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Nightingales #4
Der Traum vom Glück
London, 1937. Die Schwesternschülerinnen Dora und Lucy sind Rivalinnen seit ihrem ersten Jahr am Nightingale Hospital. Als ihre Abschlussprüfung näher rückt, müssen sie feststellen, dass sie eine gemeinsame Sorge verbindet: Beide hüten sie ein Geheimnis, das sie ihre berufliche Zukunft kosten kann. Auch das neue Dienstmädchen Jess sehnt sich nach einem Neubeginn. Sie kommt aus schwierigen Verhältnissen und will ihre Vergangenheit endlich hinter sich lassen. Doch es gibt Menschen, die das mit aller Macht zu verhindern suchen...
529 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2014
173 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
Donna Douglas
35 books255 followersWelcome to my Goodreads page.
I'm the author of the Nightingale novels, a series of stories set in an East End hospital in the 1930s, published by Arrow.
The first in the series, The Nightingale Girls, follows the lives of three girls from very different backgrounds as they join the Nightingale Hospital as students. The second, The Nightingale Sisters, will be published next spring.
I'm originally from London, but I now live in the beautiful city of York.
I'm the author of the Nightingale novels, a series of stories set in an East End hospital in the 1930s, published by Arrow.
The first in the series, The Nightingale Girls, follows the lives of three girls from very different backgrounds as they join the Nightingale Hospital as students. The second, The Nightingale Sisters, will be published next spring.
I'm originally from London, but I now live in the beautiful city of York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
October 15, 2022
Was soll ich sagen, diese Reihe ist einfach toll.
Jeder weitere Teil begeistert mich.
Jeder weitere Teil begeistert mich.
August 13, 2021
Bei dem Cover hatte ich erst die "Sorge", dass unsere Protagonistinnen Kinder bekommen und sich das Buch um dieses Thema dreht; dem ist aber zum Glück nicht so!
Auch bei diesem Band konnte ich nur wieder die volle Punktzahl geben, weil mich jedes Kapitel gleich begeistert hat und jede Sicht der drei Hauptcharaktere in diesem Band interessant, spannend und emotional war. Besonders, dass wir hier Lucy, welche in den vorherigen Bänden einen (gemeinen) Nebencharakter hatte, von einer ganz anderen Seite kennenlernen und eine tolle Entwicklung miterleben gefiel mir sehr gut.
Das Nightingale ist nach nun vier Bänden schon wie ein eigenes kleines zu hause geworden und ich freue mich weiter zu hören und trotz auch mal neuer Charaktere (wie hier Jess) die „alten Hasen“ hier und da noch mitzuerleben. Eine wirklich rundum tolle Geschichte, die hier als Hörbuch auch genial von Tessa Mittelstädt gesprochen wird!
Auch bei diesem Band konnte ich nur wieder die volle Punktzahl geben, weil mich jedes Kapitel gleich begeistert hat und jede Sicht der drei Hauptcharaktere in diesem Band interessant, spannend und emotional war. Besonders, dass wir hier Lucy, welche in den vorherigen Bänden einen (gemeinen) Nebencharakter hatte, von einer ganz anderen Seite kennenlernen und eine tolle Entwicklung miterleben gefiel mir sehr gut.
Das Nightingale ist nach nun vier Bänden schon wie ein eigenes kleines zu hause geworden und ich freue mich weiter zu hören und trotz auch mal neuer Charaktere (wie hier Jess) die „alten Hasen“ hier und da noch mitzuerleben. Eine wirklich rundum tolle Geschichte, die hier als Hörbuch auch genial von Tessa Mittelstädt gesprochen wird!
May 11, 2021
Band 4 dieser grandiosen Reihe bekommt 4,5 🌟 von mir, also wieder eine absolute Empfehlung. Den halben Stern Abzug gibt es für eine Nebengeschichte, die ich nicht gebraucht habe, aber das ist Jammern auf sehr hohem Niveau😉.
December 12, 2017
Es war wieder ganz wundervoll 🙂
April 16, 2017
Meine absolute Lieblingsreihe.
