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Home Front Nurses #4
Shared Secrets for the Home Front Nurses
A BRAND NEW heartwarming and emotional WWII saga of love, healing and friendship. Perfect for fans of Call the Midwife, Donna Douglas and Nancy Revell! ❤️ ‘Come on, Kathy… tell me a secret.’
1943: Becoming a Home Front nurse, meant Kathy Scott was finally able to escape the violence of her childhood. At long last, her life has taken a turn for the better. Particularly because, for the very first time, she’s made some wonderful friends–fellow nurses Sylvia, Freda and Veronica.
Kathy’s known for not being short of a word or two. So nobody’s more surprised than her when she finds herself tongue-tied around Freda’s handsome brother, James – who’s home from war with an unexplained injury.
Eventually they start to open up to each other… But can two people who have felt so broken by their experiences ever find a chance for happiness?
Don’t miss this powerful and unputdownable wartime saga about courage, healing and the power of friendship!
1943: Becoming a Home Front nurse, meant Kathy Scott was finally able to escape the violence of her childhood. At long last, her life has taken a turn for the better. Particularly because, for the very first time, she’s made some wonderful friends–fellow nurses Sylvia, Freda and Veronica.
Kathy’s known for not being short of a word or two. So nobody’s more surprised than her when she finds herself tongue-tied around Freda’s handsome brother, James – who’s home from war with an unexplained injury.
Eventually they start to open up to each other… But can two people who have felt so broken by their experiences ever find a chance for happiness?
Don’t miss this powerful and unputdownable wartime saga about courage, healing and the power of friendship!
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2026
78 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Brimble
51 books998 followersRachel Brimble is the author of multiple Amazon bestselling books, including her latest series, The Home Front Nurses set in Bath during WWII. Book 4 of the series releases Feb 2026.
When she's not writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family. And in the evening, a period or crime drama on the TV while she completes her latest 1500 piece jigsaw puzzle!
Rachel is a member of the Female Entrepeneur Association and has an Etsy shop, The Writer Printable Co, providing resources she has created to help new authors achieve their writing dreams.
When she's not writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family. And in the evening, a period or crime drama on the TV while she completes her latest 1500 piece jigsaw puzzle!
Rachel is a member of the Female Entrepeneur Association and has an Etsy shop, The Writer Printable Co, providing resources she has created to help new authors achieve their writing dreams.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Omg the girls are back yay😀😀 i am always a little bit scared of reading the next book in the series, because what if it fall through. . This did not fall through at all. It made me laugh, cry and be angry. All the emotions in one book. I highly recommend this series. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
February 18, 2026
Shared Secrets for the Home Front Nurses is the fourth novel in the captivating series by the talented Rachel Brimble.
While we continue to follow the journeys of the nurses from previous books, this installment places a greater emphasis on Kathy., who became a part of the nurses' friendship group after Sylvia offered her a place to stay. Having grown up with abusive parents, she is a troubled woman who often comes across as harsh. However, her passion for her work at the hospital shines through, and the support from her friends is helping her feel more at ease. To her surprise, she develops feelings for James, Freda’s brother, despite her reluctance to let love into her life. Will she allow herself to embrace it?
I am thoroughly enjoying this series! I hope there will be more follow-ups, although Rachel is launching a new series later this year that will focus on the stories of orphans, so we might see elements of the Home Front Nurses there! Returning to this novel, I’m sure that Rachel has conducted research into the setting, World War II, and the experiences of Home Front Nurses, and feel it is evident throughout the story. I believe Kathy represents one of many individuals deeply affected by parental abuse during that era, and I feel a profound empathy for her. I won't hesitate to admit that I shed a few tears as I became so engrossed in the story, experiencing the characters' emotions alongside them.
I am confident that you will enjoy this book, and you can find it here:
[https://mybook.to/SharedSecrets](http...
While we continue to follow the journeys of the nurses from previous books, this installment places a greater emphasis on Kathy., who became a part of the nurses' friendship group after Sylvia offered her a place to stay. Having grown up with abusive parents, she is a troubled woman who often comes across as harsh. However, her passion for her work at the hospital shines through, and the support from her friends is helping her feel more at ease. To her surprise, she develops feelings for James, Freda’s brother, despite her reluctance to let love into her life. Will she allow herself to embrace it?
I am thoroughly enjoying this series! I hope there will be more follow-ups, although Rachel is launching a new series later this year that will focus on the stories of orphans, so we might see elements of the Home Front Nurses there! Returning to this novel, I’m sure that Rachel has conducted research into the setting, World War II, and the experiences of Home Front Nurses, and feel it is evident throughout the story. I believe Kathy represents one of many individuals deeply affected by parental abuse during that era, and I feel a profound empathy for her. I won't hesitate to admit that I shed a few tears as I became so engrossed in the story, experiencing the characters' emotions alongside them.
I am confident that you will enjoy this book, and you can find it here:
[https://mybook.to/SharedSecrets](http...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Three and a half stars rounded up to four. 1943. Bath, England. This is the fourth in a series about four nurses that work together. Kathy has a hard time letting her walls down, due to the physical and mental abuse she suffered at the hands of her parents. She lives with Sylvia, who is engaged to Jesse, a colored man,and has a problem with drink. Freda has decided to go with a surgeon's team to Malta, where the war is raging. And Veronica is in love with Betty, and trying to cope with the fact that her mother is dying.
I'm a big fan of World War II historical fiction, and I enjoyed this book very much. It was a quick and easy read. I recommend it.
I'm a big fan of World War II historical fiction, and I enjoyed this book very much. It was a quick and easy read. I recommend it.
January 26, 2026
This is the first book I’ve read in this series and can easily be read as a stand alone, I loved reading about the nurses in 1943, it’s war time, the soldiers are coming back injured and the children are misplaced. This book focuses on Kathy, she’s been abused as a child, but loves her job as a nurse, she’s happy and focused on work, but she’s in love with her friends brother. This is a lovely read about war, love and friendships. 5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.
February 5, 2026
Then next instalment in this wonderful series about the home Front Nurses. Sylvia, Kathy, Veronica and Freda work at the same hospital but all have interesting and challenging lives. It’s a must to read in order so you can fall in love with the characters and see how they all develop. Thanks to Rachel and Boldwood publishers. I cant wait for Susan and Stephen’s story in the next book.
February 15, 2026
This is the 4th in the Home Front Nurses series, but it could easily be read as a standalone. This one focuses on Kathy Scott, who started out as an enemy but became one of the gang. She recently escaped her violent parents when they were killed in a bombing. She's living with Sylvia, doesn't trust anyone, and falls for her friend's brother.
I'm enjoying this series and what nurses in Bath went through during WWII. It follows the girls' stories as well It also focuses on the stories of Susan and Stephen, who are helping the children who have lost their parents and giving them support. It looks like there will be a spin-off story that focuses on them. The author has done a great job creating engaging characters and stories. I'm hopeful there will be more stories with the Home Front Nurses, but I'm also excited to read more about Stephen and Susan's story.
'Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley, and the author for this arc.
I'm enjoying this series and what nurses in Bath went through during WWII. It follows the girls' stories as well It also focuses on the stories of Susan and Stephen, who are helping the children who have lost their parents and giving them support. It looks like there will be a spin-off story that focuses on them. The author has done a great job creating engaging characters and stories. I'm hopeful there will be more stories with the Home Front Nurses, but I'm also excited to read more about Stephen and Susan's story.
'Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley, and the author for this arc.
January 25, 2026
Absolutely love stories from WWII. This one didn’t disappoint. Kathy has made some lovely lifetime friends and the story enlightened us to what they have to go through as nurses and leaning on each other.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
It's so good to see what's new with the Home Front Nurses. I enjoy reading from the different perspectives of the characters. There's plenty of loose ends leading up to the next installment that I'm looking forward to reading.
It's so good to see what's new with the Home Front Nurses. I enjoy reading from the different perspectives of the characters. There's plenty of loose ends leading up to the next installment that I'm looking forward to reading.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
You know when you love a series, and you're afraid that the next book can't possibly live up to your expectations? Shared Secrets for the Home Front Nurses was everything I could hope for and more. Each book in the series has focused on one of the nurses in this tight-knit group, but this one focuses on Kathy Scott, a thoroughly hard-to-like character. It's a testament to the author's writing that she had me rooting for Kathy and hoping her battered soul could find some happiness. As expected, there is plenty of drama for the other three nurses. Some of it continues from the last book, Sylvia's wedding, and Veronica's rape trial, as well as a couple of unexpected developments. This series is much more than just feel-good stories about British women doing their bit for the war effort. It addresses racism and bigotry, gender issues, child abuse, and sexual assault, including the shameful way rape is handled by the justice system. But what shines through it all is how women stepped up to handle crisis after crisis on the home front, unwilling to let their communities disintegrate in the devastation caused by the war.
"It was the people left behind who really suffered, who had to prove their mettle in the face of heartbreaking loss."
I loved Shared Secrets for the Home Front Nurses and hope there will be another book in this series. A word of advice, though, find a quiet spot where you won't be interrupted before you begin this book, and be sure to have plenty of tissues.
My thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read the ARC. The review and all opinions are entirely my own.
"It was the people left behind who really suffered, who had to prove their mettle in the face of heartbreaking loss."
I loved Shared Secrets for the Home Front Nurses and hope there will be another book in this series. A word of advice, though, find a quiet spot where you won't be interrupted before you begin this book, and be sure to have plenty of tissues.
My thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read the ARC. The review and all opinions are entirely my own.
February 17, 2026
Shared Secrets for the Home Front Nurses by Rachel Brimble is part of a saga taking place in England during World War II and is about...wait for it...nurses. More specifically, Kathy, Sylvia, Veronica, and Freda. Kathy feels like she is left out, even with these women friends. Sylvia is engaged to Jesse, a black Englishman, who is becoming more angry every day. Sylvia thinks it is due to the black American GIs he spends time with. She is worried. Veronica has just come out of a trial wherein the man to attacked her got only eighteen months in jail. Veronica lives with her mother and her significant other. Freda lives at home with her parents and her bother James, who has returned from the war, damaged in more ways than one. They are enticing characters, living their lives as best they can.
This is a genre that has gained popularity recently: slice-of-life stories about everyday people in England during World War II. It is fun to be part of other people’s lives. Sometimes it provides clarity on one’s own, sometimes it opens one up to problems they didn’t know existed. These are well-developed and interesting characters with unique problems. We see a lot here: inter-racial relationships, same sex relationships, death, the ravages of war, as well as more mundane problems. It is is a fascinating read about friendship and how important it is to connect to others.
I was invited to read Shared Secrets for the Homeland nurses by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #RachelBrimble #SharedSecretsForTheHomeFrontNurses
This is a genre that has gained popularity recently: slice-of-life stories about everyday people in England during World War II. It is fun to be part of other people’s lives. Sometimes it provides clarity on one’s own, sometimes it opens one up to problems they didn’t know existed. These are well-developed and interesting characters with unique problems. We see a lot here: inter-racial relationships, same sex relationships, death, the ravages of war, as well as more mundane problems. It is is a fascinating read about friendship and how important it is to connect to others.
I was invited to read Shared Secrets for the Homeland nurses by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #RachelBrimble #SharedSecretsForTheHomeFrontNurses
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have read all the previous books in this series and looked forward to this one and meeting old friends again, Sylvia, Veronica, Freda and Kathy.
They are nurses in Bath and have been allowed to do their War Service on ‘the home front’ rather than be posted abroad. Although we knew that Jessie and Sylvia had a difficult relationship this was brought more into the open. Though we don’t know if Jesse’s is going to be OK or not.
We also visited Susan and Stephen and the lost and abandoned children who had been sent to Wiltshire from Bristol for their safety and because they were often orphans.
This is really Kathy’s story and her burgeoning relationship with James who is Freda’s brother. He himself has been physically and emotionally affected by his war service - and his time as a prisoner of war. He dreads return to the front and takes drastic action to avoid this. His part of the book is dealt with well and with empathy.
I did enjoy this book - it felt like it finished in a very rushed way - but I am unsure if there will be more to follow.
But somehow there seemed to be a lot of repetition of things that had happened before in the previous books. I know if someone picked this up as a stand-alone then they wouldn’t know that but those that have read the series must’ve thought that they had read details before.
Didn’t stop it being a great read though - and I hope there is more and loose ends in this book are tied up.
They are nurses in Bath and have been allowed to do their War Service on ‘the home front’ rather than be posted abroad. Although we knew that Jessie and Sylvia had a difficult relationship this was brought more into the open. Though we don’t know if Jesse’s is going to be OK or not.
We also visited Susan and Stephen and the lost and abandoned children who had been sent to Wiltshire from Bristol for their safety and because they were often orphans.
This is really Kathy’s story and her burgeoning relationship with James who is Freda’s brother. He himself has been physically and emotionally affected by his war service - and his time as a prisoner of war. He dreads return to the front and takes drastic action to avoid this. His part of the book is dealt with well and with empathy.
I did enjoy this book - it felt like it finished in a very rushed way - but I am unsure if there will be more to follow.
But somehow there seemed to be a lot of repetition of things that had happened before in the previous books. I know if someone picked this up as a stand-alone then they wouldn’t know that but those that have read the series must’ve thought that they had read details before.
Didn’t stop it being a great read though - and I hope there is more and loose ends in this book are tied up.
February 14, 2026
As most of this novel's potential readership has likely never lived through war conditions, this story can give glimpsed exposure into the state of things during WWII in Britian. It focuses mostly on the experiences of several nurses, namely Kathy, Freda, Sylvia and Veronica, their individual lives but also as a close supportive friend group of young working adults. I believe some readers may envy what they had in this friendship.
The nurses' fears, sadnesses and joys of life and their commitment and sacrifice in helping one another, but also those touched by war, was evident. I felt that the way they helped each other was rather noble.
Issues such as child abuse, LGBT relationships, inter-racial marriage, rape victims and returned veterans, and escaped POW's with their PTSD traumas, and how they deal with it all in the aftermath, are mentioned.
Of course there is added romance to season the tale. One related caution for some potential readers would be the more intimate bedroom scenes referred to. Generally speaking, this is light reading and can be read through fairly quickly, time permitting.
~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~
5 February 2026
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent to me by NetGalley and the publisher.
The nurses' fears, sadnesses and joys of life and their commitment and sacrifice in helping one another, but also those touched by war, was evident. I felt that the way they helped each other was rather noble.
Issues such as child abuse, LGBT relationships, inter-racial marriage, rape victims and returned veterans, and escaped POW's with their PTSD traumas, and how they deal with it all in the aftermath, are mentioned.
Of course there is added romance to season the tale. One related caution for some potential readers would be the more intimate bedroom scenes referred to. Generally speaking, this is light reading and can be read through fairly quickly, time permitting.
~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~
5 February 2026
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent to me by NetGalley and the publisher.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The story of the Home Front Nurses continues into 1943 and Freda's ambition to nurse abroad gets ever closer. Her brother ,James, returns from the war having had a traumatic experience in a Prisoner of War camp and Kathy recognises in him an anguish and almost seld-loathing. They both put on a facade for their friends but have darker moments occasionally. Kathy's abusive childhood has left its mark on her as she puts up a fence against most people and protects herself from hurt by shutting people dowm. However, she finds herself drawn towards James from the start.
All the four friends support each other as they face difficulties in the story. Their work is hard and at times emotional. Freda is keen that she leaves her friends in a good place and sets about trying to ensure that they have help and support. Some of the friends relationships move forward but not all changes result in the happiness they hope for. Veronica hopes for justice from a past crime but faces some heartbreaking news. Sylvia still finds that not everyone is tolerant about her relationships but she is clear about what she wants for her family in the future. This is the fourth in the series but sets up new story lines and a new offshoot series which sounds to have good potential.
In short: war time life moves on
Thanks to the publisher
All the four friends support each other as they face difficulties in the story. Their work is hard and at times emotional. Freda is keen that she leaves her friends in a good place and sets about trying to ensure that they have help and support. Some of the friends relationships move forward but not all changes result in the happiness they hope for. Veronica hopes for justice from a past crime but faces some heartbreaking news. Sylvia still finds that not everyone is tolerant about her relationships but she is clear about what she wants for her family in the future. This is the fourth in the series but sets up new story lines and a new offshoot series which sounds to have good potential.
In short: war time life moves on
Thanks to the publisher
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I find The Home Front Nurses series fascinating. The author takes me to an area in England that I frankly know very little about. Being able to picture how things were during the war helps me to gain understanding. I have gotten lost in this series.
Veronica, Sylvia, Kathy and Freda are all working as nurses at Upper Borough Hospital. Through their eyes I experienced the trauma of war. My tears were their tears. Their heartbreak was my heartbreak. My respect for the nurses grew with every page. Their bravery and dedication left me speechless.
The girls come from very different backgrounds giving perspectives adding so much to the story, making it seem so real. I fell into the pages experiencing some of what those in England experienced during World War Two. Their personal dynamics was so entertaining. The growing pains of their friendships were so touching, so believable. The traumas were gut wrenching. The loses were difficult.
The drama of the story was electrifying. It kept me interested in the story. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. There always seemed to be something happening. As I enjoyed an action packed story and learned of the horrors of the war. Reading books like this reminds us that we cannot let it ever happen again.
Veronica, Sylvia, Kathy and Freda are all working as nurses at Upper Borough Hospital. Through their eyes I experienced the trauma of war. My tears were their tears. Their heartbreak was my heartbreak. My respect for the nurses grew with every page. Their bravery and dedication left me speechless.
The girls come from very different backgrounds giving perspectives adding so much to the story, making it seem so real. I fell into the pages experiencing some of what those in England experienced during World War Two. Their personal dynamics was so entertaining. The growing pains of their friendships were so touching, so believable. The traumas were gut wrenching. The loses were difficult.
The drama of the story was electrifying. It kept me interested in the story. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. There always seemed to be something happening. As I enjoyed an action packed story and learned of the horrors of the war. Reading books like this reminds us that we cannot let it ever happen again.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Shared Secrets for the Home Front Nurses by Rachel Brimble really drew me in with its emotional depth and sense of quiet strength. I loved how much focus was placed on the women themselves—their friendships, fears, and resilience—rather than just the romance.
The home front nursing setting felt authentic and moving, and I found myself genuinely invested in the characters and the challenges they faced. Their worries and hopes felt very real, especially against the backdrop of wartime uncertainty. The romance is gentle and slow-burning, which suited the story well and made the emotional moments feel earned.
While the pacing is a little slower at times, I didn’t mind—it allowed me to fully sink into the atmosphere and connect with the characters. This is the kind of book that stays with you because of its heart rather than big dramatic twists.
Overall, this was a touching and thoughtful read that I’d happily recommend to anyone who enjoys character-driven historical romance with strong female friendships and a hopeful, comforting tone.
The home front nursing setting felt authentic and moving, and I found myself genuinely invested in the characters and the challenges they faced. Their worries and hopes felt very real, especially against the backdrop of wartime uncertainty. The romance is gentle and slow-burning, which suited the story well and made the emotional moments feel earned.
While the pacing is a little slower at times, I didn’t mind—it allowed me to fully sink into the atmosphere and connect with the characters. This is the kind of book that stays with you because of its heart rather than big dramatic twists.
Overall, this was a touching and thoughtful read that I’d happily recommend to anyone who enjoys character-driven historical romance with strong female friendships and a hopeful, comforting tone.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Home Front Nurses #4
1943: Becoming a Home Front Nurse meant Kathy Scott was finally escaping the violence of her childhood. At long last, her life has taken a turn for the better. Particularly because, for the first very time, she's made some wonderful friends - fellow nurses Sylvia, Freda and Veronica. Kathy's been known for not being short of a word or two So nobodies more surprised than her when she finds herself tongue-tied around Freda's handsome brother, James - who's home from war with an unexplained injury.
Bath, England. This book focuses on Kathy. She's not had the best upbringing as her childhood was quite violent. But now she has made new friends and found a little happiness with the help of Freda's brother James. The story does cover: child abuse, sexual assault and racism. These nurses stepped up a gear or two during the war. This book can be read as a standalone.
Published 13th February 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #RachelBrimble for my ARC of #SharedSecretsfortheHomeFrontNurses in exchange for an honest review.
1943: Becoming a Home Front Nurse meant Kathy Scott was finally escaping the violence of her childhood. At long last, her life has taken a turn for the better. Particularly because, for the first very time, she's made some wonderful friends - fellow nurses Sylvia, Freda and Veronica. Kathy's been known for not being short of a word or two So nobodies more surprised than her when she finds herself tongue-tied around Freda's handsome brother, James - who's home from war with an unexplained injury.
Bath, England. This book focuses on Kathy. She's not had the best upbringing as her childhood was quite violent. But now she has made new friends and found a little happiness with the help of Freda's brother James. The story does cover: child abuse, sexual assault and racism. These nurses stepped up a gear or two during the war. This book can be read as a standalone.
Published 13th February 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #RachelBrimble for my ARC of #SharedSecretsfortheHomeFrontNurses in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This series has now really just become a series of love stories. The nurses are all surviving the War (it almost seems incidental to their existence now) and are more concerned with their boyfriends, husbands or men they are attracted to. Its an easy read, but don't expect much in depth evaluation. Even the trial of the evil Mark Ridley doesn't really cause much of a ripple. We see more of the dynamics from Kathy's point of view, and Freda is set to depart to Malta. There is a lot of about Susan and Stephen and their home for bombed out/orphaned children, although why they are permitted to ship them from Bristol to Wiltshire seems a bit unlikely. There were some sections of jarring text - I don't think men in the 1940s would use 'yep' and she/her was incorrectly used several times.
Overall its a pleasant read. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Overall its a pleasant read. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Although part of a series, this book can easily be read as a standalone one. The series tells the life stories of nurses Kathy, Sylvia, Victoria and Freda with their families, love interests, etc.
The main focus in this book is Sylvia. She has a lot of emotional baggage after being mentally and physically abused by her parents since childhood. Nursing was a way for her to escape from home, but she enjoys it and has made some wonderful friends. Nurses Sylvia, Freda and Veronica are those friends. We catch up on what they have been up to, as we have been introduced to them in the previous books of this series.
This book is quite an emotional one, which had me reaching for the tissues once or twice. Not only with tears of sadness, but happy ones too. There's death, marriage, pregnancy, court trials, relationships starting, relationships ending, and all during the volatile time of the war. I am fully invested in these women's lives and can't wait for the next instalment.
The main focus in this book is Sylvia. She has a lot of emotional baggage after being mentally and physically abused by her parents since childhood. Nursing was a way for her to escape from home, but she enjoys it and has made some wonderful friends. Nurses Sylvia, Freda and Veronica are those friends. We catch up on what they have been up to, as we have been introduced to them in the previous books of this series.
This book is quite an emotional one, which had me reaching for the tissues once or twice. Not only with tears of sadness, but happy ones too. There's death, marriage, pregnancy, court trials, relationships starting, relationships ending, and all during the volatile time of the war. I am fully invested in these women's lives and can't wait for the next instalment.
February 14, 2026
This is the fourth book in the heartwarming and emotional Home Front Nurses series. The focus this time is on nurse Kathy Scott. Kathy has had a very tough upbringing and life hasn’t been good to her. Now a nurse and having some wonderful friends who are also nurses life is changing for the better. When her friend Freda’s brother returns from war he is not the same person he was but can Kathy help him overcome all he has suffered and can he in turn help her with her childhood trauma.
It was so nice to be back with Kathy, Freda, Veronica and Sylvia . Of course there were other characters we had met before but it’s the four nurses who have captured my heart over the course of this series. Each of the four girls had their own problems but as always with strong friendships they are all there for each other during difficult situations. This was an absolutely perfect read for me and it can be easily read as a standalone.
It was so nice to be back with Kathy, Freda, Veronica and Sylvia . Of course there were other characters we had met before but it’s the four nurses who have captured my heart over the course of this series. Each of the four girls had their own problems but as always with strong friendships they are all there for each other during difficult situations. This was an absolutely perfect read for me and it can be easily read as a standalone.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
While I enjoyed the earlier books in the Home Front Nurses series, the last two books have been disappointing. Shared Secrets for the Home Front Nurses by Rachel Brimble focuses on romance instead of the war and nursing. Their work as nurses is barely mentioned. I felt that the story lacked depth. Most of the book focuses on the nurses’ romances. I disliked the frequent references to James’ physique (it got to be repetitive) and what Kathy would like to do with James in the privacy of her boudoir. Kathy serves as the central character in this story, which contributed to my challenges in engaging with the narrative. She is portrayed as less than sympathetic and is frequently depicted as short-tempered and critical. I thought the trial of malicious Mark Ridley would be a big deal in the nurses’ lives after what he did. I was surprised at how it was downplayed apart from his sentence. We get to hear a great deal about Stephen and Susan’s home for orphaned children. I doubt that I will continue with the series since the focus has shifted from nursing to romance.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This series started brilliantly but I have struggled to get into the last two books. I find I cannot trust nor like Kathy and she featured as the main character in this book which meant I didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped. Like with the previous title I'd have liked there to be more about the work they undertook in the hospital as I felt their work as Nurses was hardly mentioned. Losing one of the characters was very sad and brought across the importance of early diagnosis of Cancer and how no-one is immune from it even those who work in a hospital. I'd hoped that the work being undertaken in Malta would form part of the story; perhaps this will come in the next book?
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author for allowing me to read and review an Arc copy.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author for allowing me to read and review an Arc copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Shared Secrets for the Home Front Nurses is a heartwarming WWII saga following nurses Freda, Kathy, Sylvia, and Veronica as they serve on the English home front. Each woman carries private burdens—painful childhood memories, troubled relationships, illness, addiction, and difficult wartime choices—while the shadow of war looms large. I hadn’t read the first three books in the series, and I found it challenging at times to fully connect with or keep track of all the characters. Still, the novel offers engaging personalities, touches of romance, and a compassionate look at sacrifice and service during wartime.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
OMG I felt so much excitement to be back with the girls who feel like my best friends. I was beyond delighted to get to know the girl with the toughest exterior Kathy. In this book we get to follow what is happening in all their lives but it focuses primarily on Kathy. Kathy had a hard upbringing with cruel parents and she is only just starting to let her walls come down. I think it is her friendship with the other girls that allowed her walls to start slowly dissolving. Kathy is living with Sylvia and is maybe developing feelings for Freda's handsome brother James. The book bought out a lot of feelings for me like happiness, sadness and anger but it also brings a sense of belonging.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoy this series and this one didn’t disappoint. WW2 is still raging and the home front nurses are working hard to keep their hospital safe. This story was not just all about the nursing in this book it went more into their daily lives and problems. I enjoyed this as I got to know the characters a bit better. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series, I’m invested into these women’s lives and I need to see what happens through the war years. A very enjoyable easy read, highly recommend.
Publication date 13 Feb 2026.
Publication date 13 Feb 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A gripping historical saga set in Bath featuring a group of nurses who work together at the hospital.
I loved how realistic the characters were. Yes, they are nurses, kind and caring, but they also have flaws and weaknesses. This made them really relatable.
I found the story moved along gently and was like having a catch up with old friends. The book feels cosy, but there are emotional and dramatic moments too.
The group of friends all have their own issues to deal with in the background, but their friendship remains strong.
I loved how realistic the characters were. Yes, they are nurses, kind and caring, but they also have flaws and weaknesses. This made them really relatable.
I found the story moved along gently and was like having a catch up with old friends. The book feels cosy, but there are emotional and dramatic moments too.
The group of friends all have their own issues to deal with in the background, but their friendship remains strong.
February 13, 2026
It's Kathy who is the focus of this episode in the Home Front Nurses' lives, but the reader can also catch up with Freda, Sylvia, and Veronica as they face new challenges of their own. I like the evocative Home Front war setting, the emotional narrative and the dynamic between the four friends. It embraces social issues through its characters and feels authentic.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
February 16, 2026
Absolutely love this series. Heart break and some romance in this story. Follows a group of nursing friends during World War II. A cosy novel with the feels of Call the Midwife. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I feel maybe this storyline has come to the end of the line. I wasn’t so enthralled with this book as the previous ones. But I don’t think it’s the fault of the author, it’s just run its course.
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