Billy London's Girls

by Ruth Hamilton

The people of Lancashire called him Billy London, although that wasn't his real name. But he came from London's East End and settled in the north, a mean, dark, secretive man who was interested only in lining his pockets at the expense of those around him - most especially his wife and daughters. Ellen, his wife, bore with him for years, until she found her children threatened. Then she was prepared to fight like a tigress to protect the four girls, give them a chance of a new and better life, a chance to escape from the evil and oppressive legacy of Billy London. There was Abigail, clever, ambitious, and with an outer shell of steel that life had taught her was necessary if she was to survive. Tishy, overwhelmingly lovely, who lived in a world all her own. Marie, brisk, capable, and nearly strong enough to defy her father on her own. And Theresa, more wounded, more vulnerable, more damaged by Billy than any of them. As the sirens of 1939 heralded the advent of war, so Billy London's girls began their own battle for new triumphant, and fulfilling lives.

Genres: Fiction

528 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1992

About the author

Ruth Hamilton was one of North West England's most popular writers. She was the bestselling author of twenty-five novels, including Spinning Jenny, The Bells of Scotland Road, Mulligan's Yard, Mersey View and That Liverpool Girl. She was born in Bolton, which is the setting for many of her novels, and spent most of her life in Lancashire.

(source: http://www.panmacmillan.com/author/ru...)

Reviews

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The people of Lancaster called him Billy London, although that wasn't his real name. But he came from London's East End and settled in the North, a mean, dark, secretive man who was interested in lining his pockets at the expense of those around him - most especially his wife and daughters. Ellen, his wife, bore with him for years. until she found her children threatened.

Billy London was quite an evil man. Why the women in his life put up with him, I'll never know. This story will mess with your emotions. There's some great and strong women characters who weren't afraid to stand up to Billy. During WWII, four half-sisters live in Billy's home and must abide by his rules. Filled with twists, this well written story will keep you entertained throughout.

I would like to thank #NetGalley, #RandomHouseUK #TransworldPublishers and the author #RuthHamilton for my ARC of #BillyLondonsGirls in exchange for an honest review.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved reading this book it had twists and turns that kept you hooked.Ellen's a very brave person to go through what she went through with that awful man Billy London.5*

[Kim]

Great book full of twists and turns. Some very strong female characters that fight a long battle at all of the travesty and nastiness that is thrown at them.

Set in Lancashire during WW2 4 half-sisters come together to live under Billy London's home and rules. Billy is a nasty character full of evil and violence.

He makes their lives and that of their mother's hell but will they pull through.....

Well written with good descriptions and some brave likeable characters.

[julie hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely except...

As ever Ruth delivers another fabulous tale, however, this is a book that has to be read..
Do not bother if you are listening to a stupid monotone voice reading it for you.

[Eirlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

This is a story about two families and the effects that one man could have on so many people. I didn't just read about them , I felt that I was one of them. I felt sorrow, joy and the whole gamut of emotions. The characters were well rounded and believable.

[Pol · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book, I could not stop reading, it kept me on the edge of my seat. Not many books make me cry, has I am reading them but this one did.

[Joyce tuffs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story.

This is a great story about the evil Billy London and his war against his family.It is about the women sticking together and winning in the end.

[lesley]

Locket story

What women had to put up with this terrible man.. Very brave to stand up him
even when he tried to kill them.. Poor Tish what a sad ending to a short life..

[Jenni Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was ok to read, slow in parts, then years passed at the turn of a page. Easy to read, well written.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book full of twists and turns. Some very strong female characters that fight a long battle at all of the travesty and nastiness that is thrown at them.

Set in Lancashire during WW2 4 half-sisters come together to live under Billy London's home and rules. Billy is a nasty character full of evil and violence.

He makes their lives and that of their mother's hell but will they pull through.....

Well written with good descriptions and some brave likeable characters.
Thank you, NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book x

[Kathryn Garner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming,family saga. Full of interesting and diverse characters,especially the females,who struggle to overcome all that is thrown at them. A good read.

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great story of life in the London streets - Billy London is the ultimate villain. But his girls get on with their lives despite him. all comes to a thrilling ending.