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The Red Cross Girls
Not yet published
Expected 16 Sep 26Lancaster, 1943. As the war rages on, the Red Cross girls will do whatever it takes to bring their boys home. But can they find happiness in such troubling times?
When Livvy receives her orders for war work, she’s desperate for a new beginning. Most of her friends have been sent to munitions factories, so she is delighted to be working for the Red Cross, who are making secret packages that can help prisoners of war escape.
Arriving at her lodgings, she soon meets fellow Red Cross workers Rosalind and Dulcie, and the three women become firm friends. Together, they work hard for the Red Cross to help their boys fighting overseas. For Livvy, that means using her cooking skills in the face of rationing to keep spirits high.
When Livvy meets Dr Jonah Kemble, who works alongside the girls, his warm smile and kind, sparkling blue eyes make Livvy feel seen in a way she never thought she would be again. But as they grow closer, Livvy realises she will have to decide whether to tell Jonah the truth of how she came to be here, and decide whether she can ever open her heart to another man again…
In the face of war, can Livvy find the bravery to tell Jonah the truth of her circumstances and declare her true feelings for him? Or will her one chance at happily-ever-after be lost forever?
When Livvy receives her orders for war work, she’s desperate for a new beginning. Most of her friends have been sent to munitions factories, so she is delighted to be working for the Red Cross, who are making secret packages that can help prisoners of war escape.
Arriving at her lodgings, she soon meets fellow Red Cross workers Rosalind and Dulcie, and the three women become firm friends. Together, they work hard for the Red Cross to help their boys fighting overseas. For Livvy, that means using her cooking skills in the face of rationing to keep spirits high.
When Livvy meets Dr Jonah Kemble, who works alongside the girls, his warm smile and kind, sparkling blue eyes make Livvy feel seen in a way she never thought she would be again. But as they grow closer, Livvy realises she will have to decide whether to tell Jonah the truth of how she came to be here, and decide whether she can ever open her heart to another man again…
In the face of war, can Livvy find the bravery to tell Jonah the truth of her circumstances and declare her true feelings for him? Or will her one chance at happily-ever-after be lost forever?
Audible Audio
Expected publication September 16, 2026
About the author
Susanna Bavin
12 books66 followersI am a saga writer, living in beautiful North Wales. Moving here was the fulfilment of a lifelong dream, but my writing is inspired by my Mancunian roots.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What seems to be the start of a great series. The characters are all very likeable and it was an easy and enjoyable book to read. When I started the book I hadn't realised it would draw in some of the characters from a previous series from the author; it was a great and pleasant surprise.
I would have liked there to be more focus on the work that the girls were doing as their Red Cross roles were hardly mentioned in the second half of the book. It felt the focus was on two of the characters suffering domestic abuse in their lives before taking on this role. Equally a timeline of events that happened during the war would have been good as it felt it lacked that detail of when the story was happening.
Like many wartime books it showed the importance of strong friendships to help people through the dark days. I loved the inclusion of a cat although it worried me greatly that she ate a fruit scone which would be toxic to her.
I thoroughly enjoyed the title and look very much forward to the next in the series. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for allowing me to read and review a preview copy.
I would have liked there to be more focus on the work that the girls were doing as their Red Cross roles were hardly mentioned in the second half of the book. It felt the focus was on two of the characters suffering domestic abuse in their lives before taking on this role. Equally a timeline of events that happened during the war would have been good as it felt it lacked that detail of when the story was happening.
Like many wartime books it showed the importance of strong friendships to help people through the dark days. I loved the inclusion of a cat although it worried me greatly that she ate a fruit scone which would be toxic to her.
I thoroughly enjoyed the title and look very much forward to the next in the series. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for allowing me to read and review a preview copy.
August 25, 2026
Reviewed advanced Copy on Netgalley
I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did! This book follows three women—Dulcie, Rosalind, and Livvy—as they navigate their roles as Red Cross girls. All three young women have already been through so much in their short lives, from being young wives and losing loved ones to finding their place as women in the workforce.
The historical aspect is a perfect balance of setting the scene and timeline. Although it is based during WWII, it focuses more on civilian life in town rather than the war itself. I also loved the balance between the difficult situations and conflicts these women face and the warmth and heart of the story. It kept the book emotional and engaging without feeling overwhelmingly heavy.
I am now going to be twiddling my thumbs until the next book in the series comes out! Definitely recommend!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for allowing me to review this ARC!
I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did! This book follows three women—Dulcie, Rosalind, and Livvy—as they navigate their roles as Red Cross girls. All three young women have already been through so much in their short lives, from being young wives and losing loved ones to finding their place as women in the workforce.
The historical aspect is a perfect balance of setting the scene and timeline. Although it is based during WWII, it focuses more on civilian life in town rather than the war itself. I also loved the balance between the difficult situations and conflicts these women face and the warmth and heart of the story. It kept the book emotional and engaging without feeling overwhelmingly heavy.
I am now going to be twiddling my thumbs until the next book in the series comes out! Definitely recommend!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for allowing me to review this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this book, the story was about friendship, support, grief, love and solidarity. I really enjoyed getting to know Livvy, Dulcie and Rosalind, their back stories, secrets and budding friendships and the way they deal with the problems and tragedies that occur. There wasn’t much in the way of war content but it didn’t matter getting to know the girls was enough. I’m really looking forward to the next book! Highly recommend, it’s a brilliant read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. Publication date 16 September 2026.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. Publication date 16 September 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was so excited to read an advance copy of The Red Cross Girls thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and author Suanna Bavin. What a wonderful story of female friendships, relationships, and family issues! This story deals with several difficult issues with such a delicate balance of seriousness and heartwarming joy. I do wish there was more about the WWII and the work being done by the women in this regard. I am thrilled that this is the first book in a series because there will be to these stories! This book does not disappoint!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I read a historical fiction type book, I’m looking for historical content. This book is cute, there’s some romance, lots of friendship and some heart ache shared between the three main characters. But being titled the Red Cross girls I was expecting way more war time details. Not bad just not what I was expecting.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It was cute and heartbreaking at the same time. I wished it had a little bit more historical content on it. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews