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The Flying Nightingales #1
Courage for the Flying Nightingales
She'll need the support of her friends to overcome her fearsA nursing orderly in the WAAF, Ruby Morris is keen to stick with her friends, Holly and Meg, when they volunteer for the air ambulance, and soon all three are moved to RAF Starsden on the outskirts of London.
Nervous not only at flying during wartime but also being responsible for life-or-death decisions, Ruby works hard to overcome her fears, helped by her new friendship with pilot Flight Sergeant Laurie Foster. When it seems like Laurie and Ruby could become more than friends, he starts to blow hot and cold, and she worries her feelings aren't returned.
With all the dangers surrounding them, it's only a matter of time before a routine flight goes horribly wrong. In peril, can Ruby keep her patient safe and find the courage to confront Laurie, who has his own secrets to conquer?
What readers are saying about Courage for the Flying Nightingales‘Family saga at its best.’
‘An absorbing read.’
‘Highly recommended.’
Nervous not only at flying during wartime but also being responsible for life-or-death decisions, Ruby works hard to overcome her fears, helped by her new friendship with pilot Flight Sergeant Laurie Foster. When it seems like Laurie and Ruby could become more than friends, he starts to blow hot and cold, and she worries her feelings aren't returned.
With all the dangers surrounding them, it's only a matter of time before a routine flight goes horribly wrong. In peril, can Ruby keep her patient safe and find the courage to confront Laurie, who has his own secrets to conquer?
What readers are saying about Courage for the Flying Nightingales‘Family saga at its best.’
‘An absorbing read.’
‘Highly recommended.’
- GenresHistorical Fiction
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2026
14 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Beeby
17 books93 followersVicki Beeby writes historical fiction about the friendships and loves of service women brought together by the Second World War.
Her first job was as a civil engineer on a sewage treatment project, so things could only improve from there. Since then, she has worked as a maths teacher and education consultant before turning freelance to give herself more time to write.
In her free time, when she can drag herself away from reading, she enjoys walking and travelling to far-off places by train. She lives in Shropshire in a house that doesn’t contain nearly enough bookshelves.
Her first job was as a civil engineer on a sewage treatment project, so things could only improve from there. Since then, she has worked as a maths teacher and education consultant before turning freelance to give herself more time to write.
In her free time, when she can drag herself away from reading, she enjoys walking and travelling to far-off places by train. She lives in Shropshire in a house that doesn’t contain nearly enough bookshelves.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 9, 2025
What a good way to start the series, the Main characters were likeable, and it was a good blend of different personalities . I just wanted more from the "nursing" aspect of it, the romance overwhelmed the book a little bit thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
March 2, 2026
What a truly interesting storyline. What a terrific premise! And, it’s historical fiction… one of my favorite genres!
It’s the 1940’s, London. The war is raging, and Ruby and her friends have applied (to Ruby’s astonishment) to be a part of the air ambulance services as nursing orderlies. I personally have never heard this term before, but I’m thinking it’s like a current day LPN or possibly a nurses aide? In any case, they had to go through an intense, shortened training service and then be able to fly with patients to get them to safety!
Honestly, Ruby had started training as a nurse, and then dropped out… and she never wanted to go back to it. But she also didn’t want to leave her friends in a lurch… so she went through all of it with them. They all made it in, and began services for these injured military people.
As the story goes on we learn all about what happened to Ruby before. We also see what is going on during the war..,complete with raids and severe injuries. But, Ruby turns out to be Great!
And… she meets a military ambulance pilot (Laurie) who she seems to hit it off with right from the start…but he has his own issues… particularly at home… that he needs to deal with.
This was such a heartfelt, heart-warming story in so many ways…. And also a horrible reminder of past wars and all that happened. But, in the end, this was told in such a way that it unfurls and brings you along for the ride… feeling all the feels, and falling in love with all the characters too!
I loved this one! Beautifully done, and I loved the closing of it too! Wonderful! I hear this is book #1, so looking forward to reading whatever comes next!
5 bold, bright, big, beautiful, heart-y stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#CourageForTheFlyingNightingales by @VickiBeeby and narrated beautifully by @EleanorHowell.
*** THIS ONE WAS JUST RELEASED 3/1/26! ***. So, look 👀 for it on shelves now!!!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @BolindaAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
It’s the 1940’s, London. The war is raging, and Ruby and her friends have applied (to Ruby’s astonishment) to be a part of the air ambulance services as nursing orderlies. I personally have never heard this term before, but I’m thinking it’s like a current day LPN or possibly a nurses aide? In any case, they had to go through an intense, shortened training service and then be able to fly with patients to get them to safety!
Honestly, Ruby had started training as a nurse, and then dropped out… and she never wanted to go back to it. But she also didn’t want to leave her friends in a lurch… so she went through all of it with them. They all made it in, and began services for these injured military people.
As the story goes on we learn all about what happened to Ruby before. We also see what is going on during the war..,complete with raids and severe injuries. But, Ruby turns out to be Great!
And… she meets a military ambulance pilot (Laurie) who she seems to hit it off with right from the start…but he has his own issues… particularly at home… that he needs to deal with.
This was such a heartfelt, heart-warming story in so many ways…. And also a horrible reminder of past wars and all that happened. But, in the end, this was told in such a way that it unfurls and brings you along for the ride… feeling all the feels, and falling in love with all the characters too!
I loved this one! Beautifully done, and I loved the closing of it too! Wonderful! I hear this is book #1, so looking forward to reading whatever comes next!
5 bold, bright, big, beautiful, heart-y stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#CourageForTheFlyingNightingales by @VickiBeeby and narrated beautifully by @EleanorHowell.
*** THIS ONE WAS JUST RELEASED 3/1/26! ***. So, look 👀 for it on shelves now!!!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @BolindaAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Flying Nightingales #1
Courage for the Flying Nightingale
By Vicki Beeby, narrated by Eleanor Howell
For all the horrors and heartbreaks that we see or glimpse in this story, it still has the feel of a cozy, even if it'd be a WWII cozy. So many characters are endearing in one way or another and the author allows us to have empathy for those who aren't on their best behavior, by helping us to see how the constant stresses and heartbreak of war can cause people to break down in a host of ways. War is hard on not just those in the heat of battle but also those who weren't allowed to go to battle for one reason or another. Those men who weren't allowed to fight for their country often suffered from condemnation at home and the guilt of "not being good enough" for battle.
A nursing orderly in the WAAF, Ruby Morris, has her own set of guilts and feelings of embarrassment and shame for what she feels are her failures in life. There was a past one sided romance that will forever keep her from being open to a man. There is her fear that she's not good enough to be a nurse and this fear caused her to drop out of nursing school. Now she is a "mere" orderly, a position that seems the right place for Ruby, since she shouldn't ever be a decision maker in this position and she shouldn't ever need to make life or deaths decisions because she'll always be working under the more qualified nurses.
But Ruby is mistaken. She is talked into volunteering for the air ambulance service by her friends. Ruby and her two closest friends qualify for the service and that is when Rudy learns she will be in charge of critically ill patients, on her own, during their flights to facilities that can give them more intensive care for their wounds. There is also the dilemma of one of the air ambulance pilots showing an interest in Rudy and she likes him, too. She likes him so much that when she thinks maybe he doesn't really like her, she's upset. The romance aspect of the story is where it seems more young adult-ish, almost high schoolish, but Rudy is only twenty and she's already been through so much since the war has begun. She's such a hard worker, so dependable, but has had things occur that caused her to lose her nerve and question everything about herself because of something that happened a few years earlier.
I want to know more about the air ambulance service of this time although the author's note lets us know that it's hard to find much information about what this group of men and women did for their country and for those who needed a way to be transported in a timely manner due to their severe wounds. I look forward to the next book in this series because we will get to continue following these characters throughout their duties while the war rages on. Eleanor Howell does a fine job of narrating the story, giving the characters the enthusiasm of the young and the hopeful and giving each character a distinctive voice.
Publication March 1, 2026
Thank you to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for this ARC
Courage for the Flying Nightingale
By Vicki Beeby, narrated by Eleanor Howell
For all the horrors and heartbreaks that we see or glimpse in this story, it still has the feel of a cozy, even if it'd be a WWII cozy. So many characters are endearing in one way or another and the author allows us to have empathy for those who aren't on their best behavior, by helping us to see how the constant stresses and heartbreak of war can cause people to break down in a host of ways. War is hard on not just those in the heat of battle but also those who weren't allowed to go to battle for one reason or another. Those men who weren't allowed to fight for their country often suffered from condemnation at home and the guilt of "not being good enough" for battle.
A nursing orderly in the WAAF, Ruby Morris, has her own set of guilts and feelings of embarrassment and shame for what she feels are her failures in life. There was a past one sided romance that will forever keep her from being open to a man. There is her fear that she's not good enough to be a nurse and this fear caused her to drop out of nursing school. Now she is a "mere" orderly, a position that seems the right place for Ruby, since she shouldn't ever be a decision maker in this position and she shouldn't ever need to make life or deaths decisions because she'll always be working under the more qualified nurses.
But Ruby is mistaken. She is talked into volunteering for the air ambulance service by her friends. Ruby and her two closest friends qualify for the service and that is when Rudy learns she will be in charge of critically ill patients, on her own, during their flights to facilities that can give them more intensive care for their wounds. There is also the dilemma of one of the air ambulance pilots showing an interest in Rudy and she likes him, too. She likes him so much that when she thinks maybe he doesn't really like her, she's upset. The romance aspect of the story is where it seems more young adult-ish, almost high schoolish, but Rudy is only twenty and she's already been through so much since the war has begun. She's such a hard worker, so dependable, but has had things occur that caused her to lose her nerve and question everything about herself because of something that happened a few years earlier.
I want to know more about the air ambulance service of this time although the author's note lets us know that it's hard to find much information about what this group of men and women did for their country and for those who needed a way to be transported in a timely manner due to their severe wounds. I look forward to the next book in this series because we will get to continue following these characters throughout their duties while the war rages on. Eleanor Howell does a fine job of narrating the story, giving the characters the enthusiasm of the young and the hopeful and giving each character a distinctive voice.
Publication March 1, 2026
Thank you to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for this ARC
February 25, 2026
In 1941, the WAAF introduced the nursing orderly trade, calling for volunteers for the Air Ambulance service. By 1943, over 200 women had completed a gruelling six-week course, training to treat horrific battlefield injuries while enduring the physical toll of unpressurized flight. Volunteers needed nerves of steel and medical aptitude. In March 1944, the Air Council officially approved their deployment to combat zones.
Roles: Mid-flight, they administered oxygen, blood transfusions, and morphine.
Conditions: They worked in cold, muddy environments, treating severe trauma like broken bones, burns
The D-Day Mission
On June 13, 1944, history was made. Corporal Lydia Alford and LACWs Myra Roberts and Edna Birkbeck took off from RAF Blakehill Farm in Douglas Dakotas, escorted by Spitfires. They landed at an airstrip in Bazenville, Normandy, delivering ammunition and medical supplies before evacuating 24 casualties each back to the UK. These pioneers became known as the "Flying Nightingales."
Risks & The "Stay with the Plane" Rule
Because their aircraft carried ammunition into the front, they could not display the Red Cross. This made the Dakotas legitimate targets for German fighters. These women flew without parachutes—if the plane went down, they were sworn to stay with the plane and their patients. Their bases spanned England from RAF Down Ampney and Broadwell to Hendon, Church Fenton, and Ballyhalbert.
Valour & Loss
The Nightingales successfully evacuated over 100,000 men across Europe. Miraculously, not a single patient died under their mid-air care. However, the cost was high. LACW Margaret Walsh and LACW Margaret Campbell were killed in action when their aircraft crashed in 1944. Other key personnel included Iris Bower, Mollie Giles, and Lillian West, the service's last survivor.
Legacy & Recognition
For decades, their bravery went unrecognised. It wasn't until 2008 that the remaining Nightingales received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Duchess of Cornwall (now Queen Camilla of England). Today’s aeromedical teams continue their legacy, evolving from basic transport to advanced mobile intensive care.
Roles: Mid-flight, they administered oxygen, blood transfusions, and morphine.
Conditions: They worked in cold, muddy environments, treating severe trauma like broken bones, burns
The D-Day Mission
On June 13, 1944, history was made. Corporal Lydia Alford and LACWs Myra Roberts and Edna Birkbeck took off from RAF Blakehill Farm in Douglas Dakotas, escorted by Spitfires. They landed at an airstrip in Bazenville, Normandy, delivering ammunition and medical supplies before evacuating 24 casualties each back to the UK. These pioneers became known as the "Flying Nightingales."
Risks & The "Stay with the Plane" Rule
Because their aircraft carried ammunition into the front, they could not display the Red Cross. This made the Dakotas legitimate targets for German fighters. These women flew without parachutes—if the plane went down, they were sworn to stay with the plane and their patients. Their bases spanned England from RAF Down Ampney and Broadwell to Hendon, Church Fenton, and Ballyhalbert.
Valour & Loss
The Nightingales successfully evacuated over 100,000 men across Europe. Miraculously, not a single patient died under their mid-air care. However, the cost was high. LACW Margaret Walsh and LACW Margaret Campbell were killed in action when their aircraft crashed in 1944. Other key personnel included Iris Bower, Mollie Giles, and Lillian West, the service's last survivor.
Legacy & Recognition
For decades, their bravery went unrecognised. It wasn't until 2008 that the remaining Nightingales received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Duchess of Cornwall (now Queen Camilla of England). Today’s aeromedical teams continue their legacy, evolving from basic transport to advanced mobile intensive care.
February 20, 2026
I was sucked into this story and it wouldn't let me go. I had no problem putting of my responsibilities and devouring the story of the nurse orderlies that worked on the air ambulances that flew all over England in World War Two.
The story has a little bit of everything. As a historical fiction it has references to the war. I experienced the flights, the challenges and injuries endured. More importantly, I got tiny peeks into what it was for the nurses and their every day life.
The story was so much more. I gained knowledge into the attitudes in a small village. I cried over how those that no longer wore the uniform were treated. my heart broke for those left behind trying to pick up the pieces.
Romance lightened the sadness of war. I finally understand the need for escape, but I never stopped to think of the challenges of falling in love during wartime. I didn't stop to think about the families dealing with those struggling with injuries. Witnessing the nightingales as they worked was inspiring. Their bravery and determination to protect patients was a joy to read.
A mystery within the story had me thrilled to see what happened next. Who would said nasty poison letters to a Dunkirk survivor? I was stumped that such things happened. I couldn't walk to see who would resort to such measures. Watching the nightingales in action as naive sleuths had me giggling and hoping the would succeed.
The story has a little bit of everything. As a historical fiction it has references to the war. I experienced the flights, the challenges and injuries endured. More importantly, I got tiny peeks into what it was for the nurses and their every day life.
The story was so much more. I gained knowledge into the attitudes in a small village. I cried over how those that no longer wore the uniform were treated. my heart broke for those left behind trying to pick up the pieces.
Romance lightened the sadness of war. I finally understand the need for escape, but I never stopped to think of the challenges of falling in love during wartime. I didn't stop to think about the families dealing with those struggling with injuries. Witnessing the nightingales as they worked was inspiring. Their bravery and determination to protect patients was a joy to read.
A mystery within the story had me thrilled to see what happened next. Who would said nasty poison letters to a Dunkirk survivor? I was stumped that such things happened. I couldn't walk to see who would resort to such measures. Watching the nightingales in action as naive sleuths had me giggling and hoping the would succeed.
February 23, 2026
I am an avid reader of WWII historical fiction. I thought the take on this was particularly interesting. Normally the WWII historical fiction books I read with female lead characters, they are on the homefront during the war, or in concentration camps for ones Holocaust centered. This one had the female leads actively in the war. The WAF nurses is a rare topic in WWII fiction, which made this feel new and interesting and different from others in this genre.
The other aspect of the book that attracted me was the romance element. I’ve found most WWII historical fiction to be lacking with romance storylines (Most of the time they decide to marry shortly after meeting with little to no tension). I was excited to see if this one exceeded my low expectations. This one was better than most, but I felt it was still lacking in this department.
I really loved reading about each character’s backstory as I found each to be interesting and unique in its own way. It’s also a great way to learn about the WAF nurses making it informative and entertaining, exactly how I like historical fiction. I also love books that highlight the importance of female friendships, which this does.
I hope the author writes a sequel and I’m excited to check out other titles by this author.
*** Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC
The other aspect of the book that attracted me was the romance element. I’ve found most WWII historical fiction to be lacking with romance storylines (Most of the time they decide to marry shortly after meeting with little to no tension). I was excited to see if this one exceeded my low expectations. This one was better than most, but I felt it was still lacking in this department.
I really loved reading about each character’s backstory as I found each to be interesting and unique in its own way. It’s also a great way to learn about the WAF nurses making it informative and entertaining, exactly how I like historical fiction. I also love books that highlight the importance of female friendships, which this does.
I hope the author writes a sequel and I’m excited to check out other titles by this author.
*** Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC
February 28, 2026
Ruby is enjoying her service in the WAAF as a nursing aide. Having quiet nursing school she feels this is a good way to continue to help others without the responsibility of a nurse. When her two best friends sign them up to join the new air ambulance corps Ruby is excited and frightened. She never wanted to be responsible for another persons life and now she is alone in the air with injured and sick patents forced to make decisions without a doctor or nurse present.
Pilot Laurie is happy to be closer to home, especially after his brother was gravely injured at Dunkirk. However, he can't help but feel that he isn't doing all he can. He is flying air ambulances instead of fighter pilots. When someone begins to target his brother saying he is a courage and should have died at Dunkirk Laurie can't handle it. Together with Ruby they set out to find whoever is sending these hateful messages. Soon, they begin to realize they feel more than friendship for each other. Both have their own demons from the past and insecurities however. Can they overcome these to find happiness or will they let them keep them apart? A beautiful WWII historical fiction novel about self-discovery, bravery, and finding yourself.
Pilot Laurie is happy to be closer to home, especially after his brother was gravely injured at Dunkirk. However, he can't help but feel that he isn't doing all he can. He is flying air ambulances instead of fighter pilots. When someone begins to target his brother saying he is a courage and should have died at Dunkirk Laurie can't handle it. Together with Ruby they set out to find whoever is sending these hateful messages. Soon, they begin to realize they feel more than friendship for each other. Both have their own demons from the past and insecurities however. Can they overcome these to find happiness or will they let them keep them apart? A beautiful WWII historical fiction novel about self-discovery, bravery, and finding yourself.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a new series by Vicki Beeby and I knew that it would be brilliant - and it was.
Well researched and written, Vicki weaves her tale around one central character per book then takes others and weaves them into fy]uture books in the series. She also seems to find jobs in WW2 which were open to women’s but seem to be generally unknown.
This time it was nursing orderlies trained to accompany patients on an air ambulance journey to and from various parts of the UK.
It wouldn’t be a bookmofnthisngebtre without a romance and the central character Ruby, who had started to train as a nurse falls for one of the Air Ambulance pilots, Laurie. Both have hangups and misconceptions about their roles and relationships. At times I wanted to shake Ruby and say ‘Really do you think that behaviour or thought is suitable or necessary.’?
Along the way there was the mystery of who was writing Poison Pen letters to Adam, a soldier injured at Dunkirk and who was Laurie’s younger brother. I had worked out the perpetrator but their story was dealt with with empathy and compassion. The themes of love and loss in Wartime were paramount in this tale.
Bring on Book 2 I say
Come
Well researched and written, Vicki weaves her tale around one central character per book then takes others and weaves them into fy]uture books in the series. She also seems to find jobs in WW2 which were open to women’s but seem to be generally unknown.
This time it was nursing orderlies trained to accompany patients on an air ambulance journey to and from various parts of the UK.
It wouldn’t be a bookmofnthisngebtre without a romance and the central character Ruby, who had started to train as a nurse falls for one of the Air Ambulance pilots, Laurie. Both have hangups and misconceptions about their roles and relationships. At times I wanted to shake Ruby and say ‘Really do you think that behaviour or thought is suitable or necessary.’?
Along the way there was the mystery of who was writing Poison Pen letters to Adam, a soldier injured at Dunkirk and who was Laurie’s younger brother. I had worked out the perpetrator but their story was dealt with with empathy and compassion. The themes of love and loss in Wartime were paramount in this tale.
Bring on Book 2 I say
Come
January 22, 2026
Yess, a new book from Vicky Beeby? Christmas has come early!
I’d been in a bit of a reading slump and lately, none of the books I’d picked up had really been hitting for me. But this one hit. It captured me and broke my reading slump in one fell swoop! I was so drawn into the story, it was so easy to fly through the chapters and immerse yourself in the drama.
This author is amongst my very favourites for bringing light to the plights of the women during the war. I know these are fiction, but you can tell how much love and research goes into the writing of these. And as the author note mentions at the end, the orderlies (or ‘flying nightingales’) very rarely get their moments in the spotlight.
It was such a novel story and one I really enjoyed reading. The characters were fab and very easy to root for. I loved the camaraderie and seeing them develop not only their relationships, but fight through challenge and adversity too. Easy easy 5 stars!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
I’d been in a bit of a reading slump and lately, none of the books I’d picked up had really been hitting for me. But this one hit. It captured me and broke my reading slump in one fell swoop! I was so drawn into the story, it was so easy to fly through the chapters and immerse yourself in the drama.
This author is amongst my very favourites for bringing light to the plights of the women during the war. I know these are fiction, but you can tell how much love and research goes into the writing of these. And as the author note mentions at the end, the orderlies (or ‘flying nightingales’) very rarely get their moments in the spotlight.
It was such a novel story and one I really enjoyed reading. The characters were fab and very easy to root for. I loved the camaraderie and seeing them develop not only their relationships, but fight through challenge and adversity too. Easy easy 5 stars!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Read in less than 24hours which itself tells a story of how good the book is! A topic I knew little about but loving historical fiction set during wartime it immediately appealed to me.
The book was excellently written and the characters were all easy to like and to relate too. I sussed out the storyline quite early on in the book but that just made me want to keep reading to find out how the truth was revealed. It was in fact quite a sad story in itself. I hope the series will continue and we will get to know the characters more. I especially am intrigued about Adam and what his future holds!
I would highly recommend the book to others. I've always enjoyed books by Vicki Beeby and look forward to her next!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and Vicki for allowing me to read and review an Arc copy.
The book was excellently written and the characters were all easy to like and to relate too. I sussed out the storyline quite early on in the book but that just made me want to keep reading to find out how the truth was revealed. It was in fact quite a sad story in itself. I hope the series will continue and we will get to know the characters more. I especially am intrigued about Adam and what his future holds!
I would highly recommend the book to others. I've always enjoyed books by Vicki Beeby and look forward to her next!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and Vicki for allowing me to read and review an Arc copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An excellent quick listen... Courage for the Flying Nightingale is a perfect welcome in the start of a new series as well as a stand alone. Told in third person, this WWII historical fiction tells the story of Ruby(MFC), Lauri(MMC), and their friends as nurse orderlies and ambulance pilots. Both Ruby and Lauri deal with issues of inadequacy and self doubt while forming a sweet and endearing love during the time of war.
The narration by Eleanor Howell is wonderful. This audiobook is easy to follow, understand, and hold attention at 1.5-1.75x speed.
I highly recommend this sweet, no smut, story.
Thank you to Netgalley, Bolinda Audio, and Vicki Beeby for the pleasure of listening to this audiobook.
The narration by Eleanor Howell is wonderful. This audiobook is easy to follow, understand, and hold attention at 1.5-1.75x speed.
I highly recommend this sweet, no smut, story.
Thank you to Netgalley, Bolinda Audio, and Vicki Beeby for the pleasure of listening to this audiobook.
March 2, 2026
What an absolutely gripping read. Courage for the Flying Nightingales is packed with friendship, bravery, love and a slow burn romance that kept me hooked. The narrator new to me, did an amazing job bring the whole story together so well. Truly an inspiring and heartfelt novel. As the first book in The Flying Nightingales series, it has set the stage beautifully, I’m excited to continue with the rest of the series. 4 ½ stars
I would like to thank the author, narrator, Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for my copy of this audio, in exchange for my honest review.
#CouragefortheFlyingNightingales #NetGalley
I would like to thank the author, narrator, Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for my copy of this audio, in exchange for my honest review.
#CouragefortheFlyingNightingales #NetGalley
March 1, 2026
This is an interesting and enjoyable story which I listened to via NetGalley. It’s a less well-known World War Two story about the air ambulance service. The pilots flew service personnel to receive life-saving treatment, or to be nearer their families as they recuperated. The WAAF women, who were not trained as nurses, had the very responsible task of looking after their patients on the flight. This is a real human interest story. I look forward to listening to the next book in the series. Recommend
March 8, 2026
Another great book by vicki
This was another great read from Vicki Beeby. Reading her earlier books got.me into reading these type of books in a.big way and whilst.I have now read.all.sorts I always look forward to hers coming out not least as.I can have a claim to fame that i.knew her before she was a celebrated author .
