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Miss Lily's Lovely Ladies #2
The Lily and the Rose
The war is over. But can there ever truly be peace?
'Thestory is equal parts Downton Abbey and wartimeaction, with enough romance and intrigueto make it 100% not-put-down-able.' - AustralianWomen's Weekly on Miss Lily's Lovely Ladies
Australian heiress Sophie Higgs was 'a rose of no-man's land', founding hospitals across war-torn Europe during the horror that was WW1.
Now, in the 1920s, Sophie's wartime work must be erased so that the men who returned can find some kind of 'normality'.
Sophie is, however, a graduate of the mysterious Miss Lily's school of charm and intrigue, and once more she risks her own life as she attempts to save others still trapped in the turmoil and aftermath of war.
But in this new world, nothing is clear, in politics or in love. For the role of men has changed too. Torn between the love of three very different men, Sophie will face her greatest danger yet as she attempts an impossible journey across the world to save Nigel, Earl of Shillings - and her beloved Miss Lily.
In this sequel to the bestselling Miss Lily's Lovely Ladies, Jackie French draws us further into a compelling story that celebrates the passion and adventure of an unstoppable army of women who changed the world.
'Thestory is equal parts Downton Abbey and wartimeaction, with enough romance and intrigueto make it 100% not-put-down-able.' - AustralianWomen's Weekly on Miss Lily's Lovely Ladies
Australian heiress Sophie Higgs was 'a rose of no-man's land', founding hospitals across war-torn Europe during the horror that was WW1.
Now, in the 1920s, Sophie's wartime work must be erased so that the men who returned can find some kind of 'normality'.
Sophie is, however, a graduate of the mysterious Miss Lily's school of charm and intrigue, and once more she risks her own life as she attempts to save others still trapped in the turmoil and aftermath of war.
But in this new world, nothing is clear, in politics or in love. For the role of men has changed too. Torn between the love of three very different men, Sophie will face her greatest danger yet as she attempts an impossible journey across the world to save Nigel, Earl of Shillings - and her beloved Miss Lily.
In this sequel to the bestselling Miss Lily's Lovely Ladies, Jackie French draws us further into a compelling story that celebrates the passion and adventure of an unstoppable army of women who changed the world.
384 pages, Paperback
First published March 19, 2018
74 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
Jackie French
320 books866 followersJackie is an award-winning writer, wombat negotiator and the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2014-2015. She is regarded as one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors, and writes across all genres - from picture books, history, fantasy, ecology and sci-fi to her much loved historical fiction. In her capacity as Australian Children’s Laureate, ‘Share a Story’ will be the primary philosophy behind Jackie’s two-year term.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 21, 2018
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
One of Australia’s most treasured storytellers is back with a second instalment to her exciting new wartime series. The Lily and the Rose follows on from the successful debut novel in this series, Miss Lily’s Lovely Ladies. It is a historical drama that has the capacity to dazzle any reader.
The novel tells the story of Sophie Higgs, a colonial heiress to one of Australia’s most lucrative cattle empires. Sophie is also a graduate of the prestigious Miss Lily’s school of charm. Sophie’s journey is quite a tumultuous one. She must negotiate warn torn Europe to help rescue her close friend, Prinzessin Von Arneburg. Love also comes Sophie’s way in the form of three different suitors. While Sophie learns so much more in terms of friendship, loyalty, love, politics and business, as the world continues to change rapidly around her. This second novel is a wonderful new addition to fans old and new of beloved author Jackie French’s new Miss Lily wartime series.
Although I am a fan of the author of The Lily and The Rose, Jackie French’s extensive work, both in the adult fiction and children’s fiction range, I have to admit that this book is my introduction to the Miss Lily series. Despite this oversight, which I hope to rectify by indulging in a catch up read of the first book in the series, I felt very comfortable reading this, despite the fact that it is the second novel in French’s new series.
I believe there are some familiar faces in this second novel featuring Miss Lily. I am sure this will please established fans of this series. The Lily and the Rose continues on from the previous book and follows the main character of Sophie, a young woman who holds the key to an Australian cattle empire. Sophie is a wonderful character and I warmed to immediately. I admired her personality traits and I loved following her character journey. I also adored the scenes where Sophie had to negotiate her mixed feelings in love. Supporting Sophie are a fantastic band of supporting characters, both male and female. The reader will find it hard pressed not to develop affection for all the characters, main and supporting in this divine new novel.
Jackie French is an accomplished author and as a result, we receive a detailed and authentic account of the historical period in which the book is set (World War I ). French’s descriptions are to be relished and absorbed, I know I did. I also liked that the novel travelled across Europe demonstrating the devastating effects of war almost across the whole globe at this time. It made for a very eye opening read. In particular, I believe French should be applauded for raising our awareness of the changing role of women in both war and post war society. It is a dramatic and worthy aspect of the storyline which is treated with French’s signature detailed approach and poise.
The Lily and the Rose offers readers an ideal dash of romance. I loved how French included a complicated web of romance for lead Sophie to decipher. The inclusion of three potential love matches for Sophie was a great narrative choice on French’s behalf. I completely enjoyed the scenes involving Sophie and her love life. It wasn’t all smooth sailing and I’m glad French chose to move away from a simple happy ever after.
Friendship, companionship, loyalty and pride play a big part in The Lily and the Rose, theme wise. French explores these themes well. What stood out for me was the sections at the beginning of every chapter, where Miss Lily offered an anecdote or musing on key events in life, such as marriage, birth or love. I came to look forward to each Miss Lily quote at the opening of each chapter very much. It helped me race through the pages of this well paced novel.
The Lily and the Rose is a beautifully captured historical based novel. It is sure to delight fans of high society historical dramas. I was drawn to the utterly divine cover of this book but I promise you, an exciting tale awaits any reader who chooses this wartime saga to read.
*I wish to thank Harper Collins Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Lily and the Rose is book #24 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
*Book ‘f’ of the a-z author challenge 2018
One of Australia’s most treasured storytellers is back with a second instalment to her exciting new wartime series. The Lily and the Rose follows on from the successful debut novel in this series, Miss Lily’s Lovely Ladies. It is a historical drama that has the capacity to dazzle any reader.
The novel tells the story of Sophie Higgs, a colonial heiress to one of Australia’s most lucrative cattle empires. Sophie is also a graduate of the prestigious Miss Lily’s school of charm. Sophie’s journey is quite a tumultuous one. She must negotiate warn torn Europe to help rescue her close friend, Prinzessin Von Arneburg. Love also comes Sophie’s way in the form of three different suitors. While Sophie learns so much more in terms of friendship, loyalty, love, politics and business, as the world continues to change rapidly around her. This second novel is a wonderful new addition to fans old and new of beloved author Jackie French’s new Miss Lily wartime series.
Although I am a fan of the author of The Lily and The Rose, Jackie French’s extensive work, both in the adult fiction and children’s fiction range, I have to admit that this book is my introduction to the Miss Lily series. Despite this oversight, which I hope to rectify by indulging in a catch up read of the first book in the series, I felt very comfortable reading this, despite the fact that it is the second novel in French’s new series.
I believe there are some familiar faces in this second novel featuring Miss Lily. I am sure this will please established fans of this series. The Lily and the Rose continues on from the previous book and follows the main character of Sophie, a young woman who holds the key to an Australian cattle empire. Sophie is a wonderful character and I warmed to immediately. I admired her personality traits and I loved following her character journey. I also adored the scenes where Sophie had to negotiate her mixed feelings in love. Supporting Sophie are a fantastic band of supporting characters, both male and female. The reader will find it hard pressed not to develop affection for all the characters, main and supporting in this divine new novel.
