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Nightingales #9
The Nightingale Christmas Show
THE BRAND NEW NIGHTINGALES NOVEL BY SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR DONNA DOUGLAS. _______________________It is Christmas, 1945. The war is over, but its scars remain. Matron Kathleen Fox has the job of putting the Nightingale Hospital back together. But memories and ghosts of those lost fill the bomb-damaged buildings, and she wonders if she's up to the task.In the name of festive cheer Kathleen decides to put on a Christmas Show for the patients. The idea is greeted with mixed feelings by the nurses, who are struggling with their own post-war problems. And the newly-formed rivalry between newcomer Assistant Matron Charlotte Davis and ward sister Violet Tanner is not helping matters.As rehearsals begin however, it seems the show is not just a tonic for the patients - could the Nightingale Christmas Show be just what the doctor ordered for the nurses too?
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2017
230 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Donna Douglas
35 books256 followersWelcome to my Goodreads page.
I'm the author of the Nightingale novels, a series of stories set in an East End hospital in the 1930s, published by Arrow.
The first in the series, The Nightingale Girls, follows the lives of three girls from very different backgrounds as they join the Nightingale Hospital as students. The second, The Nightingale Sisters, will be published next spring.
I'm originally from London, but I now live in the beautiful city of York.
I'm the author of the Nightingale novels, a series of stories set in an East End hospital in the 1930s, published by Arrow.
The first in the series, The Nightingale Girls, follows the lives of three girls from very different backgrounds as they join the Nightingale Hospital as students. The second, The Nightingale Sisters, will be published next spring.
I'm originally from London, but I now live in the beautiful city of York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 27, 2017
I enjoyed this very much. It's done slightly different to the others in the series in that all the chapters began with someone's name. Then that person's story was told but all of the chapters came to the same conclusion from that person's outcome. It worked really well. Of course being a Christmas story most of the results were happy ones.
There were one or two nurses I'd love to slap, they were so obnoxious. Having read a lot of medical novels in this era it seems to me that Matrons and nurses in charge were horrible people and I don't know how they ever kept staff. One thing for sure though, hospitals were spotless and very well run back then. We could do well going back to the systems they had.
This is the ninth book of the series and I don't know if there will be more but it's a great series.
There were one or two nurses I'd love to slap, they were so obnoxious. Having read a lot of medical novels in this era it seems to me that Matrons and nurses in charge were horrible people and I don't know how they ever kept staff. One thing for sure though, hospitals were spotless and very well run back then. We could do well going back to the systems they had.
This is the ninth book of the series and I don't know if there will be more but it's a great series.
November 16, 2017
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This is such a good read! It is the ideal book to cosy up with on a cold autumn or winter's day, grab a warm drink, bar of chocolate or slice of cake and let the story envelop you!
I really enjoyed the story, it is set at a great pace and the plot is superb, it is one of the best fiction books I have read set in WWII for a long time, and I read an awful lot of historical fiction books! The characters are great and I loved the mix they bring to the book and the interaction between them really carries well in the story.
The whole book has been cleverly crafted and it is a fantastic festive story - 5 stars from me - I loved it!!
This is such a good read! It is the ideal book to cosy up with on a cold autumn or winter's day, grab a warm drink, bar of chocolate or slice of cake and let the story envelop you!
I really enjoyed the story, it is set at a great pace and the plot is superb, it is one of the best fiction books I have read set in WWII for a long time, and I read an awful lot of historical fiction books! The characters are great and I loved the mix they bring to the book and the interaction between them really carries well in the story.
The whole book has been cleverly crafted and it is a fantastic festive story - 5 stars from me - I loved it!!
October 29, 2019
Nice easy reading 🎄
December 9, 2018
Why haven't I read more books in this series? A very good read, this is the ninth book in the Nightingale series and although I haven't read the previous books, this was still a great stand alone story. It focuses on the lives of six of the characters and devotes a whole chapter to each of them in both parts the book. The theme is the production of the Christmas Show, held on Christmas Day. Each of the characters have their role to play, but more interesting was the glimpse of their lives outside of the hospital. I will be seeking out more of this series.
December 17, 2022
It is 1945 and the end of the war but still so many people's lives are affected by the recent devastation.
But this year Kathleen Fox is determined to put on a Christmas show at the Nightingale.
She leaves it in the hands of Charlotte Davis, assistant matron, but she is struggling to find her place there and she clashes with those involved with the show.
Little does she know everyone is suffering with wounds and scars from the war as she is herself.
Can anyone find some good cheer, festive spirit and maybe even a bit of life this year within the hospital's doors?
Another charming slice of life drama from the Nightingale, I'm going to be so sad to hit the end of these books, every one has been a delight.
But this year Kathleen Fox is determined to put on a Christmas show at the Nightingale.
She leaves it in the hands of Charlotte Davis, assistant matron, but she is struggling to find her place there and she clashes with those involved with the show.
Little does she know everyone is suffering with wounds and scars from the war as she is herself.
Can anyone find some good cheer, festive spirit and maybe even a bit of life this year within the hospital's doors?
Another charming slice of life drama from the Nightingale, I'm going to be so sad to hit the end of these books, every one has been a delight.