The story line and characters kept you engaged all the way through and I was very pleased with myself that I worked out the poison pen before the end . I can't wait for.the.next one !
This was another great read from Vicki Beeby. Reading her earlier books got.me into reading these type of books in a.big way and whilst.I have now read.all.sorts I always look forward to hers coming out not least as.I can have a claim to fame that i.knew her before she was a celebrated author .
The story line and characters kept you engaged all the way through and I was very pleased with myself that I worked out the poison pen before the end . I can't wait for.the.next one !
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Courage for the Flying Nightingales
By Vicki Beeby
Pub Date:Mar 01 2026
This is a historical fiction book about women who are air ambulance nurses during world war 2. I really enjoyed this book. It's interesting to see women's roles in war time situations. This book seems well researched.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the opportunity to read this book early in return for my honest review.
By Vicki Beeby
Pub Date:Mar 01 2026
This is a historical fiction book about women who are air ambulance nurses during world war 2. I really enjoyed this book. It's interesting to see women's roles in war time situations. This book seems well researched.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the opportunity to read this book early in return for my honest review.
March 2, 2026
Listened to the audiobook of this and it was fantastic! Great narration, very engaging. I will definitely listen to any further books in the series :) it’s not typically the type of book I would read, but it was a delightful story to listen to with a delicious “poison pen” mystery. The characters were all very easy to keep track of and the plot was easy to follow - I find audiobooks very hit or miss but this one was definitely a hit!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Overall a good story about flight orderlies during the Second World War. I enjoyed all the characters and loved the strong friendship and romance aspects of the book. I hope there are future books in this series. I would like to see some future romances develop. Thank you NetGallery for an advanced copy of this book. It's been a pleasure to read and all opinions are my own.
February 18, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for an ARC of this book!
I love a new perspective on WW2! This was well researched with many details similar to the likes of Dunkirk and Masters of the Air in a different POV. This trio of women showed so much bravery, overcoming adversity, and courage. I highly recommend this fresh perspective of a very dark time in our history.
I love a new perspective on WW2! This was well researched with many details similar to the likes of Dunkirk and Masters of the Air in a different POV. This trio of women showed so much bravery, overcoming adversity, and courage. I highly recommend this fresh perspective of a very dark time in our history.
March 11, 2026
I received this as an ARC from #NetGalley and the publisher and enjoyed the historical fiction aspect of the story. This is the first book I have read from this author but I loved the well researched and Ruby, the nurse was well developed and an extremely fierce lady. I love that it is going to be a series and I know I will pick up the second one as soon as it is written.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this book, it shows a different side to nursing during WW2. It was a very well told story full of fear, uncertainty, love and courage. I highly recommend this book it’s a very good read.
Publication date 19 Feb 2026.
Publication date 19 Feb 2026.
March 3, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up
Addictive, insightful, mysterious... a very enjoyable story with excellent narration and a promising start to a new series.
Addictive, insightful, mysterious... a very enjoyable story with excellent narration and a promising start to a new series.
February 19, 2026
I always know that a Vicki Beeby book will be impeccably researched and well crafted, giving fresh insights into women’s fascinating, often unsung roles during WW2. This one is no exception. It was great to find out about the inception of the Air Ambulance service, and to picture the thoughts and feelings of the nursing orderlies and pilots.
It’s a touching story that highlights some of the awful traumas people experienced during WW2. There’s also a cosy mystery to be solved and a sweet romance between a couple who clearly need to be together, but who each have hangups to overcome. With a cast of likeable characters, there’s great potential for further stories, and I’ll look forward to the series continuing.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC which I read in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 stars.
It’s a touching story that highlights some of the awful traumas people experienced during WW2. There’s also a cosy mystery to be solved and a sweet romance between a couple who clearly need to be together, but who each have hangups to overcome. With a cast of likeable characters, there’s great potential for further stories, and I’ll look forward to the series continuing.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC which I read in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 stars.
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