The Homecoming

Land Girls #1

by Roland Moore

The Land Girls are back in a brand new story from the creator and writer of the popular, award-winning BBC drama.

Land Girl Connie Carter thought she’d finally left her past behind once and for all when she married Henry Jameson, Helmstead’s vicar and the love of her life. Bold Connie and mild-mannered Henry might be different as night and day, but she’s determined to be the best wife she can be and prove the village gossips wrong! Only Connie knows she doesn’t fit into Henry’s genteel world of tea-drinking and jam-making, and the cracks are already starting to show.

When Connie’s heroism makes her front page news, her past comes back to haunt her in a terrifying way. A different kind of war has come to Helmstead, and soon it’s a fight for both their marriage and their lives…

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II

401 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2017

Reviews

[Millie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in return for my review.

I had a hard time understanding what was happening at first since I did not watch the TV series. It was an interesting read once I understood what was happening. I wish the pace of this story was faster. The author described very well and his writing is fantastic.

[Kelly Furniss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the BBC drama this book focussed on Connie and her life in London before joining the Land Army. I had read the synopsis and I knew this was a feature but I thought the main story would be the Land Girls in general and the farm but it wasn't which was a tad disappointing.
The story did flow along very well though and the attention to historical detail was good.
There was enough drama, twists and turns to keep me hooked as I literally read the book in two large chunks.
Although it wasn't quite what I expected it was still an enjoyable read.
My thanks go to the author, publisher and Netgalley in providing me with the arc of this book in return for a honest review.

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am addicted to period dramas, and the World War II era versions are plentiful, particularly BBC productions. The creator of Land Girls (you can see it on Netflix), Roland Moore, has planned a series of follow-up stories where the stories continue. Women assigned to the Woman’s Land Army in the UK were relocated from the city to farms throughout the country: working the land in support of the war effort. Women from all walks of life were brought together – and this story focuses on Connie Carter, now Connie Jameson, a woman from London’s East End.

Connie’s life before the land girls was one where she was focused on survival: abandoned as an infant and raised in the local orphanage, she’d progressed from singing on street corners to working multiple scams with Vince then Daniel, never quite feeling safe or secure and always in danger. Relocating and joining the Land Girls gave her a chance to change her life: away from the dangers of the London streets, and to live a normal life. Throughout the show, Connie was always trying to polish off those rough edges and with her new marriage to the town’s vicar, it looks as if things are finally starting to settle for her. No, marriage isn’t easy for Connie, but she loves Henry, even as the local older parishioners are disparaging and judgmental. But Connie’s selfless act after a train crash, and the subsequent news story that went national bring trouble to the doors of the vicarage, in the form of Vince – on the run from a failed scam, wounded and dangerous.

Connie has always kept much of her past a secret and for the second time, a man from her past has come to intrude on the life she and Henry are struggling to make. Used to the brash, rough and alpha approach, Henry’s quiet and reasoned mannerisms are a change that she’s still acclimating to: even as she struggles with the secrets she hasn’t shared and her belief that the women of the parish just may be right – she isn’t good enough. When things upend and Harry disappears after several harsh words, there is no other suspect but Vince: and only Connie can get the answers she needs.

Full of Connie’s interior voice, readers see her struggle with past and present; her desire to make her marriage work even with the difficulties, and her surprise (and dismay) when she slips into the more deceitful and selfish approaches to problem-solving that were second nature in London. With a lovely secondary plot involving a young girl from the train accident, and a new Land Girl at the farm, the story is engaging and full of tension as we wait to see just what will be the final choices for Connie, for Henry and their marriage.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never watched the TV series, but I do enjoy books about women in WW2 (makes a change from the psychological thrillers & murders I usually read) so thought this was a good choice.

The fact that I didn't know the characters from the TV series really didn't matter as I found this an easy book to read without knowing the backstories of the characters. Enough information was given throughout the story so the reader didn't wonder what was going on.

Although this is ostensibly about 'Land Girls', they played a relatively minor part in the book. For some this might be a big mark against it, but I found the story flowed along well without them! It is mainly about how the past catches up with Connie Carter (obviously a main character from the series) and about London crime gangs.

The characters were engaging and the story flowed well. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher, this made a refreshing change for me.

[Skyesmum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I love anything to do with the Land Girls, they were amazing.
The camaraderie in this book depicts the life that they all lead and how the war affected so many different walks of life.

[Jenni Ogden · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trivial and unbelievable story of one of the characters from the TV series of Land Girls. The characters are shallow and tw0-dimensional (perhaps even one dimensional!) and the 'plot' is weak and ridiculous. The book appears to have been written quickly to cash in on the popularity of the TV series. It does it no favours. Thank you to Netgalley for an Advance Reader Copy.

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Land girl Connie Carter, or now Jameson as she has married Henry the local vicar is trying to adjust to married life in the country.
They come from totally different worlds, Henry is bookish, reserved and lives for his parish.
Connie is the life and soul of the party, a scam artist and side kick to dodgy men in her old life back in London.
They are totally different people and their marriage already has difficulties.
But then a shady man called Vince Halliday appears in the village, a cohort from Connie's scandalous past.
He is soon trying to worm his way back into Connie's life and sets in course a chain of events that rocks the community.
A great wartime tale based on the television series.

[Ria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Women's Land Army (WLA) was a British civilian organisation created during the First and Second World Wars so women could work in agriculture, replacing men called up to the military. Women who worked for the WLA were commonly known as Land Girls. - From Wikipedia

I haven't come across a book that told LAND GIRLS stories before, therefore I was extremely excited to read this. In LAND GIRLS: HOMECOMING, Roland Moore pens down the story of Connie Carter, one of the protagonists from the tv show. I hadn't watched this series, so, definitely, I was sceptical whether or not I would enjoy it. However, I was proved wrong. I found myself greatly indulged in the story.

The writing is very detailed and pacy, it paints a vivid picture in the reader's mind and allows to delight in the story completely. When the flashbacks gave the details to enjoy the read well, the unexpected twists and turns of the story kept me on the edge of the seat. In short, this book turned out to be unputdownable. As you can assume, this is set in the great wartime. It allows us to comprehend the roles and lives of land girls, who played an invisible, yet important part in fighting the war. Roland Moore makes it fascinating, by adding more drama into it. I, totally, enjoyed this book. I even watched the first season of the tv show, right after finishing this book. Highly recommended!

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the TV series, and I often find that reading the book afterwards doesn't fit regarding characters, but as this focused on Connie and not more Land Girls exploits, it worked for me.

Considerable attention to the period detail, the characters and the setting are as vivid as the TV series. The plot is intricate, and there are many subplots, which won't appeal to everyone, but I enjoy keeping different character stories in my head.

If you enjoy WW2 stories that focus on women and their contribution to the war effort, you will find this a worthwhile read.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Emmeline · Rating 2 out of 5]

First book read for the summer biannual bibliothon 2018.

This book started off really well and I thought yeah I would really enjoy this, seeing as I enjoy reading books set on the homefront during WW2. However, the book was barely about landgirls and rather London and gangsters. I love reading books set in London but when you pick up a book thinking it will be about landgirls and only 20% of the book pretty much is, it was a bit of a let down. The characters also seemed too similar to me and not much character development took place.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book - Having not seen the TV series, it was initially a bit difficult to catch up, but I was quickly engrossed in the story and characters. I appreciated the imagery and references to the WWII time period. However, I most enjoyed the pacing of the story, the unexpected twists and turns, and how the outcome of all the major characters came together.

[Jacoba and Hermann J. Knolle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing book

I bought this book, thinking it was about land girls, but instead it was all about crime bosses in London. Sadly, not too much about the actual role the land girls played.

[Jan Chiles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

I wish the series was still going. This new "episode" is following Vicar George and new wife Connie as they make a life together. Things aren't going so well and getting worse as Connies' past catches up with her. Appeals to everyone.

[Brenda Bouchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book . It’s was so lovely to read the continuing story of all the Land Girls after the TV series was cancelled. It carries on right where the TV series ended. Wonderful, can’t wait for the next book.

[Vaun Healey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Fascinating story line. Very different characters. This author gives a wonderful description of the areas in which he is writing about. I want to follow this author.

[Lydia Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Homecoming is a compelling and emotionally charged continuation of the Land Girls’ story, blending domestic tension with lingering wartime danger. Roland Moore once again captures the fragile line between peace and conflict, showing how the aftermath of war can be just as threatening as the battlefield itself.

Connie Carter is a fascinating protagonist bold, capable, and determined to reinvent herself within the confines of post-war village life. Her marriage to the gentle and principled Henry Jameson is tender yet fraught, shaped by unspoken differences and the pressure of expectations. Connie’s struggle to belong in a world that values quiet conformity over courage feels authentic and deeply human.

The novel excels at showing how the past refuses to stay buried. Connie’s unexpected heroism and sudden public attention bring old dangers roaring back, shifting the story from domestic drama into suspense. The tension escalates steadily, making it clear that the war may be officially over, but its consequences are not.

What makes The Homecoming especially effective is its emotional balance love, fear, resilience, and vulnerability are all given space to breathe. This is a story about survival, identity, and the cost of bravery, even in times meant for peace.

A gripping and heartfelt read for fans of historical fiction that explores life after war with honesty and intensity.

[Charlee-Ann Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was obsessed with the tv show land girls but was disappointed that it ended so soon. This book has finally answered some questions (although not a single mention of my favourite character Bea which was a bit annoying--but I think these are intended to be a series so hopefully there will be a book about her in future). Unlike the tv show, this book focuses around just one character's story-- Connie Carter but it's a gripping and exciting story.

[Vivien Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book much more than I expected to. It is packed with adventure, danger, criminals, guns... Yet there is emotion and friendship and heroism here too. I loved Connie and her story. Looking forward to reading Book Two.
.

[Sue Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and the series associated with it. I am sure that life at the time was not as fun or colourful as depicted but it makes a good escapist read. I have just enjoyed it again after the first read sometime ago.

[Jono Weir · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had such high hopes for this book! But it was such a let down! I wanted to focus on the characters we grew to know and love from the TV series this book is based on. But instead the main blood I found so boring and rather ridiculous- won’t be reading the others.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series on TV so thought I'd give the books a go. Thoroughly enjoyed it, kept me gripped

[Helen campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light read


Enjoyed this take on life during the war brings back happy memories of the Woolworth and you have to go to work

[Lois Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read. Seemed more about one character than what I had expected, but a good read with some excitement thrown in.

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of a slow start to start off with, but I am surprisingly really getting into it and learning more about the main characters past as the book goes on.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was exciting and addictive, couldn't put it down.

[Mrs Freda Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book

I remember the tv series, which I loved. I enjoy reading about the lives during the war and how resilient people were. Well done

[Susan]

I'm losing interest in this one - too many other books I'd rather read. Moving it back to the To-Read shelf until I need it. 3/28/20

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, very feel good and a lot of fun.

I really enjoyed all the characters and found them very likeable! Easily a 4 star read and would recommend!

[India · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because I enjoyed the accompanying TV series, which ends just before the beginning of this book, however the book was more focused on Connie and her life before becoming a Land Girl, than the goings on of the Land Girls at Pasture Farm. I thought this was a shame as I really enjoyed that aspect of the series, however the book was good and stands alone - you needn't have watched the series in order to read the book.

I found the earlier parts of the book a little slow, but it soon picked up pace and became more enjoyable. I liked the flitting between London/Connie's life in the village, and Margaret's storyline - it kept the book moving at a nice pace and made me want to keep turning the pages.

I found the ending a little rushed, but it was satisfactory and it did make me want to read the next book in the series, which I believe focuses on Iris, instead of Connie.

I'd give it 3.5 stars out of 5.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

As good as the Netflix show!