October 8, 2022
Another lovely book in the series. This is set just after the war. We see a mixture of old characters that weren’t as prominent in previous books and new ones but the mix is done we’ll.
December 30, 2018
Only 12chapters in this book
December 13, 2017
My review is going to be slightly different in that it is going to be a review by two people, myself (Miss GBG) and my lovely mother (Mrs. GBG). For those of you who don’t know, Mrs. GBG is a pensioner but she is also a former nurse of thirty plus years experience. I had all the Donna Douglas books on my shelf, one day Mrs. GBG picked one up and the rest as they say is history. Every time I receive a book written by Donna Douglas, I have to literally wrestle and fight with a pensioner over who gets to read the book first. Mrs. GBG always wins, which isn’t good for my ego. Anyway I digress so back to the review I do go.
This is the ninth book in the best selling series featuring the nurses at the Nightingale Hospital. We have loved each and every one of the series and this one is no different but I will say more about that in a bit.
The characters in ‘The Nightingale Christmas Show’ are all realistic. Mrs. GBG particularly found the Matron and the Ward Sisters to be authentic and made her reminisce about what the Matron and Ward Sisters were like when she did her training at DMH. Donna perfectly captured the sense of fear that the staff nurses and student nurses had when they knew that the Ward Sisters and/ or Matron were about. Mrs. GBG said that all nurses can relate to having worked for someone like the Assistant Matron, a Miss Charlotte Davis at the Nightingale Hospital. She is an absolute nightmare and she is never satisfied with anything. She always has to pick fault and never seems to give compliments out. She is a lover of romance novels and in one author in particular but she doesn’t let on to anybody. The Assistant Matron assumes control of organising the Christmas show for the patients of the Nightingale Hospital. However, the show does not get off to a great start because she successfully manages to alienate those volunteering for the show. I wondered which charm school she went to because she really did need to get a refund. However, something happens, which could lead to a thaw in her personality but as to what happens, well you are just going to have to read the book for yourself. I loved the character of Peggy, who is a volunteer on the Childrens Ward. She is married to a rather unpleasant character and not only does she live with him, but she also has to put up with her sister and her mother in law. Nothing Peggy does ever seems to be enough or to be right. In fact her home life is hell and I really felt for her because her home life seemed pretty much like a prison sentence. I was so rooting for her to see the light, tell her husband, sister and mother in law what for and to leave them all to be miserable together. Peggy deserves so much more than that miserable lot. As to whether or not she manages to do that well you are just going to have to read the book for yourself.
We both agree that ‘The Nightingale Christmas Show’ is superbly written. It’s written in a slightly different way to the other books in the series in that each chapter focuses on one character in particular and it is written from their point of view. This really works and it isn’t confusing. Reading ‘The Nightingale Christmas Show’ became seriously addictive and once we picked the book up, we found that we just couldn’t put it down. We had to read on and on to see what happened to the characters and if they were going to find their happy ever after. We were gripped from the first word on the first page and before we knew it we had finished the book, which we were both so disappointed about, because we were enjoying the book so much that we just wanted the story to continue. The pages were turning that fast that it was almost as if they were turning themselves. Donna Douglas clearly cares about her characters and what happens to them, which really does come across in her writing. Reading this book felt like reuniting with old friends. I became so absorbed in the story that I felt as though I was an invisible witness to everything that was happening on the wards and as though I had dived into the pages. I really did feel as though I had been through the emotional wringer after I had finished the book with all the feelings of hope, despair, joy, happiness and sadness and well you get the picture. Ultimately what I will say is that the ending to the book left both me and Mrs. GBG with a smile on our faces but that is all I am going to say.
In short, we totally and utterly loved reading ‘The Nightingale Christmas Show’ and we can’t wait to see what comes next from the hugely talented Donna Douglas. We would recommend this series and this author to anybody and everybody. We award this book 5* out of 5* but we would have awarded it more stars if we could have because we really did enjoy the book that much.
This is the ninth book in the best selling series featuring the nurses at the Nightingale Hospital. We have loved each and every one of the series and this one is no different but I will say more about that in a bit.
The characters in ‘The Nightingale Christmas Show’ are all realistic. Mrs. GBG particularly found the Matron and the Ward Sisters to be authentic and made her reminisce about what the Matron and Ward Sisters were like when she did her training at DMH. Donna perfectly captured the sense of fear that the staff nurses and student nurses had when they knew that the Ward Sisters and/ or Matron were about. Mrs. GBG said that all nurses can relate to having worked for someone like the Assistant Matron, a Miss Charlotte Davis at the Nightingale Hospital. She is an absolute nightmare and she is never satisfied with anything. She always has to pick fault and never seems to give compliments out. She is a lover of romance novels and in one author in particular but she doesn’t let on to anybody. The Assistant Matron assumes control of organising the Christmas show for the patients of the Nightingale Hospital. However, the show does not get off to a great start because she successfully manages to alienate those volunteering for the show. I wondered which charm school she went to because she really did need to get a refund. However, something happens, which could lead to a thaw in her personality but as to what happens, well you are just going to have to read the book for yourself. I loved the character of Peggy, who is a volunteer on the Childrens Ward. She is married to a rather unpleasant character and not only does she live with him, but she also has to put up with her sister and her mother in law. Nothing Peggy does ever seems to be enough or to be right. In fact her home life is hell and I really felt for her because her home life seemed pretty much like a prison sentence. I was so rooting for her to see the light, tell her husband, sister and mother in law what for and to leave them all to be miserable together. Peggy deserves so much more than that miserable lot. As to whether or not she manages to do that well you are just going to have to read the book for yourself.
We both agree that ‘The Nightingale Christmas Show’ is superbly written. It’s written in a slightly different way to the other books in the series in that each chapter focuses on one character in particular and it is written from their point of view. This really works and it isn’t confusing. Reading ‘The Nightingale Christmas Show’ became seriously addictive and once we picked the book up, we found that we just couldn’t put it down. We had to read on and on to see what happened to the characters and if they were going to find their happy ever after. We were gripped from the first word on the first page and before we knew it we had finished the book, which we were both so disappointed about, because we were enjoying the book so much that we just wanted the story to continue. The pages were turning that fast that it was almost as if they were turning themselves. Donna Douglas clearly cares about her characters and what happens to them, which really does come across in her writing. Reading this book felt like reuniting with old friends. I became so absorbed in the story that I felt as though I was an invisible witness to everything that was happening on the wards and as though I had dived into the pages. I really did feel as though I had been through the emotional wringer after I had finished the book with all the feelings of hope, despair, joy, happiness and sadness and well you get the picture. Ultimately what I will say is that the ending to the book left both me and Mrs. GBG with a smile on our faces but that is all I am going to say.
In short, we totally and utterly loved reading ‘The Nightingale Christmas Show’ and we can’t wait to see what comes next from the hugely talented Donna Douglas. We would recommend this series and this author to anybody and everybody. We award this book 5* out of 5* but we would have awarded it more stars if we could have because we really did enjoy the book that much.
December 30, 2017
I couldn't wait to read this book as so love the series so far and she didn't let me down at all in fact this book was her best by far it was done differently with each chapter being a different person and it so worked. Lovely to go back and gear of the different nurses and with it coming up to Christmas to and the such an easy read with great characters and shows it's a time for families friends and romance and working together. Matron has the job of putting the hospital back together but so many have memories of the war and can they get over that and move forward. Kathleen wants to put back on the Christmas show for the patients and it's come with mixed feelings especially when the nurses clash. Can they pull together and get the show off the ground or does it flop. This is such a good read.
January 28, 2020
3,5 ⭐️ Der schwächste Teil bisher.
May 22, 2023
An holiday story that’s far from festive…
For the featured women, and others in the story, this is the first Christmas after the war. While there is much to rejoice over the victory, many are grieving losses and other tragedies. Author, Donna Douglas, handles the emotional aspects of her characters with respect and refrains from over dramatization.
The story takes place between November 30 and Christmas Day. It’s told from the POV of 6 different women who all work at the Nightingale Hospital, in various positions. Each woman has 1 full chapter in part one and in part two for telling “their story”. The individual stories intertwine to complete the big picture, filling in the details and backstories. Unfortunately, many parts of the story are repeated many times as 3, 4 or more characters could be at an event together and all of them will recount it in their story. For the reader, it becomes monotonous.
Douglas takes an unusual look at holocaust survivors and a refreshing approach to romantic relationships. I would have liked more about the holocaust storyline. It needed development, especially in light of…oops, no spoilers! Altho’ you will probably figure out most of the “punchlines” prior to turning the pages, this isn’t Hallmark fodder📚
For the featured women, and others in the story, this is the first Christmas after the war. While there is much to rejoice over the victory, many are grieving losses and other tragedies. Author, Donna Douglas, handles the emotional aspects of her characters with respect and refrains from over dramatization.
The story takes place between November 30 and Christmas Day. It’s told from the POV of 6 different women who all work at the Nightingale Hospital, in various positions. Each woman has 1 full chapter in part one and in part two for telling “their story”. The individual stories intertwine to complete the big picture, filling in the details and backstories. Unfortunately, many parts of the story are repeated many times as 3, 4 or more characters could be at an event together and all of them will recount it in their story. For the reader, it becomes monotonous.
Douglas takes an unusual look at holocaust survivors and a refreshing approach to romantic relationships. I would have liked more about the holocaust storyline. It needed development, especially in light of…oops, no spoilers! Altho’ you will probably figure out most of the “punchlines” prior to turning the pages, this isn’t Hallmark fodder📚
February 6, 2019
I just love this series about the training of nurses at the Nightengale Hospital in the East End of London.
I love the characters, some of which come and go, and some which are more constant. It is a great glimpse into how much nursing and training nurses has changed over the years and how some things are still the same.
It is a great insight into the residents of the east end of London with the back drop of World War II on the story. I love the series and urge you to read it.
I love the characters, some of which come and go, and some which are more constant. It is a great glimpse into how much nursing and training nurses has changed over the years and how some things are still the same.
It is a great insight into the residents of the east end of London with the back drop of World War II on the story. I love the series and urge you to read it.