Jackie French is an accomplished author and as a result, we receive a detailed and authentic account of the historical period in which the book is set (World War I ). French’s descriptions are to be relished and absorbed, I know I did. I also liked that the novel travelled across Europe demonstrating the devastating effects of war almost across the whole globe at this time. It made for a very eye opening read. In particular, I believe French should be applauded for raising our awareness of the changing role of women in both war and post war society. It is a dramatic and worthy aspect of the storyline which is treated with French’s signature detailed approach and poise.
The Lily and the Rose offers readers an ideal dash of romance. I loved how French included a complicated web of romance for lead Sophie to decipher. The inclusion of three potential love matches for Sophie was a great narrative choice on French’s behalf. I completely enjoyed the scenes involving Sophie and her love life. It wasn’t all smooth sailing and I’m glad French chose to move away from a simple happy ever after.
Friendship, companionship, loyalty and pride play a big part in The Lily and the Rose, theme wise. French explores these themes well. What stood out for me was the sections at the beginning of every chapter, where Miss Lily offered an anecdote or musing on key events in life, such as marriage, birth or love. I came to look forward to each Miss Lily quote at the opening of each chapter very much. It helped me race through the pages of this well paced novel.
The Lily and the Rose is a beautifully captured historical based novel. It is sure to delight fans of high society historical dramas. I was drawn to the utterly divine cover of this book but I promise you, an exciting tale awaits any reader who chooses this wartime saga to read.
*I wish to thank Harper Collins Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Lily and the Rose is book #24 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
*Book ‘f’ of the a-z author challenge 2018
May 10, 2018
I enjoyed Miss Lily's Lovely Ladies but was disappointed with this sequel. It's rambling and unfocused with too many plot threads introduced and then abandoned, or just left dangling with an eye to the next book.
Jackie French's historical background is always convincing and I was interested in the post-war social setting. However the narrative wasn't as convincing, bordering on the unbelievable. I'm getting a bit tired of the spoilt, saintly Sophie who is loved and helped by just everyone and has friends in every high place imaginable. Her relationship with Nigel didn't ring true and it's about time Miss Lily departed. No doubt French will kill them both off in the next book so that Sophie can pursue her relationship with "John" (who will of course turn out to be someone really important...no one ordinary will do for our Sophie!)
Jackie French's historical background is always convincing and I was interested in the post-war social setting. However the narrative wasn't as convincing, bordering on the unbelievable. I'm getting a bit tired of the spoilt, saintly Sophie who is loved and helped by just everyone and has friends in every high place imaginable. Her relationship with Nigel didn't ring true and it's about time Miss Lily departed. No doubt French will kill them both off in the next book so that Sophie can pursue her relationship with "John" (who will of course turn out to be someone really important...no one ordinary will do for our Sophie!)
April 10, 2018
Sophie Higgs was an Australian heiress in English society before the war and a one of the mysterious Miss Lily's lovely ladies. She was also a rose of No Man's Land, setting up hospitals and working to save lives at the risk of her own.
Now the war is over and women are expected to move back into the background. But Sophie has received a message that her friend, the Princezzin, is in desperate need of rescue, She instantly begins to pull resources together and heads into the danger that is post war Europe and the disaster of Germany to find and rescue her. In the process she will have to make decisions about her beliefs and her future and how that interacts with the political future of the world.
This series by Jackie French is well written with excellent background research. I enjoyed it and recommend it.
Now the war is over and women are expected to move back into the background. But Sophie has received a message that her friend, the Princezzin, is in desperate need of rescue, She instantly begins to pull resources together and heads into the danger that is post war Europe and the disaster of Germany to find and rescue her. In the process she will have to make decisions about her beliefs and her future and how that interacts with the political future of the world.
This series by Jackie French is well written with excellent background research. I enjoyed it and recommend it.
June 21, 2019
This is a fascinating series.
April 23, 2018
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first book. It feels like a filler in so many ways - but that is reflective of that period of history, with a war that never really ended and a whole generation left trying to find their places in changed world.
