The Irish Nurse at the Lodging House

The Wartime Lodging House #1

by Natalie Meg Evans

London, 1940. Walking up the steps of the lodging house at No. 34 Hill Street in Mayfair, Grace Whelan is full of hope, despite the bombs raining down on London every night. But is this the fresh start she craves, or will the family she’s desperately running from catch up with her?

Nurse Grace Whelan’s Irish accent isn’t out of place on the hospital wards in the East End. But she hides it, and so much more, when her work takes her to the other side of the city. Her roommates at the lodging house and her potential beau, RAF pilot Owen, can never know the secrets she’s keeping about her family…

The three girls may share a room in the cosy lodgings, but they are very different. Jess is a country girl not used to the city, and Betony is adjusting to life without her aristocratic father’s money. But as they go through terrifying air raids and family heartbreak together, a sisterhood starts to form.

Until Grace’s criminal brother tracks her down, looking for money. And when it’s revealed she’s not the only one involved with Owen, the scandal threatens to tear the three apart for good.

Devastated, Grace is torn. Will she lose her new friends as quickly as she found them? Or can confessing all her secrets bring them closer together, as the war comes to their doorstep?

A heart-wrenching story full of love, loss and friendship during the darkest times. This wonderful new series is perfect for fans of Jean Grainger, Lisa Wingate and Diney Costeloe.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, British Literature

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2025

About the author

Being a published writer has been Natalie Meg Evans’ goal from an early age. Having achieved her dream, she extracts maximum fun from it by writing the kind of books she has always loved reading. Mother to one son and currently guardian to a rescued Labrador and a Malinois (Belgian Shepherd), Natalie lives in rural Suffolk, England’s easternmost county.

In 2012, Natalie won the prestigious Harry Bowling Prize and was a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist. She was longlisted in the Mslexia new women novelists
competition, and shortlisted for a Daphne du Maurier award for romantic suspense. The Dress Thief won the readers award for the best historical novel at the Festival of Romance and was nominated for a Romance Writers of America RITA.

Her latest novels are The Locket and The Paris Inheritance, both split timeline novels with a wartime theme.

She has achieved another life-goal, as a published author of country house crime. As Kay Blythe, her first novel in this genre comes out in February 2025. Look out for Murder at Merry Beggars Hall.

Reviews

[JoJo_theDodo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story that gives a glimpse into the day to day lives of different social classes during war time. The characters that really stood out to me were mainly Grace and Betony, the growing conflict between the two of them was engaging. I felt like Betony's character could have experienced more personal growth over the course of the story though. The love interests of the main characters just seemed like a side note and I didn't feel much personality difference between Owen and Winter. The ending to the story seemed rushed and left me wondering if I missed something, maybe there was a glitch on my audiobook?! It seemed odd that the story ended so abruptly, although I was left wanting to know more about Jess and what her story is. I would continue to read future books in this series, as I'm left curious about Jess and the would like to see where the author takes the characters journeys next.

**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Shelby Westerdahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in 1940s London, this story follows Grace, an Irish nurse who hides her true identity while caring for an elderly patient. She feels trapped at home but stays close to work as bombs rain down over the city. I listened to the audiobook and found it beautifully written and wonderfully narrated. The characters come from all walks of life, yet each faces the same danger from the Blitz. It’s a moving mix of love, fear, hope, family, and independence — a vivid glimpse into what life was really like in wartime London.

[Alison FP · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a nurse myself, and I’m a sucker for a good historical novel about nurses… epecially in wartime. Grace is a young Irish woman living in London with her mother and brothers during WWII. She is assigned as private duty to a snooty, old woman in Mayfair, and she needs lodging closer to her job. She finds a lodging house where she shares a room with two other young ladies. The novel is mostly told from her perspective, but eventually also includes chapters from the perspective of the other two girls, Betony and Jess. The story has intriguing twists and turns, romance, and lots of snark especially from the old lady. It definitely kept my attention and I looked forward to reading it each evening. The characters are well developed and I found Grace very likable. The only thing I wish there had been more of is detail on the nursing care at that time. I wish the author had done a little more research and offered more than a glossed over explanation of the care provided in the field after German bombings. Other than that, I am looking forward to the next two installments in what the author says will be a trilogy.

