I've followed this war-time series from the beginning, so I was delighted to be approached to spend Christmas with the East End Angels in this lovely continuation of the saga. As the story opens, the crew members of Ambulance Station 75 are facing a quieter period, as the German bombs have stopped falling, for a time, in London. However, as always, the lives of crew members, Winnie, Frankie and Bella come under scrutiny as they each face the troubles that life throws at them. It's all done, of course, under the watchful eye of Station Officer Steele, who continues to both support and cajole, always expecting a high standard of commitment from her crew and herself.
There's a real warmth to this saga and, as it continues, there is such an emotional connection with the characters, that by now, this third book in the series, they have all become as dear as friends. I really care what happens to them all, wondering how Winnie copes with her husband, Mac, working in bomb disposal, how Frankie continues to deal with her viperous step-grandmother, Ivy, who still lives with her in Mafeking Terrace, and of course, the lovely Bella, with her passion for writing and her growing attachment to Winnie's brother, James.
The author captures time and place so perfectly that as soon as the story appears on the page, I am transported back to war-time London in 1941, travelling the bumpy streets in the ambulance alongside Winnie, with Trixie, the rescue dog, curled on my lap, quite settled in the knowledge that the story will take me on a wonderful journey.
The friendship and camaraderie of all the crew will be needed more than ever in what will prove to be a difficult year for them all, and yet, with laughter, and tears, both happy and sad, what's guaranteed is that there's never a dull moment for the crew of London Ambulance Station 75, and I can't wait to see what adventures befall them all next time.