As before, it is a fascinating look at the changing roles and social norms in several countries, and the way life changed dramatically for many people within one generation.
I'm not entirely convinced by some of the relationships and plot twists in this installment of the story, not just the way the Sophie/Nigel relationship develops although that is one I'd like to talk over and disect - times like this a book club might be interesting.
Looking forward to the next one and seeing how everyone deals with the next war.
As before, it is a fascinating look at the changing roles and social norms in several countries, and the way life changed dramatically for many people within one generation.
I'm not entirely convinced by some of the relationships and plot twists in this installment of the story, not just the way the Sophie/Nigel relationship develops although that is one I'd like to talk over and disect - times like this a book club might be interesting.
Looking forward to the next one and seeing how everyone deals with the next war.
March 23, 2018
Jackie French is a consummate storyteller and The Lily and the Rose, set against the backdrop of the Great War, war-torn Europe, and colonial Australia, is a shining example of her talents as a novelist.
Romance (in the form of three different gentlemen), love, and the complexities of marriage are all portrayed throughout and French has done well to write these flawlessly in the vein of the historical era in which the story is set.
French depicts, with a comfortable ease, the swiftness and degree of change with which the world changed as a result of WWI with particular attention given to highlighting the importance of women in supporting and strategising during wartime and how those efforts effected overall efforts.
There is a deftness to French's writing that is both inviting and inspiring. The Lily and the Rose is certainly a novel that I would wholeheartedly recommend.
Romance (in the form of three different gentlemen), love, and the complexities of marriage are all portrayed throughout and French has done well to write these flawlessly in the vein of the historical era in which the story is set.
French depicts, with a comfortable ease, the swiftness and degree of change with which the world changed as a result of WWI with particular attention given to highlighting the importance of women in supporting and strategising during wartime and how those efforts effected overall efforts.
There is a deftness to French's writing that is both inviting and inspiring. The Lily and the Rose is certainly a novel that I would wholeheartedly recommend.
July 16, 2018
A most excellent sequel to Miss Lily's Lovely Ladies. I slipped so easily back in to the setting and the characters and once again, we are expertly steered by Jackie French.
Returning to Miss Sophie Higgs as she winds up her time in post-war Europe and returns to Australia, Higgs' factories and Thuringa. Along the way we meet new characters and delve deeper with familiar characters.
I will read both Miss Lily books time and again.
Returning to Miss Sophie Higgs as she winds up her time in post-war Europe and returns to Australia, Higgs' factories and Thuringa. Along the way we meet new characters and delve deeper with familiar characters.
I will read both Miss Lily books time and again.
March 6, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book. I had not read the first in the series but Jackie managed to explain the relationships within the story without making the explanations clunky but keeping them within the story.
In some ways the plot seemed unlikely and in places the characters who were involved were surprises, but I did enjoy the introduction to aspects of history I may have fleetingly become aware of, but learned more through this book.
There are themes bound within this book of how people try to be true to who they are, and how one can accept the other that have left me pondering.
An interesting read.
In some ways the plot seemed unlikely and in places the characters who were involved were surprises, but I did enjoy the introduction to aspects of history I may have fleetingly become aware of, but learned more through this book.
There are themes bound within this book of how people try to be true to who they are, and how one can accept the other that have left me pondering.
An interesting read.
August 4, 2018
This probably deserves a four and a half star rating; it is thoroughly enjoyable, just not (of course) as good as the first in the series. It finished with a couple of loose ends, so I look forward to reading the third in the series.
January 16, 2023
I really enjoyed this 2nd episode in Lily & Sophie's stories. I don't think it's quite as good as the first but the historical detail is just as fascinating, & the characters interactions with various events is very entertaining. They aren't as focussed here but I can imagine there was a lot of that going around post-war, & Sophie is also undecided exactly what direction to take in her own life. She definitely has a turn for organisation, which she puts to get use, & we get to know some of the secondary characters much better, in England & Australia.
It is certainly hard to see how Great Britain would have survived without the grit, determination & sacrifice of its underpaid, unappreciated women. I look forward to reading the next book.
It is certainly hard to see how Great Britain would have survived without the grit, determination & sacrifice of its underpaid, unappreciated women. I look forward to reading the next book.
August 30, 2020
The last 100 pages really ruined this amazing book.
Sophie and Nigel relationship felt very contrived and creepy. Miss Lily (and thus Nigel) was a parental figure to Sophie in the first book and also taught her about sex so um no not about the relationship.
I think my problem is, is that I actually do not care at all about Miss Lily or Nigel... but every other character I love so much. Oops.
Also, Sophie very poorly handled her situation with “John”... after all the amazing and groundbreaking things she achieved... disappointing. Ugh. Talk about jumping to conclusions.
The first half does deserve a lot of credit. I especially enjoyed Georgina’s storyline (back when Sophie was a quick thinking badass). Businesswomen and MP Sophie - also amazing. Dolphin and Hannelore broke my heart. And my Midge and Harry! What a treat to see their lives after “A Rose For The ANZAC Boys”. Hopefully this five star quality will be in the third book.
Sophie and Nigel relationship felt very contrived and creepy. Miss Lily (and thus Nigel) was a parental figure to Sophie in the first book and also taught her about sex so um no not about the relationship.
I think my problem is, is that I actually do not care at all about Miss Lily or Nigel... but every other character I love so much. Oops.
Also, Sophie very poorly handled her situation with “John”... after all the amazing and groundbreaking things she achieved... disappointing. Ugh. Talk about jumping to conclusions.
The first half does deserve a lot of credit. I especially enjoyed Georgina’s storyline (back when Sophie was a quick thinking badass). Businesswomen and MP Sophie - also amazing. Dolphin and Hannelore broke my heart. And my Midge and Harry! What a treat to see their lives after “A Rose For The ANZAC Boys”. Hopefully this five star quality will be in the third book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2024
The Great War holds no joy for many of Sophie's friends, her memory of hospitals she's administered, and the shattered lives of soldiers and women she's known. Sophie Higgs wants to put it all behind her. However, nightmares persist. She wants to go home to Australia. Before she can, she must get her life back on track. She must find her friend Hannelore, and take her with her to the sunshine and peace.
Sophie Higgs loves Australia but must return to the dangerous world of post-war Europe to find Hannelore. As the heir to her father's Corned Beef Empire, she travels the dangerous route by train to secure contracts for her father and find her missing friend.
Jackie French is an amazing author. To take history and create fictionalized accounts of historical events in realistic settings is difficult enough. Then to make the heroine an Australian businesswoman and then have her marry Lord Vaile, and become mother, all in succession. Then her German friend, Hannelore, who is working to restore peace and prosperity for her country, tells Sophie she met a man who could make this happen. His name is Herr Adolph Hitler.
I read the fifth book in this series first. Which I regret because in my mind I see the characters in their future incarnations. I suggest you start at the beginning of this series, and allow yourself to be swept along with Sophie Higg's remarkable journey.
Sophie Higgs loves Australia but must return to the dangerous world of post-war Europe to find Hannelore. As the heir to her father's Corned Beef Empire, she travels the dangerous route by train to secure contracts for her father and find her missing friend.
Jackie French is an amazing author. To take history and create fictionalized accounts of historical events in realistic settings is difficult enough. Then to make the heroine an Australian businesswoman and then have her marry Lord Vaile, and become mother, all in succession. Then her German friend, Hannelore, who is working to restore peace and prosperity for her country, tells Sophie she met a man who could make this happen. His name is Herr Adolph Hitler.
I read the fifth book in this series first. Which I regret because in my mind I see the characters in their future incarnations. I suggest you start at the beginning of this series, and allow yourself to be swept along with Sophie Higg's remarkable journey.
April 22, 2018
Spoilers ahead **
First of all, this series is such a wonderful exploration of so many different kinds of love, whether they are ‘conventional’ or not. I have always loved Jackie French but I really feel her pushing herself the extra mile in this series, in terms of both creativity and exposure of those unspoken parts of society and I love it. I find it to be very in sync with where we are as a society today, and I love that she is offering representation.
When reading the first book I honestly felt that Sophie could not end up with Nigel because Sophie’s confusion over how complicated their marriage could be felt so genuine and therefore made so much sense. I knew that in her professional life she would thrive so that wasn’t a surprise at all. When I started to see where the story was going romantically, I was shocked for the reason stated above, but I was so pleasantly surprised to find that Sophie and Nigel could actually make it work. Of course it is complicated and I would love to have the opinion of someone who is more experienced in gender studies than I am, in regards to the psyche of Miss Lily and how that would work within a heterosexual (on Sophie’s part?) marriage. It almost seems that Nigel/Lily would be classed as gender fluid but then they are two separate personas inhabiting one body? Obviously not the issue. Love is love but I am curious about how their marriage goes when this seemed to be such a roadblock in the first novel. Loved the novel, love Jackie French, and love that characters from ‘a rose for the ANZAC boys’ were included because it is my favourite of her novels.
First of all, this series is such a wonderful exploration of so many different kinds of love, whether they are ‘conventional’ or not. I have always loved Jackie French but I really feel her pushing herself the extra mile in this series, in terms of both creativity and exposure of those unspoken parts of society and I love it. I find it to be very in sync with where we are as a society today, and I love that she is offering representation.
When reading the first book I honestly felt that Sophie could not end up with Nigel because Sophie’s confusion over how complicated their marriage could be felt so genuine and therefore made so much sense. I knew that in her professional life she would thrive so that wasn’t a surprise at all. When I started to see where the story was going romantically, I was shocked for the reason stated above, but I was so pleasantly surprised to find that Sophie and Nigel could actually make it work. Of course it is complicated and I would love to have the opinion of someone who is more experienced in gender studies than I am, in regards to the psyche of Miss Lily and how that would work within a heterosexual (on Sophie’s part?) marriage. It almost seems that Nigel/Lily would be classed as gender fluid but then they are two separate personas inhabiting one body? Obviously not the issue. Love is love but I am curious about how their marriage goes when this seemed to be such a roadblock in the first novel. Loved the novel, love Jackie French, and love that characters from ‘a rose for the ANZAC boys’ were included because it is my favourite of her novels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2018
Well.
I was engaged in the story enough to want to know how it ended, and I will read the next one.
That said, I find Sophie's relationship with Miss Lily and Nigel off. (Side note: he clearly needs professional, compassionate help to deal with the trauma he has experienced in his life). I don't think it's because of the obvious, I think it is because of the position of authority Miss Lily holds/held and the age difference — which can work, don't get me wrong, but in this particular circumstance it has a bit of a hint of 'wealthy older man wins over beautiful young wife' to it. I found the rush to get married clichéd and on-the-nose and somewhat out of character for the Sophie we know, even within this novel. Sleeping with one dude and marrying another basically immediately after? I mean, whatever, but it's not really convincing that you're invested in that marriage, you know. I think it's well time for Miss Lily and Nigel to exit.
There were a few moments where it felt like the author had retrofitted a decision character trait to change what had already been established in the first novel. Nothing super major, but enough for me to notice.
I am curious to see who John really is...
I was engaged in the story enough to want to know how it ended, and I will read the next one.
That said, I find Sophie's relationship with Miss Lily and Nigel off. (Side note: he clearly needs professional, compassionate help to deal with the trauma he has experienced in his life). I don't think it's because of the obvious, I think it is because of the position of authority Miss Lily holds/held and the age difference — which can work, don't get me wrong, but in this particular circumstance it has a bit of a hint of 'wealthy older man wins over beautiful young wife' to it. I found the rush to get married clichéd and on-the-nose and somewhat out of character for the Sophie we know, even within this novel. Sleeping with one dude and marrying another basically immediately after? I mean, whatever, but it's not really convincing that you're invested in that marriage, you know. I think it's well time for Miss Lily and Nigel to exit.
There were a few moments where it felt like the author had retrofitted a decision character trait to change what had already been established in the first novel. Nothing super major, but enough for me to notice.
I am curious to see who John really is...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2019
V. 2 of the Miss Lily series.
Slushy historical war romance.
Sophie Higgs is torn between the love of 3 men - Orphie, German, who wants her inheritance to help build up his estates in Germany after the loss to the Allies in WW1; Nigel (Lily) Shillings, Earl of Shillings, who has trained Sophie and her friends before the war; and John, living the life of a bushman in Australia, as he comes to terms with the deaths of his friends in the War.
So, Sophie marries Nigel after spending one night with John. Guess what, she discovers that she is pregnant - and then has twins, a larger female baby named Rose, and a smaller male called Daniel.
Predictable. Unfortunately. Had hoped for better from Jackie French.
Slushy historical war romance.
Sophie Higgs is torn between the love of 3 men - Orphie, German, who wants her inheritance to help build up his estates in Germany after the loss to the Allies in WW1; Nigel (Lily) Shillings, Earl of Shillings, who has trained Sophie and her friends before the war; and John, living the life of a bushman in Australia, as he comes to terms with the deaths of his friends in the War.
So, Sophie marries Nigel after spending one night with John. Guess what, she discovers that she is pregnant - and then has twins, a larger female baby named Rose, and a smaller male called Daniel.
Predictable. Unfortunately. Had hoped for better from Jackie French.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2018
I haven’t read the first book, so had a few gaps to fill. I do find the historical content interesting and the effect on countries and lives post war. The tale of women in the war and trying to find a place after experiencing a reversal of gender roles during. However I find the plot lines a bit far fetched and how everyone and everything just plops into place for Sophie, who has no apparent character flaws, a bit tedious after a while. I feel this book is a bit of a filler for a third in the series. I enjoyed aspects of it though and it could have been a great story without the over the top theatrics.
August 31, 2018
Beloved Australian author, Jackie French is a firm believer in the idea that history explains why our world is the way it is. She has written hundreds of books before, but it was her research for A Rose for the Anzac Boys that inspired her to write her latest historical fiction trilogy. The Lily and the Rose is the sequel to Miss Lily’s Lovely Ladies. It isn’t designed to be a stand-alone read but is the second story, which propels things forward and leaves enough mystery and narrative threads open for them to be explored and resolved in her next instalment.
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To read the rest of this review please visit: https://100percentrock.com/book-revie...
February 6, 2022
A continuation of the first book and the amazing part that Sophie and monies from her fathers corned beef factory made such a difference to the aid given in the war. Sophie had hospitals and various other places set up so that people could be cared for physically and emotionally wherever possible. She went to great lengths to try and get warning of the new mustard gas that was going to be used on the forces. She didn't make on time however she did have nerves of steel and kept on trying to help in any way possible. Her dad is very proud of her however would now like her to go back to Australia however there is always something keeping Sophie in England .
May 29, 2024
4.5 stars. Loved the second book in this series. Half star taken off because there are a few aspects that bother me a little. Mostly I felt there were some loose ends (although maybe resolved in subsequent books) and that things fall together too easily for Sophie. While I like her character, she verges on being a Mary Sue and her ability to spend whatever amount of money she wants to get whatever she wants can at times be a bit tiresome and too easily convenient for the plot... I also must admit I find the relationship between Sophie/Nigel a bit strange, I don't really feel the chemistry. Overall though great book and looking forward to continuing the series.
July 29, 2018
A sequel that develops both the story and characters, providing increasing depth to the tale. The Miss Lily's Lovely Ladies series is a unique modern day tale set in the early twentieth century that explores what it means for a woman to have an independent, fulfilling, and interesting life. Aimed at late teens, or young women, the story takes the traditional period drama/romance and infuses it with modern day feminist values.
October 28, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, though not quite as much as the first. It's an interesting look at life, especially the changing lives of women, after The Great War.
I'm glad that not quite everything goes Sophie's way, I was starting to think she lived a charmed life. She makes some interesting mistakes and has some amazing adventures.
I also enjoyed the snapshot into how Hannelore was faring after the war. There's also an intriguing hint for the next book. I can't wait until it comes out.
I'm glad that not quite everything goes Sophie's way, I was starting to think she lived a charmed life. She makes some interesting mistakes and has some amazing adventures.
I also enjoyed the snapshot into how Hannelore was faring after the war. There's also an intriguing hint for the next book. I can't wait until it comes out.
July 11, 2019
The war is over, but life is unsettled for everyone. Lily decides she needs to return to Australia. She is shocked to see how much her father has deteriorated. However he is proud of all she had achieved and when he dies she leaves the business to her. Introducing new lines Lily make a success of the business. She tries for parliament. But this too is not enough. So she returns to England, Nigel and Shillings.
June 8, 2020
An effortlessly engaging continuation of Sophie Higgs’ story post WW1 and her connection to all those she met in ‘Miss Lily’s Lovely Ladies’. Once again the author displays her intimate knowledge of the historical setting of her narrative in the hard years that follow in WW1 Britain and Australia. The many ‘loves’ of Sophie’s life are still there but one captures her heart irreversibly. I would not dare to ‘spoil’ the journey for readers but heartily recommend that they take it.
March 30, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed following Sophie again, this time after the war, as she travels back to Australia at last. She hires Lady Georgina to be her secretary and takes Miss Lily's lady's maid Green on their journey, as they stop via Germany to ensure Hannelore is OK.
We're reintroduced to all our old friends from last season, plus a few new fabulous ones.
A really strong second book, with all the charm of the first one, and just as much action!
We're reintroduced to all our old friends from last season, plus a few new fabulous ones.
A really strong second book, with all the charm of the first one, and just as much action!
April 7, 2018
I love this book, the second of Jackie French's three books in the series. This one takes us up to 1926 and has left still another couple of mysteries to unfold. I look forward to reading book number 3! In the meantime, I have discovered a short story by Jackie French in ebook form - With Love From Miss Lily, a Christmas story set in 1918.
July 29, 2018
To be honest I was disappointed after enjoying the first in the series and looking forward to reading this next instalment. It started out well but then it felt contrived...just didn’t quite ring true. Just a few too many magnificent independent women and life never really falls into place as neatly as it does for Sophie.
I will read the next book .... hoping for better...
I will read the next book .... hoping for better...
February 9, 2025
The novel tells the story of Sophie Higgs, a colonial heiress and she is a graduate of the exclusive Miss Lily’s school of charm. Sophie’s negotiate war torn Europe to help rescue her close friend, a Prinzessin, also a miss Lily graduate. Love and Sophie’s way in the form of three different suitors. Sophie learns so much of friendship as the world continues to change rapidly around her.
June 17, 2019
Such a good read. Couldn’t put it down! It felt a bit Gone with the Wind in some parts and is Sophie really soooo perfect? Looking forward to the third book in the series to se how she develops further.
February 2, 2021
Reading the first chapter I did wonder what kind of book I had checked out. As I continued to read, though, I began to look forward to the wisdom of Miss Lily that started each chapter. Whenever food was mentioned I would have enjoyed tasting the varied mentioned.
May 19, 2024
A very fascinating book that covers many controversial aspects of the modern world and written with wonderful talent that draws you into Australian, English and German history. I enjoyed the first novel more but nonetheless found myself captivated following Sophie’s journey across continents.
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