The Bomb Girls’ Secrets

The Bomb Girls #2

by Daisy Styles

Fans of Katie Flynn, Downton Abbey and Call the Midwife will love this heartwarming page-turner set on the home front during WW2 . . .In the Phoenix Munitions Factory everyone has their secrets . . . As WWII rolls across Europe, Kitty boards a ship set for England; leaving her cruel father for war work in a munitions factory. She hadn't wanted to leave Ireland, but the money sounded too good to resist. And money is what she really needs right now, what with tiny baby Billy back in Dublin without a father. In Lancashire Kitty settles into the hard work and soon makes new friends; the dazzling Gladys who is a talented musician, and the beautiful but nervous Violet who seems to be nursing a secret of her own. And then there is motherly Edna at the local chippy, always there for a cup of tea and a good natter when she yearns for home.Working hard in the day and playing in the Bomb Girls Swing Band by night, on the surface, life seems to be looking up. But Kitty has kept a secret from her friends. Something she needs to figure out. And when a letter arrives from home, she realises she might need their help before it's too late and she loses her baby forever . . .Praise for Daisy 'All the ingredients for a cracking story with truly endearing characters' Annie Murray, bestselling author of Now The War Is Over'An absolute joy to read' Kate Thompson, bestselling author of Secrets of the Sewing Bee

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Fiction, War, Friendship, Historical

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 23, 2017

Reviews

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in a historical fiction series set in 1940s war torn Britain, but I found it worked perfectly well as a standalone for me. This is a story that focuses on the lives of women during the war and the jobs they did that kept the nation running whilst the men were away. It seems this focus on women keeping the home fires burning has been all the rage in recent time in books and TV. Kitty has personal commitments and a problematic father, she is not keen to leave Ireland but the lure of money she is badly in need of, brings her to Lancashire and the Phoenix bomb factory. It is dangerous and hard work, but Kit finds friends in Gladys, Violet and Edna. Her social life picks up considerably but the secrets she harbours prey on her mind.

As the friendships between the women grow ever stronger, trust grows and Kitty finds support and discovers that she is not the only one with secrets. Amidst a background of war, there are air raids, loss and danger in their lives. There are also romantic entanglements and other drama as we find out about the lives of the women. This is a light, entertaining, and heartwarming read full of wit, humour and drama in troubling times. A most enjoyable read. Thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve recently read a spell of books set around the war years where women take on dangerous jobs in the war effort. You get the real teamwork feel and their commitment to their job. There is a great cast of characters who all have reasons for volunteering for the dangerous job in munitions. This is the second in the series but reads well as a standalone.
Romance features amongst the ladies and adds to the enjoyment of the story. We also get the real sense of deep friendships during a troubled time. This one is set in Lancashire.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all of Daisy Styles previous books about women's lives during World War 2, so was delighted to see that there was another one coming out.

In 'Bomb Girls' Secrets' she returns to the world of munition workers. The characters were engaging and each had their own tale to tell. I really felt part of their world as I read it. Daisy Styles really captures the era well.

This is not a deep, convoluted tale. If you want something like that you will be disappointed, but if you want a heart warming story with an interesting setting & a sense of history; bomb girls could well be the book for you.

I enjoyed it and want to thank Netgalley & the publisher for giving me the chance to read it.

[Shirley Revill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook of this story and I was well impressed.
The narrator's voice really had me totally engrossed in the story and she really made the story come to life.
I love books set in the war time era and I thought this one was really interesting with the secrets the bomb girls reveal and finally share.
Their is a really good feeling of togetherness as they unite to solve the problems that life has thrown their way.
It really is a true adage that a problem shared is a problem halved and love conquers all.
Really enjoyed. Recommended.

[kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading books set during the war. I've learned a lot from them over the last couple of years. This was another enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more from Daisy Styles in the near future. All of her characters are likeable and the story line is really good.

[Samantha Dilliway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kitty is a troubled young woman from Ireland, tragic circumstances force her to move to England to work in a munitions factory where friendship and hope is born in the shape of her new friends Gladys and Violet. Little does Kitty know they are also harbouring secrets of their own. Together they learn to trust and support each other through the good times and the bad.
Set during the World War 2 conflict this book manages to tell a story that is sad but also uplifting at the same time. The author Daisy Styles manages to capture the spirit of these girls very well. The Bomb Girls' Secrets is a lovely story to read and I barely put it down once I started it. I look forward to seeing more from the talented Ms Styles.

[Susan Duthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all of this author's books and think this is the best one. I read it in a day. The story is set in Lancashire where there are many women involved in making bombs for the Second World War. Three young women share a home together and have recently started work at the factory. Each woman has a secret. The story unfolds in a wonderful way and we share their secrets. With new hope for the women, this book is very enjoyable.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Daisy. Look forward to catching up with the bomb girls again at Christmas

[Kristeen Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

round up to 4.5 stars.

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful return to the Phoenix Munitions factory with a whole new fantastic group of bomb girls! I adored the first book and was so happy to jump at the chance to return to these books and carry on with the series.

As with the last, it was brilliant to get to know the girls, who’s strength through troubles know no bounds! Reading their relationships grow and their struggles as well as the dangers of working in such a factory was enlightening and I really could not put the book down!

The book is also filled with plenty of drama and excitement to keep you on the edge of your seat and I was heartily rooting for all the girls to triumph and conquer their demons and struggles. It was a truly wonderful read and I really love the writing Daisy Styles treats us too in her books. I can’t wait to read more!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this review copy.

We’re back at the Pendle Bomb Factory for the second instalment in the Bomb Girls Series. We meet Kit, Gladys, Violet and Lily. Everyone seems to have a reason why they signed up to work at the bomb factory, but not all of them want to share their secrets. The girls are all put together in the factory and find that they all have one thing in common – they can all play musical instruments! Along with a few of the other girls they start up a swing band and begin to play in competitions. Alongside all this, their lives go on living in the war. They have to put up with the air raids, the destruction, the loss of loved ones and the dangers of making the bombs

I enjoyed this book, but have to admit I did prefer the first book in the series. This book focuses a lot on the swing band that the girls set up, although obviously there is a lot of stories around their romances! In the other book, there was more about the work that the girls did in the factory, but there wasn’t as much in this one. Saying that, it was still an enjoyable book, and I loved reading the girls exploits in love and war! I won’t say too much about the story as I wouldn’t want to spoil it, but if you like your war-time romances, then you’ll love this book. Another great book by Daisy Styles. It’s a lovely easy read which gets you wrapped up in the girls lives. Will there be a Bomb Girls #3? I hope so!!

[Siobhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Bomb Girls’ Secrets is a light period read with a lot of heart. The novel tells the story of Kit, Violet, and Gladys, and their time at a bomb making factory in Lancashire. Their lives are already full of secrets and drama, but a lot of that comes to a head as they start their war work and deal with the consequences of what they left behind.

The style of the novel is simple and straightforward, written for readers to get lost in the story and the lives of these characters. The narrative is heartwarming and, though fairly predictable, weaves the drama of the various characters together well. Though there are a number of male characters, it is the women who are most notable in the story, with the three heroines and their newfound friends forming the real spirit of the book. The theme of female power and spirit fits with the history of real life bomb girls and women’s war efforts, making this the perfect book for anyone who enjoys reading novels about women’s roles throughout history.

Daisy Styles’ book reads like a Sunday night period drama, creating a heartwarming and enjoyable novel that is ideal for fans of women-led period fiction.

[Phil Hodgkiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read several of these series of books, railway girls, bomb girls, shipyard girls and now bomb girls.
Strange how they all start out same from one series to the others. Basically the same stories throughout which does get repetitive. Not a good read for me afraid and one other not read yet and that is The Ops Room Girls. Time to find something different I think.

[Zoe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book from netgalley for my review. I was looking forward to this as I enjoyed the first book. I found the book hard to get into and the storyline jumping through the stories at a speed and little detail, I found it hard to connect to the people in the story.

[Brenda Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book,different characters from the first book,

[Glenys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really got into this one, and didn't want to put the book down. Everyone has secrets, from running away from a domestic violence situation to been made to go to work to send money home to keep your child. But secrets have a way of catching up with you... then you realise you need the support of your friends.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I missed the first book in this series. I hope that this doesn't spoil the novel too much.

The book opens in 1941, with a series of short chapters which introduce the three main characters. They come from diverse backgrounds and places. Eventually coming together at a bomb making factory in Lancashire.

I like the way the characters have been created and developed as the story progresses. I also like the fact that the historical fiction aspects of the novel have been well researched.

This book has moments of tenderness and moments of sadness. Most of all it is a story which manages to capture the sense of time and place, giving a glimpse into aspects of life on the home-front during the Second World War.

The writing style is informal and chatty, the dialogue manages to add both humour and reality. The sense of social attitudes towards women forms an important back-drop to the story shines through.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I give my thanks to Netgalley and Penguin UK (Michael Joseph) for a copy in exchange for this review.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this on the kindle

This is the 2nd book in the series

Another great book about the munitions factory in Lancashire,I loved Kit who leaves her son in Ireland & is sent by her brute of a father to England to work & send most of her money to him she gets a letter saying she needs to get back urgently. Violet goes to work at the bomb factory to escape her brute of a husband. Emily wants to cook. Daphane want her music. All these girls come together because of conscription to work at the bomb factory this is their story

This 2nd book is a good book didn't need a tissue but still has its moments & I can't wait to get the 3rd book which is due out in October

[Elisabeth]

In “The Bomb Girls Secrets” we return to the Pendleton bomb making factory to meet three more ‘bomb girls’ Kitty, Gladys and Violet.

Each of these girls has different reasons for coming to the bomb making factory – for Kitty it is to make enough money to secure a future for herself and her young baby, for Violet it is a chance for her to escape her violent and abusive husband but for Gladys the thought of making bombs has less appeal as it means leaving behind a much loved music career.

As the girls settle down and become good friends, not only do they find a shared love of music, they begin to share their deepest and darkest secrets.

Another amazing book of love and friendship in the darkest of times. Perfect for fans of Elaine Everest and Kate Thompson.

[Mechi · Rating 2 out of 5]

After having read “The Bomb Girls”, the only reason I read this one too is that I had already purchased it. I must say this one is even worse than the first! I regret not being one of those people who can leave a book unfinished because this one truly belongs to the “left unread” pile!
Though Daisy Styles has the skills to make a story interesting, I honestly can’t believe how stupid and superficial this one is. There’s not a single believable outcome to any of these girls’ stories as the whole book seems to have been written by a romantic teenager with rose colored lenses.
Do something better with your time!

[Anna Falcucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

I just love this genre of fiction. Daisy styles manages to continue with the Bomb Girls stories, there were thousands of women d during this period who had stories to tell and their own secrets.
Recommend to anyone who loves war time fiction.
Now moving to the code girls!

[A Red Headed Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good but very predicable book, which is a shame as it had a great story line throughout I just kept finding myself guessing correctly the next part and what would be the outcome. (Took a while to read due to a recent house move)

[Brid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Daisy Styles for the opportunity to read this. This was a truly heartwarming story that gives a lot of laughs and tears alike. It also gives a very nice sense of the history of its time. I would keep reading Daisy Styles all day everyday,

[kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

although i enjoyed this it wasnt a patch on the bomb girls or the code girls by the same author....It seemed a little rushed and wishy washy in comparison to the other two.

[Heather Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this second instalment with the bomb girls.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very readable book of drama and incident, and the lives of women during the Second World War. It is the second book in a series of “Bomb Girls” novels, but this one has a completely different set of girls from the first, so is very much a stand alone book. The Bomb Girls is the name for those conscripted women who were sent to a munitions factory where they would lodge locally and assemble bombs on an assembly line. It was dangerous work, using materials that would be explosive if mishandled or used without due care. It was also a dangerous work place because if the enemy bombers discovered the buildings, it would be a prime target. Women were sent there from various parts of the country as the war went on, as there were insufficient locally. At least one of the women in this novel was glad to move to the factory as it was unsafe to remain at home, and for female workers at the time it was well paid work. In this novel there is Kitty, over from Ireland, Gladys, a musician and Violet, with a secret past that still frightens her. They come together with more local women and men to form a group. I found it a very good read of a group of women who become a cohesive unit, facing the challenges of their work and lives together.

Kitty is a young woman with a significant need for money and a home. She has entrusted her baby to her sister’s care back in Ireland, and must send a significant amount of money to her father to support him. After finding some work which was tough she was told of the opportunity to work at the munitions factory, and was eager to come, even though the accommodation was a converted cow shed which was preferable to the slums she had previously lived. As time goes on, she makes a discovery about her son which means she knows she must depend on another person’s help to rescue the situation. Gloria is a talented musician from a strong family, who is very close to her brother Les. His military service worries her. When she begins a group of musicians to entertain the workers at the factory, she encourages and enables those who felt that they had little to offer. Violet is also a musician, though it has been pushed to the back of her mind by experiences that have seriously endangered her well being. When she joins the group she discovers help and support that she never realised were possible.

This is a book with a lot to say about the dangerous work that was undertaken by women in wartime, that was a feature of both World Wars. There are some moments of tragedy and bravery when the volatile nature of the substances being handled was quickly brought home to everyone, including the reader. I really enjoyed the way the women not only came together to form a group themselves, but also drafted in some of the other workers and locals. This is a book of deep relationships, love and hope. I enjoyed the humour, the coming together of those with different skills, and the background of a war which would leave no one untouched. Although another saga with the word “Girls” in the title, this is the story of strong women whose efforts made a real difference, and whose lives and loves represent many truths of life at the time .

[Charlotte Edson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book followed a similar format to the first book... And quite frankly it was boring. I thought that new characters would bring something exciting to the story, but it all felt very formulaic.

The author could have done so much more with the story. For one thing, she could have focused on fewer characters - Violet and Kit would have been more than enough for the whole "secrets" element.

Otherwise, if she had wanted it to be the band element, it needed to be more uplifting, and focus on other characters instead.

Chopping and changing between too many characters became tiresome.

With two other books to come, I'm surprised that this idea is still going. Perhaps it would have been better to have one or two really strong characters and follow them THROUGHOUT the books, finishing the war in the final book. The storylines seem unfinished, not well written or fleshed out. Some of the characters seem like Mary Sue characters.

Unsure if I will bother reading the other books at this rate.

[Pam Watmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like Daisy Styles books and this was no exception. In wartime the women were given the jobs vacated by the men at war. Kitty had to leave her illegitimate baby in Ireland where she comes to England to earn money to pay for Billy's keep with her parents. Violet is running away from her abusive husband and hide their secrets. They are working in a munitions factory and form a close friendship with the other women in their accommodation and on the workshop floor. Several women have a musical talent and form a swing band called The Bomb Girls and enter a competition which they won all the heats and the final. During the competition everything goes pear shaped with their personal lives and it is apparent that the close friendship that has formed between them and how much they support each other. It is a heartwarming story which shows the attitude of the times and how they changed during the 2nd world war and how everybody had to carry on regardless and the work ethic of those left behind.

[Ike Levick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1: The Bomb Girls’ Secrets (The Bomb Girls #2)

I thought I’d better continue with this series, given I bought the first two books at Vinnies together. It felt very similar to the first, but I didn’t care as I really enjoyed that one too! This one continues to be mostly set in Pendleton, Lancashire and also celebrates the mateship between conscripted women who make bomb fuselages. Dangerous work which heightens the love and respect these women have for each other.

The writing style is fast-paced, empathetic and has lots of short scenes intermixed with longer ones. I really enjoyed the balance between learning more about living in the UK during WWII, and getting to know more of these interesting bomb girls and their back stories. I also loved Edna, not a bomb girl but a local fish ‘n chip shop owner who has a heart of gold and is super special.

Now the trick is to track down the rest of the series!

8.5/10

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am in a bit of a quandary as to what to write in this review. On the whole I did enjoy reading The Bomb Girl's Secrets however it just wasn't up to the usual Daisy Styles standard. The book seemed to fall into two halves, the first half felt really rushed, months at a time seemed brushed over. The second half however, I was totally engrossed in Kit's story. The characters were multidimensional and fitted well into their era, although I was much more engrossed in Kit's story more than the other characters. Daisy Styles' writing really does describe the 1940s well, you can see it has been well researched. Although the book is the second in a series based at the Pendleton bomb factory, it could stand alone and I would think the first book could be read afterward without too much worry of spoilers. I am sure readers who enjoy reading about this era will enjoy this book.