May 5, 2021
4,5 Sterne
April 29, 2014
As with the other books in this series, Nightingales On Call can be read as a stand-alone novel, but having been a fan of these stories from the very first one, I'd urge readers to get hold of the other books too. Donna Douglas gives enough background information within Nightingales On Call to enable new readers to enjoy it just as much as old fans, but doesn't get too bogged down by things that happened earlier in the series.
This story concentrates mainly on Dora and Lucy who are almost at the end of their three year training,and will soon become Staff Nurses. These two girls have always had a tense relationship; Dora comes from the East End whilst Lucy's family are rich and she's been very spoilt by her parents. Their relationship changes dramatically throughout the course of the story as each of them deals with their own hidden secrets and shame. They find that they do have more in common than anyone could have guessed.
New characters are introduced, including ward maid Jess and trainee nurse Effie. Both of these bring a breath of fresh air to the nursing school in their own special way.
Once again, Donna Douglas effortlessly takes the reader into the world of student nursing before the NHS. The attention to detail is excellent and life on the wards for these young women is portrayed so well, from the back-aching scrubbing of the floors to the constant reminders that they should not grow close to their patients. Most of the nursing is playing out on the children's wards and I found this particularly fascinating. Imagine your beloved child is sick and in hospital and you can only visit him once per month? Imagine being able to pay for your child to have a private room on the ward, and being able to visit whenever you want to, but not bothering, and sending your housekeeper instead? These things happened and are played out in the story.
I'll admit that the Nightingale series is not my usual genre but I really do have a soft spot for these stories. Donna Douglas has created a cast of characters who have grown and matured throughout the series. Her research and historical detail is so well done. I enjoyed Nightingales On Call just as much as the others in the series, and really hope that there is more to come from the Nightingale Girls.
This story concentrates mainly on Dora and Lucy who are almost at the end of their three year training,and will soon become Staff Nurses. These two girls have always had a tense relationship; Dora comes from the East End whilst Lucy's family are rich and she's been very spoilt by her parents. Their relationship changes dramatically throughout the course of the story as each of them deals with their own hidden secrets and shame. They find that they do have more in common than anyone could have guessed.
New characters are introduced, including ward maid Jess and trainee nurse Effie. Both of these bring a breath of fresh air to the nursing school in their own special way.
Once again, Donna Douglas effortlessly takes the reader into the world of student nursing before the NHS. The attention to detail is excellent and life on the wards for these young women is portrayed so well, from the back-aching scrubbing of the floors to the constant reminders that they should not grow close to their patients. Most of the nursing is playing out on the children's wards and I found this particularly fascinating. Imagine your beloved child is sick and in hospital and you can only visit him once per month? Imagine being able to pay for your child to have a private room on the ward, and being able to visit whenever you want to, but not bothering, and sending your housekeeper instead? These things happened and are played out in the story.
I'll admit that the Nightingale series is not my usual genre but I really do have a soft spot for these stories. Donna Douglas has created a cast of characters who have grown and matured throughout the series. Her research and historical detail is so well done. I enjoyed Nightingales On Call just as much as the others in the series, and really hope that there is more to come from the Nightingale Girls.
April 9, 2022
Am Ende musste ich mir tatsächlich ein paar Tränen verdrücken 🥺🥺❤️❤️
January 1, 2015
As the nurses enter their final year of training, new faces appear and an old nemesis finds herself taken down a notch or two.
Dora and Lucy find themselves roommates and working together on the children's ward. Still proud and arrogant, Lucy is hiding the fact that her father has lost his fortune and she and her mother are nearly destitute. Dora and Nick are working to find the money to be able to be married and the last thing Dora needs is Lucy as her roommate. But, as often happens with trial and suffering, hearts are softened and friendships formed. I enjoyed Lucy's path to redemption.
And Jess? Jess was awesome. Loved her role as maid in the nurses house and seeing that side of the hospital and her interactions with grumpy Nurse Sutton, the old House Sister. I look forward to seeing more of Jess.
Picking up after The Nightingale Nurses leaves off, the story could stand alone, but these should be read in order. I love these girls. I love this soap opera called Nightingale. Seriously.
Dora and Lucy find themselves roommates and working together on the children's ward. Still proud and arrogant, Lucy is hiding the fact that her father has lost his fortune and she and her mother are nearly destitute. Dora and Nick are working to find the money to be able to be married and the last thing Dora needs is Lucy as her roommate. But, as often happens with trial and suffering, hearts are softened and friendships formed. I enjoyed Lucy's path to redemption.
And Jess? Jess was awesome. Loved her role as maid in the nurses house and seeing that side of the hospital and her interactions with grumpy Nurse Sutton, the old House Sister. I look forward to seeing more of Jess.
Picking up after The Nightingale Nurses leaves off, the story could stand alone, but these should be read in order. I love these girls. I love this soap opera called Nightingale. Seriously.
February 2, 2015
I have read and enjoyed all this series. Although these books can be read individually as a stand alone, its lovely if you read them from book 1 onwards. It doesn't matter as the author gives enough background for you to pick up but you would equally miss out on some things. In MHO anyway.
We have seen these sisters come through thick and thin.
I can't help but admire the author for doing all her research thoroughly this has enlightened me to the past pre NHS. Imagine you on your hands and knees scrubbing the floor. I was shocked to know that rich people can pay for a room of their own for their child who is sick and then send their maid to visit them, this was awful and cruel.
It makes me realize how far we have come in society.
Well, I've swung through the highs and lows of this family story and I thoroughly enjoyed my journey.
I would like to thank Random House UK, Cornerstone via Net Galley for my copy to review. Here ends the series...........or does it.
July 14, 2021
Das Cover zeigt unsere Hauptprotagonisten. Auf der einen Seite Doyle und Lucy. Auch denke ich das die andere Dame Jess darstellen soll.
Der Schreibstil ist abwechslungsreich und lässt sich sehr angenehm lesen. Es herrscht der Kapitelaufbau vor.
Nun zum Inhalt, dieser ist schlüssig aufgebaut und es wird im Wechsel aus der Sicht von Lucy und dem Nightingale Hospital geschrieben. Es tauchen auch wieder eigentlich längst verschollene Personen auf. Wer das sein könnte erwähne ich an dieser Stelle nicht.
Die Charaktere machen in diesem Buch einen deutlichen Entwicklungsschub, besonders auffällig ist das bei Lucy Lane. Das finde ich sehr schön. Das sie, wenn auch unfreiwillig, erwachsen werden muss.
Alles in allem eine sehr gelungene Fortsetzung mit einem kleinen Happy End. Daher hat das Buch sich volle 5 Sterne verdient.
Fazit
Das Buch erhält volle 5 Sterne, es war eine sehr gelungene Fortsetzung
Der Schreibstil ist abwechslungsreich und lässt sich sehr angenehm lesen. Es herrscht der Kapitelaufbau vor.
Nun zum Inhalt, dieser ist schlüssig aufgebaut und es wird im Wechsel aus der Sicht von Lucy und dem Nightingale Hospital geschrieben. Es tauchen auch wieder eigentlich längst verschollene Personen auf. Wer das sein könnte erwähne ich an dieser Stelle nicht.
Die Charaktere machen in diesem Buch einen deutlichen Entwicklungsschub, besonders auffällig ist das bei Lucy Lane. Das finde ich sehr schön. Das sie, wenn auch unfreiwillig, erwachsen werden muss.
Alles in allem eine sehr gelungene Fortsetzung mit einem kleinen Happy End. Daher hat das Buch sich volle 5 Sterne verdient.
Fazit
Das Buch erhält volle 5 Sterne, es war eine sehr gelungene Fortsetzung
April 11, 2021
Great read
Having read the first three books in this series this one carried on and ended up introducing a new set of characters and the next set of nurses. Can't wait to see what happens in the next book and how the stories develop.
Having read the first three books in this series this one carried on and ended up introducing a new set of characters and the next set of nurses. Can't wait to see what happens in the next book and how the stories develop.