Thanks to the publisher Bookouture, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a review.

[Gracie O’Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC!!

The Irish Nurse at the Lodging House had a touching look at resilience and community, as well as struggles during the war and being proud of your heritage. Some of the side characters felt a little underdeveloped (& even more confusing when the chapters switched to different characters halfway through the book??), and the pacing slowed down in the middle, which made it harder to stay engaged and really get into the story. Overall, I gave this book 3 stars because I feel like it's a book worth reading/listening to if you like historical fiction.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in 1940, The Vicar’s Daughter at the Lodging House opens with a startling discovery for Jess Gresham: a letter hidden inside an old typewriter, written by her twin sister, Charlotte. The shock deepens when Jess realizes the letter is dated two days after Charlotte was believed to have died. Even more unsettling is the London address mentioned in the letter. Desperate for answers, Jess leaves her father’s rural home and heads to London, determined to uncover the truth, even hoping against hope to find Charlotte.

Accustomed to a quiet life in the countryside while war rages on, Jess finds London to be overwhelming and unfamiliar. Before she can begin her search, she must secure both lodging and employment. She soon finds a room in a lodging house, where she quickly forms connections with two women, Grace and Betony, who become important figures in her new life.

As the second book in the Wartime Lodging House trilogy, this novel follows The Irish Nurse at the Lodging House, which focused on Grace’s story. Now that Jess’s journey has been told, I’m eagerly anticipating Betony’s story in the next installment.

World War II historical fiction can be emotionally demanding, with its depictions of curfews, air raids and bomb shelters. These elements naturally tug at the heartstrings, and Natalie Meg Evans handles them with care and authenticity. Having enjoyed several of her novels, I continue to admire how she brings history and personal stories together, and I very much look forward to reading more of her work.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Kristen Cook - A Book Ninja · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Irish Nurse at the Lodging House is set in London at the beginning of WW2. This is a story about three women and their experiences during this time. The only war-related mention of the the first half was about rations and bomb shelters. This is more about the experiences of these women.

Grace Whelan is a nurse who is struggling to make it from day to day. Her home life is a daily challenge with a mom who is an alcoholic, a brother who has challenges due to complications at his birth, an absentee older sister, an abusive older brother and her dad died years before. To try to help her family survive, Grace has taken a private nursing job for a vile woman.

Betony is a spoiled, privileged young woman who has left home because she wants to do her own thing and not listen to her parents despite the fact it would have probably been safer for her during wartime. I struggled to listen to the parts about Betony because she was so shallow and entitled.

Jess is the third of the trio. She is such an underdeveloped character that she might has well been left out of the story.

This mismatched trio end up sharing a room at the lodging house. The reader can just see that this is not going to be a good arrangement.


The Irish Nurse at the Lodging House is the first book from Natalie Meg Evans that I have read.
The story stopped so abruptly that it left me frustrated so much so that it didn't make me want to read the second book in the series which I would assume is a continuation of the story.

I received an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. The narrator was good and easy to listen to. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace Whelan, a dedicated nurse, finds solace in making a difference during these challenging times. As the warplanes relentlessly darken the sky, she remains optimistic that this war will eventually pass. Grace quickly forms a deep bond with her two roommates at the Lodging House, each from distinct and different backgrounds.

However, Grace’s life takes an unexpected turn when her criminal brother tracks her down, demanding money. Torn between aiding her brother and revealing her family’s secrets to her new friends, Grace grapples with a moral dilemma. Her friends become her lifeline, providing her with the support she desperately needs.

“The Irish Nurse at the Lodging House” by Natalie Meg Evans weaves a captivating and touching tale of family, friendship, and hope. The eclectic characters in this story find solace in the new friendships they build amidst the devastation.

The storyline beautifully reflects the enduring power of hope and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. While the present may be bleak, the author emphasizes that tomorrow will always be better. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from cover to cover and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a heartwarming and inspiring read.

[Enchanted Owl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in London at the beginning of WW 2, Grace Whelan is doing her best to find a job as a nurse. Being Irish, most people are not willing to hire her, so she changes tactics and finds a nursing position. I found myself holding my breath and my heart pounding during the bombing scenes, I could visually imagine it like I was watching this book as a movie. The twist of Grace’s brother Cormack had me utterly disgusted that he could do such terrible things! ( Not spoiling that part!) This narrator was perfect with this audiobook, had I not known that there was just a single narrator I would have thought there was another narrator with how well the voices were done. The story and narration flowed so smoothly and done so exceptionally that I didn’t even notice how far I was into the audiobook until it was finished. I could have easily listened to more chapters. I was totally engrossed in the story. I definitely recommend this book!

[Ashley Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

★★★☆☆ – A Promising Start That Loses Focus
I was initially drawn in by Grace Whelan’s story—her arrival in London, her hope for a fresh start, and the shadow of her criminal brother threatening to catch up with her. Her secret life and complicated relationship with an RAF pilot added intrigue and emotional depth.
However, the novel lost some of its impact when it shifted focus halfway through. Jess and Betony, Grace’s roommates, are introduced too late for their storylines to feel fully earned. The sudden switch in perspective made it harder to stay connected, and I found myself wishing the book had either stuck with Grace’s point of view or introduced all three women as central characters from the beginning.
While the backdrop of wartime London is vivid and the themes of sisterhood and survival are compelling, the uneven pacing and structure made it hard to stay fully engaged. A solid read with good potential, but it left me wanting a more cohesive narrative.

[ErinTurnsPages · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot packed into this story. I really appreciated the narrator because I think she did a great job with the accents. I did find the book to be kind of average, it wasn't bad, by any means. I've been struggling with reading for probably a year now and really need something simple & engaging and there was so much happening I just struggled at the odd time. I do think I would continue the series if it were via audiobook though. I enjoyed Grace's character, though her family and background was a lot. And I was invested in Owen and Jess. The ending felt really abrupt, which also may have really colored my lense. Though it gave the book the feeling that it had a happy ending in my opinion which was odd, but nice for a wartime story. Though I was devastated by the loss of one of the characters. I wonder if the book felt packed because it needed to be to set up the rest of the series. I did enjoy the story and I think in a different year I might love it. The bonus to rereading books sometimes if you're a mood reader.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.

[Josephine Jarman · Rating 4 out of 5]

First in a new series this had the right balance between historic action and a general story running through it. The character accent was well narrated in the right places. I loved the description of both the surrounding and action and the feelings of the characters. I found the family dynamics a bit ott but made the story much more interesting. The side characters introduced including the love interest were perfect and fitted in. There is so much scope for this character. It felt raw and real, i loved the main character and cant wait for the next in the series. it felt like a historic mystery. Thank yuo netgallery, publisher, author and narrator. Highly recommended for anyone who loved historic fiction with romance and mystery that will leave you wishing you had book 2.

[Kimi Hanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contained too many characters with a lack of solid character development, in my opinion. While the story captured my attention, it seems the way it ended made it seem as though it is part of a series, but there was no real "ending" or conclusion to this book. Hopefully, the next two books in the series add clarity and fill the gaps of understanding/ storyline. Grace Whelan's family and background give the audience a glimpse into the life of a tenacious (but not infallible) young woman. I listened to the Audiobook version, and really connected with the narrator's ambitious and lively reading of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Natalie Meg Evans for the ARC.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! There are a range of characters whose lives all intertwined throughout the book. 

I liked the descriptions of London during the Blitz, and how the characters felt about the ups and downs of wartime life. 

I liked how some of the characters weren't necessarily very likeable, but getting to know them helped to understand their personas. I loved Grace as a main character and enjoyed reading about her job as a nurse, her family life and her developing romance. 

I would love to read more in this series and was pleased to know there are more books to come.

[kesy_books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to netgallery for providing this ALC!

This is our historical fiction in the time of 1940s

The audiobook was very good, the narrator did a great job. I love the Irish accents and how well she played her part.