December 16, 2019
Nice light hearted easy Christmas read
May 23, 2020
Was lovely to revisit these characters again
January 4, 2020
Was soll ich zu diesem Buch bloß schreiben, ich fand die Nightingales Reihe eigentlich immer super. Da war jedes Buch ein Highlight. Bei diesem hier hatte ich das Gefühl das es mal eben schnell geschrieben wurde. Da hätte man so viel draus machen können.
Und weil das noch nicht reicht haben sich einige Handlungsstränge wiederholt nur eben aus Sicht verschiedener Personen.
Wobei sich die Autorin treu geblieben ist, war das Cover und der flüssige Schreibstil.
Schade eigentlich aber trotzdem kann ich dem Buch nur 3 Sterne geben, da wäre definitiv mehr Potenzial gewesen.
Und weil das noch nicht reicht haben sich einige Handlungsstränge wiederholt nur eben aus Sicht verschiedener Personen.
Wobei sich die Autorin treu geblieben ist, war das Cover und der flüssige Schreibstil.
Schade eigentlich aber trotzdem kann ich dem Buch nur 3 Sterne geben, da wäre definitiv mehr Potenzial gewesen.
December 19, 2017
Magical
This was just what I needed some magical Christmas spirit this was a really lovely heart warming story about the nurses and sisters we know and love 5 STARS is a must for this give it a read you will enjoy it .
This was just what I needed some magical Christmas spirit this was a really lovely heart warming story about the nurses and sisters we know and love 5 STARS is a must for this give it a read you will enjoy it .
November 18, 2017
The Nightingale Christmas Show is Donna Douglas' latest book in her Nightingale series, set in an East End teaching hospital in the 1930s and 40s. Although featuring characters and mentioning events from previous books, this latest instalment can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.
I really enjoyed the structure of this book; rather than a single narrative novel, Donna Douglas follows the stories of a number of characters. It means that certain events are covered from multiple points of view which is fascinating and gives a clearer insight into how things can be perceived by how they are experienced.
The book opens with Matron Kathleen Fox trying to look to the future but if the hospital still shows the physical scars of the war, then, like many others, she bears the mental scars. She is struggling to work alongside new Assistant Matron, Charlotte Davis and has started to question whether she is the right person to lead the hospital now the war is over. When a face from her past reappears, Kathleen knows it is time for her to make a decision. Charlotte has plenty of drive and ambition but she lacks empathy and tolerance. Although dauntingly efficient, she is unpopular with the staff at the Nightingale who see her as cold and critical. However, a patient recognises the protective walls she has built around herself following her horrific experiences during the war. She has been tasked with organising the hospital Christmas Show but her methods leave a lot to be desired... Unfortunately Charlotte ends up upsetting too many of the participants and they walk out, leaving the show in doubt. Will she have to admit to Matron Fox that she was correct to doubt her and she wasn't up to the task? She believes popular ward sister, Violet Tanner to be her rival, both for her job and her role as show organiser. It's true that Kathleen would have preferred her close friend to have been given the position of Assistant Matron but a letter from a solicitor means Violet soon has more to worry about than petty squabbles at work. She has brought up her son, Oliver single handed following the death of her husband but now she too is faced with a figure from her past and old wounds are reopened. Can she forgive and forget or is it too late? Meanwhile Peggy, a volunteer on the children's ward knows she must soon give up the work she loves. Although valued by staff and patients on the ward, her husband and controlling mother-in-law are both demanding that now the war is over, she should behave like the married woman she is and spend her days working in the family shop as well as running the home. She realises she has little choice in the matter if she wants her unmarried sister and her young son to be allowed to carry on living with them. The hospital though is a welcome reprieve from a home life where she feels little appreciated, particularly now she has formed a friendship with hospital porter, Bill and is to be the assistant to his magician's act in the Christmas Show. Miriam Trott is the no nonsense sister on the maternity ward, she is short tempered and strict with nurses, patients and visitors to the ward, even young children who have come to see their new sibling. However, she has a secret passion for romance novels and may even have found love herself after the charming Frank sweeps her off her feet. Is he too good to be true though? Third year student nurses, Daisy and Rose often bear the brunt of Miss Trott's wrath. They are best friends and so close they have been nicknamed the terrible twins. They may resemble each other physically but are very different personalities. Daisy is outgoing, vivacious and flirtatious. She is keen to take part in the Christmas Show in order to attract the attention of junior registrar, Tom Armstrong. Rose is still grieving the loss of her fiancee who was killed in a bombing raid just before Christmas last year. At first she is reluctant to join in with the show but she agrees to take part and soon strikes up a friendship with Tom. Before long Daisy and Rose's friendship is torn apart by jealousy and cruel words.
As the secrets and lies, fears and hopes are revealed, I was gently drawn into the lives of these women. Part one of the novel sets up the individual stories which are all linked through the characters' involvement in the Christmas Show. Part two sees the storylines resolved, with all the various strands coming together in an emotional finale. Being able to read their stories from their different perspectives meant I sometimes felt ahead of the characters and could guess the outcomes before they happened, however that never spoilt the pleasure of reading this warm-hearted novel. The Nightingale Christmas Show is the ideal book to read snuggled up with a hot chocolate this Christmas. It perfectly evokes the feeling of the immediate postwar period where people had started to tentatively look to the future while still shaped by the hardships they bore during the war years. Poignant, hopeful and with a gentle wit, I really enjoyed this visit to the Nightingale Hospital.
I really enjoyed the structure of this book; rather than a single narrative novel, Donna Douglas follows the stories of a number of characters. It means that certain events are covered from multiple points of view which is fascinating and gives a clearer insight into how things can be perceived by how they are experienced.
The book opens with Matron Kathleen Fox trying to look to the future but if the hospital still shows the physical scars of the war, then, like many others, she bears the mental scars. She is struggling to work alongside new Assistant Matron, Charlotte Davis and has started to question whether she is the right person to lead the hospital now the war is over. When a face from her past reappears, Kathleen knows it is time for her to make a decision. Charlotte has plenty of drive and ambition but she lacks empathy and tolerance. Although dauntingly efficient, she is unpopular with the staff at the Nightingale who see her as cold and critical. However, a patient recognises the protective walls she has built around herself following her horrific experiences during the war. She has been tasked with organising the hospital Christmas Show but her methods leave a lot to be desired... Unfortunately Charlotte ends up upsetting too many of the participants and they walk out, leaving the show in doubt. Will she have to admit to Matron Fox that she was correct to doubt her and she wasn't up to the task? She believes popular ward sister, Violet Tanner to be her rival, both for her job and her role as show organiser. It's true that Kathleen would have preferred her close friend to have been given the position of Assistant Matron but a letter from a solicitor means Violet soon has more to worry about than petty squabbles at work. She has brought up her son, Oliver single handed following the death of her husband but now she too is faced with a figure from her past and old wounds are reopened. Can she forgive and forget or is it too late? Meanwhile Peggy, a volunteer on the children's ward knows she must soon give up the work she loves. Although valued by staff and patients on the ward, her husband and controlling mother-in-law are both demanding that now the war is over, she should behave like the married woman she is and spend her days working in the family shop as well as running the home. She realises she has little choice in the matter if she wants her unmarried sister and her young son to be allowed to carry on living with them. The hospital though is a welcome reprieve from a home life where she feels little appreciated, particularly now she has formed a friendship with hospital porter, Bill and is to be the assistant to his magician's act in the Christmas Show. Miriam Trott is the no nonsense sister on the maternity ward, she is short tempered and strict with nurses, patients and visitors to the ward, even young children who have come to see their new sibling. However, she has a secret passion for romance novels and may even have found love herself after the charming Frank sweeps her off her feet. Is he too good to be true though? Third year student nurses, Daisy and Rose often bear the brunt of Miss Trott's wrath. They are best friends and so close they have been nicknamed the terrible twins. They may resemble each other physically but are very different personalities. Daisy is outgoing, vivacious and flirtatious. She is keen to take part in the Christmas Show in order to attract the attention of junior registrar, Tom Armstrong. Rose is still grieving the loss of her fiancee who was killed in a bombing raid just before Christmas last year. At first she is reluctant to join in with the show but she agrees to take part and soon strikes up a friendship with Tom. Before long Daisy and Rose's friendship is torn apart by jealousy and cruel words.
As the secrets and lies, fears and hopes are revealed, I was gently drawn into the lives of these women. Part one of the novel sets up the individual stories which are all linked through the characters' involvement in the Christmas Show. Part two sees the storylines resolved, with all the various strands coming together in an emotional finale. Being able to read their stories from their different perspectives meant I sometimes felt ahead of the characters and could guess the outcomes before they happened, however that never spoilt the pleasure of reading this warm-hearted novel. The Nightingale Christmas Show is the ideal book to read snuggled up with a hot chocolate this Christmas. It perfectly evokes the feeling of the immediate postwar period where people had started to tentatively look to the future while still shaped by the hardships they bore during the war years. Poignant, hopeful and with a gentle wit, I really enjoyed this visit to the Nightingale Hospital.
December 21, 2018
The Nightingale Christmas Show by Donna Douglas takes us to London’s East End in November of 1945. The war is finally over, and Matron Kathleen Fox is eager to see the Nightingale restored. It suffered from bombings and they lost some treasured staff members. Kathleen is not sure she is up to the task and is considering a new position in Lancashire. She would dislike seeing the new assistant matron, Charlotte Davis take over her position. Charlotte manages to fault with every ward they visit plus she lacks warmth and empathy. Charlotte is all for efficiency and order. One evening Kathleen and her friend, Violet Tanner enjoy a show at Players Theatre Club and run into Kathleen’s former lover, James Cooper who is accompanied by his wife, Simone. James pays Kathleen a visit the next day and presents her with unexpected proposition. To raise morale in the hospital with the patients and staff, Kathleen decides they will host a Christmas Show. She decides to put Charlotte in charge of the project much to the assistant matron’s dismay. The Christmas Show could just be the boost everyone needs if Charlotte can pull it off.
The Nightingale Christmas Show is written differently from the other novels in the series. The story is told from different characters point-of-view. We get to see how each person views what is happening at the hospital along with what is going on in their life. I found it a little strange and repetitive. We start with one character, go forward a few days and then it switches to a different character and goes back to the beginning (and repeat). While it is a different format, I still enjoyed catching up on the lives of the nurses at the Nightingale. I would have preferred the story told from the third person (my personal preference). However, this did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. I recommend reading the books in the Nightingales series in order. Each book builds upon the previous one in the series. We get to catch up with Kathleen Fox, Peggy Atkins, Miriam Trott, Violet Tanner, Dora Riley and Veronica Hanley (now a ghost who likes to bother Kathleen). The characters are friendly, likeable and well-developed. I have enjoyed following these ladies on their journey as they became nurses and navigated the war. I would have liked to know more about Dora Riley and the other trainees from the earlier books. The Nightingale Christmas Show has a great ending, but it seemed like this was the final book (I hope not). I think it would be great if the author introduced a new set of nursing students to the series and we can follow them on their journey along with our regular characters. I am giving The Nightingale Christmas Show 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). If you like the show Call the Midwife, then you will appreciate the Nightingale series. The Nightingale Christmas Show is a heartwarming tale that could make a pleasant read during the holiday season.
The Nightingale Christmas Show is written differently from the other novels in the series. The story is told from different characters point-of-view. We get to see how each person views what is happening at the hospital along with what is going on in their life. I found it a little strange and repetitive. We start with one character, go forward a few days and then it switches to a different character and goes back to the beginning (and repeat). While it is a different format, I still enjoyed catching up on the lives of the nurses at the Nightingale. I would have preferred the story told from the third person (my personal preference). However, this did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. I recommend reading the books in the Nightingales series in order. Each book builds upon the previous one in the series. We get to catch up with Kathleen Fox, Peggy Atkins, Miriam Trott, Violet Tanner, Dora Riley and Veronica Hanley (now a ghost who likes to bother Kathleen). The characters are friendly, likeable and well-developed. I have enjoyed following these ladies on their journey as they became nurses and navigated the war. I would have liked to know more about Dora Riley and the other trainees from the earlier books. The Nightingale Christmas Show has a great ending, but it seemed like this was the final book (I hope not). I think it would be great if the author introduced a new set of nursing students to the series and we can follow them on their journey along with our regular characters. I am giving The Nightingale Christmas Show 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). If you like the show Call the Midwife, then you will appreciate the Nightingale series. The Nightingale Christmas Show is a heartwarming tale that could make a pleasant read during the holiday season.
September 14, 2019
A bittersweet read for me. This is the final book in the original Nightingale Series and while the prequel series is good, I'll miss the old familiar faces I've met during the past ten years at the Nightingale. While other books take place over many months or even years this one covers December up until Christmas day and follows several of the nurses and one volunteer in their lives looking at the same scenes from different perspectives. Kathleen the matron of the hospital has grown disillusioned with her work and longs for a change. She is annoyed by Charlotte the new assistant matron and is seriously considering another position. Charlotte the new assistant matron is adjusting to her life outside of the military and annoying many along the way. She is given the task of organizing a Christmas show for the patients which soon spirals into disaster. The arrival of a holocaust survivor upends her life, but also begins to help her heal wounds she tried to bury. Violet a close friend of the matron finds herself at a cross roads when after fourteen years her mother suddenly reappears in her and her son's life. Miriam in charge of the maternity ward lives in a world of fantasy reading romance novels, never daring to dream she would ever find romance in her own life. Daisy a young student nurse lives to flirt with the doctors and has a reputation of stealing men from her fellow students, leaving her with only one real friend in Rose who puts up with her through everything. Peggy was a VAD during the war and stayed on as a volunteer despite others saying she should try to apply for to the school. Her husband, mother in law and sister rely on her for everything and she has sacrificed everything to keep them happy. But part of her can't help but wonder if there is more to life for her. Part one introduces each character and whatever problem she is facing and part two brings us resolution. I was slightly disappointed there was no reunion of the three main original characters although Dora does make an appearance as ward sister on the children's ward. Other than that it was an engaging, sweet and happy ending to this series.
January 23, 2018
The Nightingale Christmas Show written by Donna Douglas for me was another wonderful work of historical fiction from one of my favourite authors. Once again, we are brought back into the wards of the Nightingale, where the staff need as much care as the patients do.
Donna Douglas changed her storyline layout this time, as with each chapter was based solely on one character and we find out what became of our favourite characters who we met in the earlier books in the series. And for me, I did enjoy finding out how each character ended up or did they get their happy ever after? We meet up with the staff of the hospital once again at Christmas and the Christmas Show is already being looked forward to by everyone, though there is a couple who wished they never said yes they would get involved. It was nice to see all the characters get together and watch each of their personalities clash against each other resulting in a few tempers being raised and friendships being tested.
The Nightingale Christmas Show is the ninth book in a series of nine, therefore this was their goodbye to us readers and I did like how the author told each character's own story but still she showed how the Second World War changed each character's lives, some of their lives were improved while others found it hard to let go of the trials they faced while serving their country.
The Nightingale Christmas Show written by Donna Douglas is another wonderful book and though I am sad to say goodbye to my favourite characters, I once again am very happy to recommend this excellent work of historical fiction which certainly showed how the work of hospitals have changed over the years. Donna Douglas has a great gift for storytelling, and her brilliant writing certainly kept me captivated throughout.
