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Lovely Lane #4
Christmas Angels
A FESTIVE TREAT FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE FOUR STREETS AND THE LOVELY LANE SERIES
The nurses of Lovely Lane face Christmas dramas at the busiest time of the St Angelus year.
Christmas may be the season of goodwill, festive cheer and family cheer for some – but not for the poor of 1950s Liverpool. And for St Angelus Hospital in Lovely Lane, it is frantically busy. There are the old, the dying, the children – and the emergencies. The nurses, known locally as the Angels of Lovely Lane, are run off their feet. Dana, Beth, Pammy and Victoria hardly have time to catch their breath, let alone have a Christmas of their own.
Gripping, gritty, moving, and often humorous too, this is vintage Nadine, a story from the heart of a writer who knows exactly what it is like to be a nurse in a big hospital at Christmas.
The nurses of Lovely Lane face Christmas dramas at the busiest time of the St Angelus year.
Christmas may be the season of goodwill, festive cheer and family cheer for some – but not for the poor of 1950s Liverpool. And for St Angelus Hospital in Lovely Lane, it is frantically busy. There are the old, the dying, the children – and the emergencies. The nurses, known locally as the Angels of Lovely Lane, are run off their feet. Dana, Beth, Pammy and Victoria hardly have time to catch their breath, let alone have a Christmas of their own.
Gripping, gritty, moving, and often humorous too, this is vintage Nadine, a story from the heart of a writer who knows exactly what it is like to be a nurse in a big hospital at Christmas.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2017
674 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Nadine Dorries
41 books270 followersNadine Dorries was born in Liverpool in the 1950s and raised on a council estate, the daughter of a bus driver. Her first novel, THE FOUR STREETS, was inspired by memories of her childhood, particularly her Irish grandmother who she was very close to.
Nadine trained as a nurse, then followed with a successful career in which she established and then sold her own business. She has been the MP for Mid-Befordshire since 2005 and has three daughters.
Nadine is currently working on her second novel, a sequel to THE FOUR STREETS.
Nadine trained as a nurse, then followed with a successful career in which she established and then sold her own business. She has been the MP for Mid-Befordshire since 2005 and has three daughters.
Nadine is currently working on her second novel, a sequel to THE FOUR STREETS.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
October 4, 2018
The fourth book in the series Lovely lane by Nadine Doris.I have read the previous books in this series and yet again another book that I couldn't put down. Set in the 1950's and the early days of the NHS.
The story takes us into the lives of the nurses at the hospital and the families who live in the surrounding area. Both happy and sad times as lives are shared of the patients and staff at the hospital. I had to reach for my tissues a few times as i became so engrossed in the story. There's an awful lot of love for the children on the ward especially at Christmas. In the 1950's children in hospital only got to see their parents once a week and visiting was strictly two visitors at any one time. The nursing staff would have had to dry a few tears of the young patients and love was in abundance at the hospital.
This book deserves more than five stars and I'm really hoping there will be another book in this series. I listened to the audiobook and the story and narration was absolutely brilliant. A truly exceptional book that I couldn't put down.
The story takes us into the lives of the nurses at the hospital and the families who live in the surrounding area. Both happy and sad times as lives are shared of the patients and staff at the hospital. I had to reach for my tissues a few times as i became so engrossed in the story. There's an awful lot of love for the children on the ward especially at Christmas. In the 1950's children in hospital only got to see their parents once a week and visiting was strictly two visitors at any one time. The nursing staff would have had to dry a few tears of the young patients and love was in abundance at the hospital.
This book deserves more than five stars and I'm really hoping there will be another book in this series. I listened to the audiobook and the story and narration was absolutely brilliant. A truly exceptional book that I couldn't put down.
December 18, 2017
From the very first page of CHRISTMAS ANGELS by Nadine Dorries, I fell back in time to Liverpool in the 1950s where people are still coming to terms with what happened during the war, and women are grasping their chance at a more independent lifestyle. But there are some things that should never change and that includes the wonderful and caring community that centres around St Angelus Hospital where everyone looks out for each other whether you want them to or not.
The characters are loveable (well, almost all of them), engaging, and they quickly become your friends and you feel so connected to what is happening in their lives that you become submerged in this story completely. From nurses that have dedicated their lives to their job at the sacrifice of their own personal lives to those who yearn for more but are afraid to reach out, to the community as a whole who will do whatever it takes to protect their own. I laughed, I cared, and I cried while reading this story because CHRISTMAS ANGELS by Nadine Dorries will make you feel all of the emotions while underpinning it all with strong, intelligent characters that convey hope throughout.
CHRISTMAS ANGELS by Nadine Dorries is a must-read for historical fiction fans and it should not be missed!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
The characters are loveable (well, almost all of them), engaging, and they quickly become your friends and you feel so connected to what is happening in their lives that you become submerged in this story completely. From nurses that have dedicated their lives to their job at the sacrifice of their own personal lives to those who yearn for more but are afraid to reach out, to the community as a whole who will do whatever it takes to protect their own. I laughed, I cared, and I cried while reading this story because CHRISTMAS ANGELS by Nadine Dorries will make you feel all of the emotions while underpinning it all with strong, intelligent characters that convey hope throughout.
CHRISTMAS ANGELS by Nadine Dorries is a must-read for historical fiction fans and it should not be missed!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
November 18, 2017
It's the 1950s and Aileen loves being a nurse at St Angelus Hospital in Liverpool. She especially likes working with children and becoming a Staff Nurse is an unexpected and very welcome gift. Aileen learned everything about her profession from sister Tapps, who is the hero of all the children who stay on her ward. Aileen is struggling at home. Her mother is making constant demands and even though Aileen sympathizes with her and tries to do everything she can to make her comfortable she never seems to be or do enough. Will her new position give her even more problems at home?
Sister Tapps has been having health issues. She's lost weight and she hasn't been feeling as well as she used to. Matron thinks she's overworked and insists she'll spend Christmas with her family, but the children of St Angelus are sister Tapps's family and she doesn't want to leave them. Especially since there's an unusual patient on her ward, a tiny baby boy, so neglected nobody thinks he'll make it. Will the nurses of St Angelus be able to save his life? And where will sister Tapps go for Christmas?
Beth and Pammy are doing their best to win the national decorating competition. They of course have the help of staff members, friends and family. Will they succeed? Meanwhile Emily is happily in love. For the first time in her life she feels like she can do whatever she wants. However, her days are never carefree as a hospital is a place filled with drama. Will the nurses find a way to deal with everything that's going on?
Christmas Angels is another wonderful book about the sisters of St Angelus Hospital. It was fun to read about the treasured main characters from the previous Lovely Lane books again. I also liked the main focus on the children's ward. It's an interesting department and my favorite to read about, a lot happens there and I enjoyed reading about both the children and the staff. Aileen is a sweetheart. Her kind and caring nature are a joy to read about. I hoped she'd eventually find her happily ever after as she deserves a lot more than a life filled with manipulation, being under her mother's thumb. I loved witnessing her growth, which was one of the most amazing parts of the story. Just like Aileen sister Tapps has a stunning special personality and I kept hoping her Christmas would be a magical one. She does so much for the children that it's the least she deserves and I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to find out what would happen to her.
Nadine Dorries writes about life and death in a beautiful honest way. In a hospital there are both sad and happy stories, which makes it a place full of highs and lows. I love how Nadine Dorries manages to capture the exact right atmosphere time and time again. It's so easy to picture the hospital, the staff and the main characters because of her detailed and lively descriptions. The Lovely Lane books are true gems and Christmas Angels is another gorgeous story with an ending that moved me to tears. Nadine Dorries keeps surprising me with her heartwarming novels and I highly recommend this series.
Sister Tapps has been having health issues. She's lost weight and she hasn't been feeling as well as she used to. Matron thinks she's overworked and insists she'll spend Christmas with her family, but the children of St Angelus are sister Tapps's family and she doesn't want to leave them. Especially since there's an unusual patient on her ward, a tiny baby boy, so neglected nobody thinks he'll make it. Will the nurses of St Angelus be able to save his life? And where will sister Tapps go for Christmas?
Beth and Pammy are doing their best to win the national decorating competition. They of course have the help of staff members, friends and family. Will they succeed? Meanwhile Emily is happily in love. For the first time in her life she feels like she can do whatever she wants. However, her days are never carefree as a hospital is a place filled with drama. Will the nurses find a way to deal with everything that's going on?
Christmas Angels is another wonderful book about the sisters of St Angelus Hospital. It was fun to read about the treasured main characters from the previous Lovely Lane books again. I also liked the main focus on the children's ward. It's an interesting department and my favorite to read about, a lot happens there and I enjoyed reading about both the children and the staff. Aileen is a sweetheart. Her kind and caring nature are a joy to read about. I hoped she'd eventually find her happily ever after as she deserves a lot more than a life filled with manipulation, being under her mother's thumb. I loved witnessing her growth, which was one of the most amazing parts of the story. Just like Aileen sister Tapps has a stunning special personality and I kept hoping her Christmas would be a magical one. She does so much for the children that it's the least she deserves and I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to find out what would happen to her.
Nadine Dorries writes about life and death in a beautiful honest way. In a hospital there are both sad and happy stories, which makes it a place full of highs and lows. I love how Nadine Dorries manages to capture the exact right atmosphere time and time again. It's so easy to picture the hospital, the staff and the main characters because of her detailed and lively descriptions. The Lovely Lane books are true gems and Christmas Angels is another gorgeous story with an ending that moved me to tears. Nadine Dorries keeps surprising me with her heartwarming novels and I highly recommend this series.
November 3, 2017
Another wonderful book in the Lovely Lane series . I absolutely loved it and it sucked me right into the story from the first page . Nadine Dorries is a wonderful writer and she writes her books in such a way that you literally feel you are in the book with the nurses , domestics and families of lovely Lane . This is fabulous book set in St Angela’s hospital at Christmas time . There is both happiness , sadness and hope through this book and anyone who reads it will find it hard not to shed a tear or two . A massive five stars from me .
November 20, 2017
I have adored Nadine’s books previously and the Lovely Lane series holds a special spot in my heart. The era, the setting, the fact that it’s good old down to earth normal working families just makes it a pleasure to read this series.
As a nurse myself I’m always fascinated to see what it was like ‘pre’ my time. I recall the strictness of matrons etc but this highlights just how much work is involved within all the departments to make a hospital run smoothly. The camaraderie the love and support for the patients and respect for the hierarchy!
Christmas Angels is set in the 1950’s in St. Angelus hospital in Liverpool, the author manages to get under the skin of the nurses, the dockyards, the community. There is always plenty of drama, both happy and sombre but that’s what makes these stories so realistic.
From the very first page you will be enveloped in the goings on and feel as though you are part of the action. Just because it’s Christmas it doesn’t mean things will be simple.
This can be read as a standalone but you will get the full enjoyment and background history if you read in order. If you enjoy historical fiction full of heartwarming moments that keeps you glued to the pages look no further than this.
Five sparkly festive stars from me .. Christmas Angels is perfect reading material for this time of year.
Thanks to the author and publisher. I read and reviewed voluntarily.
As a nurse myself I’m always fascinated to see what it was like ‘pre’ my time. I recall the strictness of matrons etc but this highlights just how much work is involved within all the departments to make a hospital run smoothly. The camaraderie the love and support for the patients and respect for the hierarchy!
Christmas Angels is set in the 1950’s in St. Angelus hospital in Liverpool, the author manages to get under the skin of the nurses, the dockyards, the community. There is always plenty of drama, both happy and sombre but that’s what makes these stories so realistic.
From the very first page you will be enveloped in the goings on and feel as though you are part of the action. Just because it’s Christmas it doesn’t mean things will be simple.
This can be read as a standalone but you will get the full enjoyment and background history if you read in order. If you enjoy historical fiction full of heartwarming moments that keeps you glued to the pages look no further than this.
Five sparkly festive stars from me .. Christmas Angels is perfect reading material for this time of year.
Thanks to the author and publisher. I read and reviewed voluntarily.
January 17, 2018
Another wonderful read by one of my favourite authors. Nadine Dorries has once again written a work of fiction which brings the history of the beginnings of the NHS alive. When the Matron's run the wards with their old-fashioned ways yet those who lived through this time still maintain this was when the hospitals truly cared for their patients.
The book once again is based on the lives of the "Angels" of Lovely Lane and their family and friends. The main character for me was Aileen Paige who has recently promoted to Sister Paige and taken over her own ward. This promotion causes trouble at home, and the author certainly knows how to write a book which pulled at the heartstrings.
I loved each wonderful character in this book, from Sister Haycock who we met in the earlier books along with the Lovely Lane Mafia which had me laughing out loud as they sorted everyone's lives in their own loving but strict ways.
I loved this book from the first page to the last, it had everything from laughing out moments, to those times where tears were not far away. It was wonderful to read about how those who worked in the hospital cared for each other, sometimes they might not have shown it but when times were hard they knew the hand of friendship would be reached out to those in need. It also showed the different sides of society and those families who might not have had much materially but they were rich in so many other ways, especially when it came to love for those around them.
Christmas Angels written by Nadine Dorries is a wonderful read, a work of fiction which showed how the N.H.S. was established when no one dared to go against the Matron's word though many times I am sure they wanted too. It really was the case of Matron knows best!
Happy to recommend.
I would also recommend the audio version as the narrator Georgia Maguire has a wonderful gift of giving each character their own audible tone, and her way with accents really brought a lot to the audible production of this excellent work of historical fiction.
The book once again is based on the lives of the "Angels" of Lovely Lane and their family and friends. The main character for me was Aileen Paige who has recently promoted to Sister Paige and taken over her own ward. This promotion causes trouble at home, and the author certainly knows how to write a book which pulled at the heartstrings.
I loved each wonderful character in this book, from Sister Haycock who we met in the earlier books along with the Lovely Lane Mafia which had me laughing out loud as they sorted everyone's lives in their own loving but strict ways.
I loved this book from the first page to the last, it had everything from laughing out moments, to those times where tears were not far away. It was wonderful to read about how those who worked in the hospital cared for each other, sometimes they might not have shown it but when times were hard they knew the hand of friendship would be reached out to those in need. It also showed the different sides of society and those families who might not have had much materially but they were rich in so many other ways, especially when it came to love for those around them.
Christmas Angels written by Nadine Dorries is a wonderful read, a work of fiction which showed how the N.H.S. was established when no one dared to go against the Matron's word though many times I am sure they wanted too. It really was the case of Matron knows best!
Happy to recommend.
I would also recommend the audio version as the narrator Georgia Maguire has a wonderful gift of giving each character their own audible tone, and her way with accents really brought a lot to the audible production of this excellent work of historical fiction.
January 7, 2026
Moje odkrycie zeszłego roku!🎈 Wzruszałam się, śmiałam i zamartwiałam naprzemienne, czytając ostatnią część serii Pielęgniarki. A to zakończenie... W punkt! 😭 Co prawda czytałam egzemplarze z biblioteki, ale po skończeniu serii zamówiłam wszystkie książki do swojej biblioteczki. Jedna z moich ulubionych serii ever, będę do nien wracać! Pełna ciepła, emocji, świetnie zbudowanych postaci... No bomba!🩷
November 9, 2017
I must admit that I shed a tear or two when I was reading this book. It's not that it's all doom and gloom but it is an emotional rollercoaster of a read which I thoroughly enjoyed. I especially like reading about fifties post war Britain, the period where this book is set and the author certainly has the magic touch to bring everything to life.
March 30, 2019
Brilliant
Once again an insight into the lives of the nurses on lovely lane . We go to Christmas and the children's ward . But still have our favourites Emily, Dessie to name 2 .
We also see how the NHS is growing and how a hospital changes with the lives of working class families in Liverpool I the 1950s
Once again an insight into the lives of the nurses on lovely lane . We go to Christmas and the children's ward . But still have our favourites Emily, Dessie to name 2 .
We also see how the NHS is growing and how a hospital changes with the lives of working class families in Liverpool I the 1950s
February 21, 2018
Again as with the other books this story started slowly for me, but then it more than made up for it by delivering an emotional, heartwarming and gripping story.
It was a pleasure to catch up with the nurses, domestic staff and the families that make up the community of St Angelius Hospital.
Such great writing.
It was a pleasure to catch up with the nurses, domestic staff and the families that make up the community of St Angelius Hospital.
Such great writing.
January 19, 2018
Beautiful book really enjoyed it
March 1, 2020
Wanted more. Was sorry this ended.Sad ending.All nurses worldwide past and present are angels everyday
August 30, 2018
Christmas Angels by Nadine Dorries is the fourth book in The Lovely Lane Series. We go back in time to the 1950s in Liverpool, England at St. Angelus Hospital. Sister Aileen Paige has just been promoted to a ward sister. Work is the bright spot in her life thanks to her spiteful mother, Marion Paige. PC Freddie Watts finds a six month old boy abandoned and rushes the ill child to the hospital for treatment. When Dr. Walker writes “no further treatment” on the little tykes’ chart, the staff is dismayed. They need to find a way to save the little boy they have dubbed Baby Louis while Dr. Walker is out of town. Sister Olive Tapps’s ward is closing for Christmas to give her a much deserved vacation, but it is the last thing she wants. She is determined to find a way to stay at her beloved hospital for the holidays. Pammy, Beth and Emily want Aileen Paige’s ward to win the best decorated ward contest. They are trying to fit in their design preparations in between ward duties, but an emergency might derail their plans. Will the nurses be able to provide a lovely Christmas for their patients? Join the ladies at St. Angelus Hospital to see how things play out in Christmas Angels.
Christmas Angels is a heartwarming novel. I recommend reading the books in The Lovely Lane Series in order. Each book in this series builds upon the previous one. Christmas Angels is well-written with a gentle pace (suits the book) which makes for a pleasing book to read. Nadine Dorries captures the era and hospital setting. England was different from America after World War II. Rationing was still in effect with many items unavailable. She crafted characters that readers care about and want to know what happens to next. Christmas Angels features Aileen Page. It was nice to find out more about her. She has a rough life courtesy of her horrid mother, Marion Paige. I found Christmas Angels to be an emotional novel with high moments that will have you smiling and low moments that will have you tearing up (have a tissue handy). Nursing was very different in the 1950s where nurses had to wear a certain uniform, behave in a certain manner, and there was a strict hierarchical structure. Christmas Angels is an engaging story that will grab your attention from the first page and hold it until you read the very last word. I am eager for the next installment in The Lovely Lane series.
Christmas Angels is a heartwarming novel. I recommend reading the books in The Lovely Lane Series in order. Each book in this series builds upon the previous one. Christmas Angels is well-written with a gentle pace (suits the book) which makes for a pleasing book to read. Nadine Dorries captures the era and hospital setting. England was different from America after World War II. Rationing was still in effect with many items unavailable. She crafted characters that readers care about and want to know what happens to next. Christmas Angels features Aileen Page. It was nice to find out more about her. She has a rough life courtesy of her horrid mother, Marion Paige. I found Christmas Angels to be an emotional novel with high moments that will have you smiling and low moments that will have you tearing up (have a tissue handy). Nursing was very different in the 1950s where nurses had to wear a certain uniform, behave in a certain manner, and there was a strict hierarchical structure. Christmas Angels is an engaging story that will grab your attention from the first page and hold it until you read the very last word. I am eager for the next installment in The Lovely Lane series.
December 22, 2017
Sister Tapps
From page 1 I loved this book about the nurses there families but mostly about sister Tapps what a special lady had me in tears 5STARS definitely worth it from a fab author
From page 1 I loved this book about the nurses there families but mostly about sister Tapps what a special lady had me in tears 5STARS definitely worth it from a fab author
April 23, 2024
„Gwiazdka w Lovely Lane” to ostatnia część czterotomowej serii, traktującej o losach pielęgniarek, pracujących w angielskim szpitalu St. Angelus. Właściwie to każdy tom skupia się na innym zagadnieniu związanym z tym szpitalem, ale całość tworzy przepiękną sagę o miłości, poświęceniu i wspieraniu się wzajemnie. Pierwszy tom to „Anioły z Lovely Lane”. Opowiada o losach czterech dziewcząt, które dopiero rozpoczynają naukę w szkole pielęgniarstwa. Ich perypetie, wzloty i upadki wplecione w nastrój deszczowej Anglii i liverpoolskich doków to coś, co urzekło mnie niesamowicie. Zresztą drugi tom był jeszcze bardziej klimatyczny. „Dzieci z Lovely Lane” chwyciły mnie za serce i długo nie opuszczały jego zakątka. Wzruszająca historia i wspaniałe zakończenie… i znowu ten magiczny nastrój rodem z Harrego Pottera. Nad trzecim tomem nawet się nie zastanawiałam. Połknęłam go w dwa dni, chłonąc opowieści o kobietach, które z jednej strony muszą sobie radzić z biedą i chorobami, a z drugiej robić wszystko, aby ich dzieci nie zeszły na złą drogę. Ostatni tom, czyli „Gwiazdka w Lovely Lane” to taka wisienka na torcie. Wspaniała historia, okraszona bożonarodzeniowym nastrojem, jest niesamowicie ciepłą i cudowną powieścią, która ogrzeje niejedno serce.
Każdy tom można czytać oddzielnie, choć oczywiście dopiero lektura całości pozwala wsiąknąć w ten angielski klimat. Wyobraźcie sobie ulicę w Anglii. Z dwóch stron domy, pośrodku brukowana ulica, świecąca się od deszczu. Gdzieś z boku latarnia daje żółte światło i nagle słyszycie tupot stóp. W kadr wbiegają zaaferowane dziewczęta - każda w wykrochmalonym czepku, śnieżnobiałym fartuszku, każda oddana swojej pracy. Taki obrazek towarzyszył mi przez całą lekturę tej powieści. Byłam zachwycona.
Czwarty tom to przede wszystkim konkurs na najpiękniej przystrojony oddział szpitalny. Właściwie wszyscy pracują przy produkcji ozdób, co umożliwia ploteczki i planowanie drobnych działań, które pomogą losowi. A jest w czym pomagać! Siostra Tapps potrzebuje zrozumienia i pomocy w pojęciu tego, co w życiu jest najważniejsze. Przełożona oddziału dziecięcego Aillen również wydaje się być w rozpaczliwiej sytuacji. Z jednej strony serce wyrywa się do przystojnego policjanta, a z drugiej poczucie obowiązku nie pozwala pozostawić matki. A matula (podła jędza) zrobi wszystko, aby nie pozwolić Aileen być szczęśliwą. Jest jeszcze maleńki chłopczyk znaleziony w starym magazynie, o którego życie walczą niemal wszyscy pracownicy szpitala. Losy zarówno tej trójki jak i bohaterów poznanych w poprzednich tomach urzekły mnie i wzruszyły. Czytałam każda literkę tej powieści z ogromna przyjemnością.
Bardzo zaciekawiło mnie tło polityczne i zmiany, które zachodziły w powojennej Anglii. Kobiety naprawdę musiały walczyć o swoje prawa. Autorka bardzo sugestywnie ukazała, jak niewłaściwe moralnie w tamtych czasach było odbierane zachowanie kobiet żyjących z partnerami bez ślubu. Niesamowite również jest zakaz zakładania rodzin przez pielęgniarki, dzięki czemu (zdaniem rządzących) oddawały się one pracy bez reszty, nie mając rodziny ani innych bliskich. Są też ukazane zabawne sytuacje, które dla nas są aż śmieszne, np. reakcja na wynalezienie kalki kreślarskiej, albo pierwsze próby reanimacji.
Podsumowując, – jeżeli tylko z półki księgarskiej lub bibliotecznej będą się do Was z okładki uśmiechać śliczne pielęgniarki z Lovely Lane, chwytajcie i biegnijcie do domu. Aż zazdroszczę tym, którzy przyjemność czytania tej serii mają jeszcze przed sobą.
Każdy tom można czytać oddzielnie, choć oczywiście dopiero lektura całości pozwala wsiąknąć w ten angielski klimat. Wyobraźcie sobie ulicę w Anglii. Z dwóch stron domy, pośrodku brukowana ulica, świecąca się od deszczu. Gdzieś z boku latarnia daje żółte światło i nagle słyszycie tupot stóp. W kadr wbiegają zaaferowane dziewczęta - każda w wykrochmalonym czepku, śnieżnobiałym fartuszku, każda oddana swojej pracy. Taki obrazek towarzyszył mi przez całą lekturę tej powieści. Byłam zachwycona.
Czwarty tom to przede wszystkim konkurs na najpiękniej przystrojony oddział szpitalny. Właściwie wszyscy pracują przy produkcji ozdób, co umożliwia ploteczki i planowanie drobnych działań, które pomogą losowi. A jest w czym pomagać! Siostra Tapps potrzebuje zrozumienia i pomocy w pojęciu tego, co w życiu jest najważniejsze. Przełożona oddziału dziecięcego Aillen również wydaje się być w rozpaczliwiej sytuacji. Z jednej strony serce wyrywa się do przystojnego policjanta, a z drugiej poczucie obowiązku nie pozwala pozostawić matki. A matula (podła jędza) zrobi wszystko, aby nie pozwolić Aileen być szczęśliwą. Jest jeszcze maleńki chłopczyk znaleziony w starym magazynie, o którego życie walczą niemal wszyscy pracownicy szpitala. Losy zarówno tej trójki jak i bohaterów poznanych w poprzednich tomach urzekły mnie i wzruszyły. Czytałam każda literkę tej powieści z ogromna przyjemnością.
Bardzo zaciekawiło mnie tło polityczne i zmiany, które zachodziły w powojennej Anglii. Kobiety naprawdę musiały walczyć o swoje prawa. Autorka bardzo sugestywnie ukazała, jak niewłaściwe moralnie w tamtych czasach było odbierane zachowanie kobiet żyjących z partnerami bez ślubu. Niesamowite również jest zakaz zakładania rodzin przez pielęgniarki, dzięki czemu (zdaniem rządzących) oddawały się one pracy bez reszty, nie mając rodziny ani innych bliskich. Są też ukazane zabawne sytuacje, które dla nas są aż śmieszne, np. reakcja na wynalezienie kalki kreślarskiej, albo pierwsze próby reanimacji.
Podsumowując, – jeżeli tylko z półki księgarskiej lub bibliotecznej będą się do Was z okładki uśmiechać śliczne pielęgniarki z Lovely Lane, chwytajcie i biegnijcie do domu. Aż zazdroszczę tym, którzy przyjemność czytania tej serii mają jeszcze przed sobą.
November 23, 2017
Christmas Angels by Nadine Dorries is the forth book in the Lovely Lane series. It features characters working in the St. Angelus hospital in Liverpool and living on Lovely Lane. This could easily be read as a standalone but I think you will find more enjoyment if you have read the previous novels as some characters do carry over. I was a little sad that Dana and Victoria from the previous story do not feature in this novel but there are plenty of characters in this novel to love, Sister Paige being a favourite of mine.
The story starts with Maura and Tom Doherty, residents of Lovely Lane who are caring for their little girl Angela who is suffering from a chest infection. She is admitted to the hospital which leaves Maura sick with worry as this was at the very beginnings at the NHS and hospitals were still seen as scary places for most people.
On the wards Sister Tapp is battling a hidden illness while determined to still give her patients on the children’s ward their best Christmas ever and newly appointed Sister Paige is trying to balance her working life with the demands of her manipulative mother.
Beth and Pammy are enjoying the Christmas festivities and determined that their ward will win the best decorated ward competition, but things are thrown into turmoil when little baby Louis is found neglected and abandoned in a locked up garage. Little Louis wins the hearts of all those around him and the whole hospital are praying he pulls through and gets better.
This is a beautifully written novel which had me totally absorbed from the start, it’s a novel which I struggled to put down as it pulled on the heartstrings bigtime with how emotional it is. I can pretty much guarantee if you read this you will shed a tear or two, especially with the storyline of baby Louis.
It is a novel which makes you feel as if you are there alongside the nurses and staff of St. Angelus as daily life is described in such a way that makes reading about housework captivating. This attention to detail brings to life the joys and heartache of Lovely Lane, especially in this novel where Christmas features heavily. You can picture how magical the children’s ward must have looked once the nurses had decorated and can imagine how enchanting it would be to hear the nurses singing on Christmas Eve. This is a novel which for me brings alive the true magic of Christmas of sharing, rejoicing and letting those we love know just how special they really are.
Despite featuring many storylines Nadine Dorries has manged to seamlessly work them all together to make a truly stunning read with an ending which works perfectly. I’m hoping there is another novel featuring the characters of Lovely Lane as I don’t think I could tire of reading about them ever, but I have a feeling this book could be the last one.
Thank you so much to Head of Zeus for sending me a copy to review and for inviting me to be part of the blog tour, I adored this book so much.
The story starts with Maura and Tom Doherty, residents of Lovely Lane who are caring for their little girl Angela who is suffering from a chest infection. She is admitted to the hospital which leaves Maura sick with worry as this was at the very beginnings at the NHS and hospitals were still seen as scary places for most people.
On the wards Sister Tapp is battling a hidden illness while determined to still give her patients on the children’s ward their best Christmas ever and newly appointed Sister Paige is trying to balance her working life with the demands of her manipulative mother.
Beth and Pammy are enjoying the Christmas festivities and determined that their ward will win the best decorated ward competition, but things are thrown into turmoil when little baby Louis is found neglected and abandoned in a locked up garage. Little Louis wins the hearts of all those around him and the whole hospital are praying he pulls through and gets better.
This is a beautifully written novel which had me totally absorbed from the start, it’s a novel which I struggled to put down as it pulled on the heartstrings bigtime with how emotional it is. I can pretty much guarantee if you read this you will shed a tear or two, especially with the storyline of baby Louis.
It is a novel which makes you feel as if you are there alongside the nurses and staff of St. Angelus as daily life is described in such a way that makes reading about housework captivating. This attention to detail brings to life the joys and heartache of Lovely Lane, especially in this novel where Christmas features heavily. You can picture how magical the children’s ward must have looked once the nurses had decorated and can imagine how enchanting it would be to hear the nurses singing on Christmas Eve. This is a novel which for me brings alive the true magic of Christmas of sharing, rejoicing and letting those we love know just how special they really are.
Despite featuring many storylines Nadine Dorries has manged to seamlessly work them all together to make a truly stunning read with an ending which works perfectly. I’m hoping there is another novel featuring the characters of Lovely Lane as I don’t think I could tire of reading about them ever, but I have a feeling this book could be the last one.
Thank you so much to Head of Zeus for sending me a copy to review and for inviting me to be part of the blog tour, I adored this book so much.
November 17, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the Publishers, Head of Zeus, for the review copy which was given in exchange for an honest review. Also thank you to Suzanne from Head of Zeus for organising the blog tour.
This is the fourth book in the Lovely Lane series. It can be read as a standalone, but it does make more sense for the story and characters to have read the others first.
We are back at the hospital of St Angelus, and it is the run up to Christmas. There is a Sister vacancy available on the Paediatric Ward and Sister Antrobus has her eye on the job, although Matron has other ideas. The nurses, Dana, Beth, Pammy and Victoria are all very busy with it being near Christmas. There is also the matter of the Best Decorated Ward competition, which each ward are determined to win. On a more serious side, a young baby is found abandoned and bought into the hospital seriously ill. No one has taken responsibility as to him being their baby and all the nurses, particularly Sister Haycock have made it their responsibility to get him better. Matron also has her worries with Sister Tapps. She has not had a Christmas off for so many years, preferring to spend her Christmas with the children on her Ward. Matron decides to close Sister Tapps Ward over Christmas, moving what children are to remain in hospital to Sister Paige’s Ward. This is a big shock to Sister Tapps as she doesn’t want to spend Christmas anywhere else, but as time goes on she begins to see that she may have more important things to worry about.
This was my first Lovely Lane book. I have read other books from this author, but not from this series. I did at first get a bit confused with all the different characters as I wasn’t sure if these nurses were in any of the other books, but I soon settled into the story and got to know the characters. Based in the 1950’s, the story begins with a dockyard family, Maura and Tommy Doherty and their two girls Kitty and Angela. It just grabbed me right from the first word. Maura was trying to tend to her youngest daughter Angela who was suffering from what seemed a very bad chest infection. The NHS was still in its infancy, and whilst they could now get free healthcare, it was still a lot different to how we receive it today.
There are so many stories within the book, all rolling into one. Everything flowed so well and I just could not put the book down. The writing makes you feel like you are right there, on the wards, with all the nurses and the children. Each nurse had their own story going, and whilst there were a lot of happy tales, there was also so much sadness. I won’t risk any spoilers by going into too much detail, but safe to say it was very moving by the end. I was reading this book at every little opportunity I had and some were while I was waiting for appointments or out in public. I found it so hard not to burst into tears with the story and to be honest I probably didn’t really take in the wonderful writing that it was by the end. I will have to find a quiet corner at home, with a box of tissues, just to reread the last quarter of the book so I can appreciate the tender writing of such a sad time.
On a happier note, the book is very Christmassy! There are lots of trees and decorations, particularly with the Best Dressed Ward competition. There is also lots of carols and singing, with the nurses going round the wards on Christmas Eve singing Christmas Carols to the patients left in hospital. This was such a wonderful image, and I’ve seen this happening on films!! – it’s a shame that this doesn’t still happen today on the wards – or does it?! I’ve never been in hospital at Christmas so perhaps it does happen still!! What a wonderful sight that must be and how lovely it must have been, particularly for all the children in hospital over Christmas!
If you are going to read any book over Christmas, make it this one. It a story of love, friendship and sadness and I defy anyone who reads this not to shed a tear or two. A wonderful Christmas story about the nurses of Lovely Lane! Fabulous!
Five Stars!
This is the fourth book in the Lovely Lane series. It can be read as a standalone, but it does make more sense for the story and characters to have read the others first.
We are back at the hospital of St Angelus, and it is the run up to Christmas. There is a Sister vacancy available on the Paediatric Ward and Sister Antrobus has her eye on the job, although Matron has other ideas. The nurses, Dana, Beth, Pammy and Victoria are all very busy with it being near Christmas. There is also the matter of the Best Decorated Ward competition, which each ward are determined to win. On a more serious side, a young baby is found abandoned and bought into the hospital seriously ill. No one has taken responsibility as to him being their baby and all the nurses, particularly Sister Haycock have made it their responsibility to get him better. Matron also has her worries with Sister Tapps. She has not had a Christmas off for so many years, preferring to spend her Christmas with the children on her Ward. Matron decides to close Sister Tapps Ward over Christmas, moving what children are to remain in hospital to Sister Paige’s Ward. This is a big shock to Sister Tapps as she doesn’t want to spend Christmas anywhere else, but as time goes on she begins to see that she may have more important things to worry about.
This was my first Lovely Lane book. I have read other books from this author, but not from this series. I did at first get a bit confused with all the different characters as I wasn’t sure if these nurses were in any of the other books, but I soon settled into the story and got to know the characters. Based in the 1950’s, the story begins with a dockyard family, Maura and Tommy Doherty and their two girls Kitty and Angela. It just grabbed me right from the first word. Maura was trying to tend to her youngest daughter Angela who was suffering from what seemed a very bad chest infection. The NHS was still in its infancy, and whilst they could now get free healthcare, it was still a lot different to how we receive it today.
There are so many stories within the book, all rolling into one. Everything flowed so well and I just could not put the book down. The writing makes you feel like you are right there, on the wards, with all the nurses and the children. Each nurse had their own story going, and whilst there were a lot of happy tales, there was also so much sadness. I won’t risk any spoilers by going into too much detail, but safe to say it was very moving by the end. I was reading this book at every little opportunity I had and some were while I was waiting for appointments or out in public. I found it so hard not to burst into tears with the story and to be honest I probably didn’t really take in the wonderful writing that it was by the end. I will have to find a quiet corner at home, with a box of tissues, just to reread the last quarter of the book so I can appreciate the tender writing of such a sad time.
On a happier note, the book is very Christmassy! There are lots of trees and decorations, particularly with the Best Dressed Ward competition. There is also lots of carols and singing, with the nurses going round the wards on Christmas Eve singing Christmas Carols to the patients left in hospital. This was such a wonderful image, and I’ve seen this happening on films!! – it’s a shame that this doesn’t still happen today on the wards – or does it?! I’ve never been in hospital at Christmas so perhaps it does happen still!! What a wonderful sight that must be and how lovely it must have been, particularly for all the children in hospital over Christmas!
If you are going to read any book over Christmas, make it this one. It a story of love, friendship and sadness and I defy anyone who reads this not to shed a tear or two. A wonderful Christmas story about the nurses of Lovely Lane! Fabulous!
Five Stars!
November 22, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Christmas is a time for loved ones, sharing memories, as well as creating new ones. Unfortunately though, that isn’t always the case for everyone – as you will no doubt realise when you delve into ‘Christmas Angels’. With a storyline packed full to the brim with heartache, illnesses, abandonment, and extremely bitter family members, it’s a wonder how the author managed to turn all of those heartbreaking moments into the heart-warming, touching, poignant and memorable storyline that ‘Christmas Angels’ turned out to be. This is only my second novel by Nadine Dorries, but with such genuine warmth flying off the pages (aka the authors words), it feels as though I have been reading Dorries’ novels for a very long time.
Set in the 1950’s when the healthcare system was a lot different from today, ‘simple’ illnesses, by today’s standards, were a lot harder to treat meaning that people could be on the brink of losing a loved one. The nurses at St Angelus Hospital are working around the clock as they treat to treat all of the patients who come through their doors both physically, and emotionally. ‘Christmas Angels’ was set when the NHS was dipping its toe into the water and, contrary to popular belief, it’s a system which has come a long way in the last 60+ years and reading this book makes you appreciate the NHS that little bit more.
For me, the true highlight of this novel was the community spirit. As daft as this sounds, I am incredibly jealous of that as times have drastically changed and community spirit is severely lacking. I am so glad that authors like Nadine Dorries keep the community and fighting spirit alive in their novels. We really do need it.
I’m not going to lie, there storyline does contain a lot of heartache and emotional situations which for me, got a little bit too hard to digest at times because it chipped away at the ice around my heart until I had no more. I think I underestimated how emotional this novel was going to be so make sure you read this book with a huge box of tissues next to you.
Touching, moving and heartbreakingly beautiful, Nadine Dorries puts the spotlight on community spirit at Christmas time in the most humble and poignant manner, igniting the Christmassy spirit in readers everywhere – guaranteed.
Thanks HoZ.
Christmas is a time for loved ones, sharing memories, as well as creating new ones. Unfortunately though, that isn’t always the case for everyone – as you will no doubt realise when you delve into ‘Christmas Angels’. With a storyline packed full to the brim with heartache, illnesses, abandonment, and extremely bitter family members, it’s a wonder how the author managed to turn all of those heartbreaking moments into the heart-warming, touching, poignant and memorable storyline that ‘Christmas Angels’ turned out to be. This is only my second novel by Nadine Dorries, but with such genuine warmth flying off the pages (aka the authors words), it feels as though I have been reading Dorries’ novels for a very long time.
Set in the 1950’s when the healthcare system was a lot different from today, ‘simple’ illnesses, by today’s standards, were a lot harder to treat meaning that people could be on the brink of losing a loved one. The nurses at St Angelus Hospital are working around the clock as they treat to treat all of the patients who come through their doors both physically, and emotionally. ‘Christmas Angels’ was set when the NHS was dipping its toe into the water and, contrary to popular belief, it’s a system which has come a long way in the last 60+ years and reading this book makes you appreciate the NHS that little bit more.
For me, the true highlight of this novel was the community spirit. As daft as this sounds, I am incredibly jealous of that as times have drastically changed and community spirit is severely lacking. I am so glad that authors like Nadine Dorries keep the community and fighting spirit alive in their novels. We really do need it.
I’m not going to lie, there storyline does contain a lot of heartache and emotional situations which for me, got a little bit too hard to digest at times because it chipped away at the ice around my heart until I had no more. I think I underestimated how emotional this novel was going to be so make sure you read this book with a huge box of tissues next to you.
Touching, moving and heartbreakingly beautiful, Nadine Dorries puts the spotlight on community spirit at Christmas time in the most humble and poignant manner, igniting the Christmassy spirit in readers everywhere – guaranteed.
Thanks HoZ.
December 30, 2017
This is a truly beautiful read which authentically demonstrates how high a hospital is held in esteem by the staff, patients and local residents.
Although this is the fourth in series, it is a great stand-alone read (I haven’t read the first three – yet). The characters come from all walks of life and cover all levels of hierarchy within the hospital and the surrounding area. From the maids to the Matron and including the woman in charge of the home where some of the nurses live, it is an all encompassing novel. The poverty of the area surrounding the docks comes across and the hardships of the mothers and wives who struggle against dirt and grime each day of their lives to try and keep their children clean, well-fed and cared for .. and at the heart of it all is the staff of St. Angelus who tend to the sick.
Immersed in the lives of the hospital nurses and the newly promoted Sister Paige, this is a happy and joyous read but there are bittersweet moments too and I don’t think it’s possible to reach the final page without brushing a tear from your eye at least once! Having said that, it’s a lovely complete read with all the ends nicely finished off. Would I recommend this? Yes, definitely and especially if you enjoy post war novels set in areas of poverty and need.
My thanks to Melanie Price of Head of Zeus for alerting me to this one, and NG for providing my copy. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
Although this is the fourth in series, it is a great stand-alone read (I haven’t read the first three – yet). The characters come from all walks of life and cover all levels of hierarchy within the hospital and the surrounding area. From the maids to the Matron and including the woman in charge of the home where some of the nurses live, it is an all encompassing novel. The poverty of the area surrounding the docks comes across and the hardships of the mothers and wives who struggle against dirt and grime each day of their lives to try and keep their children clean, well-fed and cared for .. and at the heart of it all is the staff of St. Angelus who tend to the sick.
Immersed in the lives of the hospital nurses and the newly promoted Sister Paige, this is a happy and joyous read but there are bittersweet moments too and I don’t think it’s possible to reach the final page without brushing a tear from your eye at least once! Having said that, it’s a lovely complete read with all the ends nicely finished off. Would I recommend this? Yes, definitely and especially if you enjoy post war novels set in areas of poverty and need.
My thanks to Melanie Price of Head of Zeus for alerting me to this one, and NG for providing my copy. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
Read
December 13, 2022Dla mnie jest to powrót do serii, ale i jednocześnie zakończenie serii. Zakończenie gdyż pomimo napisanych przez autorkę 6 części cyklu, w Polsce wydano tylko 4. Czy i kiedy będziemy mieli szansę poznać dalsze losy bohaterów szpitala St. Angelus niewiadomo.
Długo zwlekałam z powrotem do pielęgniarek z Liverpoolu, dlaczego? Z jednej strony nie chciałam kończyć serii za szybko, a z drugiej kiedy jak nie w okresie przedświątecznym najlepiej jest sięgnąć po książkę, w której tematem przewodnim są przygotowania do Świąt Bożego Narodzenia?
Niemniej jednak, miło było wrócić do bohaterów- do zakochanej po uszy Emily (dyrektorki szkoły pielęgniarstwa), do siostry przełożonej pielęgniarek, a przede wszystkim do Aniołów, pielęgniarek z Lovely Lane, choć z 4 pielęgniarek z pierwszej części w tej pojawiają się już tylko 2. Niezmiennie jednak, tak jak przez poprzednie części tak i przez tą się dosłownie płynie, strony umykają jedna po drugiej. Jak już dacie się wciągnąć lekturze to nie będziecie mogli przestać czytać.
Siostra Tappsy, Louis- zaniedbany chłopiec wyszarpnięty śmierci przez pielęgniarki wbrew zaleceniu lekarza oraz wspomniane przygotowania do BN połączone z dekorowaniem oddziału pediatrycznego na okres świąteczny to tylko niektóre z tematów tej pozycji. Oczywiście nie zabraknie tu też życia prywatnego wybranych pracowników szpitala, miłosnych rozterek, ani knowań mafii szpitalnej. Polecam.
Długo zwlekałam z powrotem do pielęgniarek z Liverpoolu, dlaczego? Z jednej strony nie chciałam kończyć serii za szybko, a z drugiej kiedy jak nie w okresie przedświątecznym najlepiej jest sięgnąć po książkę, w której tematem przewodnim są przygotowania do Świąt Bożego Narodzenia?
Niemniej jednak, miło było wrócić do bohaterów- do zakochanej po uszy Emily (dyrektorki szkoły pielęgniarstwa), do siostry przełożonej pielęgniarek, a przede wszystkim do Aniołów, pielęgniarek z Lovely Lane, choć z 4 pielęgniarek z pierwszej części w tej pojawiają się już tylko 2. Niezmiennie jednak, tak jak przez poprzednie części tak i przez tą się dosłownie płynie, strony umykają jedna po drugiej. Jak już dacie się wciągnąć lekturze to nie będziecie mogli przestać czytać.
Siostra Tappsy, Louis- zaniedbany chłopiec wyszarpnięty śmierci przez pielęgniarki wbrew zaleceniu lekarza oraz wspomniane przygotowania do BN połączone z dekorowaniem oddziału pediatrycznego na okres świąteczny to tylko niektóre z tematów tej pozycji. Oczywiście nie zabraknie tu też życia prywatnego wybranych pracowników szpitala, miłosnych rozterek, ani knowań mafii szpitalnej. Polecam.
December 24, 2023
Nadine conjures up the feel of working class Liverpool well. She also depicts well the old nursing structure, with a Matron virtually controlling the hospital with a team of Sisters under her.
There is plenty of action as well as some romance in this novel. There are quite a few interlocking story lines. I found myself easily losing track of time as I became engrossed with the story.
Clearly Nadine is writing about subjects she understands well, having been born into a Catholic working class family in Liverpool and having worked as a trainee nurse in a hospital in nearby Warrington. This comes through clearly in her writing.
The women in this novel come across as strong characters, but the men all seem quite weak. Perhaps that was Nadine’s experience of the way things were in that area in the 1960s, and perhaps of how they were too in hospitals of the day. Also, she draws the characters and personalities of the women well, but the men are just background characters. As this is a novel about nurses (who were almost exclusively female in those days) this is to be expected to a degree, but I get the impression (which may be wrong) that she would have some difficulty writing a novel with strong and well described male characters.
This novel does not come across as a masterpiece of fiction, but it is certainly an enjoyable read.
There is plenty of action as well as some romance in this novel. There are quite a few interlocking story lines. I found myself easily losing track of time as I became engrossed with the story.
Clearly Nadine is writing about subjects she understands well, having been born into a Catholic working class family in Liverpool and having worked as a trainee nurse in a hospital in nearby Warrington. This comes through clearly in her writing.
The women in this novel come across as strong characters, but the men all seem quite weak. Perhaps that was Nadine’s experience of the way things were in that area in the 1960s, and perhaps of how they were too in hospitals of the day. Also, she draws the characters and personalities of the women well, but the men are just background characters. As this is a novel about nurses (who were almost exclusively female in those days) this is to be expected to a degree, but I get the impression (which may be wrong) that she would have some difficulty writing a novel with strong and well described male characters.
This novel does not come across as a masterpiece of fiction, but it is certainly an enjoyable read.
February 19, 2025
Seria o pielęgniarkach ze szpitala St. Angelus jest już dobrze znana. Ja jestem ogromną fanką wszystkich książek, a czwarta odsłona o życiu naszych ukochanych Aniołów po raz kolejny skradła moje serce.
„Gwiazdka w Lovely Lane” – jak tytuł wskazuje, wprowadza nas w czas bożonarodzeniowych przygotowań. Na oddziale pediatrycznym ląduje zaniedbany i zagłodzony prawie na śmierć chłopczyk, a ukochane przez wszystkich mieszkańców pielęgniarki starają się go ocalić, zapewniając jednocześnie wspaniałe święta najmłodszym pacjentom.
To, w jaki sposób autorka opisuje szpitalne życie z perspektywy nie tylko jego personelu, ale także pacjentów i ich rodzin, sprawia, że emocjom nie ma końca. Walka o życie pacjentów, poświęcenie do granic możliwości, przyjaźń, miłość pomimo przeciwności losu powodują nie raz ogromne wzruszenie. Nie brakuje także wspaniałego humoru, dzięki któremu biedni mieszkańcy Liverpoolu pokonują trudy każdego dnia i przepełnieni świątecznym nastrojem potrafią być szczęśliwi bez względu na wszystko.
Tym razem losy jednej z bohaterek, cichego anioła, poruszyły mnie tak bardzo, że pod koniec wylałam morze łez i wciąż nie mogę dojść do siebie. Dorries dzięki tej historii pokazuje, że dla niektórych kobiet zawód pielęgniarki to nie tylko praca – to przede wszystkim ich całe życie, któremu oddają się, poświęcając przy tym siebie. Dlatego chwała im <3
„Gwiazdka w Lovely Lane” – jak tytuł wskazuje, wprowadza nas w czas bożonarodzeniowych przygotowań. Na oddziale pediatrycznym ląduje zaniedbany i zagłodzony prawie na śmierć chłopczyk, a ukochane przez wszystkich mieszkańców pielęgniarki starają się go ocalić, zapewniając jednocześnie wspaniałe święta najmłodszym pacjentom.
To, w jaki sposób autorka opisuje szpitalne życie z perspektywy nie tylko jego personelu, ale także pacjentów i ich rodzin, sprawia, że emocjom nie ma końca. Walka o życie pacjentów, poświęcenie do granic możliwości, przyjaźń, miłość pomimo przeciwności losu powodują nie raz ogromne wzruszenie. Nie brakuje także wspaniałego humoru, dzięki któremu biedni mieszkańcy Liverpoolu pokonują trudy każdego dnia i przepełnieni świątecznym nastrojem potrafią być szczęśliwi bez względu na wszystko.
Tym razem losy jednej z bohaterek, cichego anioła, poruszyły mnie tak bardzo, że pod koniec wylałam morze łez i wciąż nie mogę dojść do siebie. Dorries dzięki tej historii pokazuje, że dla niektórych kobiet zawód pielęgniarki to nie tylko praca – to przede wszystkim ich całe życie, któremu oddają się, poświęcając przy tym siebie. Dlatego chwała im <3
November 22, 2017
This is the 4th book in the Lovely Lane Series and another wonderful read. We join the nurses of St Angelus and the wider community in the build up to Christmas. Matron is concerned that Sister Tapps never takes a break from her nursing career and has made it possible for her to be off all over the Christmas holiday.
At the time it was common for nursing staff not to be able to work after marriage so the Matrons and Sisters were often single ladies who made their hospital their life. It was interesting to read about how the nursing homes were like families and then the sisters rooms were again their homes. It was also astonishing to read that the children's wards only allowed family visiting once a week. The poor families must have been devastated to have their children taken in- especially those that were in for lengthy spells.
I loved the characters and the warmth that they feel for Sister Tapps. You could feel her anguish about being taken away from her beloved job and the problems it causes.
It really explores family relationships, romance, post war life and conditions and nursing practice. There is a real sense of community decorating the wards and you really felt a part of the build up. This is a really nice series and I will be keen to read more.
At the time it was common for nursing staff not to be able to work after marriage so the Matrons and Sisters were often single ladies who made their hospital their life. It was interesting to read about how the nursing homes were like families and then the sisters rooms were again their homes. It was also astonishing to read that the children's wards only allowed family visiting once a week. The poor families must have been devastated to have their children taken in- especially those that were in for lengthy spells.
I loved the characters and the warmth that they feel for Sister Tapps. You could feel her anguish about being taken away from her beloved job and the problems it causes.
It really explores family relationships, romance, post war life and conditions and nursing practice. There is a real sense of community decorating the wards and you really felt a part of the build up. This is a really nice series and I will be keen to read more.
December 31, 2017
I was asked to review this book by Nudge Reviewers.
I was glad to receive this in the Christmas holidays. I trained as a nurse in the 1980s and watch tv programmes set in the 50s such as Call the Midwife but always interested in other types of nurses and Aileen works in a paeds (children) at this time. Nurses at this time were looked upon as angels and staff respected each other- perhaps more so then.
The author now an MP also trained as nurse so is pulling on her knowledge and training.
The story is set in Liverpool in the 50s and the reader gets a sense of the dockyards, community life emerging from the war. Although this is book four in the Lovely Lane series readers can read this as a stand alone book , but why not read the others in the series too. The book as expected is emotional, we forget the hardships people went through and the dawn of the National Health Service. This was a calling and people devoted their lives to the sick. Sister Tapps is a good example overworked but the hospital is her family.
Will the neglected baby boy survive? - death was common in children still in the 50s and the author tackles these issues in a humane way.
A great old fashioned festive read - recommended.
I was glad to receive this in the Christmas holidays. I trained as a nurse in the 1980s and watch tv programmes set in the 50s such as Call the Midwife but always interested in other types of nurses and Aileen works in a paeds (children) at this time. Nurses at this time were looked upon as angels and staff respected each other- perhaps more so then.
The author now an MP also trained as nurse so is pulling on her knowledge and training.
The story is set in Liverpool in the 50s and the reader gets a sense of the dockyards, community life emerging from the war. Although this is book four in the Lovely Lane series readers can read this as a stand alone book , but why not read the others in the series too. The book as expected is emotional, we forget the hardships people went through and the dawn of the National Health Service. This was a calling and people devoted their lives to the sick. Sister Tapps is a good example overworked but the hospital is her family.
Will the neglected baby boy survive? - death was common in children still in the 50s and the author tackles these issues in a humane way.
A great old fashioned festive read - recommended.
December 28, 2018
I have really enjoyed every book written by Nadine Dorries and highly recommend all of them so I was keen to get started with this one. I wasn't disappointed. The finale to the series was fantastic. It could be read as a standalone novel but I would recommend taking the time to enjoy the first three books in the series first.
I love Nadine's style of writing, her characters come to life so easily. I love the spirit of the fifties - particularly the community spirit. As usual there is a lovely mix of emotional scenes, heartbreak and heartwarming moments. The ending didn't disappoint - although I did read it with tears streaming down my face. I love a book which makes me care so much about the characters and provokes such a strong reaction.
I can't recommend this highly enough. Superb! I can't wait to read Nadine's next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love Nadine's style of writing, her characters come to life so easily. I love the spirit of the fifties - particularly the community spirit. As usual there is a lovely mix of emotional scenes, heartbreak and heartwarming moments. The ending didn't disappoint - although I did read it with tears streaming down my face. I love a book which makes me care so much about the characters and provokes such a strong reaction.
I can't recommend this highly enough. Superb! I can't wait to read Nadine's next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2021
"Gwiazdka w Lovely Lane" to ostatnia dostępna w Polsce część serii "Pielęgniarki" autorstwa Nadine Dorries, która opowiada nam historię czterech uczennic pielęgniarstwa: Dany, Pammy, Victorii i Beth. Niestety w "Gwiazdce w Lovely Lane" pojawiają się tylko Pammy i Beth. Czytając poprzednią część serii możemy domyślić się powodu nieobecności Victorii i Dany w ostatniej części cyklu, jednak ja czułam dość spory niedosyt spowodowany brakiem zamknięcia ich wątków. Poza tym losy Beth i Pammy też pozostają tak trochę na uboczu, a bohaterkami tej części są: niezwykle oddana swym pacjentom siostra oddziałowa Tapps oraz Aileen Paige, młoda pielęgniarka, która właśnie otrzymała awans, a której apodyktyczna matka pragnie uniemożliwić karierę zawodową.
Akcja czwartej części "Pielęgniarek" koncentruje się na historii półrocznego Luisa, porzuconego przez rodziców, który w stanie krytycznym trafia na oddział kierowany przez Aileen.
W powieści tej nie brakuje nam oczywiście silnych i charyzmatycznych bohaterek drugoplanowych, czyli personelu pomocniczego w szpitalu St Angelus.
Podobnie jak poprzednie części serii, "Gwiazdka" też jest niezwykle wzruszająca i opowiada nam jak ważna jest przyjaźń, solidarność międzyludzka, wzajemne wsparcie, zaufanie i szacunek.
Podsumowując, według mnie jest to najsłabsza część tetralogii, ale mimo wszystko jest to propozycja godna polecenia. Nie mniej jednak, najpierw należałoby sięgnąć po poprzednie części serii.
Akcja czwartej części "Pielęgniarek" koncentruje się na historii półrocznego Luisa, porzuconego przez rodziców, który w stanie krytycznym trafia na oddział kierowany przez Aileen.
W powieści tej nie brakuje nam oczywiście silnych i charyzmatycznych bohaterek drugoplanowych, czyli personelu pomocniczego w szpitalu St Angelus.
Podobnie jak poprzednie części serii, "Gwiazdka" też jest niezwykle wzruszająca i opowiada nam jak ważna jest przyjaźń, solidarność międzyludzka, wzajemne wsparcie, zaufanie i szacunek.
Podsumowując, według mnie jest to najsłabsza część tetralogii, ale mimo wszystko jest to propozycja godna polecenia. Nie mniej jednak, najpierw należałoby sięgnąć po poprzednie części serii.
March 30, 2025
Christmas Angels, the fourth book in Nadine Dorries' Lovely Lane series, still captures the spirit of 1950s Liverpool, but this one felt heavier than the others. While nurses Pammy and Beth try to bring some festive cheer to the children’s ward, the story weaves in much tougher elements: a nurse hiding a terminal illness, an abandoned baby, and complicated family dynamics.
I’ve enjoyed the series, but this one stuck with me in a different way. The scenes involving the abandoned baby were especially hard to read. They were well written, but emotionally tough. I also missed a few familiar faces from earlier books. And after all the energy put into a certain relationship in the last book, I was left wondering why it wasn’t continued or even acknowledged. I also found it hard to overlook how quickly one character was forgiven without much accountability.
I know I’m pointing out more than I usually would in a review, and I don’t want that to discourage anyone from reading. These were just a few things that stood out to me personally.
That said, Dorries still has a gift for blending heartbreak with heartwarming moments. Even when the story gets dark, there’s always a thread of kindness, humor, or community spirit pulling it forward. It wasn't an easy read, but it was a worthwhile one.
I’ve enjoyed the series, but this one stuck with me in a different way. The scenes involving the abandoned baby were especially hard to read. They were well written, but emotionally tough. I also missed a few familiar faces from earlier books. And after all the energy put into a certain relationship in the last book, I was left wondering why it wasn’t continued or even acknowledged. I also found it hard to overlook how quickly one character was forgiven without much accountability.
I know I’m pointing out more than I usually would in a review, and I don’t want that to discourage anyone from reading. These were just a few things that stood out to me personally.
That said, Dorries still has a gift for blending heartbreak with heartwarming moments. Even when the story gets dark, there’s always a thread of kindness, humor, or community spirit pulling it forward. It wasn't an easy read, but it was a worthwhile one.
November 5, 2017
Lovely, lovely, lovely. Further tales of the staff and patients of St Angelus Hospital and the families living in the Liverpool dock area, during the 1950s. With romance blossoming, Christmas carol concerts, a missing baby, a demanding mother and the best decorated ward competition; this is a truly heartwarming and riveting read, with Christmas thrown in! Well-written and well-rounded characters bring the book to life, as you find yourself routing for them, desperately hoping that it all turns out happily in the end. A must read for fans of ‘Call the Midwife’, I loved this book! Highly recommended read, which would make a lovely Christmas gift too.
Big thanks to Netgalley for the review copy.
Big thanks to Netgalley for the review copy.
November 13, 2017
"nothing is ever as bad as it seems. There is always a way around every problem."
So says the Matron of the hospital children's ward. Those words are put to the test many times, as the characters in the story face trouble and crisis again and again.
This is a warmly appealing novel dealing with a delightful group of Irish people living in Liverpool. They work hard and are poor, yet filled with a wonderful spirit of love and helpfulness as they band together in a Christmas project for the children in the hospital.
We also meet the dedicated nurses and staff who give more than just health care. They work tirelessly to make the lives of their young patients better. They are the Christmas Angels and Angels for all seasons.
Wonderful book!
So says the Matron of the hospital children's ward. Those words are put to the test many times, as the characters in the story face trouble and crisis again and again.
This is a warmly appealing novel dealing with a delightful group of Irish people living in Liverpool. They work hard and are poor, yet filled with a wonderful spirit of love and helpfulness as they band together in a Christmas project for the children in the hospital.
We also meet the dedicated nurses and staff who give more than just health care. They work tirelessly to make the lives of their young patients better. They are the Christmas Angels and Angels for all seasons.
Wonderful book!
May 9, 2020
"Jeśli macie za sobą poprzednie części serii, nie wahajcie się przed sięgnięciem po najnowszy tom. „Gwiazdka w Lovely Lane” to po raz kolejny już przemawiająca do wyobraźni i trafiająca w czułe nuty opowieść o życiu i śmierci, zazdrości i rywalizacji, miłości i trosce, wsparciu, bezgranicznym oddaniu, poświęceniu oraz prawdziwej przyjaźni. To opowieść o silnych kobietach, które ze wszech miar starają się nieść pomoc wszędzie tam, gdzie jest ona potrzebna. Cała seria jest niesamowita. Gorąco polecam ją waszej uwadze, gdyż naprawdę jest jej warta."
Cała recenzja: https://magicznyswiatksiazki.pl/gwiaz...
Cała recenzja: https://magicznyswiatksiazki.pl/gwiaz...
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