I do have to say that one of the patients really annoyed me she was a Karen lol

If you like historical fiction, this is definitely something you would want to read

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in World War but not focused too much on this event. An Irish almost nurse is searching for employment to assist the family in surviving and keep the apartment they stay in. Grace left school during the exam to pass due to family matters and has not made it back. As an Irish person it is difficult for her to find employment in London but she changes things a little to increase her odds. She is able to gain employment and finds a way to move out of the family home to be more independent. Grace gets a room at a lodging house and has two roommates(Jess and Betony)from very different backgrounds. I loved the story unfold and the developing relationship with Owen. This is her story. It appears to be part of a series but I personally did not care for the ending, as it was almost like it just stopped no real closure or hint at where it might be going. The story did engage me and maybe that is why the ending did not sit well. Defnitely shows friendship and growth. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Natalie Meg Evans for the opportunity.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Irish Nurse at the Lodging House is the first book in a planned trilogy called The Wartime Lodging House from Natalie Meg Evans. Set in London in 1940 during the Blitz it follows Irish born Grace as she navigates an uncertain world during the war whilst trying to remain loyal to her family despite the many obstacles strewn in the path she wishes to follow. Grace and her family came across as the stereotypical Irish family living away from the Emerald Isle. Their father died and their mother spends her days drinking herself into oblivion whenever she can lay her hands on the funds to feed her addiction. Grace’s sister Immie, whose husband is away fighting in the war, has left with her children for the countryside where it was presumed safer. Her twin brothers Ricky and Cormac couldn’t be more different. Ricky suffered trauma at birth and therefore leads a simple life. One in which Grace does her utmost best to protect and keep him safe at all times. Cormac is a completely different kettle of fish, a bad apple involved in numerous shady dealings and is not immune from giving Grace a fist even though it’s all unnecessary.

Grace is the glue that holds the family together as they struggle to pay rent due to their circumstances. Her hopes for fully qualifying as a nurse were cruelly dashed due to Cormac’s actions and now she can only do private nursing not work in a hospital which she longs to do especially as the number of casualties and injuries from the Blitz increase daily with hospitals being overrun and people in desperate need of care and attention. Grace is a strong and formidable young woman. I loved how she wasn’t afraid to stand up to Cormac and was always striving to earn enough to pay the rent and put food on the table. Everyone appeared to rely on her and paid little heed to the ambitions she had. She had to put those on the backburner for the sake of her family and in particular Ricky whom she would do anything to protect and keep him safe in the little bubble he inhabited. Grace desperately wants a gateway into a new life and as we follow her journey over the course of the book we see a woman who goes against what society expects of someone from her background and she starts to follow her heart.

The first quarter or so of the book focuses on Grace and we learn a lot about her background, the situation she is currently in and her character which is one of strength, tenacity and she certainly has a no-nonsense attitude. A new job sees her begin working for Lady Ventor who is bed bound but really if she got her act together, she could live a perfectly normal life. Lady Ventor was a tyrant and a cruel bully and Grace was pushed to the pin of her collar many times. Keeping her origins a secret wasn’t easy for Grace and I loved that she reached breaking point with Lady Ventor and the scenes where she truly let rip and said how she felt re the words and actions of Lady Ventor were fantastic.

A subtle romance starts to play out when Grace discovers Owen, a man who stood up for her on the train, is the nephew of Lady Ventor. He is in the R.A.F and from that point on he features quite heavily but their connection between the pair is subtly underplayed until towards the end of the book. To be honest, I would have liked a bit more depth to this aspect of the story as it all just seemed to happen so quickly and because there was quite a lot going on in the book this strand could have done with more exploration.

Betony and Jess were introduced just as I felt I was really getting to know Grace and this allowed the lodging house of the title to come into play which I had been wondering about as there was no mention of it for a good while. As this book is Grace’s story Betony and Jess don’t get that much attention rather I felt they were being brought into the story, little titbits were revealed and in future books we will get to know more about them. The three young women share a room in Gloria’s lodging house as Grace sought different accommodation when she needed to be nearer to Mayfair to get to Lady Ventor’s house. Also there is a truly heartbreaking scene at the mid-way point which means Grace has fresh new challenges to face. Fairplay to the author for doing this in the book because other authors may have shied away from it in order to keep readers happy but the event I am being very resolute in not revealing any spoilers on is a catalyst for change for Grace and it spurs her on even more to do what she feels is right in her heart.

Between Betony and Jess, although we don’t learn masses of amounts about them it’s definitely Jess that I want to read more of. She is a lost soul coming to London to try and find out the truth about the fate of her sister Charlotte. She has a job in the Ministry of Information but I felt she came across as troubled and weak and that in the future she will need the support of both Grace and Betony. The little bit I learned of her made her come across as intriguing and beguiling and there is a sense that her story will be dramatic, but I hope it will be fulfilling for her and we will see her garner strength.

Betony is the opposite of Grace and Jess. I hate saying this but I couldn’t warm to her at all. She comes from a wealthy background but has refused to go with her mother to their country estate for safety. She works on her Aunt Sybil’s magazine but she didn’t seem to be a very hard worker. She was more concerned with the pursuit of a man and given it was the war I thought she could have done so much more to help her country. Fancy gowns and going to nightclubs and trying to catch the attention of either two certain servicemen seemed to be her goal in life. There was Grace grappling with so much with her family, the details of which you’ll love to read for yourselves and then you have Betony who was flighty and intent on pursuing a man. Herself and Grace didn’t get off on the right foot when they first meet and the bonds of sisterhood and friendship I don’t think have fully emerged yet but that could all change in future books. I think Betony needs to come down nearer to the level of Grace and Jess and realise that everyone is in it together seeking a better future, freedom and love where possible.

The book ends on a major cliffhanger which will definitely leave readers coming back for more. I was deeply invested in things by that stage and didn’t want it to end where it did. How could we be left waiting to see what happens? But wait I will have to. The Irish Nurse at the Lodging House was a promising start to the trilogy and it felt like a different direction in the author’s writing. There is heartbreak, danger, friendship and moments of joy throughout as London battles the nightly raids from across the water. The sense of camaraderie and battling through is starting to comes across very well and the emotions are heightened the further the book progresses. Overall an engaging and interesting read and I will be back for more.

[Sue - Recos and Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting for this book is London in the 1940s during WWII. The city is under blackout, bombs are falling, and Grace Whelan, an Irish nurse hiding her true identity to avoid prejudice, takes a position caring for a wealthy but rather belligerent patient. To be close to her work, she rents a room in a bustling lodging house where she’s thrown together with two very different women, Jess and Betony.

Told through Grace’s eyes, the story captures both the strain of her secret and the loyalty she feels to her family, even when it leads to conflict with one of her brothers. The lodging house becomes a fascinating backdrop, full of tension as the three women clash, connect, and learn from one another. There’s even a touch of romance, complicated by class divides and social expectations of the time. All of this plays out against the constant threat of nightly air raids that drive home the true cost of war.

The ending was somewhat abrupt and certainly left a lot to be resolved but I understand that this book is part one of a trilogy so I’m assuming the open ending was done on purpose to lead some threads unresolved.

I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narration, with the shifts between English, Irish, and Welsh accents done with skill that made the story even more immersive.

If you enjoy WWII historical fiction that focuses on women’s lives and the ways they navigate loyalty, love, and survival, this is one worth picking up.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Natalie Meg Evans for the opportunity to listen early.

