Spitfire Down!

Keep the Home Fires Burning #1a

by S. Block

In Britain's darkest hour, an extraordinary community of women strives to protect the Home Front. When a plane crashes in the village, every one of their lives will change forever . . .

PART ONE in a FOUR-PART ebook serial from the creator of ITV's smash hit series, Home Fires. Perfect for fans of Call the Midwife, Granchester and Foyles War. If you adore the novels of Nadine Dorries, Diney Costello and Daisy Styles then this is an unmissable series for you. 1940, Great Paxford, Cheshire. In Britain's darkest hour, an extraordinary community of women strive to protect the Home Front. When a spitfire crashes in their village, every one of their lives will change forever . . . Frances Barden thought the day her husband died would be her darkest day, but as her factory is shut down and her husband's secret child arrives at her door, she learns her greatest challenge is only just beginning. Pat Simms received a respite when her abusive husband went to war, but now he's home Pat doesn't know who to turn to . . . Newlyweds Teresa and Nick should be happy, but the plane crash on their wedding day may just be the start of their troubles. Meanwhile, the life of the Campbell family will never be the same following a terrible tragedy. Through it all the Women's Institute provides support and camaraderie. But is their combined strength enough to get them through the war? Enjoy one ebook episode a month starting in July or own the complete novel in ebook in October or paperback in January. Don't miss the next instalment in this compelling series. Keep the Home Fires Burning - Part 2: A Woman's Work . . . is out now! Search 978178576357

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

136 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2018

About the author

Simon Block is a Screenwriter, producer and Writer best known for his work on The Physician as a key writer. Block is also known for his work on the Julie Summers inspired ITV series Home Fires as the main writer. Block wrote the first episode of Series 1 of the show alongside Julie Summers who inspired the show with her book, however following the first episode Block became the main writer writing 10 Episodes to date. Block has also worked on popular Television shows such as Hotel Babylon being a recurring writer with his writing credits appearing Series 3 Episode 1, Series 2 Episode 8 and Series 2 Episode 2. During 2015 Block wrote three episode for the TV Series A.D. The Bible Continues writing "The Tomb Is Open", "The Body Is Gone" and "The Spirit Arrives".

source- Wikipedia

Reviews

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel picks up where Season 2 of the PBS series "Home Fires" left off.

A wonderful PBS series " Home Fires" was based on the novel "Jambusters". The story takes place in Greater Paxton, UK, at the beginning of WWII in 1939. Young men are signing up for service as well as many husbands leaving wives, children and mothers behind. A women's organization known as the Women's Institute rallies to help support the war effort and each other during difficult times.

The TV series was wonderful and Season 2 ends in a cliff-hanger when the production company of ITV decides to abruptly cancel the show. Well, what happens to everyone in town?

The writer of the series, S. Block decided to continue the show in a set of books, approximately 100 pages each, released monthly for four months. This is Book #1.

I was thrilled to be able to continue with these characters and continue the town drama. Having been a TV show, it's easy to put a face to everyone. For those who did not watch the show, a complete novelization will come out in October. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys public television mini-series.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gutted when this series was cancelled on ITV. It ended on a huge cliff hanger so I was glad to see it was being brought out in book form. It put me off following new series on this channel.
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Was great to catch up with all the characters we'd met on the tv. This is only the first part, three more to follow, but I didn't mind that.
For those who haven't seen the series on tv this is about the Women's Institute on the Home Front in WW2. It depicts people's lives and secrets and how they cope with the war at home.
I'd recommend it to anyone who likes stories set in the war years.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was totally hooked on the show Home Fires. I fell in love with each of the characters. I was devastated when it was cancelled leaving the story hanging! Then it was announced that the story will continue through books. Read part one immediately. What a perfect addition to the show to let us visit with these incredible characters once again!

[Linda Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting years to find out what happened after the PBS series was canceled and a plane crashed into a house in Paxford. The author is a screenwriter and did a good job refreshing me on the characters, briefly reviewing their situations, and continuing the story after the crash. It is a novella, and ends with lots of continuing questions. I’m reading the next book.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Series

I was late in discovering the Home Fires series on TV and just finished watching the two seasons in two days! I loved it so much, I immediately had to find out when season three was going to be aired...what a huge disappointment when I read there wasn't going to be a season three!! It was cancelled by the net work! What a inconsiderate way to end this series. They left you hanging, expecting the story to continue only to find out the awful truth. At least the author decided to continue by writing four more books to give the public some closure! Thank goodness! I finished the first installment and can't wait to continue with the rest. I wished it could have continued on TV, but this is definitely the next best thing. Loved the show, and now loving the books! Thanks for not letting the fans of the show be left in the dark for the rest of forever! Great job!

[Michelle Grose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I watched the TV show on PBS before it was cancelled with the last episode ending with a cliffhanger. The writer of the show saw fit to write 4 books to continue to tell the story and this book is the first in the series and is a great way to continue. Really enjoyed this first installment.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

PBS aired the series Home Fires for two seasons, and the second season ended with a cliffhanger: a Spitfire crash landing in a small English village. Unfortunately, Home Fires' original production company decided not to renew the series, and thus the series ended with none of its major plot lines wrapped up.

The scriptwriter was kind enough to give fans an ending, even if it will never be filmed. These novellas (there will be four in all) are based on the plan the writers' had to finish the series.

Don't pick them up at all if you haven't watched Home Fires. It will make no sense.

If you watched the series and enjoyed it, you'll enjoy these, even though the first eleven chapters of this first entry simply rehashes the last episode or so of the television show. Once that review is out of the way, it picks up and becomes quite a good little read.

The writing isn't amazing, as it overly relies on telling rather than showing who the characters are and how they are feeling and their internal motivations, but honestly, I'm reading this because I want to know what happens to the characters I enjoyed and cared about on the show, not because I'm hoping for a literary revelation.

All in all, I enjoyed finding out more about these women, and I do wish they had let them film just one more season, because I can picture all of the actors digging into the plots they clearly had ready for them.

I'll be reading all of the novellas in the series just to find out what happens to everyone.

*occasional language

[Candy Barron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the two seasons of Homefires on PBS, and was very disappointed that it was cancelled, especially as the second season finale ended with a cliffhanger! This first book continuing the story is wonderful!! I was afraid I wouldn't remember who was who without seeing them, but the writer gave a little background on each character as they appeared. I'm very grateful for these books being available, and can't wait for the next one!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to know what happened after the plane crashed

Watched the two seasons of the show on PBS, then it was not renewed. Frustratingly, the story started with the plane crash, but then went back to review the reader. Ugh, just tell me what happened. Finally we get there. It's nice that the show creator cared enough to wrap up through these serials.

[Bryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

*deep, drawn-out sigh*
It's just not the same. Call me crazy, but in the reverse way that a book is better than its movie, the TV series Home Fires is far better than its book. I was DEVASTATED at the cancellation/the worst cliffhanger in the history of British period dramas, and seriously SO excited for this book. But sadly, it was shallow and barely touched on each of the many characters. Granted, it's only 100-odd pages, but the individual stories are barely scratched and hardly explored. The *only* thing that will bring me back to the next books is my hardcore love for the TV series and its characters, even if this didn't live up to it.

*side note: I read this in 3 weeks, because it was not enticing and I frankly forgot about it. It wasn't a book that was hard to put down or easy to devour. Its shallowness made me forget about it and read other books instead before finally getting around to finishing it.

*other side note: I think I speak for a lot of us when I say that Spencer and Claire are hands down THE BEST characters. They're seriously underrated and way cute, and they deserve more time in the spotlight. Part of the (selfish) reason I didn't like this book

*Also, what about Steph?? And Miriam?? Barely mentioned! Like, come on!

[Stacci Hamilton]

At times a bit slow and predictable.... half the book covered what the last episode showed, so I felt a bit cheated of my purchase. I wanted to read where the show left off.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, I was bitter the show ended. Yes, I want a wrap up. Thank you for this. Thank you so very very much.

[Nadine Keels · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first thoughts and impressions on my long-anticipated return to Great Paxford...

Yes, I'm picturing everyone in the story as the actors from the television show. (Why, oh, why did ITV cancel something so well done?) It's nice to be able to get a little more into the characters' heads, as novels allow. The author establishes the omniscient narrator early, so even though not all of the switches between the characters' perspectives are the smoothest, I'm not thrown by them.

On the other hand, I feel like the time in the characters' heads is a little overabundant, and redundant here and there. I'm also finding the use of italics to be pretty excessive. There are times when an author can trust readers to understand without a lot of explanation, and readers often have an instinct about where to place emphasis as they read, even without italics doing the work too frequently or actors saying the words aloud.

Nevertheless, I know I'm being nitpicky. Shifting from scriptwriting to novel writing isn't something all writers can do as well as this one has. Despite my raised eyebrow at a character or two I would've expected better from by now, they're all standing out nicely on the pages. And their ongoing story is worth turning the pages for. (Hoping to hear more about Steph and David soon!)

I'm not sure how I'd feel reading this if I hadn't already watched the show. But anyhow. On to Part Two...

[Sarah Gregson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon Block is not only a story teller but he is a genius! Because of the sudden holt of the tv series, to flow the continuing saga via books is a stroke of brilliance. I already have everybody, the village etc in my mind. I couldn't wait for the complete series so read the first one and I wasn't disappointed just yearning for more. He is very cleaver to include bits of the past to either bring the reader up to date or to bring people up to speed if they didn't see the tv series. The advantage of reading is that you get deeper into each characte and understand their complexities. I have the DVD set and have watched a few times. No doubt I'll be re reading the books as well.

[Heather Lin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was debating between 2 and 3 stars. Let's call it 2.5. I read this book because, of course, I loved the show and needed to know what happened with that huge cliffhanger! The first third of this volume is recap, then when you finally do discover what happened, it's all but glossed over. I wanted to dive into what happened, what was going on in the chatacters' minds. We get a brief chapter of that and then a disappointing "One month later..." I was glad to have some closure and see what the characters are up to, but on its own it's nothing to write home about. A ton of head hopping and telling rather than showing. I won't be buying the second volume.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was terribly pained by the cancellation of Home Fires, particularly because of that cliffhanger. Thanks goodness for the continuation of the story in novel form! This is part one of four of the Kindle version of the book, which will be out in its entirety in paperback in October. Each part is being released around the 24th of the month for those of us who are too impatient to wait for the complete format. Part One was very well done, picking up where the series left off. It was very easy to visualize every scene as I read it, and I can't wait to get to Part Two.

[Donna Cardinale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction, and this has really caught my attention. I've enjoyed the many characters, residents of a little British village during WWII. They are so realistic. I find myself connecting with each one in some way. I'm also thankful S. Block has written this sequel because the end of theBBC's Season 2 was such a cliff hanger. I just had to know what was going to happen! If you haven't seen those episodes you can still enjoy these books since reference is given to past events in such an understandable way.

[Mark Malone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rate this book 3 of 5 — GOOD. This book is the first of a series of four short novels (novellas?) which are a continuation of the 2-series British television show “Home Fires” produced by ITV. This book is an easy, enjoyable read and gives viewers of the TV show answers to some of the questions left hanging at the end of the last episode. The book form allows the writer, Simon Block, to share the thoughts and motivations of the characters more directly than in the TV show, including a few details about the past not revealed on TV.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I watched the first two seasons of Home Fires without realizing that season 2 had a cliffhanger ending before it got cancelled. That's hardly fair, but was surprised to see that there was a book that represented Season 3. I had very low expectations of the writing and was very pleasantly surprised. It's very descriptive and satisfying. My disappointment in this book (it's one of 4 to complete the series) is that more than half of this book is the last episode of Season 2, so there's not a whole lot of new story in this installment.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so I had to buy this kindle book because the PBS series left us hanging. The Brits are not renewing the series and I had to find out who survived the Spitfire crash into the doctor's house. I now know all. Whew!

Generally, the writing was in line with the series, but the recap at the beginning of the book, totally unnecessary and a waste. And it's far too short. I guess the author wants to prolong the series. Am looking out for the next installment.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got hooked on PBS Masterpiece's "Home Fires" series (streaming on Amazon) and was crushed, along with my fellow fans, when they decided not to make a Season 3. (*sigh*) Kudos to show creator Simon Block for knowing we wouldn't be able to sleep at night without the Season 2 cliffhanger being resolved. This is part one of four installments. Even though I would prefer the story in show form (the hair! The clothes!), it's an enjoyable, quick read!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed part one of the four part story Keep the Home Fires Burning. I religiously watched the series on PBS and was disappointed that ITV cancelled the series after two seasons and left a cliffhanger that left audiences deeply unsatisfied. If you loved the TV series, you'll love the book. I can't wait for part two to come out in August.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only if you watched the series

I'd give it 3.5 stars. I loved the series and was dismayed when it was cancelled, especially after the cliffhanger ending of season 2. It's faced paced, and reads more like a tv show than a book. I want to find out what happened to these women. Good summer read.

[Marcia L. Balonis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the Home Fires shows on PBS so I had to purchase to continue reading the saga. The book is excellent with the same style and drama of the show. I thought it took a little too long going over territory already covered in the series at the end. I suppose that was to bridge between the PBS shows and a book form. Still a great read and I'm waiting for the next installment now.

[Melanie Earles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing the Story

I'm so glad the screenwriter decided to publish these books to keep the story going. I would have hated to have it end with that cliffhanger. That being said, while I enjoyed this story, I felt like it glossed over the cliffhanger and went straight to other things.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the TV show "Home Fires" ended after two seasons, there were a lot of loose ends. The script writer decided to finish the story with a book that would come out in quarters. This is the first quarter. It picks up where the TV show ended which is good, but I would much rather follow the story acted out on TV.

[Kara Prem · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book picks up just after the television show has ended. As Pat flees the village in hopes of catching her Czech lover before he leaves, a spitfire plane crashes into the village, landing on the doctor's home. The book follows the immediate aftermath of this event and checks in with all the women I enjoyed seeing on the show.

[Amanda Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the book to be less engaging than the show. Usually what I love most about a book as opposed to a tv show or movie is that you can get into the characters' heads, but I found that I liked Pat and Teresa less in the book than in the show because I could get into their heads. I might still give part 2 a try, we'll see.

[Debi Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

We watched the series which had two seasons and then ended abruptly, so I had to read "the rest of the story." Found a Kindle "book" that contained four books, but it does not show up for Goodreads, so am having to add each one separately.

Loved that Simon Block decided that he needed to continue the story of Great Paxford and its inhabitants. A light, fun read all the way around.

[Alison Taylor-Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too much recapping -bit disappointed

Love the characters but this first part of the continuation recalled far too much on what we already knew. I'm still hooked though and looking forward to the next 3 parts already pre ordered