Keep the Home Fires Burning

Keep the Home Fires Burning #1

by S. Block

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

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. In Britain's darkest hour, an extraordinary community of women strives to protect the Home Front. When an enemy plane crashes into the village, every one of their lives will change for ever . . . Frances struggles as her factory is shut down and her husband's secret child arrives at her door. Pat received a respite when her abusive husband went to cover the war, but now he's home . . . Newlyweds Teresa and Nick come under tremendous pressure due to the secret Teresa hides. Meanwhile, the life of the Campbell family is devastated as a serious illness runs its course, and Alison finds new purpose in helping the influx of strangers to the village. Through it all the Women's Institute provides support and camaraderie. But is their combined strength enough to get them through the war?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Historical, British Literature, Adult Fiction, War

362 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 19, 2017

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

[❀⊱RoryReads⊰❀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the TV show and as they cancelled it, I had hoped that this book would give me some closure. Unfortunately, although it's decently written, it's a series, and left me hanging at the end, just like the show! Well, since I love the setting and the characters, I'll just have to keep going.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you loved the show, and can imagine the excellent actors while you read this, it gets the job done in terms of satisfying your desire to know what happens in the story.

[Connie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to critique this as just a book because it is really the third season of a discontinued 2-season TV series, Home Fires. I feel like I'm reviewing a screenplay and even the actors' performances, acted out in locations I'd seen on TV. That said, it was brilliantly and directly written, showing the story directly and succinctly like a screenplay.

This is a very engaging series, both on the screen and in print, about the people left behind in England during World War II. So many issues become part of the fabric of the story: problems with rationing, refugees, the nearby RAF station, orphans, domestic abuse, personal loss, illness, and grief. But it is also all within a community of women (and men) who support each other (as well as almost amusing irritations), so it is not grim.

Note: You should watch seasons 1 & 2 before reading this book. Although we're given enough information about all the characters to understand their situations and past experiences, it wouldn't be as interesting without experiencing them first.

I am anxiously waiting for the next book, coming in 2018.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book stands alone if you haven't seen the TV show but it's better if you know the characters, the story and can hear their voices in your head. After the dramatic finale of season 2 when a Spitfire crashed into the middle of the village, the women of Great Paxford face even greater challenges than ever before. For some, they will never be the same again.

I absolutely could not put the book down. Unlike with a TV series, I could skip ahead to see how the story arc continued but I really only did that once. I devoured the book on my first read but I plan to watch the show again and then reread the book before the second one is released. (Hurry please!). Plotwise the book continues with the threads the screenwriter Simon Block started for each of the ladies. Frances is still reeling after Peter's death and the revelations it brought. What to do with the boy, Noah, is the big problem weighing on her mind. Should she do what Peter and Helen wished or what her sister (and Frances secretly) feels is right? I really like what a strong woman she is. She's hard as nails on the outside but inside she's insecure and trying to make sense of what went wrong in her life. She's hurting and it caused her to lash out at Alison. Yes Alison it IS partly your fault because of one decision you made early in the first season. Alison is hurting too and I hated seeing the breach in their friendship. I liked how the resolution came about naturally and not overly sentimental. I'm worried about Alison and her future. Boris is such a dear companion but he can't live forever.

I relate more to Sarah than Frances. Sarah is always forthright but also compassionate. Though she doesn't believe the same thing as her husband, she agrees with his values. Like her sister, Sarah is struggling to put up a brave front while inwardly hurting. She's terrified for Adam showing their strong bond. While she enjoyed the attention from Nick when he lived with her, it wasn't real love and she knew it.

Pat is struggling to find brightness in a world that now includes an even more vindictive Bob. Pat's "Mass Observation" letters were way too long and repetitive. They just recapped what she was feeling, which we already know. Her storyline was a bit too much telling and not enough showing. Can a bomb drop on Bob like right now, please please? He can't fight for several reasons so there's no hope of him dying in combat. How about a bus accident instead? He can get hit by a bus! I don't care as long as he dies. I don't normally think anyone deserves to be killed but if anyone does, it's Bob. He is such a nasty, awful abuser. I do feel really bad for Pat but yet it was her choice to marry him and stay with him. I think Sarah would support her, even Frances I believe would in time and maybe Joyce for all her conservative values would understand the need to escape an unhappy marriage. Erica doesn't seem to understand being happily married herself. She's never known the humiliation and degradation of abuse yet she is allows it to happen. She meddled once and it didn't go well so she's reluctant to do it again. Plus she has her own problems. Erica's concerns are a bit valid. I feel the same way about someone in my life. This is what she wants and needs right now but is that going to be what she wants and needs in the future? Can that relationship stay the same? As far as the story goes, will Marek even survive the war and if he does, then what?

Erica's storyline broke my heart. I cried in a few spots. I dare you not to! This story hit close to home. My best friend cared for her mom who ultimately died from brain cancer, my oldest cousins lost their dad to a brain tumor and their mom to lung cancer so I knew the signs when I saw them. I picked up on something subtle that no one else did - something Will ignored or chose not to mention. Then after the dramatic finale of the show, the situation becomes more intense. I felt for Erica and for both girls, especially Laura. Laura has matured a bit since her affair with Bowers the scum bag. Kate has matured a lot since going off to nurse training. She'll be an excellent nurse. I think Laura will have a harder time finding her way. This is by far the best storyline in the book.

The new doctor sure does have people issues. I wasn't sure about her at first. She was correct in what she told Miriam but how she told it was not wonderful. She surprised me a bit but I don't think she'll ever become one of them in the village but that way of life is changing and the future will be different. Maybe she can help prepare them for that new world when it comes.

Teresa's storyline also tugged at my heartstrings. I really wish she could feel free to be herself as Annie does. I think I would choose the safe option of spinsterhood if I were her and avoid the issue all together. I understand where she's coming from though. She was raised Catholic and I know exactly what she was taught to believe. She bucked that tradition but still can't escape her upbringing. I know that one well too. She wants to fit in to Great Paxford society and be one of them and for that she has to sacrifice. Nick is a great guy and any woman would be happy to marry him. However, I felt uneasy about him. One episode he's flirting with Sarah and another he falls in love with Teresa. It happened too quickly and I feel like he wants that traditional life NOW because of the uncertainty of war and while he isn't directly pressuring Teresa, she does feel a bit pressured to give him what he wants. Now, this story does go into detail about their married life. It's not graphic but it's important to know what's going on in Teresa's head for character development.

Annie is an interesting character. She isn't from Great Paxford and her family is all in Africa so she has nothing to lose by being herself unlike Teresa. I did think some of her behavior was kind of borderline harassment. She knew the decision Teresa made so why keep pushing? She has been in the village enough to know what the people are like and why Teresa made the decision she did. No is no even if there is a strong attraction.

Those are the main storylines for those particular characters. Other characters are there and integral to the story but not main characters. Steph and Little Stan share the dramatic ending. I liked the emphasis on the WI and what they actually do to help people. I felt that was missing from the show. The "trekker" refugee crisis sure sounded familiar and Mrs. Talbot must be related to Donald Trump. Maybe if Pat leaves Bob and he doesn't die, he can take up with Mrs. Talbot and be nasty together. I did appreciate that she wasn't a total cliche.

The screenwriter had a tough time taking what was written for the screen and translating it into novel format. If you're expecting a traditional novel, this isn't exactly it. A lot of the story is just telling the reader what's happening inside the characters' heads. It took awhile for me to get used to this format but by the time I got to Part 2 I was into the story and ready to keep reading. It may be too boring for some readers to continue.

I can not wait for the rest of the books to be written and published!

[Shirley Revill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version of this story but couldn't quite get on with the narrator's voice.
Never watched the TV series at all but people tell me it was brilliant. I think I might read the paperback version of this book eventually to see if I enjoy it more than the audiobook.

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was intrigued to discover the cancelled show was continued in book form! (If only more showrunners could get that kind of follow-through, sigh; I’d be happy with a list of bullet points of major events in that situation, honestly, like, -couple would finally get together in X circumstance, -Big Bad would kill A character but defeated by Y, etc. But I digress.) And then as I read, I noticed that writing for a book is certainly different than writing for TV, and also I was never a huge huge fan of Homefires and had a hard time keeping all the women straight.

The good news is, reading their names and revisiting their plots over and over again in writing finally got everything settled in my find, and I know my Allison from my Sarah from Mim now, etc. I’ll also say I think the writing did improve by the end (my understanding is that these novellas were published separately and then collected into this longer book).

Big initial frustration:
I wanted resolution to the cliffhanger! And we had to spend the first 15% of the book reading a not-great rehash of the final episode leading up to that point. Argh. I guess it’s to help transition in people who didn’t watch the show (but why would they pick this up?) and to help jog viewers’ memories. Still frustrating, though, since it pushed back the reveal.

Second frustration, speaking of the reveal:
The story catches up to the critical moment...and then we suddenly skip ahead to post-crash time to retroactively visit the scene of people being dug out of the house. Argh! You had one job! And then it turns out, not a single person was killed, and pretty much all the injuries were minor. Wtf a PLANE crashes into and destroyed the HOUSE. Damn unlikely miracle, and almost disappointingly anti-climactic when you’ve been wondering about that cursed cliffhanger and what consequences it would have. Turns out, almost none! Argh!

Third frustration: while (some) people have always had progressive attitudes, even in conservative times, I get very knee-jerky when something seems too modern for a historical period, especially if it seems like pandering to a modern audience. By all means, have queer characters or characters of color: they existed and lived lives! But don’t have e.g. racism be that thing the one throwaway stock unpleasant character stirs up and all the sympathetic viewpoint characters, regardless of background or personal history, are all thinking “HDU be a racial bigot!” Or have a lesbian character laying a kiss on a married woman while her husband and guests are in the next room. Alan Turing won’t get away with it; a random woman certainly isn’t if she goes around being that reckless, and she would know that. I actually think less of Annie for that scene: she’s almost trying to force Teresa out of the closet a little and it’s not her call to make, and it’s even less safe to do so then than now.

Anyway.

There was also some clunky writing that didn’t quite go away. Not the worst I’ve read, but places where the dialog was just...pointless, or the author felt the need to explain what a character had just said, as if it somehow hadn’t been obvious. Or too much time was spent with a character thinking things over (and over and over) and I could skim an e-page or three before the story got moving again. Pat is probably the worst for this at the moment, because her situation doesn’t actually change: we just get her all-consuming hatred of the loathsome Bob, her trapped feeling, her new love of Marek...over and over.

Fortunately, while this volume ends with loose ends, of course, nothing is quite so severe as “oh jeeze a plane crushed onto the house where a woman was giving birth.” Too bad my library doesn’t have these; I’d give the next one a chance (hopefully the writer has found their groove) but not sure I want to pay several dollars for another one.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...

This was certainly a gentle narrative with nothing too offending going on. Focussing on the women of Great Paxford during the Second World War, this book follows a range of personalities and how their lives start to become impacted by the global conflict.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

By chance I found Home Fires on television and watched the two series. like others, I was astonished that the series was cancelled. It focusses on marvellous women who endured the home front, some waiting for the return of their soldier fathers, husbands and sons; others enduring their presence. One of the latter is Pat, married to Bob, an abusive former war journalist, now novelist. The series ended with Pat observing the destruction of her home and the attached house when a plane flies into them. She is on her way to try and see her lover before he leaves the village. Other story lines also deserve some endings, and this is partially what happens in "Keep the Home Fires Burning".

The novel continues the stories of the women, with their various perspectives, laudatory and not so laudatory. Men's stories are also continued: Bob continues writing and bullying; a returned soldier returns to civilian life on the home front, working with rationing problems in the family butchers; a pilot enjoys his marriage, unaware of his wife's disappointments and distress; a young boy, child of a lover and after his father and her deaths, becomes accustomed to living with his father's wife.

Melding all these lives together is the Women's Institute, becoming more democratic during war time and acknowledging the value of women from different classes. The work undertaken by the Institute makes fascinating reading, based as it is on Julie Summers' "Jam Busters " (also worth a read). Women working together is a positive theme, dealt with in a realistic manner: a fight for the presidency, recognition of class differences and working with them to a realisation that a sense of superiority is misplaced, and personality clashes.

This novel also leaves loose ends for the writer to give us yet more episodes, and I hope this happens.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having watched through series and being disappointed when it was cancelled I was interested in reading the books. This first in a trilogy was way better than rge series as it went deeper into the characters. Loved this and can't wait to read the others.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so disappointed when Home Fires was cancelled after the second series (not only because of the amazing jumpers!) so when I found this book I was very happy to continue the characters’ stories. Hopefully there’ll be more.....