I rate this 3.75 rounded up to a 4

[Lilmissmolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook of The Irish Nurse at the Lodging House by Natalie Meg Evans, narrated by Emma Feeney, who did an excellent job. I love historical fiction audiobooks, and in particular those featuring strong women in WWII. I also thought the perspective of an Irish Nurse was new and unique.The story features the Irish nurse, Grace, whose family moved to London before her father died. Now she lives in essentially the slums with her many brothers and sisters, one of which is involved in the criminal elements of the black market during WWII. Grace accepts a nursing job in a May Fair neighborhood to look after a middle aged woman who thinks herself too frail to go outside. However, the woman is no frail matron. The commute is essentially killing Grace and she accepts a room at a boarding house with two other ladies who share the same room. One is Betony who is a spoiled, privileged young woman who has left home because she wants to do her own thing. She is a very unlikable character. The second is Jess, who is so underdeveloped that it would have been better had she been left out entirely. Jess is probably mentioned as this may be part of a trilogy, with Betony the focus of the 2nd book. Regardless, the story of Grace herself is nice enough, with her falling for the nephew of her charge, who is a decent human being and an RAF pilot. However, the story ends abruptly immediatly after one of the London air raids. I truly was shocked it ended when it did, without even a mention of “find out what happened in the next book in the series…"

[Christina Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set during the London bombings of WW2, The Irish Nurse at the Lodging House is the story of a young, poor, Irish nurse trying to take care of her family and herself in the chaos of war. I was drawn into Grace's story (and the lives of her patient's family and her own immediate family). There are some vivid portrayals of the effects of the bombing of London. About midway through the novel, the perspective changes slightly. We are suddenly experiencing chapters from not only from Grace's perspective, but also that of her two new roommates at the lodging house: Betony and Jess. The author begins to alternate chapters from each women's perspective, which was a bit jarring since I felt more invested in Grace's story. I did a little investigating on Goodreads and discovered that this book is the first of 3 in a series which may help explain the introduction of two new "main characters". It also helped me understand the rather jarring ending of the book! There are definitely some cliffhangers, so if those don't appeal to you - wait to read this until the other two books are out so you can read them in succession.
I am invested in the story and will look forward to the subsequent books in the series.
Thank you to Natalie, Meg Evans, NetGalley, and Bookouture for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The Irish Nurse at the Lodging House will be published and available on 10/21/2025.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Set in London during WWII, this captivating story follows Grace, an Irish nurse grappling with the challenges of finding work while shouldering the responsibility of supporting her family. With one brother voting in criminal activities and the other possessing a heart so big it could brighten anyone’s day, Grace is determined to keep everyone safe, fed, and as happy as possible amid the chaos of war.

When Grace makes the bold decision to leave her family home and move into a lodging house, she meets Betony and Jess. Betony, with her entitled and bratty demeanor, eventually wins your heart as the story unfolds. Jess, a quiet country girl unaccustomed to the bustling city life, adds another layer to the dynamic.

As the three girls share a room, they form a sisterhood that is both warm and complex. However, can secrets threaten to tear them apart?

I absolutely loved this book! Between Natalie’s brilliant writing and the narrator's captivating voice, I was completely drawn in and left wanting more. The ending had me nearly shouting, “THAT DID NOT JUST END THERE!” I even replayed the last three minutes to make sure I heard it right—what a cliffhanger! I can’t wait for the next installment!

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Natalie Meg Evans for this ALC. All opinions are my own.

[GreenIdMama · Rating 3 out of 5]

First and foremost, a huge thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to receive this audiobook as an ARC.
This was such a lovely and emotional listen. If you enjoy stories set in WWII England and books with a lot of of characters, this one is definitely for you. What makes this story stand out is its focus on those who didn’t go off to war — the people who stayed behind and found their own ways to help and survive during those difficult times.
There are many different characters in this book — some of them only appear briefly, but their moments are impactful. A few of these side characters left me wanting to know more about their backstories, which makes me extra excited that this is Book 1 in the Wartime Lodging House series. I’m hopeful that we’ll get to revisit some of these characters and learn more in future installments.
This was my first Natalie Meg Evans book, so after finishing, I looked her up and saw that she has quite a few historical fiction titles that I might explore later. That said, I’m trying to wrap up a few other series I’ve started first. (The struggle is real! 😅)
I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for Book 2.
Thank you again, NetGalley and Bookouture Audio, for the privilege of listening early.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a lot of WWII historical fiction. Most of it is set in Germany, Poland, Austria, and France, so it was an interesting change of setting to read The Irish Nurse at the Lodging House, set in England. It was a little bit of a rough start; I liked the narration but I found it hard at first to care about the main characters. Neither Grace, the Irish nurse in the title, nor Betony, are particularly likable when we first meet them, and there are several other none too pleasant characters. At first Grace comes off beleaguered and a little petulant and Betony is spoiled and self-centered. Something about Grace's plucky character, however, and her willingness to take a stand for what she believes in, endeared her to me, however, and I found myself rooting for her to catch a break and to find happiness. The scene is set well with the descriptions of the nightly air raids Londoners suffered during WWII and the close to the surface emotions that must have engulfed the UK during this time period. The plot is predictable, but it's an enjoyable read, despite the seriousness of the subject matter. My thanks to Bookouture Audio, NetGalley, and Natalie Meg Evans for an electronic ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is a review of the audiobook.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this emotional new World War II historical fiction novel, readers follow Grace Whelan, a nurse in London’s East End as she hides her Irish accent and much more from her employer, her roommates, and her RAF pilot suitor Owen. Her roommates, country girl Jess and aristocrat Betony, are very different from Grace, but the bombings, air raids, and family troubles bring them together during the Blitz. When her criminal brother tracks her down and some of Owen’s secrets are revealed, Grace’s secrets catch up to her and might destroy the friendships and love that she has found for herself. Unique, fascinating, and complex, readers will love the centrality of female friendships and found family in this book, while the added drama of the war and Blitz will really up the emotional stakes. The different genre elements will keep readers invested in the story, while the characters bring the readers into the story in the first place. Grace’s experiences with codeswitching and resharping her identity will relate to some readers and adds a complicated dimension to the story’s already high stakes. Packed with details and emotionally intense, historical fiction fans will love this new World War II novel from Natalie Meg Evans.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Natalie Meg Evans book and it did not disappoint! I also did not expect the cliffhanger ending, but it was well executed!

This story is lovely and beautiful and heartbreaking. The narrator has such impeccable timing and delivery.

The weaving of stories of Grace and Betony was well executed. Grace is such a perfect name for this character since she is kind, hardworking, lovely, and a beautiful soul. Betony is pretentious and rude, but still a character that you will eventually have a heart for.

I also did not expect to have any kind feelings for the Ventners, but Mr. Ventner was a sweet surprise. His kindness towards Grace has been refreshing after all the hell Mrs Ventner put Grace through.

I cannot imagine living in such a time as WWII when the constant threat of bombs and air raids was looming. How they didn’t all have crippling anxiety and were still able to live on through the day to day is something I’d love to learn how to do. It’s a stark reminder that while the world feels grim right now (especially in the US), we still have so much to live for.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Natalie Meg Evans for this ARC. All thoughts are my own!

[AMY (cosycornishchapters) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully captivating tale of love, loss and friendship during wartime London that follows three friends; Grace, Jess and Betony as they lodge together during the bombings of ww2.

I enjoyed following the friends journeys and also their family dynamics. There were a lot of characters and not all of them likeable. If I'm honest it took me a little while to fully be immersed in this book and I found the pace to be inconsistent. Some parts were slow paced and other parts I felt weren't given the time to fully develop. However as a series which I believe this is, I feel that it was a great start and has massive potential. Grace as the fmc was so loveable right from the beginning, she was such a lovely character.

Grace takes up a job as a nurse to Lady Ventnor who wouldn't approve of her heritage so secrets begin to emerge. At the beginning of the book Grace meets an RAF pilot on her journey to the agency. She doesn't catch his name, but cannot stop thinking about him. As the story unfolds it turns out he is Owen, Lady Ventnors nephew and feelings start to emerge.

#AD #GIFTED #BookotoureBookTour #NatalieMegEvans #BookTour

[Lisbeth Zabihi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Udmærket roman, uden dog helt at nå de 5 stjerner. Afventer bind 2, da der bestemt er nogle cliffhangers der mangler svar på.

Grace er uddannet sygeplejerske, men har aldrig fået papir på det. Hun kommer fra et fattigt hjem i London, hvor sulten knap nok holdes fra døren. Hendes far er død og hendes mor er alkoholiseret. Så Grace forsøger at hjælpe så godt hun kan. Hun har to brødre og en søster. Søsteren er gift og den ene af brødrene er flyttet ud fra hjemmet, men dukker jævnligt op og forpester hendes liv. Den sidste bror, er skadet ved fødslen og derfor ikke helt normal.

Grace kæmper for at få sig et job, så hun kan hjælpe med at betale huslejen. Det lykkedes hende, at få job hos en fin dame, der ligger i sengen. Sur og skrap er hun, og hun holder sig ikke tilbage for også at slå og smide ting i hovedet på sygeplejersken. Men Grace holder ud, for pengene er vigtige.

Så flytter søsteren hjem og Grace bliver fortrængt fra hjemmet. Hun flytter i et pensionat og pludselig åbnes verden på en ny måde. Dog slipper Grace ikke for krigens traumer.

Det er en fin roman, men ikke den bedste jeg har læst om tiden under 2. verdenskrig.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

📆 single timeline.
👀 multi POV
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced

'The Irish Nurse at the Lodging House' is the first book in a new series from the very talented Natalie Meg Evans. This book largly centres on Grace, an Irish Nurse who has to hide her background in order to gain employment. Before long Grace finds herself sharing lodgings with Betany and Jess; and unlike the majority of books of this genre, they are not friends. I thought this was a refreshing take on life during the Blitz.

This book was a lovely, easy read, which perfectly captured life in 1940s London. The combination of near constant fear, along with a "get on with it" attitude is exactly how it's been described to me by people who lived through it.

Although we only really get to know Grace in this book, the little we do learn of Betany and Jess leaves me desperate to know more. On the face of it Betany is a selfish, thoroughly unlikeable person, but maybe the reason for that will be revealed. And Jess is clearly hiding a secret which I hope will be revealed in book 2.

All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read, although with moments of sadness. Im looking forward to getting my hands on book 2.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

An overall okay read. It didn’t stand as special but provided an unseen view from previous historic reads.

Nurse Grace Whelan’s Irish accent isn’t out of place on the hospital wards in the East End. But she hides it, and so much more, when her work takes her to the other side of the city. Her roommates at the lodging house and her potential beau, RAF pilot Owen, can never know the secrets she’s keeping about her family…

The three girls may share a room in the cosy lodgings, but they are very different. Jess is a country girl not used to the city, and Betony is adjusting to life without her aristocratic father’s money. But as they go through terrifying air raids and family heartbreak together, a sisterhood starts to form.

Until Grace’s criminal brother tracks her down, looking for money. And when it’s revealed she’s not the only one involved with Owen, the scandal threatens to tear the three apart for good.

Devastated, Grace is torn. Will she lose her new friends as quickly as she found them

[Melissa * bookedwithmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love when I have the opportunity to have multiple copies of the same book, to be able to switch from audio to digital so I can continue to read the same book regardless of what I’m up to. This book kept me company while I worked a double yesterday, and it was the best company.

I love the stories of women during WWII. Whether they serve specifically in the war effort of if they’re just trying to survive every day while the world is being bombed around them. Grace, Jess and Betony end up sharing a room for many different reasons. Grace works as a nurse for a well off family. Betony refuses to go to the country with her rich family. Jess is a homeless girl looking for a safe place. Women you would never expect to connect with each other are thrown together.

I primarily listened to this book. I enjoyed Emma’s narration and her distinction between the women.

I’m excited that this is planned as a series. I’m curious to see what happens next for the girls.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copies of this book.

[P.Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

story of courage, compassion, and finding hope in the hardest of times. From the very first pages, I was drawn into the atmosphere the uncertainty, the warmth, and the strength of ordinary people doing their best to survive.

The main character was easy to root for brave, kind, and human in all the right ways. I loved how the story blended personal struggle with a strong sense of history; it never felt heavy-handed, just deeply real and emotional. The relationships, especially those built in unlikely circumstances, gave the story such heart.

The writing flows beautifully simple but full of feeling and the ending left me with that mix of sadness and hope that makes a good historical novel memorable.

A touching, heartfelt read that celebrates resilience and kindness when the world feels uncertain.

✨shaye.readss