Donna Douglas changed her storyline layout this time, as with each chapter was based solely on one character and we find out what became of our favourite characters who we met in the earlier books in the series. And for me, I did enjoy finding out how each character ended up or did they get their happy ever after? We meet up with the staff of the hospital once again at Christmas and the Christmas Show is already being looked forward to by everyone, though there is a couple who wished they never said yes they would get involved. It was nice to see all the characters get together and watch each of their personalities clash against each other resulting in a few tempers being raised and friendships being tested.
The Nightingale Christmas Show is the ninth book in a series of nine, therefore this was their goodbye to us readers and I did like how the author told each character's own story but still she showed how the Second World War changed each character's lives, some of their lives were improved while others found it hard to let go of the trials they faced while serving their country.
The Nightingale Christmas Show written by Donna Douglas is another wonderful book and though I am sad to say goodbye to my favourite characters, I once again am very happy to recommend this excellent work of historical fiction which certainly showed how the work of hospitals have changed over the years. Donna Douglas has a great gift for storytelling, and her brilliant writing certainly kept me captivated throughout.
September 28, 2021
It's Christmas, 1945. The war is over, but its scars remain.Matron Kathleen Fox has the job of putting the Nightingale Hospital back together. But memories and ghosts of those lost fill the bomb-damaged buildings, and she wonders if she is up to the task.In the name of festive cheer Kathleen decides to put on a Christmas Show for the patients. The idea is greeted with mixed feelings by the nurses, who are struggling with their own post-war problems. And the newly-formed rivalry between newcomer Assistant Matron Charlotte Davis and ward sister Violet Tanner isn’t helping matters.As rehearsals begin however, it seems the show isn’t just a tonic for the patients – could the Nightingale Christmas Show be just what the doctor ordered for the nurses too?The country’s main focus may have been on the war, but reform was still on the agenda for when the fighting stopped. In 1942 The Beveridge Report laid the foundations for the post-war welfare state.Beveridge proposed to tackle five ‘giants on the road to reconstruction’ – want, disease, ignorance, squalor and idleness.War and social change were not the only significant events in health care in the 1940s. Advancing knowledge of the processes of cross-infection led to recommendations that nurses no longer undertake domestic duties, to minimise the risk of them becoming contaminated through ward dust and passing infections on to patients with open wounds.This was warmly welcomed by nurses, who had long fought to be relieved of these duties to free them up to develop their clinical skills.Meanwhile, the potential of penicillin in treating infections had been recognised and the drug became widely available during the war, saving many wounded servicemen who would otherwise have died.Further research also led to the discovery of streptomycin, which was effective against tuberculosis.The antibiotic age had begun. Like much of the rest of the world, Britain had to rebuild after the war. However, unlike the years after the First World War, there was a real determination to push ahead with welfare reform.
January 7, 2018
The Nightingale Christmas Show is the ninth book in the series, following various nurses through their time at the Nightingale Hospital in London’s East End. The series originally followed a group of student nurses in the late 1930s. In the latest book in the series, it’s late 1945 and the Nightingale is slowly beginning to repair itself after the end of World War II. For the staff though, it’s still a tumultuous time.
The story is told from the point of view of different nurses, nearly all of whom we’ve met in previous volumes. Matron Kathleen Fox is undecided as to whether she still has a future at the Nightingale. She’s aware that things aren’t quite what they used to be and delegates her new assistant matron Charlotte to organise a Christmas show for the patients. Matron doesn’t really have her heart in it though and is she consciously setting up Charlotte for failure? Charlotte is a cold fish to the other nurses and people skills are not her thing. Being an outsider too isn’t helping. The Christmas show preparations aren’t getting off to a good start and the staff prefer to look to ward sister Violet for direction. But Violet has her own problems to deal with, as do the student nurses, other sisters and helpers. Love and life are complicating things for the staff, but can they get it together to help the patients out?
I felt that this book read more like a series of interlinked short stories set around the Christmas show. I felt this way as each of the characters has their own problem to deal with which they haven’t revealed to the others and a fair proportion is set away from the setting of the Nightingale. There are also a couple of new to me characters (they may have been introduced already, but I couldn’t remember them!) who didn’t always feel like they added too much to the plot. I felt that reading about the same scenes from different points of view didn’t add too much for me, as the scenes were pretty well described the first time round. Knowing the characters involved, it was easy to predict how they would react.
I’m not sure if there are more stories planned for the series. I missed hearing about some of the favourite ‘originals’, like Dora (she’s around but only rates a few lines). I think it would be great for the series to jump forward a few years and follow a new set of student nurses through their training. Plus, we don’t always need a Christmas book – it doesn’t need to be themed to be fun.
Overall, the story is still heart-warming and it’s a pleasant read for lazy holiday days. I wouldn’t miss out on a Nightingale story, but this wasn’t the strongest for me.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
The story is told from the point of view of different nurses, nearly all of whom we’ve met in previous volumes. Matron Kathleen Fox is undecided as to whether she still has a future at the Nightingale. She’s aware that things aren’t quite what they used to be and delegates her new assistant matron Charlotte to organise a Christmas show for the patients. Matron doesn’t really have her heart in it though and is she consciously setting up Charlotte for failure? Charlotte is a cold fish to the other nurses and people skills are not her thing. Being an outsider too isn’t helping. The Christmas show preparations aren’t getting off to a good start and the staff prefer to look to ward sister Violet for direction. But Violet has her own problems to deal with, as do the student nurses, other sisters and helpers. Love and life are complicating things for the staff, but can they get it together to help the patients out?
I felt that this book read more like a series of interlinked short stories set around the Christmas show. I felt this way as each of the characters has their own problem to deal with which they haven’t revealed to the others and a fair proportion is set away from the setting of the Nightingale. There are also a couple of new to me characters (they may have been introduced already, but I couldn’t remember them!) who didn’t always feel like they added too much to the plot. I felt that reading about the same scenes from different points of view didn’t add too much for me, as the scenes were pretty well described the first time round. Knowing the characters involved, it was easy to predict how they would react.
I’m not sure if there are more stories planned for the series. I missed hearing about some of the favourite ‘originals’, like Dora (she’s around but only rates a few lines). I think it would be great for the series to jump forward a few years and follow a new set of student nurses through their training. Plus, we don’t always need a Christmas book – it doesn’t need to be themed to be fun.
Overall, the story is still heart-warming and it’s a pleasant read for lazy holiday days. I wouldn’t miss out on a Nightingale story, but this wasn’t the strongest for me.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
April 11, 2025
En virkelig dejlig serie om sygehuset The Nighingale og alle de mange ansatte i tiden op til, under og efter 2. verdenskrig. Sygeplejersker, læger, portører og alt midt imellem. I hver bog, får vi fortællingen om 3-4 af de ansatte. I starten af serien var det fortrinsvis sygeplejeeleverne der blev fortalt om. Men nu er det nået til sygeplejerskerne - lederne af afdelingerne. Som - viser det sig - også har et liv udenfor sygehuset. Det skulle man ellers ikke tro!
Kærlighedsaffærer der går godt og andre der går skidt. Familier der trives og andre der ikke er helt så stabile.
Jeg begynder at nærme mig enden på Nightingale, men mangler dog et par stykker. De foregår vist under 1. verdenskrig, så mon ikke jeg møder nye mennesker i de sidste par bøger?
Kærlighedsaffærer der går godt og andre der går skidt. Familier der trives og andre der ikke er helt så stabile.
Jeg begynder at nærme mig enden på Nightingale, men mangler dog et par stykker. De foregår vist under 1. verdenskrig, så mon ikke jeg møder nye mennesker i de sidste par bøger?
November 23, 2017
I Read this on the kindle
This is the 9th book in the series
I enjoyed the book but feel it could be a stand-alone for the most part
Apart from mentioning that Dora one of the original trainees as ward sister no other mention of her family or any of the other original trainees
This one was about matron Miss Trott ward sister & Peggy a helper on the children's ward & a new assistant matron
I did feel that a nice Christmas story but left some open plus would have liked to know about some of the older people mentioned in earlier books not sure if there will be more in the series
This is the 9th book in the series
I enjoyed the book but feel it could be a stand-alone for the most part
Apart from mentioning that Dora one of the original trainees as ward sister no other mention of her family or any of the other original trainees
This one was about matron Miss Trott ward sister & Peggy a helper on the children's ward & a new assistant matron
I did feel that a nice Christmas story but left some open plus would have liked to know about some of the older people mentioned in earlier books not sure if there will be more in the series
November 22, 2017
Another excellent book about the Nightingale Nurses,i found myself back with them sharing their worries and happiness.When i started reading this i was instantly drawn in and found it hard to put down.I have loved following the student nurses through their training to the wards.The problems they faced during the war,also the loss of friend and loved ones.well worth the 5*
May 24, 2020
The nightingale seies
I read all ten of these book the rating is because there excellent I think there interesting there not hard work to keep up with which is what I want a nice relaxing interesting night with my kindle I'm now going on to the district nurses I love donna douglas as an author
I read all ten of these book the rating is because there excellent I think there interesting there not hard work to keep up with which is what I want a nice relaxing interesting night with my kindle I'm now going on to the district nurses I love donna douglas as an author
December 29, 2022
Donna Douglas writes the most vivid and colourful characters. I know she has said she has taken these Nightingale characters as far as she can, but I would love to know more about what happens with Dora and Helen (who is not mentioned in this book). Truly beautiful stories and always a book I cannot put down :)
December 21, 2017
This was a great Christmas book. A very clever plot device kept it set at Christmas. I hate books that are advertised as Christmas books but it's not really Christmas focused. So I really appreciated this book!
December 30, 2017
Quite good
Quite good but not best in the series s it was very repetative. Same story just from different perspectives of characters. Hope the next one is better as previous ones have been great.
Quite good but not best in the series s it was very repetative. Same story just from different perspectives of characters. Hope the next one is better as previous ones have been great.
January 16, 2018
Easy read
A very easy read, tied up a good few lose ends. Not sure if anymore books about the nightingale will be written but I have enjoyed reading them all and if there are to be more then I look forward to reading them
A very easy read, tied up a good few lose ends. Not sure if anymore books about the nightingale will be written but I have enjoyed reading them all and if there are to be more then I look forward to reading them
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