[Ann Herrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the continuation of the Home Fires PBS series in ebook format, but was a little disappointed that the ending was not a wrapup, but more of a cliffhanger. I especially liked where the story of Pat Simms and the soldier left off, and hope their will be more of their story in a future book.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant read, I enjoyed the television series and was disappointed when it came to a halt. This book follows on from the dramatic crash of a spitfire in the village that happened at the end if the second series. Of course there were ramifications of the crash that many in Great Paxford had to deal with, along with all the other unfinished stories. As I read I couldn't help but feel affection for the characters, full of emotion and tear jerking at times, a very well written book. I'm looking forward to visiting Great Paxford again in the sequel 'A Woman's War'.

[Daniella Bernett · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Keep The Home Fires Burning" is a stirring story about the strength and resilience of the members of the Women's Institute in Great Paxford as they draw together to help one another and their village get through the horrors and heartache of World War II. Simon Block does a marvelous job of providing insight into the thoughts and motivations of the characters viewers came to love in the wonderful ITV series that was cancelled. I look forward to reading more about these women.

[Jane Rainone Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of the PBS series Home Fires, finally some closure after this season cliff hanger and the series cancelation.

The series continues in another book to be published in Autumn 2018.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.44⭐

After just finishing a binge watching of a 2 season series TV Miniseries drama WWII period piece titled Home Fires, I was frustratingly annoyed on finding the show ending on a draw dropping cliffhanger. On doing a fast research Googling this IMO an outrageous offense to viewers, I found there was a mass outpouring from fans when Home Fires was cancelled by ITV back in May 2016 where the drama ended on such a chilling cliffhanger with viewers being distraught not to find out who had (and hadn't) survived that plane crash into Bryn Brindsley's house where she had just given birth. But alas! great kudos to the author for following up the story from this cliffhanger with a four-part novel which flushed out the rest of the tale. The author Block stated that "The aim is that those familiar with the TV show will be able to seamlessly continue with the books; while those new to the world of Home Fires will swiftly find themselves brought up to speed and immersed in the stories of the women of Great Paxford."

Part One 5⭐
Part Two 4.25⭐
Part Three 4.5⭐
Part Four 4⭐

[Pat Haber · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are 4 short books to this series, based on the PBS series that was telecast a few years ago. It is about these female characters who are living in a small village in England during WWII, and focuses on all their different situations. It's a bit sugar coated, but i found them, and the show, very engaging.
i bought these on kindle for a really low price. I got them because i loved the PBS series, but it wasn't renewed, so the screenwriter, i guess, wrote 4 short books sort of finishing off the series.

I gave it a 4 because it does just that. it's not great literature, but has a very similar appeal that the t.v. show did. However, i have gotten the order mixed up, or they're listed wrong, because i keep going back and forth in time! So, if you liked the PBS series, it's great. And, if you haven't watched it, stream it, it's very good.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

I loved the TV series Home Fires and, like many people, I was so disappointed that it was cancelled especially at such a cliffhanger! I turned to this in order to discover what happened next. What a disappointment! It's poorly written and doesn't deliver. I loved seeing these women again but the writing doesn't do them justice, even though the author was the script writer. I don't think the book would make much sense to anyone who hadn't watched the series. I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a good job.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adored the TV series and was extremely disappointed when we were all left with a desperate cliff-hanger in the last episode. It was nice to listen to this book, written by the original screenwriter, Simon Block, and meet the characters again, although it reads like a screenplay, with a lot of sentimental ploy.

[Jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the show Home Fires, so I was really excited to get this novel since the series ended so abruptly. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me. It was fairly clear that this was a tv script (or outline of one) that was fleshed out to become a novel, but I just don't think it translated well. The writing felt very abrupt and overly detailed and was very slow-paced. I could definitely see how great it would have been if the series continued, it just didn't work well as a novelization.

[Marjorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have not seen the television show that this book is an offshoot from so the characters were completely new to me. Fortunately that is not a prerequisite as everything you need to know about the women is within these pages. In fact, I think it may be a boon to have come to it fresh as this means I have no preconceptions about how people should behave and what their "voice" is - somehow they are seem to have a bad case of RP in my head (think I've seen too many world war 2 epics where even the charlady speaks like she was presented at Court).

The plot itself deals with the trials and tribulations of a small Northern Village during the privations of World War 2. The biggest thing that stood out to me was the story of the "trekkers" who made their way in to the Countryside every night to escape the bombardment of Liverpool and then made their way back in the morning to work and attend school. This was not something I had been aware happened and led me to do some further investigation on the phenomenon. Although the people of Great Paxford do provide for them you have to wonder if this would have been the case with all food supplies being jealously guarded due to rationing would they have been willing to part with so much of their vegetable harvest to strangers?

I did find the all encompassing power of the WI in the village a little offputting if I'm being honest. As an organisation they have done a lot of good but the way they run the village is quite disturbing. I did like that although we had Jerusalem there was no Jam and the book did show how involved they became with various war efforts whilst trying to hold on to their pacifism.

The characters themselves are good mixture but they are a little stereotypical and not as nuanced as I would have liked. I feel that this is probably because we are supposed to have either seen the television series so already know them or as the author is used to writing scripts rather than novels he is used to actors putting that meat on to the character's bones.

I was vaguely interested in the burgeoning relationship between Angela and John Smith and may just pick up the next book to find out how that turns out (very daring for the times and the location).

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home Fires was canceled from ITV/PBS on a cliffhanger, so the creator wrote four novellas (published here as one novel)....and ended it on multiple cliffhangers. wtf. I always enjoyed the show (rural Britain in 1940, soap stories about relationships and how the war affected them), but this actually helped me do a better job keeping all the characters straight. Initially, they felt like scripts being written out, but eventually got going into novel prose. Frances felt the most like Frances, and I could see the actress saying the lines. Erica's story was heartbreaking, but great. I felt so much sympathy for Pat, and so much frustration towards Erica who knew everything and still took Bob's side. Annie bothered me greatly, because I hate characters who think it's cute to pursue someone who doesn't want to be pursued because they think that character should want to be pursued. (Whew.) It's terrible when men do it, and it's still terrible when it's a woman. Poor Teresa. That said, I felt bad for her, and and she would be happier with Annie overall. ("For Teresa, the happy medium of having sex with a man would be having sex with a woman." Ha!) She and Nick are both lovely, and deserve better happiness.

I wonder if there will be more novellas? Pat, Frances, Steph and Teresa all ended on clear cliffhangers, with Alison not too far behind.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been itching to read this ever since it was announced that Home Fires would continue as a book series. 2016 was a rough year for TV. (I mean, it was rough all around, but...) Queer women characters were dying left and right, and Home Fires which had one of my beloved lesbian characters (Teresa), ended with her alive... but just having gotten married to a man. While I wanted to know the rest of the characters' stories, it was Teresa's that was most pressing for me to continue. This book did not disappoint in that respect. Or in any other respect, for that matter.

As the author pointed out in his ending note, in written word there is the ability to explore the thoughts of characters. I appreciated that. It is very different from watching the series, but at the same time, not that different at all.

I'm glad I took so long to get my hands on a copy of this, so I don't have as long to wait for the next one.

[Liz (elizabethfleur) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I watched the television show for the first time a couple of years ago, and loved it. I was thoroughly disappointed to discover that it had been cancelled, and ended on a cliff hanger - I was ready to hit next episode straight away!

I saw that a book had been written and hoped that it would follow up on how the show ended. It definitely did which was great but also ended on a bit of a cliff hanger! It does look like there's more books in the series though, so I'll be keen to start the next one soon.

Overall an enjoyable book and a good follow on from the television series.

[Tionne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok. Glad to know what happened after the Spitfire crashed into the village, but it wasn't a very satifying ending. Maybe there are more books coming? I hope so! I don't want to leave Greater Paxford yet!

[Susan Howson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better written than I expected, but honestly not that much happens?? It’s like maybe three episodes worth of material. I…can’t believe I read it but I don’t really regret it. Whatever. Who’s your favorite Home Fry! Mine’s Sarah!

[Hilarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you haven’t watched the show “Home Fires”, then this story won’t really make sense to you. The book begins where season 2 ends.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like watching the show again.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

After watching the two seasons of “Home Fires” on Masterpiece, I had to find out more after it was cancelled. This novel was a nice continuation that picked up right where the series left off.

[Jeannie · Rating 3 out of 5]

After watching the Amazon Prime series that ended after one season I felt disappointed to be left with a cliff hanger. My Google search lead me to a series of books after the non renewal of the series. The books satisfied my need for closure.

[Hann Walklett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book! A stunning carry on from the series, can’t wait to read the next one!!