The Bomb Girls

The Bomb Girls #1

by Daisy Styles

On an ordinary day in 1941, a letter arrives on the doormats of five young women, a letter which will change everything.Lillian is distraught. And whether she tears, hides or burns the letter the words remain the same - she must register for compulsory war work. Many miles away, Emily is also furious - her dream job as a chef will have to be put on hold, whilst studious Alice must abandon her plans of college. Staring at an identical letter, Elsie feels a kindling of hope at the possibility of leaving behind her brutal father. And down in London, Agnes has her own reasons for packing her bags with a smile. Brought together at a munitions factory in a Lancashire mill town, none of them knows what lies ahead. Sharing grief and joy, lost dreams and gained opportunities, the five new bomb girls will find friendship and strength that they never before thought possible as they unite to help the country they love survive.Praise for Daisy Styles'A great read that I think will appeal to fans of wartime sagas and authors like Donna Douglas . . . From dances to disasters, encounters with handsome Yanks, rationing and relationships, The Bomb Girls has all the ingredients of an excellent wartime drama and I thoroughly enjoyed it!' Onemorepage.com'The story is full of drama, love, heartbreak, friendship and in some part some comedy . . . It's full of twist and turns and is a real page turner' Laurahbookblog

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, War, World War II, Romance, Historical, Audiobook

432 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2016

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet and frothy wartime read following the trials and tribulations of a gathering of new friends who meet when they are conscripted to a munitions factory in northern England as World War Two rages on.

I loved the story of Alice in particular, and how she was scouted to become a member of the French speaking special operations forces. I felt her chapters could be a standalone story.

My issue with the book - and why I have resisted rating it higher - is that much of the dialogue feels disjointed, overly perky or too cut and dry. I appreciate the era the author is trying to describe and in some passages she demonstrates skill in this area, but much of her writing is cliche to the times. A perfect example of this is in the parts where the northern girls meet soldiers from across the pond!

I may continue to read this series, although I do prefer grittier wartime fiction, this makes a nice change and offers a new perspective on typical historical fiction. The wartime efforts of the women on the home front should never be forgotten; their sacrifices and their self reliance are noted by the authors attempts to create several well developed characters each with their own strengths.

[Meirav Berale · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liked the characters and the plot, but the book is not very well written - I only carried on despite that because I really wanted to know what happens in the end. In other words: the author managed to hook me with the characters and storyline, so that, through gritted teeth, I went on reading to the very end.

Why the gritted teeth, you ask? The writing was mostly ok but somewhat clunky. There were far too many places where you're supposedly inside the head of one of the characters but suddenly there's a bit of description of what this character looks like - the colour of her eyes, or how shapely her bottom is, for instance. And now and again there's a chunk of text that feels like you're reading a history book and not a novel - an info dump, instead of weaving the information into the story.

Generally I'd say this writer does too much telling rather than showing, which means you just don't really get deeply under the skin of the characters. You hear what's happening to them and you might sympathise a bit here and there, but most of the time you're a bystander and not really inside the story.

Most of the main characters are likeable, so I wanted to stick around and hear what happens to them. But I won't be looking for any more of this author's books based on this sample.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book the second time around I started it last year but for some reason couldn’t get into it but I loved it following the lives of the bomb girls in ww2 now on to book 2

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, this had me hooked from page one.

[Kerry Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

On an ordinary day in 1941, a letter arrives on the doormats of five young women, a letter which will change everything.Lillian is distraught. And whether she tears, hides or burns the letter the words remain the same - she must register for compulsory war work. Many miles away, Emily is also furious - her dream job as a chef will have to be put on hold, whilst studious Alice must abandon her plans of college. Staring at an identical letter, Elsie feels a kindling of hope at the possibility of leaving behind her brutal father. And down in London, Agnes has her own reasons for packing her bags with a smile. Brought together at a munitions factory in a Lancashire mill town, none of them knows what lies ahead.
This book reels you in straight away.
Styles writes with such a style that you're captivated by her words. What really made me sit up, was the extensive research involved.
And then her lovely characters the way they bonded, the strong friendships.
A book that is equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking 💔
Definitely a good read to add to your tbr
Kerry Kennedy Author

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, about a group of girls of very different backgrounds brought together to work in a munitions factory during world war two. It's set mainly in Pendle, Lancashire. The group quickly become firm friends and although the girls all have their own stories their friendship is what sees them though many ups and downs. This book is well researched and informative and manages to blend the story into the facts. As all good stories should this book takes the reader through all sorts of emotions, it has very sad, poignant parts as well as uplifting bits. I'm looking forward to reading more books by Daisy Styles.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author but definitely won't be my last. Sent during WW2 it tells the story of young women moved out of their comfort zone to help win the war. You get drawn into the characters lives as they learn to live with each other and end up as firm friends. There are happy and sad times but the girls are there helping each other through. A great read

[Bev Walkling]

First of all, the Goodreads description of the book is inaccurate. The girls heard about conscription over the radio rather than by letter. For one girl it was excellent news getting her out of an abusive situation. For the others, not so much. The story of how these girls bonded as they did their "bit" to end the war, has lots of highs and lows. It made me laugh and it made me cry.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow very much enjoyed it cant wait to start the next book.

[Shannon Dyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Round up to 3.5 stars. The female friendships were the best things about this book.

[Ali Bookworm]

Absolutely brilliant! It took me a while to get going as there were so many new characters at first and I had to keep checking back who was who. Once the story came together I began to enjoy it. All chapters are titled which gives you an indication of what is going to happen. I warmed to all the main characters. I think it could have been a little more detailed in some areas and the way it was written seemed a little rushed. It was emotional in parts and made me cry a little. If you like Ww2 Sagas and series like Home Fires this is perfect. I think it would make an equally good TV drama along the lines of that and Call the Midwife. I look forward to Daisy Styles next novel.

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely fell in love with Daisy Styles’ writing and this book was certainly a fantastic read. I’ve really enjoyed reading her books and this one was a sure favourite. I loved getting to know all the bomb girls and following their lives and stories throughout the war. The ups and downs, the dramas, the laughter and the heartbreak. It was a rollercoaster of emotions and I couldn’t tear myself away from the book!

I grew to love all the girls and the tellings of the story has you sitting on the edge of your seat. I wanted such happy endings for all the women and it was great to see how everything played out. I throughly enjoyed and adored this book and I really can’t wait to read her others in this series. The friendships between all the bomb girls was just lovely and it was a great insight into the lives of what a bomb girl might be and the dangers they’d face.

Just overall loved the book and can’t wait to get stuck into more!

[Excel Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bomb Girls
Such a delightful sweet , heartwarming and cozy book.


I couldn’t wait to rush back to the pages of this book during my spare time.


The author writes so well. This book is the first book I am reading by this author and I had to look for the remaining books in this series.


I couldn’t pick a favourite among the characters. You can’t help loving every one of them.

I am a BIG fan of historical fiction especially books with themes of life before technology. Those times where women had to scrape and work hard not for themselves, but for their families and loved ones.

I got this book and the series for my personal enjoyment only. Opinions in this review are mine.

[Nat · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book that I bought for £3 at the Parcmarket in Centre Parcs, it was exactly what I expected. Far too much dialogue, not enough exposition, unbelievably perfect characters, too many main characters (I think it would have worked better if she'd picked just one of the 5 protags and focused on their story, it was a little confusing to have so many different storylines). It read more like a TV series in terms of how the plot unfolded, in small chunks rather than an overall narrative, but it kind of worked? It was readable anyway which was all I wanted really. Also my Yorkshire self bristled every time she talked about how Lancashire is the best place in the world and there's no one like Lancastrians but that's just me lol.

[Elaine Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story about 5 girls drafted in to work in a bomb making factory, to help with the war effort, who become firm friends. Each a different personality and different background but it works really well. The humour is brilliantly entertaining and the camaraderie second to none. Despite the lows the girls manage with courage and sheer determination to make the best of things.
Definitely a book not to be missed.

