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Land Girls #2
The Promise
A cosy historical mystery set during the Second World War‘I’ll come for you, Iris. Mark my words!’
When a murder rocks the quiet village of Helmstead, seventeen-year-old Land Girl, Iris Dawson, is determined to prove her friend and local gamekeeper Frank Tucker’s innocence. But when she exposes Vernon Storey, the real murderer, her once happy life at Pasture Farm soon becomes a nightmare. Already running from the ghosts of her past back home in Northampton, Iris is now haunted by Vernon, who is out there somewhere and has promised to have his revenge.
Iris has never forgiven herself for the tragedy that destroyed her family and how, as a child, she failed her mother, and now the new surrogate family she has at Pasture Farm is fracturing around her. No one believes she is in danger, or that those she loves could also be Vernon’s targets in his bid to escape the law, so she must face this battle on her own. A battle that this time, Iris cannot afford to lose, culminating in a desperate race against time to save another innocent life, and to take back her own, once and for all.
When a murder rocks the quiet village of Helmstead, seventeen-year-old Land Girl, Iris Dawson, is determined to prove her friend and local gamekeeper Frank Tucker’s innocence. But when she exposes Vernon Storey, the real murderer, her once happy life at Pasture Farm soon becomes a nightmare. Already running from the ghosts of her past back home in Northampton, Iris is now haunted by Vernon, who is out there somewhere and has promised to have his revenge.
Iris has never forgiven herself for the tragedy that destroyed her family and how, as a child, she failed her mother, and now the new surrogate family she has at Pasture Farm is fracturing around her. No one believes she is in danger, or that those she loves could also be Vernon’s targets in his bid to escape the law, so she must face this battle on her own. A battle that this time, Iris cannot afford to lose, culminating in a desperate race against time to save another innocent life, and to take back her own, once and for all.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2018
43 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 3, 2019
I’m a sucker for British period pieces but somehow missed the award-winning Land Girls, commissioned by the BBC to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the start of World War II. So I was super excited to receive an ARC for Land Girls: The Promise by the show’s uber-talented creator and writer Roland Moore.
This beautifully written novel extends the narrative for loyal fans and historical fiction lovers. It is the second book in a planned trilogy, following Land Girls: The Homecoming Public published last summer.
Show devotees and readers new to the series will be riveted when murder comes to the quiet village of Helmstead. Here, young Land Girl Iris Dawson toils to prove the innocence of friend and local gamekeeper Frank Tucker. As she uncovers the real murderer, she risks not only her hard-won peaceful existence at Pasture Farm, but her very life and the safety of those she loves. Highly recommended!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#LandGirlsThePromise #NetGalley
This beautifully written novel extends the narrative for loyal fans and historical fiction lovers. It is the second book in a planned trilogy, following Land Girls: The Homecoming Public published last summer.
Show devotees and readers new to the series will be riveted when murder comes to the quiet village of Helmstead. Here, young Land Girl Iris Dawson toils to prove the innocence of friend and local gamekeeper Frank Tucker. As she uncovers the real murderer, she risks not only her hard-won peaceful existence at Pasture Farm, but her very life and the safety of those she loves. Highly recommended!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#LandGirlsThePromise #NetGalley
August 6, 2018
Aaawww what a lovely ending. But enough of that............I was lucky enough to receive a kindle edition of Land Girls: The Promise via NetGalley and HarperImpulse.
Unfamiliar as I was with the author and the fact that there was a previous instalment in the Land Girls saga, as soon as I posted on Goodreads that I had started this book, I was informed by friends that the BBC had made a television series based on Roland Moore's characters. High praise indeed. Luckily, I found I had not missed anything by not reading the first book Land Girls: The Homecoming as Land Girls: The Promise is fine as a standalone title..
What a challenging time in the lives of the young ladies celebrated in this book.....still naïve in a girlish way, sent away from home to work as Land Girls on farms goodness knows where in the English countryside, undertaking the work young men who have been sent to war would normally do. Such a brave leap of faith to contribute to "the war effort". And a definitely a steep learning curve for those young ladies.
Land Girls: The Promise centres on Iris Dawson. Leaving her mother to work on a farm as a Land Girl, Iris carries her demons with her...in her dreams and the hidden truths and misconceptions which haunt her following a catastrophic event in her childhood. She seems to attract trouble......a moody GI, a murder, an assault by a guilty murderer, threats made against her personal safety and integrity not to mention endeavours to make her life a rat infested living hell. No wonder her fellow Land Girls and farm workers don't believe her. Iris is stuck in a mental and physical hell where she must prove she is telling the truth and possibly more importantly, for her own piece of mind, put the demons of the past behind her.
An enjoyable read, with a heap of action and girl power of a 1940's vintage. Twists and turns keep you thinking and hoping Iris makes it through to prove her honesty, her friend Frank's innocence and to unveil the identities of the true villains of the piece.
These are my own opinions and many thanks #NetGalley #HarperImpulseAndKillerReads
Unfamiliar as I was with the author and the fact that there was a previous instalment in the Land Girls saga, as soon as I posted on Goodreads that I had started this book, I was informed by friends that the BBC had made a television series based on Roland Moore's characters. High praise indeed. Luckily, I found I had not missed anything by not reading the first book Land Girls: The Homecoming as Land Girls: The Promise is fine as a standalone title..
What a challenging time in the lives of the young ladies celebrated in this book.....still naïve in a girlish way, sent away from home to work as Land Girls on farms goodness knows where in the English countryside, undertaking the work young men who have been sent to war would normally do. Such a brave leap of faith to contribute to "the war effort". And a definitely a steep learning curve for those young ladies.
Land Girls: The Promise centres on Iris Dawson. Leaving her mother to work on a farm as a Land Girl, Iris carries her demons with her...in her dreams and the hidden truths and misconceptions which haunt her following a catastrophic event in her childhood. She seems to attract trouble......a moody GI, a murder, an assault by a guilty murderer, threats made against her personal safety and integrity not to mention endeavours to make her life a rat infested living hell. No wonder her fellow Land Girls and farm workers don't believe her. Iris is stuck in a mental and physical hell where she must prove she is telling the truth and possibly more importantly, for her own piece of mind, put the demons of the past behind her.
An enjoyable read, with a heap of action and girl power of a 1940's vintage. Twists and turns keep you thinking and hoping Iris makes it through to prove her honesty, her friend Frank's innocence and to unveil the identities of the true villains of the piece.
These are my own opinions and many thanks #NetGalley #HarperImpulseAndKillerReads
July 16, 2018
“Land Girls: The Promise” by Roland Moore is a story about Land Girls who served in England during WWII. They worked for farmers, putting in crops, harvesting and in general taking the places of young men off to war. Sometimes these girls were sent to farms where they enjoyed good food, camaraderie, and provide a service to their country at the same time. Even though it was not the army, desertion was not an option.
Iris Dawson is seventeen and a Land Girl at Pasture Farm. She is illiterate and is being tutored by the gamekeeper, Frank. When the murder of a farmer’s son is discovered, Frank is the number one suspect. There was bad blood between Frank and the murdered man, Walter Story. Walter was a bully and not very well liked by the townspeople. His father was a brute and also not trusted by most. When Frank is taken into custody, Iris tries to prove his innocence. She stumbles upon evidence that proved that Frank was not guilty. However, the true murderer knows that she knows and vows to have revenge.
The rest of the story focuses on what effect this has on Iris. She is continually looking over her shoulder, has nightmares, begins drinking and almost loses her position as a Land Girl. She is sent to another farm where things are not as nice as on the previous farm. She runs away and comes face to face with her worst nightmare.
I feel that this story is about a young girl who is forced to grow up quickly. She possesses a strong will and the fortitude to fight for what is right. I think that this is what happened to many young people during this time in history and I find it interesting to read about different services that were utilized during the war.
You can find this review on my blog at https://wp.me/p2pjIt-vt, and other reviews on my blog at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
Iris Dawson is seventeen and a Land Girl at Pasture Farm. She is illiterate and is being tutored by the gamekeeper, Frank. When the murder of a farmer’s son is discovered, Frank is the number one suspect. There was bad blood between Frank and the murdered man, Walter Story. Walter was a bully and not very well liked by the townspeople. His father was a brute and also not trusted by most. When Frank is taken into custody, Iris tries to prove his innocence. She stumbles upon evidence that proved that Frank was not guilty. However, the true murderer knows that she knows and vows to have revenge.
The rest of the story focuses on what effect this has on Iris. She is continually looking over her shoulder, has nightmares, begins drinking and almost loses her position as a Land Girl. She is sent to another farm where things are not as nice as on the previous farm. She runs away and comes face to face with her worst nightmare.
I feel that this story is about a young girl who is forced to grow up quickly. She possesses a strong will and the fortitude to fight for what is right. I think that this is what happened to many young people during this time in history and I find it interesting to read about different services that were utilized during the war.
You can find this review on my blog at https://wp.me/p2pjIt-vt, and other reviews on my blog at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
July 12, 2018
I requested a copy of this book on Netgalley without realizing that this was the second book in a Land Girls series by Roland Moore. I was glad when I began to read that the two stories didn't seem connected other than sharing the same characters. I never felt that I had "missed something" or felt I needed to read the first book.
As I began to read. I had the thought that this book would make an excellent Hallmark movie, then I remembered from the description that it is actually a BBC drama. Despite the fact that this is not the type of book I would normally select for myself it is very well written and the story is very engaging. The characters have depth and the plot pulls you in and makes you want to continue reading to find out what is going to happen.
During the time period of this book women struggled, as we still do, to be treated and seen as an equal. I found it difficult to read through sections of the book knowing that these women were working so hard yet still treated as subservient and I definitely struggled reading through a male character trying to rationalize and figure out why he tried to "force himself" on the main character. These things were all very true to the time period but did make me want to smack a few characters in the face. Putting my own feelings to the side, the author does a very good job of staying true to writing within the time period. A lover of romance and drama will really enjoy reading this book. Thank you to #Netgalley for the ARC!
As I began to read. I had the thought that this book would make an excellent Hallmark movie, then I remembered from the description that it is actually a BBC drama. Despite the fact that this is not the type of book I would normally select for myself it is very well written and the story is very engaging. The characters have depth and the plot pulls you in and makes you want to continue reading to find out what is going to happen.
During the time period of this book women struggled, as we still do, to be treated and seen as an equal. I found it difficult to read through sections of the book knowing that these women were working so hard yet still treated as subservient and I definitely struggled reading through a male character trying to rationalize and figure out why he tried to "force himself" on the main character. These things were all very true to the time period but did make me want to smack a few characters in the face. Putting my own feelings to the side, the author does a very good job of staying true to writing within the time period. A lover of romance and drama will really enjoy reading this book. Thank you to #Netgalley for the ARC!
November 14, 2023
There is a murder in the village of Helmstead and Frank Tucker is blamed but Iris Dawsoj knows he didn't do it.
When she tries to prove it the murderer finds out, attacks her but she escapes though he promises to get her eventually.
Her life is in turmoil, she is tortured by her past, Vernon Storey's threat and by events at Pasture farm as Iris suspects there is something very wrong with Mr. Finch's new lady friend.
She is convinced everyone is in danger but no one is believing her or taking her fears seriously.
So Iris sets out to prove them all wrong and take matters into her own hands.
Another exciting slice of life drama from Pasture farm and the land girls.
When she tries to prove it the murderer finds out, attacks her but she escapes though he promises to get her eventually.
Her life is in turmoil, she is tortured by her past, Vernon Storey's threat and by events at Pasture farm as Iris suspects there is something very wrong with Mr. Finch's new lady friend.
She is convinced everyone is in danger but no one is believing her or taking her fears seriously.
So Iris sets out to prove them all wrong and take matters into her own hands.
Another exciting slice of life drama from Pasture farm and the land girls.
September 3, 2018
I throughly enjoyed this book and although it’s book two I will be reading book one soon. This follows Iris Dawson a young land army girl. Iris ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time and sees Evelyn going through a tin of stuff on the farm. In a scuffle Iris manages to grab a map and hide it away. Trying to warn everyone that there’s something wrong about Evelyn doesn’t help Iris and she gets sent away to another posting. Things don’t settle down even when she’s moved and poor Iris has a lot more to go through before she gets the help she needs. An enjoyable read
December 12, 2021
Contradicciones
La historia me gustó mucho, más que la primera, solo que encontré la pelea física con El asesino innecesaria y también me pareció raro que siendo la madre de Iris medianamente culta no le enseñara a Iris, incluso no entiendo por qué no fue a la escuela. Salvo esas cosas disfruté mucho de la historia y sigo con el 3er libro.
La historia me gustó mucho, más que la primera, solo que encontré la pelea física con El asesino innecesaria y también me pareció raro que siendo la madre de Iris medianamente culta no le enseñara a Iris, incluso no entiendo por qué no fue a la escuela. Salvo esas cosas disfruté mucho de la historia y sigo con el 3er libro.
July 3, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It's a great historical novel with strong and lovely characters.
It keeps you hooked since the beginning and you feel involved in what's going on.
An enjoyable and interesting read.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to HarperImpulse and Netgalley for this ARC
It keeps you hooked since the beginning and you feel involved in what's going on.
An enjoyable and interesting read.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to HarperImpulse and Netgalley for this ARC
August 2, 2018
This is the second Land Girls novel I have read. I found it to be packed with nail-biting excitement and twists and turns. Would poor Iris ever be believed, or saved? Kept me guessing, and worrying, to the last page.
July 2, 2018
A lovely book with strong charactors that bring the book together and also brought the memories back of the programme i loved watching.I have highly recommended this book well worth 5*
October 1, 2018
The promise
Enjoy the book immensely and had a goog cry at parts glad of the happy ending in the story
Some parts a bit gorry
Enjoy the book immensely and had a goog cry at parts glad of the happy ending in the story
Some parts a bit gorry
December 20, 2018
A good read. Got quite exciting towards the end.
February 28, 2020
Another lovely book
Another lovely book with a captivating story line. I am sorry I read the last book first. Well done and thank you.
Another lovely book with a captivating story line. I am sorry I read the last book first. Well done and thank you.
March 27, 2021
Excellent
Excellent book ready to read number 3
Really gripping book could not put it down would recommend it to all
Excellent book ready to read number 3
Really gripping book could not put it down would recommend it to all
March 7, 2021
Much like the first book, I found the storyline to be very predictable and even irritating at times as I found the choices being made by Iris to be quite silly. I didn't particularly care for her but wanted to finish the book. The ending was better than expected and I think I'll give the next one a go, but mostly because I enjoyed the television series a lot more and I want to learn more about the characters.
June 30, 2020
Another lovely story.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews