#Boldwoodbooks
Now the children who live in Colchester are to be evacuated but those outside the town have the choice of staying or going. Emily Roby is twelve and will be one of those to go and she hoped her mum will agree with her.
But first relationships in Wivenhoe are there to be sorted, Daphne is now calling Patrick dad and this is something he is really pleased about and Lily wants nothing more than to have him back home in her house again and Lily is pleased to accompany him to London to retrieve his possessions before his landlady sold them off but he is worried about taking her with the recent raids and so he goes on his own but he is shocked at what he sees, bomb damaged houses and completely missing houses. He picks up his belongings and starts his return journey back to Wivenhoe but is shocked when a raid starts in daylight hours, when he had previously thought that it would be safe till it was dark, but he is so wrong.
A lovely WW2 saga story set in North Essex and the characters are great you can't help but care about them as they learn to live with the devastation that comes with war and learning to forgive and forget about the past and live for the here and now.
A great five-star read from me, I really enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to reading book five in this fabulous series.
#Netgalley
#BlitzSpiritAtHarbourHouse
#FennellaJMiller
#Boldwoodbooks
August 31, 2025
The drama continues at Harbour House as WW2 comes closer Wivenhoe. Things are starting to change as the war goes on. Rationing increases adding more and more challenges in the kitchen. Lily struggles to put decent meals on the Harbour House dining table. Who knew someone would be happy to have a cat catch a rabbit? Dinner is served! Raising chickens wasn't just a fad. It was a necessity even though you had to turn in most the government.
The shipyard is busier than ever. Do they know something that others don't? More and more men are needed to get ships into service. The war office sends those in reserved occupations to fill the needs of battle. Wivenhoe residents find themselves billeting strangers, doing their bit. Lily did not expect for one of those billeted to bring Patrick through her door.Things are about to get really interesting at Clifton Terrace.
The author gives the reader glimpses into World War Two England. The fear exlodes off the pages as German bombers fly overhead. Bombs drop and the results are heartbreaking. Heroes are made. The unity of the British is inspiring. See the survivors where bombs missed them, where they decide not to go into a shelter, a shelter soon destroyed. Grasp at how it affects them. No wonder my family refused to talk about the war. I realize that life had to continue, but until books like this I never thought about the sacrifices that had to be made.
The shipyard is busier than ever. Do they know something that others don't? More and more men are needed to get ships into service. The war office sends those in reserved occupations to fill the needs of battle. Wivenhoe residents find themselves billeting strangers, doing their bit. Lily did not expect for one of those billeted to bring Patrick through her door.Things are about to get really interesting at Clifton Terrace.
The author gives the reader glimpses into World War Two England. The fear exlodes off the pages as German bombers fly overhead. Bombs drop and the results are heartbreaking. Heroes are made. The unity of the British is inspiring. See the survivors where bombs missed them, where they decide not to go into a shelter, a shelter soon destroyed. Grasp at how it affects them. No wonder my family refused to talk about the war. I realize that life had to continue, but until books like this I never thought about the sacrifices that had to be made.
October 8, 2025
This fourth in the Harbour House series has all the period detail you would expect and gives you a good insight into domestic life in England in 1940. Rationing, blackouts and war damage have all become part of the inhabitants' lives. The three generations are each experiencing the home front in their own way. The older Robys have health problems to contend with and the parents in the family are still busy with home and work. I am always surprised at the level of responsibility that the children, especially Emily are given and their reactions place them firmly within the time.
As well as the Robys, the story centres around a lower class family. Lily is the housekeeper at Harbour House and estranged from her husband, George, she has worked hard to bring up Daphne, her daughter. When George is billeted to Lily's house, the past comes pouring in. You find that the preconception you may have had of George may be inaccurate and Lily has to decide how far she is prepared to let George back into their lives. Her reputation is important to her but she also takes into account Daphne's wishes as well. As per the name of the story, the effects of the Blitz reaches Lily's family showing the dangers for ordinary people at the time. Some children are evacuated. By the end of the story, you learn of a life changing event for young Emily which sets up nicely future storylines as she grows up.
In short: keep calm and carry on
Thanks to the publisher
As well as the Robys, the story centres around a lower class family. Lily is the housekeeper at Harbour House and estranged from her husband, George, she has worked hard to bring up Daphne, her daughter. When George is billeted to Lily's house, the past comes pouring in. You find that the preconception you may have had of George may be inaccurate and Lily has to decide how far she is prepared to let George back into their lives. Her reputation is important to her but she also takes into account Daphne's wishes as well. As per the name of the story, the effects of the Blitz reaches Lily's family showing the dangers for ordinary people at the time. Some children are evacuated. By the end of the story, you learn of a life changing event for young Emily which sets up nicely future storylines as she grows up.
In short: keep calm and carry on
Thanks to the publisher
September 29, 2025
Harbour House Book 4
September, 1940: As the new housekeeper at Harbour House, Lily Turner, and her teenage daughter Daphne have forged a resilient life since her husband Patrick abandoned them. But as war rages, Patrick, now vital to the war effort, is dispatched to Wivenhoe shipyard, forcing him to confront his past - and Lily - once more. He's no longer the reckless boy who deserted his family; hardened by the years, he's determined to make amends. Yet. for Lily, the scars of abandonment run deep, and forgiveness is a luxury she's not sure she can afford. But she finds the new version of Patrick intriguing none the less.
Things are changing as the war spreads. We learn about what some of the families had to go through during these harrowing times. Patrick turns up on Lily's doorstep, she hadn't seen him for over a decade. As they try to work through their relationship, can Lily ever forgive him?
This is the first book in the series that I have read. I did enjoy the story. It was informative and you could feel the fear coming through the pages. The characters were well-developed. I did not know that this book was part of a series when I requested it.
Published 7th October 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #FenellaJMiller for my ARC of #BlitzSpiritAtHarbourHouse in exchange for an honest review.
September, 1940: As the new housekeeper at Harbour House, Lily Turner, and her teenage daughter Daphne have forged a resilient life since her husband Patrick abandoned them. But as war rages, Patrick, now vital to the war effort, is dispatched to Wivenhoe shipyard, forcing him to confront his past - and Lily - once more. He's no longer the reckless boy who deserted his family; hardened by the years, he's determined to make amends. Yet. for Lily, the scars of abandonment run deep, and forgiveness is a luxury she's not sure she can afford. But she finds the new version of Patrick intriguing none the less.
Things are changing as the war spreads. We learn about what some of the families had to go through during these harrowing times. Patrick turns up on Lily's doorstep, she hadn't seen him for over a decade. As they try to work through their relationship, can Lily ever forgive him?
This is the first book in the series that I have read. I did enjoy the story. It was informative and you could feel the fear coming through the pages. The characters were well-developed. I did not know that this book was part of a series when I requested it.
Published 7th October 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #FenellaJMiller for my ARC of #BlitzSpiritAtHarbourHouse in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2025
Another great part of the Harbour House series. Although it can be read as a stand-alone there is far more context if one reads the whole series.
This is a tale of the power of forgiveness, the fact that life can deal a blow at any time and that life goes on - war or no war.
This centres around Lily -the new housekeeper at Harbour House, her daughter Daphne and Patrick - the husband who had abandoned them both 14 years earlier.
Lily had forged a life for them both - Patrick having signed his house over to her. Lily had not bargained for Patrick turning up on her doorstep when ordered to work at the Wivenhoe shipyard as his war service,
Eventually Lily decided to rekindle her relationship with Patrick though of course it wasn’t easy. A great example of estrangement not being permanent necessarily. Hopefully we will find out more in the following books?
We also learnt more about the Roby family at Harbour House. The Robys senior had gone to stay to avoid the bombs along the English Channel - I felt Major Robys mental decline was sensitively dealt with.
We also leant more about Emily and George - both of whom could be self centred and self absorbed. But both seemed to grow throughout the book.
Again well written - entertaining and informative
Fenella Miller has done it again and produced a fantastic book - roll on the next one
This is a tale of the power of forgiveness, the fact that life can deal a blow at any time and that life goes on - war or no war.
This centres around Lily -the new housekeeper at Harbour House, her daughter Daphne and Patrick - the husband who had abandoned them both 14 years earlier.
Lily had forged a life for them both - Patrick having signed his house over to her. Lily had not bargained for Patrick turning up on her doorstep when ordered to work at the Wivenhoe shipyard as his war service,
Eventually Lily decided to rekindle her relationship with Patrick though of course it wasn’t easy. A great example of estrangement not being permanent necessarily. Hopefully we will find out more in the following books?
We also learnt more about the Roby family at Harbour House. The Robys senior had gone to stay to avoid the bombs along the English Channel - I felt Major Robys mental decline was sensitively dealt with.
We also leant more about Emily and George - both of whom could be self centred and self absorbed. But both seemed to grow throughout the book.
Again well written - entertaining and informative
Fenella Miller has done it again and produced a fantastic book - roll on the next one
January 20, 2026
In the latest instalment of this World War II historical fiction series, readers follow Lily Turner and her daughter Daphne as they build a life together at Harbour House, where Lily works as the housekeeper, after her husband Patrick abandoned them. Patrick, however, has been sent back to Wivenhoe shipyard as a vital worker, and this means he has to confront his past decisions and Lily again. As the Blitz wears on and the war edges closer to the village, Patrick, Daphne, and Lily must go on a journey of healing to see if they can rebuild their lives and relationship in the midst of the events of 1940. Emotional, intense, and healing, readers will love the complexities of Lily, Daphne, and Patrick’s relationships and the added challenges of the events of 1940. The characters are the stars of the book with their complex relationships and dynamic personalities, while the historical detail really brings the setting to life. The story’s focus on the characters’ experiences of the war offers some fascinating insights into civilians’ experiences of the Blitz outside London, and readers will really enjoy the high stakes and emotional intensity of the latest book in the Harbour House series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
October 7, 2025
Blitz Spirit at Harbour House, although being part of a series, can easily be read as a standalone novel.
It's unusual to say that you enjoy a book set during wartime, but the author does such a good job of balancing the light and dark moments that it is a pleasure to read. I don't mind a good cry as long as I get to smile and laugh too. As long as a book has a happy ending, it makes me happy.
I love a second chance at love story. The characters involved in this part of the story were Lily and Patrick. Their story was believable and very moving.
Then, of course, there are the Roby family who own Harbour House. Reading more about them, particularly young Emily and her escapades, brought some of those dark moments that I mentioned.
The author obviously did her research when it came to Patrick's occupation, and similarly, everything she wrote about the war. I learned a few things I never knew!
I definitely recommend this book and the whole series! I am very much looking forward to the next instalment!
It's unusual to say that you enjoy a book set during wartime, but the author does such a good job of balancing the light and dark moments that it is a pleasure to read. I don't mind a good cry as long as I get to smile and laugh too. As long as a book has a happy ending, it makes me happy.
I love a second chance at love story. The characters involved in this part of the story were Lily and Patrick. Their story was believable and very moving.
Then, of course, there are the Roby family who own Harbour House. Reading more about them, particularly young Emily and her escapades, brought some of those dark moments that I mentioned.
The author obviously did her research when it came to Patrick's occupation, and similarly, everything she wrote about the war. I learned a few things I never knew!
I definitely recommend this book and the whole series! I am very much looking forward to the next instalment!
November 11, 2025
Blitz Spirit at Harbour House is the fourth installment in the Harbour House series by the talented Fenella J. Miller.
The story continues to revolve around the Roby family, particularly focusing on 12-year-old Emily as she embarks on her adventures. This time, the spotlight shifts to Lily Turner and her family. Abandoned by her husband Patrick when their daughter Daphne was just two years old, Lily has been holding onto divorce paperwork for fourteen long years, waiting for him to return. Now, he’s back in Wivenhoe — what could have drawn him back?
As always, Fenella’s writing pulls you in, and I found myself finishing the book over the weekend, especially since I was eager to stay awake for the arrival of my second great-grandchild! It was a delightful distraction. I particularly enjoyed learning more about the Roby family’s new housekeeper, and I can’t wait for the next edition in the series!
The story continues to revolve around the Roby family, particularly focusing on 12-year-old Emily as she embarks on her adventures. This time, the spotlight shifts to Lily Turner and her family. Abandoned by her husband Patrick when their daughter Daphne was just two years old, Lily has been holding onto divorce paperwork for fourteen long years, waiting for him to return. Now, he’s back in Wivenhoe — what could have drawn him back?
As always, Fenella’s writing pulls you in, and I found myself finishing the book over the weekend, especially since I was eager to stay awake for the arrival of my second great-grandchild! It was a delightful distraction. I particularly enjoyed learning more about the Roby family’s new housekeeper, and I can’t wait for the next edition in the series!
October 6, 2025
It’s great to catch up with the Roby’s and their family and friends again. Lily Turner is happily enjoying her job as the Roby’s housekeeper and is happy to have 2 lodgers for Mr Roby as he has more staff arriving from London. Because she has a teenage daughter it’s been agreed that she will have 2 older married gentleman to stay. When they arrive imagine Lily’s shock to discover that one of the men is none other than her own husband Patrick who abandoned her and her young daughter 14 years before. Daphne has no idea that this lodger is her father and doesn’t understand why her Mum is acting so strangely and seems so upset. This is a lovely read following what happens to Lily and also the Roby family as World War Two continues
October 7, 2025
Blitz Spirit at Harbour House by Fenella J. Miller ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Book 4 in the series and can stand alone, I liked to have read them in order, so you can "grow" with the characters. It's enjoyable to see what happens to them in the next book. It made me feel connected to the characters and their families. All the hardships the war had on so many people, as you read about them your heart breaks for them. Fenella's writing makes you feel like you are right there, living during the war. It's a different perspective of what you read in school. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I hope you will consider read this series, I've loved reading it
Book 4 in the series and can stand alone, I liked to have read them in order, so you can "grow" with the characters. It's enjoyable to see what happens to them in the next book. It made me feel connected to the characters and their families. All the hardships the war had on so many people, as you read about them your heart breaks for them. Fenella's writing makes you feel like you are right there, living during the war. It's a different perspective of what you read in school. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I hope you will consider read this series, I've loved reading it
October 3, 2025
This story continues to tell the story of the lives of the Roby family and their staff during World War 2. This story is mainly concerning their housekeeper, Lily. Lily’s husband left her when her daughter, Daphne was 2 years old. It also concerns Emily, the Roby’s 12 year old daughter and how she is adapting to changes in her household and at school. This story doesn’t forget the danger that people faced everyday and the hardships that some faced. I enjoyed the way the story moved along and it was told in such a way that I became really invested in the outcome. This is a lovely series that focuses on the lives of ordinary people during a dangerous time. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 7, 2025
Lily and Daphne are both happy in their new jobs and relatively settled but they are about to be shocked by a new arrival or should I say old. Patrick is Lily's husband and Daphne's father but he walked out on them years ago and was never heard from. I felt the emotions running strong in the lives of all the characters in this book. I love the idea of raising chickens for eggs and letting the cat catch rabbits. The children kept the story entertaining for me and I enjoyed the rocky ride of this plot. It's entirely engaging while woven with historical facts to keep the reader interested.
October 9, 2025
Another great addition to the Harbour House series that I thoroughly enjoyed. It didn’t take me long to become absorbed in the storyline and get reacquainted with the characters from the previous books. The descriptions of how life was in the 1940’s was so well described by the author. There was a strong emphasis on the character of Lily, who is the new housekeeper at Harbour House and her daughter Daphne. I soon become absorbed into their story and really hoped everything would work out for them. This series really brings out how life was for British people during the second world w@r and I could almost feel I was there as I made my way through the story. I really look forward to reading book five in the series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 7, 2025
I read All Change At Harbour House (Book 3) and enjoyed it. I was interested to see how everyone’s stories progressed in this Book 4. It centres mainly on Lily, the Roby’s housekeeper, and her family. Many of the other characters develop in this book, in particular Emily, eldest daughter of the Roby family. It’s a fascinating and enjoyable slice of English life at that time during World War Two with all it’s challenges for ordinary people. Recommend.
August 31, 2025
A wonderful story of a family that sticks together through thick and thin. Patrick is doing his bit for the war and trying to keep his family together and alive. The book brings historic issues that families had to go through when living through a war. The writer has quite a nack in bringing the characters to life. It’s always interesting to read stories about the people in the wars.
September 25, 2025
The next in the Harbour House series and it didn’t disappoint. Emily is growing up and wanting to explore on her own without adults. At the same time Lily the housekeeper finds her husband on her doorstep although she’s not seen him for over a decade. As they work through their relationship can she forgive him for running off. Thanks to Fenella and her publisher. I can’t wait for the next book.
October 6, 2025
This is the 4th installment in the Harbour House Series. Lily is the new maid at Harbour House. She's taking on lodgers, one of whom turns out to be her husband, Patrick, who walked out on her and her daughter years ago. But is he the same man who walked out on her years ago?
I enjoyed the 4th installment of the series, which focuses on the new maid and her family. We learn more about Emily and her quest to find friendships at her school, as well as her relationships with her brothers. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the series.
Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley and the author for this arc.
I enjoyed the 4th installment of the series, which focuses on the new maid and her family. We learn more about Emily and her quest to find friendships at her school, as well as her relationships with her brothers. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the series.
Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley and the author for this arc.
August 26, 2025
A sweet and heartwarming WWII homefront story about the families around Harbor House near London. I can’t wait for the next installment!
October 11, 2025
I enjoyed this story about Lily, Daphne and Patrick.
October 11, 2025
A heartbreaking WWII story full of. Well written. Great characters. The books of Harbour House are great. I highly recommend them.
October 30, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed book 4 of this series, covering Lily and the return of her husband. Also Emily having adventures with new friends to play with.
February 21, 2026
Reading book 5 now,love these stories,book 6 pre orderedx
March 14, 2026
Great read
Great read characters were great and can't wait to read the next book and read about their next adventures and what happens next
Great read characters were great and can't wait to read the next book and read about their next adventures and what happens next
August 5, 2026
saga goes on
The books are good and make you want to read the next straight away. Looking forward to the next one
The books are good and make you want to read the next straight away. Looking forward to the next one
September 13, 2025
A great instalment in a brilliant series based in the village of Wivenhoe. Lily , the Roby’s housekeeper at Harbour House, has been a single mother to daughter Daphne ever since her husband Patrick walked out. She has agreed to take in workers from the boatyard as lodgers. However Patrick is a carpenter and his skills are crucial to the war effort and when he is sent to work at the shipyard in Wivenhoe and is sent to his new lodgings………. Alongside all this going on we catch up with the Roby family and especially daughter Emily. She is growing up fast and events make her realise that she is much luckier than she has appreciated in the past. I really love how Fenella Miller brings the characters to life making them very real. It also gives an insight into life during WW2. A very engaging and enjoyable read. This is a series I’d highly recommend
October 8, 2025
This book follows characters connected to Harbour House, through the latter period of the Second World War. It is part of a series but can be read alone.
Emily is 12 and feeling a bit left out at Harbour House. She thinks she wants to be evacuated with some of her school mates, but when she tells her father of her plans, she realises that her place is at home with her family and she vows to make the most of her current situation.
Lily is the housekeeper at Harbour House, she lives with her daughter Daphne. They are in for a shock when Lily's estranged husband, Patrick, turns up as their new lodger. At first Lily is not happy to see him after he abandoned her and Daphne 14 years prior. But has he changed, and can she forgive him?
The town has been fortunate to avoid any direct hits from the German planes, but is affected in different ways. There are lots of different plot points with the focus on everyday life and relationships.
A cosy historical saga that you can dip in and out of easily. Despite the traumatic events of the war, this book had a positive feel and was a joy to read.
Emily is 12 and feeling a bit left out at Harbour House. She thinks she wants to be evacuated with some of her school mates, but when she tells her father of her plans, she realises that her place is at home with her family and she vows to make the most of her current situation.
Lily is the housekeeper at Harbour House, she lives with her daughter Daphne. They are in for a shock when Lily's estranged husband, Patrick, turns up as their new lodger. At first Lily is not happy to see him after he abandoned her and Daphne 14 years prior. But has he changed, and can she forgive him?
The town has been fortunate to avoid any direct hits from the German planes, but is affected in different ways. There are lots of different plot points with the focus on everyday life and relationships.
A cosy historical saga that you can dip in and out of easily. Despite the traumatic events of the war, this book had a positive feel and was a joy to read.
October 6, 2025
The fourth book in the Harbour House series although you can read it as a standalone book. I believe a fifth book may be on the way too if you do like the series.
The nostalgia in these keep me hooked. There's a lot of community spirit and the characters are all making the best of a tough situation. Wartime brought a lot of challenges and this explores the blitz, impact of poorly made shelters and rationing. It's hard to imagine really and we're lucky that we don't have to manage in the way others had to before us. It does make you wonder how people would cope now- the world went crazy and people were stockpiling toilet rolls in the pandemic. we're lucky now but people are experiencing war in other parts of the world.
This is only the second book that I've read in the series. Definitely picking up the others as I'm invested in the characters and it'd be good to see what happens next.
The nostalgia in these keep me hooked. There's a lot of community spirit and the characters are all making the best of a tough situation. Wartime brought a lot of challenges and this explores the blitz, impact of poorly made shelters and rationing. It's hard to imagine really and we're lucky that we don't have to manage in the way others had to before us. It does make you wonder how people would cope now- the world went crazy and people were stockpiling toilet rolls in the pandemic. we're lucky now but people are experiencing war in other parts of the world.
This is only the second book that I've read in the series. Definitely picking up the others as I'm invested in the characters and it'd be good to see what happens next.
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