[Jennsie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes place during a few years of world war 2 with a group of girls from different backgrounds going to work in a bomb factory and become “canary girls”. The story was okay, but iI felt that the pacing was off and we didn’t really get to know too much about any of the characters due to the fact that the story is over a few years. Overall, I rate it as average. Ira an easy read but was lacking in development.

[c m bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The brilliant bomb girls

Well I know have some new friends. All the bomb girls have fabulous personalities. You can't help but love all their different characters. This book is wonderful made me laugh a lot. I recommend this book to everyone. Thank you Daisy Styles. I'm now going to get the next book in the series.

[mois reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice ,Emily ,Elsie ,Lillian , Agnes , Daphne .

The bomb girls was a book of what our women did in war time they served there country well I only hope women like the ones in this book got the recognition they deserved this was a blinder of a book well worth reading and definitely worth 5 STARS .

[laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

a eccellent look at the livss of the girls.in the bomb factory onenoc who goes on to b a special ops.agent and how she.finds.love a grippimg book.had me.gripped.from the first chapter

[Heather Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, great characters and full of warmth, sadness, good times and bad. I really enjoyed it well worth 5☆.

[Brenda Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this read,great storyline,highly recommend this book.it reminds me of my nan working making shells.great read onto book two.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bomb Girls

By Daisy Styles

Five girls, five different lives all brought together by Winston Churchill calling the women of Great Britain together to work to help the Allies win World War Two.

Lillian, Emily, Alice, Elsie and Agnes along with thousands of other women have to leave their homes, lives and families for the munition factories. Thrown together these girls forge friendships out of necessity and each day risk their lives on the bomb making conveyor belts. Dangerous and difficult work these girls know that a single seconds lapse of concentration could mean disaster.

A lovely story of friendship, love and courage this is a perfect read for fans of Elaine Everest (The Butlin Girls and The Woolworths Girls) and Kate Thompson (The Secrets of the Sewing Bee, Singer Girls)

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book slightly deceiving. It started off as a sweet tale, one that I questioned whether it was going to be a little too sweet with not much substance. Whilst I was questioning this sweet story I found myself getting attached to the characters. Soon I found myself getting sucked into the story, it became difficult to put the book down. I found myself thinking about the fate of the characters throughout the day and now the book has been finished I am finding it unusually difficult to leave the characters behind.
The bomb girls is a great, well researched, page turner which I would happily recommend to other readers. I will look forward to reading more work by Daisy Styles.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and raced through it very quickly. I loved the characters, so varied and yet all bound together by their common purpose and their close proximity to each other. The research that had obviously gone into the period and the subject matter, meant that the tale felt believable and authentic.

Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read & review this book. I am now about to start The Code Girls by the same author now my head is in that era!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a wonderful war time series. Women over 18 were called to sign up for war work- and this book is about a group of girls who sign up to work in a bomb factory where the Cordite will send their hands and hair yellow!
It has wonderful warm friendships, war time camaraderie and gives you a wonderful sense of wartime life.
I will definately read the rest of this series to catch up with the girls.

[A Red Headed Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book last night and wow! it left such an impact on me throughout today, I could not stop thinking about it and the tragic loss towards the end, it was so unexpected and sad! it's an exciting book full of laughter friendship and hard times!

[Heidi Racht · Rating 1 out of 5]

Set in England, this book started out interestingly enough with the individual girls getting the letter requiring each of them to report for support service during WW2.

That said the best word I can come up with is insipid. I made myself finish it, but this book seemed formulaic. The main characters were hearty, but vapid. I just could not get into caring about them. Even when one died, it seemed just part of the formula. Someone had to die - after all, this was a book about war.

The author needs a new editor. Modern slang was distracting. For example, the use of “think outside the box” and “not to worry” are incorrect for that time, as both became in common use after the late 1950s; and the former originated in the U.S. in the late 1960s.

And what the heck are silk nylons? It’s silk stockings or nylon stockings. Nylons as the generic term for this type of apparel came later.

And speaking of war, what about all these headlines and stories about the bomb factory! Why would a newspaper print a story (stories) about a bomb factory and call attention to its location when the rest of the population was being urged to silence and there are still, in the 21st century, national secrets in England around WW2? Finally, the spy as hero headlines? Well, I guess it is fiction.

I entered into reading this book with the best of intentions. Did I learn anything? Of course. The topics raised in the book sent me to the BBC and various other websites. It was fascinating material, which was why the book was disappointing. I kept comparing it to Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale, a brilliant five-star novel.

[Charlotte Edson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a generally enjoyable book, but not as strong as her second book "The Code Girls". 3.5 stars.

The overall premise of the book is about women from different backgrounds who have been drafted into mandatory national service - working in an ammunition factory in Lancashire, England.

The story of Alice was particularly strong. Speaking French and being recruited as Special Ops was a very interesting read. Her ending had me in tears, and it was very realistic.

Similarly, Agnes was a strong character and her story was well developed. The dynamic of her strength, older years and sick child, paired with husband troubles made for a character that was good to read about.

I thought some parts were not very well developed, for example, the murder trial of Tommy. It had the potential to be a strong storyline, which could have carried on for multiple chapters, and had serious twists and turns. But it fizzled out. This made me question its purpose, as it added nothing to the plot other than to put Elsie in labour.

Adding the character Daphne was another confusing choice. She was flat and rather like a caricature. She didn't feel as developed as the other girls.

I believe Emily was supposed to be the "main" character. But she was horrible. She cheated on her fiance in the first few chapters, and seemed like she was very selfish. She was given some kind of redemption, but I much prefered Elsie and even Lillian.

Overall, the book showed what it would be like to live on the Home Front. I will be reading the other books for sure.

I still recommend "The Code Girls".

[Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me quite a long time to get fully into this book. It's fairly light-hearted, despite some fairly heavy themes: war, dangerous factory work and explosions, ill children, miscarriage, espionage, prisoners of war, infidelity, abusive relationships, murder, mental health/PTSD, etc. I find it really frustrating when books like this try to include deeper topics but characters don't react humanly or traffic events get mentioned once and never again, but this book covers all of it nicely, returns to themes throughout, and with a splash of realism and appropriate descriptive emotions.

I felt that there were possibly one too many main characters (4 main women, all with love interests) - for over half the book, I was struggling to tell them apart. Adding in Agnes (a 5th main character) felt a bit frustrating as I'd barely worked out who the others were at that point. I think a couple of the looser background stories could have been merged to cut out one of them. Alice's story felt really detached from the others after she left, and it took a long time for it to get interesting.

Some of their stories felt really shallow, a bit girlish, and immature, especially at the beginning, but they do seem to mature through the book. This character development almost feels deliberate and linked to the depth and impact of the war, but the writing doesn't feel clever enough throughout for it to feel truly intentional.

Overall though, the main storyline is good and engaging, and it's a book worthy of a read.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3, maybe 3.5. I found this one well written and I found the characters interesting (if not super fleshed out) and entertaining. The stories of these women in general were engaging and their personalities fairly diverse, but I found the whole thing a little bit too neat and tidy. Conflict would erupt and then be neatly tied off with a bow too quickly, and the repercussions of what many of these characters went through is not really explored, except in the cases of some supporting characters, and never in depth.

That said, this is a fun, witty, engaging read. I found myself invested in these characters' lives and happy to spend a good portion of my weekend with these ladies. I don't think that this book was ever intended to be a deep dive into the complexities of women's lives during WWII, but rather a fun (if sometimes dark) read that highlights women's contributions during WWII.

One thing that I enjoyed above everything else was the highlighting of female friendship and female support systems. All of the ladies have men in their lives throughout the book, but their support system isn't suffering for the distance that these men are kept at (most are serving in the war, others wind up in various pickles). When problems arise, there is a very practical "let's get it done" kind of attitude. It was lovely to read about a group of women who managed to rely on each other's strengths throughout the story.