September 23, 2021
1937 sees new challenges for the trainee nurses
Dora and her old enemy Lucy are paired up on the children’s ward for the final three months of their training. The two nurses couldn’t seem more different, but they may have more in common than they think, as each hides a secret heartache.
… and new faces at the Nightingale
Jess is the feisty eldest daughter of a notorious East End family and determined to prove herself as a ward maid.And new trainee nurse Effie can’t wait to escape her small Irish village, and make her way as a nurse in London. But Effie’s sister Katie soon begins to worry that Effie’s behaviour is out of control.
Nightingales on call and in crisis: have they got what it takes?
The appetite for reform was still there, and a growing acknowledgement that the state should play its part in the health of the nation. A report on the political and economic planning of the health services in 1937 emphasised the importance of nutrition, housing, economic and social security on health.It recommended that health care be publicly funded and administered through regional authorities, and called for more research into the causes of ill health and means of prevention.Although Britain was anxious to avoid another war at all costs, the government accepted it was a strong possibility as early as 1937 when it passed the Air Raid Precautions Act. This compelled local authorities to draw up plans for the safety of civilians in the event of air attacks.
In 1937,the following changes occurred in nursing:
-Working hours limited to 44 per week to those under the age of 16, and 48 to those aged 16–18 and all women
-The first influenza virus vaccines are produced
-The Society of Registered Male Nurses is founded – although the profession is still overwhelmingly female, some men are joining, particularly in mental health
Dora and her old enemy Lucy are paired up on the children’s ward for the final three months of their training. The two nurses couldn’t seem more different, but they may have more in common than they think, as each hides a secret heartache.
… and new faces at the Nightingale
Jess is the feisty eldest daughter of a notorious East End family and determined to prove herself as a ward maid.And new trainee nurse Effie can’t wait to escape her small Irish village, and make her way as a nurse in London. But Effie’s sister Katie soon begins to worry that Effie’s behaviour is out of control.
Nightingales on call and in crisis: have they got what it takes?
The appetite for reform was still there, and a growing acknowledgement that the state should play its part in the health of the nation. A report on the political and economic planning of the health services in 1937 emphasised the importance of nutrition, housing, economic and social security on health.It recommended that health care be publicly funded and administered through regional authorities, and called for more research into the causes of ill health and means of prevention.Although Britain was anxious to avoid another war at all costs, the government accepted it was a strong possibility as early as 1937 when it passed the Air Raid Precautions Act. This compelled local authorities to draw up plans for the safety of civilians in the event of air attacks.
In 1937,the following changes occurred in nursing:
-Working hours limited to 44 per week to those under the age of 16, and 48 to those aged 16–18 and all women
-The first influenza virus vaccines are produced
-The Society of Registered Male Nurses is founded – although the profession is still overwhelmingly female, some men are joining, particularly in mental health
April 8, 2022
Hat sich jetzt ein bissle gezogen mit dem Fertighören, hat mir aber wieder gut gefallen. Dieses Mal stehen neue Figuren im Zentrum des Geschehens - Kathys Schwester z.B. oder das Dienstmädchen Jess. Außerdem bekommt Lucie, die "Zicke" aus Band 1, eine ausführliche Geschichte, die mir recht gut gefallen hat, auch wenn sie nach hinten heraus vielleicht ein bissle arg rosig ausgeht. Und auch über Dora erfahren wir wieder ziemlich viel, unter anderem taucht eine "böse" Figur aus den ersten Bänden wieder auf. Helen und Millie kommen leider nur sehr am Rande vor - vor allem von Millie hätte ich gerne mehr erfahren. Dafür spielt Schwester Sutton wieder eine recht große Rolle, was mich freut, denn die liest die Vorleserin einfach genial, da kann man das Doppelkinn richtig "wabbeln hören". Und wie schon bei den Vorgängerbänden wollte ich hier auch am Ende am liebsten gleich mit dem nächsten Band starten - aber vermutlich hätte ich dann auch wieder erstmal Pause gemacht... However, wieder sehr solide Unterhaltung mit vielen liebgewonnenen Figuren und einer tollen Vorleserin - definitiv zu empfehlen! Ich vergebe 4 von 5 Sternen und werde mit dem nächsten Band sicher nicht so lange warten...
February 9, 2022
3,5 Sterne
Wie die ersten drei Bände hat mich auch dieser Band wieder fesseln können und ich war schon gespannt, wie es mit den bekannten Charakteren weitergeht. Allerdings war es für mich bisher der schwächste Band der Reihe, aus folgenden Gründen: Auf mich wirkte er wie ein Übergangsband, in dem die Handlungsstränge um Millie und Helen quasi pausiert wurden - sie werden nur am Rande erwähnt - um neue Charaktere einzuführen. Zudem wurden ein paar Handlungsstränge ein wenig überhastet (Nicks Rückkehr) bzw. teilweise auch nicht komplett nachvollziehbar (die Aufklärung der Diebstähle, das hoffentlich letzte Abtauchen von Alf) abgehandelt. Dennoch freue ich mich auf den nächsten Band und hoffe, auch die anderen Charaktere wiederzutreffen und wieder mehr über den historischen Kontext zu erfahren.
Wie die ersten drei Bände hat mich auch dieser Band wieder fesseln können und ich war schon gespannt, wie es mit den bekannten Charakteren weitergeht. Allerdings war es für mich bisher der schwächste Band der Reihe, aus folgenden Gründen: Auf mich wirkte er wie ein Übergangsband, in dem die Handlungsstränge um Millie und Helen quasi pausiert wurden - sie werden nur am Rande erwähnt - um neue Charaktere einzuführen. Zudem wurden ein paar Handlungsstränge ein wenig überhastet (Nicks Rückkehr) bzw. teilweise auch nicht komplett nachvollziehbar (die Aufklärung der Diebstähle, das hoffentlich letzte Abtauchen von Alf) abgehandelt. Dennoch freue ich mich auf den nächsten Band und hoffe, auch die anderen Charaktere wiederzutreffen und wieder mehr über den historischen Kontext zu erfahren.
November 16, 2022
I absolutely loved this thrilling instalment of the series.
As always we have the same old crowd but we have some new faces and I really like and care about them and look forward to hearing more of their adventures in later books.
We have deaths, illnesses, births, new friendships, marriages, faces from the past and all the drama that accompanies the hustle and bustle of a busy hospital.
I haven't enjoyed a series so much in a while, the characters are brilliant, you love, you hate them and then somehow a few even redeem themselves within the story and we slowly get to meet the newbies.
Which I also enjoy, a few new characters at a time so they slot in effortlessly to the tale.
Brilliant.
As always we have the same old crowd but we have some new faces and I really like and care about them and look forward to hearing more of their adventures in later books.
We have deaths, illnesses, births, new friendships, marriages, faces from the past and all the drama that accompanies the hustle and bustle of a busy hospital.
I haven't enjoyed a series so much in a while, the characters are brilliant, you love, you hate them and then somehow a few even redeem themselves within the story and we slowly get to meet the newbies.
Which I also enjoy, a few new characters at a time so they slot in effortlessly to the tale.
Brilliant.
August 10, 2017
Another great Nightingale book full of interesting characters. The only issue I have is that I would like to have heard more about Helen and Millie who featured in the first three books. And now that Dora and Millie are married, I guess they won't feature so much in the next book, although I hope that they, or their families come back as patients! Saying that, I grew to like the new characters of Effie and particularly Jess. Will be reading the next instalment soon.
March 4, 2018
Love, love, loved it! Loved them all! I have read all the books in the series in order. The characters are multifaceted, the stories excellent. I have laughed out laughed out loud, cried, and shouted to the characters my outrage, support, and encouragement. I have been reading and listening to the audio versions together. The audio version is extremely well done.
October 30, 2018
I love this series of books that tell about the nurses of the Nightengale Hospital in East London. How they train, how the learn and work, and how their lives mesh with life as a nurse in the 1930's at the preeminent nurses training hospital in London.
You will love the characters and the stories---give it a try- you will love them.
You will love the characters and the stories---give it a try- you will love them.
June 16, 2024
En dejlig serie om de unge sygeplejerskeelever på Nightingale hospital.
Glæder og sorger får frit løb blandt de unge kvinder. Fællesnævneren er uddannelsen som sygeplejerske, men hver især kommer kvinderne fra vidt forskellige baggrunde. Et skønt mix, hvor forskellighederne indimellem slår gnister. Men hvor venskaber er ubrydelige.
Glæder og sorger får frit løb blandt de unge kvinder. Fællesnævneren er uddannelsen som sygeplejerske, men hver især kommer kvinderne fra vidt forskellige baggrunde. Et skønt mix, hvor forskellighederne indimellem slår gnister. Men hvor venskaber er ubrydelige.
April 6, 2025
Wie nach Hause kommen
Diese Reihe ist einfach schön. Es macht sehr viel Spaß in jedem Band wieder aufs Neue zu erfahren, wie es mit allen weitergeht. Dieses Mal jedoch „nur“ 4 Sterne, weil mir Effie am Anfang ganz schön auf die Nerven gegangen ist. Das wurde dann aber deutlich Besserung ich war schnell wieder im bekannten Nightingale Rhythmus. Ich bin sehr gespannt, wie es weitergeht.
Diese Reihe ist einfach schön. Es macht sehr viel Spaß in jedem Band wieder aufs Neue zu erfahren, wie es mit allen weitergeht. Dieses Mal jedoch „nur“ 4 Sterne, weil mir Effie am Anfang ganz schön auf die Nerven gegangen ist. Das wurde dann aber deutlich Besserung ich war schnell wieder im bekannten Nightingale Rhythmus. Ich bin sehr gespannt, wie es weitergeht.
July 3, 2018
An excellent easy read, loved the story line and would recommend it to everyone.Can't wait to read the next one in the series.
Coming from a nursing family though it is fiction so many of the story lines are so true to life.
Coming from a nursing family though it is fiction so many of the story lines are so true to life.
October 12, 2018
A charming read. Perfect to de-stress. Sometime all you need is a good cup of tea and to know the worst problems in life are passing exams and cleaning bedpans. I return to this series often, and will continue to do so. It is a perfect literary palate cleanser.
December 7, 2018
This excellent nursing series continues and the girls enter their third year of study.
Living in close quarters and having diverse backgrounds, feuds and discontent brew.
A wonderful on-site into nursing in the 1930s.
Can’t wait to start the next instalment!
Living in close quarters and having diverse backgrounds, feuds and discontent brew.
A wonderful on-site into nursing in the 1930s.
Can’t wait to start the next instalment!
January 9, 2021
Vom Anfang bis zum Ende interessant und schlüssig. Ich konnte während der Lektüre bereits lieb gewonnene Figuren durch ihr letztes Lehrjahr al Schwesternschülerinnen im Nightingale Hospital begleiten und viele neue in mein Herz schließen. Ein rundum gelungenes Buch... freue mich schon auf den nächsten Band! 🩺💉🫀
June 30, 2023
fictional history
This was the 4th book in the series. I have really enjoyed all of them. I learn so much real history in these books. Times have sure changed, and ya know, lm really not so sure the changes have been all that good!!
This was the 4th book in the series. I have really enjoyed all of them. I learn so much real history in these books. Times have sure changed, and ya know, lm really not so sure the changes have been all that good!!
June 8, 2017
What can I say. Fab
October 30, 2017
As expected
Again an excellent read and will be downloading the next in series - Donna Douglas never fails to deliver with each book in this series
Again an excellent read and will be downloading the next in series - Donna Douglas never fails to deliver with each book in this series
December 14, 2017
Didn't disappoint
Once again an excellent read following the lives of the nightingale nurses and the friendships they had with each other
Once again an excellent read following the lives of the nightingale nurses and the friendships they had with each other
March 13, 2018
Every bit as good as the others
Totally enthralled with this latest installment of the nightingales. Read it in just over a day could hardly put it down. Another fantastic read.
Totally enthralled with this latest installment of the nightingales. Read it in just over a day could hardly put it down. Another fantastic read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews