Christmas with the Bomb Girls

The Bomb Girls #3

by Daisy Styles

Cosy up with the heartwarming and festive wartime story of a group of women finding joy in troubled times, from the beloved Bomb Girls series

'It made me smile and it made me cry' 5***** Reader Review
'An absolute joy to read' Kate Thompson, bestselling author of Secrets of the Homefront Girls
'Wonderful writing which brought history alive' 5***** Reader Review
_________

In times of trouble, can wishes come true? . . .

A factory floor might not be their first choice of a place to spend Christmas but pulling together and making do is exactly where the Bomb Girls shine.

Gladys, back from singing for the troops in Europe, quietly takes her place on the cordite line. Her old friends are determined to bring back her spark while they work hard to help their country.

But what dark secret lies in Gladys's heart?

Will the girls see out another year in a country at war?

And, if everyone does their bit, despite the worry, pain and toil, will the Bomb Girls be able to enjoy a wonderful Christmas for all?
_________

'A cracking story with truly endearing characters' Annie Murray, bestselling author of Now the War is Over

'What a page turner' 5***** Reader Review

'Couldn't put this book down' 5***** Reader Review

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

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 2, 2017

Reviews

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the latest festive edition of the wartime series set in Pendle featuring the return of the characters we have become familiar with. The women are working hard at their dangerous jobs at the Phoenix Munitions Factory. Myrtle has health issues, and romance is in the air for Edna. The main focus is the return of Gladys after her stint at the front, performing for the troops. However, something is clearly wrong given Gladys's out of character behaviour but she is not talking. Her close knit friends are not going to desert her in her time of need, so rally around to support her. After the stresses of their work, and the wartime ordeals, they want to let their hair down by organising a wonderful Christmas, particularly for the children. Daisy Styles has created a great set of characters whose lives you cannot help but get involved with. An entertaining and absorbing festive read. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Bomb Girl series and it was lovely to catch up with the characters again. It is full of wonderful friendships, romance, relationships, family moments all amongst the setting of the bomb factory on the Moors.

The girls have a dangerous job- but the camaraderie between them is great. Some of them are harbouring secrets- but you are sure that the warm friendships will have them confiding in each other at some point. 

The bomb shelters and underground stations bring the horror of the war home and you really do wonder how some of the girls manage to cope on very little sleep and a demanding job and families and homes to keep.

The Christmas Day scene in the book is so lovely- you can just imagine yourself there joining in with the singsong and watching the children in awe with Father Christmas. The cover provides such promise- which is well delivered!

I can't wait to read the next in the series already.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I soon got to know the girls working at the Phoenix, the bomb factory in the Yorkshire hills. The bomb girls all have very different personalities and come from various backgrounds. The story is not really about Christmas, except for the last chapter, but I didn't mind that. There are lots of ups and downs as they all deal with life during world war two. This book has a balance of sad and happy events, reflecting real life.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would definitely read this author again. A sad and poignant tale set during World War two with a dash of happiness and love

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this addition to the 'Bomb Girls' series. If you haven't already I'd recommend you read 'The Bomb Girls' Secrets' first. The only criticism I have is that it's only really Christmassy at the end. There's a lot of sadness first which you may not want to read during the festive season.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t normally read World War saga type books, but when I was asked to review this I thought ‘why not’ and I‘m glad I did. I also had planned to read it closer to Christmas but I needed a nice book after a previous read, a palette cleanser so to speak, and ‘Christmas With the Bomb Girls’ fitted the bill nicely.

This is book three in a series and I did initially worry that I wouldn’t enjoy it as much having not read the previous two books, but after a couple of chapters I was engrossed and enjoying the tale without worrying I was missing out. It’s easy to read this book on its own, but I may well end up picking up the others because I enjoyed this one so much.

This book was a delightful read, I loved all the characters and I loved the plot. Quite a lot happens in the 389 pages and I found I just couldn’t put it down. The premise of the book focus’s on Gladys, returning unexpectedly from performing for the troops after a terrifying and life changing ordeal. But Gladys shares the pages with Kit, Rosa, Vi, Edna and soon all the girls take centre stage at some point during the book.

These strong, plucky, endearing women really stole my heart and I did tear up a few times. There are moments of terror, moments of sheer joy, moments of heartbreak and moments to warm your heart. This really was a joyous read for me and it’s one I can recommend if you want something full of wonderful characters, a cracking story and a tale that will leave a smile on your face.

[Suraj Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Christmas with the Bomb Girls’ is the third book in the Bomb Girls Series by Daisy Styles. The narrative revolves around young girls and women working in a munitions factory. While managing their personal lives at one hand, these girls make their contribution to the ongoing World War II, by making bombs.

~ Originally published on https://booksnmyself.wordpress.com ~

The focus remains on a group of friends- Gladys, Kit, Violet, Rosa, Myrtle, Edna, Nora & Maggie and a few male members. The narrative is linked by a few subplots, each associated with a character. By showcasing conflicts coexisting with happy moments, the book presents a very realistic picture of life.

Gladys is back from Italy, where she was a part of the performing troop. But something is changed about her. She has lost the cheerful face that was her identity. Gladys discovers happiness with Nora- an Italian Jew, who has just joined the Phoenix Munition Factory after escaping from Italy. Rosa’s heart aches for her own brother who has been captured along with other Jews.

Life for the Bomb Girls is all about making bombs, facing the air attacks by the Germans and praying for their soldiers fighting at the front. While a middle aged Edna is planning her wedding with Malc- the manager of the munition factory, Myrtle’s health starts declining. But this is how life goes. Things never go as per our wishes. But finding happiness in the times of difficulty is what the bomb girls are known for.

*My Verdict

I got this book in October and I had saved it for this time of the year. And that was a right decision because this is a delightful book meant to be read in a relaxing mood. Daisy Styles has a lucid style of writing which makes this book a page turner. It is really a well written book.

Through showcasing the life of the bomb girls, the author does two things. Firstly, she tells us about the contribution that the women made during the war time. The author also gives a glimpse of the pressure that the doctors and the nurses faced in these times. Everyone had to make compromises with their personal lives. Life was no easier for those who served at the background.

Secondly, it presents a realistic picture of the life. Although the war was going on and bombs were being dropped, life was not completely gloomy and dark. There were moments of happiness and joy also. Amidst the loss of life, new bonds and relationships were also being celebrated. Thus, the author has achieved a balance between the two.

The narrative is truly engaging but it becomes too predictable at some points. Besides that I had no problem with the book. We find a touch of the colloquial language in the speech of some characters, which enriches the text. But at times, certain words and phrases are repeated. But that was not a big issue for me.

All in all, I enjoyed this book. Although it is the third book in a series, it can be read as a standalone. I would recommend this book those who are looking for a light read. It doesn’t demand much from the reader’s part. It is best to be read in a relaxing manner, the way I did.

My Rating: **** (3.75/5)

[Novelle Novels · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 out of 5 stars
This is a book that I think finished a series which put me on the back burner. The ladies that work at the bomb factory during World War Two all have their own stories which this author does weave together very well which is a talent especially when you have so many main characters. We start off with Gladys who is returning to the bomb factory after being abroad serving singing for the troops but she carries a secret. I’m impressed that even after coming in not knowing the characters I didn’t feel too much at a loss which is good. Be warned as with all war stories you will get parts of the book where you cry but thankfully she does put some parts where you also cry happy tears. A lovely Christmas book 📚

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read & enjoyed Daisy Styles’ previous books about the Bomb Girls I was delighted to be able to catch up with them again in this, the third book in the series.

Once again we meet the interesting and endearing characters and follow them in their joys and sorrows. It is a light read but also an engaging one.

I really enjoyed it. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for taking me back into the Bomb Girls world.

[Angela Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Festive Heart Warmer

Book 3 of the Bomb Girls. I haven't read book 2 yet, oops. I've read book 1, but having read them out of order it was still fine to read even if I have read spoilers for book 2. Daisy Styles brings hope and optimism to a very difficult time in our history and makes it more believable with the bitterness of war mixed with the sweet of how people treat each other, bringing out the best and worst of human nature.

[Abby Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodreads Giveaway Win.

Loved this book... and yes you can actually read it as a standalone. I mean it continued on, but you understood what was going on because of how good and brilliantly written it was.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, quite possibly more than any other book in the Bomb Girls series so far. It had a great story with twists and turns that I really didn't see coming. Being the third book in the series I was already acquainted with the characters so on the whole I cared about them from the first chapter, I have to say it was helpful for reminders of previous story-lines threaded throughout the book. The book is quite an easy read which I enjoyed although the repeated phrase mentioning Rosa's Northern accent being "at odds with her Mediterranean appearance" quite flummoxed me. I found this book slightly more gritty than other books in this series and whilst normally I would enjoy this I found the title of this book a little deceiving. I had especially saved this book for the run up to Christmas to get myself in the festive spirit so was a little disappointed that the story ran over much of the year with only the final couple of chapters running over the Christmas period.
I would happily recommend this book for other readers but would recommend reading the first two in the series first, because this book does hold spoilers of the previous book.

[Heather Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book as much as the first two in this series. Was good to catch up with the girls of the Phoenix munitions factory that we met in the previous book.

[Brenda Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable book,like this authors work.

[kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read but not very festive! the only christmassey but was crammed into the last few pages!

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to be back with my favourite bomb girls and check in to see how they were doing! I’ve loved the first two books and seeing their lives and relationships develop in this book was a delight to read. I also loved getting to know some of the newer characters and getting to know old ones more. Rosa was a great addition to the Cowshed crew.

The character development was lovely to read and they’re were plenty of twists and turns here to keep you on your toes! I love all of the characters in this book and to see how far they had come from the previous book was amazing.

I could read the bomb girls books forever and this one was a very welcome festive read as Christmas approaches. I’m so looking forward to reading more of this authors books in the future!

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page turner I thoroughly enjoyed this book catching up with Gladys, Kit, Violet, Maggie, Flora and Edna, also poor Mrytle. Also, the girls welcomed a newcomer amongst themselves an Italian Jewess refuge Rosa who has escapes from the Nazis in Italy. Not to forget the men as the Phoenix Malc, Arthur and also Kit's husband Ian. This book makes you smile and also it has its sadness in the loss of two of the characters. All worked out well in the end. I have read all Daisy Styles four books and enjoyed them. Now looking forward to the next Bomb Girls book The Bomb Girls Brides.

[mois reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bomb girls

What a page turner I thoroughly enjoyed this book catching up with the old faves Edna ,kitty, Gladys, violet, Maggie, Nora, plus the men and a new bomb girl it was exciting heartbreaking but so real hope there a new one to follow definitely a 5 STAR rating ..

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sagas featuring a group of girls working together during wartime seem to be particularly popular at the moment, and this Christmas edition of the Bomb Girls is a representative sample of the type. This book is engaging and has enough jeopardy in it to be exciting and page turning, which is an achievement when the setting is largely rural and not affected by the London or any other city blitz. The characters were established in a previous book “The Bomb Girl Secrets” (the original “The Bomb Girls” was in the same setting but featured a different cast of girls), but it would be perfectly possible to read this book as a stand alone novel with enjoyment. This book draws its scope wider than the factory site and supporting village to great effect; and some of the newer characters bring with them problems that have not arisen before.
Gladys is the singer of the group whose dynamic talent meant an engagement with ENSA and foreign travel to entertain the troops. However, as the book opens, she has returned to England in something of an uncharacteristically downhearted state. Edna, one of the older women associated with the group looks to be finding true love at last, but will she discover more? A new character, Rosa, appears as a new worker. Exiled from Europe by reason of her Jewish descent, she emerges as a fascinating character whose talents and affection for the other women goes some way to ease her loneliness and sadness. While Kit and Violet seem well settled after their traumas of the previous novels, they have new circumstances and challenges to deal with in this book which take their stories in different directions. It is Gladys’ story which dominates, as she experiences sorrow before heading off in different way. It is at this point that my major criticism of this book emerges; she finds herself in London which is still undergoing a Blitz which I felt was very late, and her work seems to hark back to the conditions of the First World War in the movement and description of the soldiers. Still, a real romance is discovered and some explanations are made.
This book is certainly more than just a Christmas read, as much of the narrative concerns events long before the Christmas celebrations in which it culminates. It is a touching climax to an enjoyable novel which succeeds in many of the necessary elements of this sort of saga. It is a truly female led novel, in which virtually all the action is led by the women of the title. All of life’s major hurdles are dealt with in this well written novel which conveys many of the challenges of the wartime experience. I enjoy Styles’ writing which is mature and competent, given that she deals with some very difficult situations in this novel. I found Rosa’s experiences very moving and a different element to these books which are usually focused on the British circumstances in wartime. Despite my criticism this book is well researched and well written, and I recommend it as a good read.

[Jenny Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gladys is the central character in this story about the Bomb Girls, a group of women who work at the Phoenix munitions factory during WW2. Gladys has returned unexpectedly from Europe, where she had been posted with ENSA, the organization set up to entertain the troops abroad. All is clearly not well with Gladys as she rejoins her old friends (and some new ones) at the Phoenix. Obviously traumatised by something which happened while she was away, Gladys is a shadow of her former self and is unwilling to talk about it. However, she could not be in a better place and her friends rally round to support her. As Christmas approaches life becomes even busier than usual and they are determined to celebrate. Despite the fact that each of the girls has their own individual problems to deal with, they come together to plan the festivities. Against this background of camaraderie, Gladys begins to recover.

This is apparently the third in the “Bomb Girls” series, all set at the Phoenix munitions factory and featuring the same cast of characters. I had not read any of the previous books (in fact I had not come across Daisy Styles before) but this did not affect my enjoyment of the book at all. It works very well as a stand-alone read and I suspect it would also be enjoyed by Daisy Styles fans who have read the others in the series as it manages to introduce the characters without repeating history.

The characters are well developed, likeable and very believable. Despite having to deal constantly with the daily impact of war on their everyday lives, the girls remain largely cheerful, pulling together and helping each other out as and when necessary. This results in a book which manages to be heart-warming even in the face of adversity. It is perfect for the festive period when all that is required is a good book that doesn’t tax the brain too much. Although the picture that the book paints is realistic, the dark moments are tackled sympathetically and there is plenty of cheerfulness to compensate. The only problem for me was that it was very much a page-turner and, as such, difficult to put down – rather more reading took place than possibly should have.

If you are looking for a book that is deep and meaningful, challenges your intellect and makes you think, then this is not the one for you. It is however an easy-to-read, heart-warming story, very well told. I enjoyed it from start to finish and would be more than happy to read any other Daisy Styles novels which came my way.

[Glynis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review from the Hunstanworth Village Hall Book Group who received a set of books from Penguin Random House UK via The Reading Agency.
As the third book in a series we were a little worried that we'd find some of the storylines and characters' actions difficult to follow, but this proved not to be the case. The cover image is a good indication of the type of novel that this is...perfect for fans of 'Call the Midwife' etc. And although predictable in many ways: love/loss/friendship breakdown/misunderstanding/conciliation we all managed to finish reading this story and take something from it.
The friendship and camaraderie of the women working in the Lancashire bomb factory stands out, as does the timely inclusion of one character subjugated by an officer with power over others - this lead to a very interesting discussion, along with how the role of women (married or otherwise) changed during and after WWII.
An interesting aside is that the village hall we meet in (and after which our book group is named) was once a TB sanatorium. As Gladys, the central character, takes up a nursing career after a friend becomes a patient in a TB sanatorium, this made it a poignant reminder of the history of our own neighbourhood.
Rating: Although this was not a genre any of our group would normally read we recognised that of this type of novel the story was engaging, the characters likeable and the storyline interesting. Scores varied and were split fairly evenly - members who strongly dislike this genre still scored this novel 2.5 out of 5, whilst the rest gave it strong 4 or 4.5 marks.

[Pearl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas with the Bomb Girls written by Daisy Styles for me was another wonderful read based on characters which I really connected with as I previously read the first two books in this excellent heartwarming series.
Gladys has returned from her time in E.N.S.A.( Entertainments National Service Association) harbouring a terrible secret, she returns to the one place where she knows her friends will be there for her and this is what she clearly needs. The War is still going on in 1944, and the Phoenix Munitions Factory is working at full capacity.
Of course, this is not the only storyline as each character has their own story to tell, and as Gladys settles back into the Cowshed once again she is soon greeting friends old and new.
Like all of this series, the friends stick together even when tragedy strikes one of their own but what made me love this book so much was not only the wonderful writing which brought history alive but also showed how women helped win the war by taking their own lives in their hands when manufacturing the bombs which were badly needed in the battle to win the war against Hitler and his followers.
As Christmas approaches and the war meets them daily the friends join together to show how much they care for each other. With each turn of the page I was not only entertained but also I learned what life was like back when you were thankful for each strand of happiness you grabbed when the war was taking over everything in their daily lives.
A great read which I am happy to recommend.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas with the Bomb Girls is a wonderful warm read. Despite not having read the previous books in series, I soon settled in to enjoy the company of these women who worked and played so hard during the second world war.

There are a lovely array of characters in this novel, each true to life and just as varied as you would find among any group of friends. They share their troubles and their joys and are all the richer for it. Each has their own story to tell and the individual strands are melded together as only an expert writer can do. Such a heart warming and nostalgic read!

While they obviously have a past together, I get the feeling that it is only touched upon in this, the third in series, and at some future date I would like to read the first two. I certainly expect there will be a fourth as some threads could easily be expanded upon.

All in all, a fabulously enjoyable novel which, although set during such a dreadful time in history, clearly shows the indomitable spirit of those who lived and fought through the war. Very entertaining and one which I certainly recommend to lovers of good writing.

My thanks to publishers Penguin for allowing me to access an arc via NetGalley in exchange for my honest, original and unbiased review.

[Giorgiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before I will start my review, I wish to tell you that this is the third book in a Series. The first two books are The Bomb Girls and The Bomb Girls' Secrets. So, if you wish to read this book, make sure to read the first two as well. Well, only if you want to read them in order. I read only Christmas With The Bomb Girls and I must tell you the fact there are two books before it, didn't influence it at all. 

Usually, I don't read this genre but when I was told about it and read the description, I thought it would be something I could read. I might have been wrong because I needed more than two weeks to finish it. And not because the book isn't good, but because it isn't my genre. The book describes the life of three friends during the war. I think that was my favorite part of it. Their friendship and how important it is for them. How they would do anything for their friends' happiness. 

The book is very well written, with good descriptions that would project you there in the middle of the action. That's something I always look forward to. 

I recommend this to everyone who loves the Romance genre.

[Andrew Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story by Daisy styles

This time set in the run up to Christmas the book tells the lives loves and losses of the girls from bomb girls secrets with a new bomb girl Rosa adding to the bunch

As with the other 2 previous to this instalment I thoroughly enjoyed Christmas with the bomb girls and Daisy has once again managed to captivate her audience and keep the reader wanting more

With both highs, laughs, and sad points which are both due with the course of any war time based story and some that may catch you by surprise. This once again has everything

However one slight (tiny) thing I will say is that if like me you enjoy Daisy’s stories or similar stories then I would thoroughly recommend, however If you haven’t read the previous stories and are just looking for a festive Christmas time read, then maybe give a miss.

Brilliant story? Yes!!
On par with the rest of the series? Most definitely (could even be best one so far)

But a festive Christmas story throughout it’s not, so don’t be misled

But 100% worth it for any of her fans or fans of similar!!

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas with the bomb girls

By Daisy Styles

It’s 1943 and this 3rd book takes it back to The Phoenix bomb factory and the familiar faces of Gladys, Nora, Myrtle and Violet and we meet new girl Rosa who has escaped with her life from Italy.
After a traumatic visit to Naples with ENSA, Gladys returns to the bomb factory an all her friends and fellow workers to try and start her life over again and put the past behind her. However, life never stays the same and when events take a dramatic turn at The Phoenix, lives will be changed forever and friendships tested to the limit.
Although I suppose that this could be read as a standalone book, it would be appreciated much more if the previous two books in the series had been read first.
Fans of Elaine Everest and Kate Thompson would love this book.

[Juliana Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up because it looked Christmassy and really felt that this could only be read in December! It's not the first in the series of books by Daisy Styles but this didn't affect my enjoyment of the book too much. However, I didn't think the book was exceptionally well written with lots of 'she said', 'she declared', 'she exclaimed' and so on, to the point where it was noticeable. Nothing was ever really just said without it being announced!

The Christmas aspect of the book was also fairly minimal, not appearing until the last quarter of the book at the earliest. The story itself was entertaining and heart warming, with the friendship between the girls and the various romances quite enjoyable. I might read some other books in the series but overall I was a little bit disappointed with the book - I'd probably give it a 2.5 if that was an option.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleased to win this book from Goodreads, I love anything to do with womens work during wartime. As it's the 3rd in a series I was a bit concerned that I wouldn't get into it, but had no trouble at all getting to know the characters.
It may have christmas in the title but the book spans the whole of 1943, telling the stories of the lives of the women who work in Phoenix Munitions, on the bomb making line. A dangerous job and very hard work. But their close friendships see them through the best and worst of experiences.
There are references to things that happened in earlier books but this works well as a stand alone novel. But I really want to read the other books now, and have a total catch-up.

[LAURA JONES · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good read but you will need tissues as in parts it is so well written really doesnt hold back.
five women received letters that tell them they need to do war work during the WW2. The five women who certainly do not want to do the work have no choice so they opt to do factory work and are sent to a Lancashire mill town. the five girls are put together in what was a cow shed but has been converted for them.
thrown together they become firm friends and share laughter tears heartbreak and grief. together they work making bombs to help the war effort and support each other.
it is a really good book which you will never forget. it has an ending you would not think of and like i say will make you cry but also make you smile too

[Cat {Pemberley and Beyond} · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book took a while to finish because the casual racism threw me right back to when I lived in Yorkshire. As you can imagine this did not put me in a festive frame of mind, and so I set the book to one side until 2018.

The female characters were all very strong, and their friendships were shown beautifully.

That being said the three references to the Italian Bomb Girl, Rosa, developing a Yorkshire accent that was, "at odds with her Mediterranean appearance" hacked me off no end.

Although this is the 3rd book in the series, it is not necessary to read either of them first.

I received a copy of this book from First Reads, in return for an honest review.