A Mother's Journey

Yorkshire Blitz #1

by Donna Douglas

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR A dramatic new saga series, set during World War II, from the author of THE NIGHTINGALE GIRLSYorkshire, 1940. Edie Copeland has just arrived on Jubilee Row, carrying a suitcase and a secret.She left York and her job at the Rowntrees Factory after tragedy struck to make a fresh start, but she's a stranger to this street, and her fellow tenant doesn't hesitate to remind her of this, widow or no.Luckily, the neighbours are a little more welcoming and Edie is soon made to feel at home by the Maguires and the Scuttles. As air raids sound, and the war feels closer than ever, the community has to stick together. But Edie is hiding something, and she doesn't know how much longer she can keep it up. Is the past going to catch up with her? And will Edie still be able to call Jubilee Row home when the truth comes out?For fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Katie Flynn, this is the launch of a new series based around the true stories of the Blitz.****'An excellent writer Donna, has again, written a book which cannot be put down! Great storyline and really excited this is book 1. Can't wait for number 2!' - Amazon reviewer, 5 stars'A Mother's Journey brings a group of women together. Through laughter and tears. I can't wait for the next book. Thank you Donna, I have been waiting for this type of book for a long time.' - Amazon reviewer, 5 stars

Genres: Historical Fiction

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2020

About the author

Welcome 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.

Reviews

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a half stars.
The year is 1940 when Edie Copeland arrives in Jubilee Rd, in Yorkshire, carrying a suitcase and a secret after leaving York and her job at the Rowntrees Factory. She strikes a mixed reception from other residents in Jubilee Street. One of those in her building, Patience Huggins, is particularly unfriendly and seems determined to make Edie’s life as uncomfortable as possible. Patience herself never sets foot outside her own front step. Fear of meeting her daughter keeps her housebound. Patience and her husband Horace are estranged from their only daughter Joyce and have been since she married Tinker Reg Shelby. Life for Joyce is far from what she imagined it would be.
The story brings together a number of characters in the community and how they cope during world war 2. I enjoyed getting to know all the characters their stories, weaknesses, strengths and secrets.
This is an engaging and emotionally involving story of family, friendship, community and coping with hard circumstances and some things that should never happen but did back then and sadly, still does today.
This is part 1 of a series and I would be happy to read more in this series. Definitely would recommend given this author’s enjoyable writing style, development of characters and great setting. A joy to read with characters the reader cares about. I was thinking about them so much that one night they even invaded my dreams. A lot of readers I am sure will love this book as much as I did. Recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction and women's fiction.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mothers Journey was an absolute pleasure to read, Donna Douglas really knows how to keep her readers entertained.
Hull. June 1940, and World War 2 is ongoing. For Matriarch May Maguire and her family and friends, (most of whom live on Jubilee Row), however, life carries on and they make it through from day-to-day, working hard and supporting each other. I loved the camaraderie between them; I mean, these are women, whose husbands, sweethearts, sons, brothers; friends and other family members are away fighting for their King and Country; their freedom. And these people have no alternative but to carry on and pray that their loved ones come home to them, and hopefully unharmed. I know that this story is fiction but these wonderful characters all felt so real to me - the author really made me think of the men and women who actually lived through these terribly difficult times. I loved all the elements of the book and I enjoyed every minute of it.
This story highlights: love, friendship, pride, anxiety, PTSD, jealously, loss, betrayal and I loved the secrets which we uncover.
A few scenes really tugged at my heartstrings; some were very sad, some made me feel angry - or should I say that I actually felt angry towards a couple of characters! I really hoped that they would get their comeuppance!
I like books which make me feel different emotions and when there is a great plot, it is certainly an added bonus and I can honestly say that this book has it all.
I enjoyed the humour which flowed through some of the scenes and one in particular, near to the beginning, really made me laugh out loud!
I think that the authors descriptive writing really made me see the setting and the characters clearly, and also, it was if I could almost hear them in my mind. These characters are going to stay with me for a very long time; I'm missing some of them already!
The conclusion? Well - read it and don't tell me that you never felt anything! It was fabulous!
I would like to thank Orion and Trapeze via NetGalley for this wonderful read.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, just wonderful! I couldn't put this book down.
It's set in WWII but it's a character driven novel. We meet a wide variety of people and they are all extremely well written.
The story flows along nicely with twists and turns and secrets are revealed bit by bit.
It's the beginning of a series and even though it's left open at the end for the next book it still feels tidied up and doesn't leave you hanging like some series.
Having said that I can't wait for the next one!!!!

[Booklover BEV · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mother's journey is the first in the series by this author after her nightingales books that I enjoyed. A bit slow start I thought but after getting into knowing the new characters I found it very enjoyable. The book is set in Hull and the Luftwaffe are dropping bombs on king george docks. Characters big May Maguire and Beattie Scuttle work braiding nets at Pickerings. Edie Copeland arrives in Jubilee Row alone and pregnant looking for work. This book is full of secrets that come to the surface as you read. Such a full filled introduction into book one in the Yorkshire Blitz Trilogy to be enjoyed.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so looked forward to reading this new book by Donna Douglas and as a lover of her Nightingale series i couldn't wait to start it.Edie Copeland has just arrived on Jubilee Row to make a fresh start but the other resident in the house is not happy about Edie moving into the flat upstairs and is determined to have her out.Edie makes friends with Iris,Dolly,May Maguire and Beattie Scuttles and also Joyce and settles in after a bumpy start.Life around Jubilee Row is never boring with children playing out and their mothers working but Edie has a secret that she can't hide for ever.I can highly recommend this book and look forward to the next.5*

[Di Schlenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent WW2 book. features single parenthood, prejudice and fear all mingled together.

another brilliant book by this outstanding author

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one although it took a while to get into it .

[Donna Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edie arrives in Hull homeless and has a secret although one neighbour doesn’t hesitate to start telling about her but most of them make her feel at home with the families but she does not know how long she carry on with the secret? What happens when the secret is out? You have to read it to find out.

10/10 I can’t wait for the next one great characters

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so looked forward to reading this new book by Donna Douglas and as a lover of her Nightingale series i couldn't wait to start it.Edie Copeland has just arrived on Jubilee Row to make a fresh start but the other resident in the house is not happy about Edie moving into the flat upstairs and is determined to have her out.Edie makes friends with Iris,Dolly,May Maguire and Beattie Scuttles and also Joyce and settles in after a bumpy start.Life around Jubilee Row is never boring with children playing out and their mothers working but Edie has a secret that she can't hide for ever.I can highly recommend this book and look forward to the next.5*

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Donna Douglas book that I have read and I just could not put it down. It is an absolutely a brilliant read the characters are love and worth five stars. I cannot wait for the next book in This Yorkshire Blitze Trilogy to come. This story reminds me of Annie Groves Campion family series. Well now I look forward to reading the Nightingale series by Donna until the next Yorkshire one is published. So thank you Donna for the the great please of reading this book through my Isolation period of COVID19, it made a day go quickly.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new saga series set in Hull, 1940, is a good thing, and this immensely readable book is a wonderful first book. A young woman, Edie, makes her way along Jubilee Row, struggling with a big suitcase. She has a secret, but those observing her are intrigued by where she is headed. Two families, the Maguires and the Scuttles, are dominated by strong women who pride themselves on their involvement with and knowledge of the streets of their area. They know that Edie is going to be sharing a house with Patience, who has many issues. There are daughters of both families who have had to learn to live without their husbands, for the war is affecting everyone. The shelters are well used. Two brothers, Charlie and Sam, have very different experiences, as some are still affected by a previous war. Meanwhile Joyce is enduring a marriage which has turned to abuse, and worries about her son Alan.

This a book that examines through the eyes of people immersed in the changes and challenges of war. It introduces and develops the stories of individuals and a community brought together by adverse circumstances in a lively and engaging way. I was really pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this book.

Edie’s story is a common one, as she recalls her lost love Rob, an RAF officer who was killed over France. Her pregnancy is going to become obvious shortly, but her stepmother Rose still ensured that she had no home elsewhere. The two residents of the ground floor of the house, Patience and Horace, have a sadness of their own, and Patience is keen to preserve her home as a sanctuary. Meanwhile, young widow Iris is aware of her life long friend Sam’s interest in her, but cannot begin to think of anyone else after Arthur’s death. Edie has to discover the truth about those around her as she tries to establish herself in her new surroundings, and the reader too can be surprised and intrigued by the various people in the area. As Joyce finds daily challenges her story is particularly affecting, and many issues about the lack of choice for married women at the time are well explored. There is also closeness demonstrated between some people which is positive, although in every encounter there is the sense of threat from a war which is in the background.

I really enjoyed this book as a really lively and well paced read. There is a drive as the characters reveal much about their previous lives, and the revelations are well paced against a background of air raids and the real impact of war. I found this book immensely readable and it kept me wondering about the truth about each character; there are moments of real suspense deliberately created and well played out. I was genuinely taken by surprise by some of the revelations which emerged. This is a saga which keeps moving and developing as the reality of life in Hull is revealed. There is a lot of research here that is well written into the story, it never holds up the flow of the narrative. I recommend this lively book with plenty of drama and human interest.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Donna Douglas is back with a gritty, dramatic and captivating saga that will tug at the heartstrings: A Mother’s Journey. Set in Yorkshire during the Second World War, A Mother’s Journey is a searingly emotional tale that will hold readers in thrall from start to finish.

Edie Copeland has come to Jubilee Row in Hull for a fresh start. With a heavy suitcase and a secret which she is determined to keep very close to her chest, Edie has left York for Hull in the hopes that she can lay old ghosts to rest, leave the past behind her and forge forward away from the heart-breaking pain and sorrow which she is running away from. Edie’s arrival certainly sets the cat among the pigeons in Jubilee Row and even though her fellow tenant never misses an opportunity to remind her that she is a stranger and an incomer to the street, her neighbours are far more friendly and welcoming. Could Edie end up making a life for herself in Jubilee Row? Or will the past catch up with her and compel her to face the music and pay the price for her shocking secrets?

With The Maguires and the Scuttles welcoming Edie with open arms, she quickly begins to feel like she has finally found somewhere she belongs and a place she can finally call home. With bombs falling at an alarming rate all over England, the community around Jubilee Row has got no other choice but to stick together and to look out for one another. Life is more precious than ever during such an uncertain time and as friendships strengthen and bonds between neighbours tighten and flourish, there is joy and laughter to be found even during the darkest and most devastating of times. Yet, Edie’s secrets continue to weigh heavily upon her shoulders. If her secret ever comes out, then her new life could be in jeopardy and she would never be able to look her neighbours in the eye ever again. Is Edie about to lose everything? Or will her friends and neighbours be there for her in her hour of need?

A terrific Yorkshire saga of love, friendship, courage and second chances, A Mother’s Journey is a gutsy, gripping and mesmerizing tale written straight from the heart. Donna Douglas has a wonderful ability of bringing the war years to vivid and colourful life and she beautifully recreates life in 1940s England with flair and panache. Her heroine, Edie, is a strong, intelligent, brave, resourceful and resilient heroine readers are sure to take to their hearts.

Dramatic, poignant and impossible to put down, A Mother’s Journey is the first title in an exciting new series from one of the brightest stars of the genre: Donna Douglas

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Donna's work for a few years now. Both me and my lovely Mam have devoured each and every book that Donna has written. We were both eagerly anticipating the release of her new book in a brand new series called 'A Mother's Journey'. Mam got to read the book first before I got my hands on it. Blimey oh riley, 'A Mother's Journey' was another amazing read from Donna Douglas, which we both thoroughly enjoyed but more about that in a bit.
As with all of Donna's books, it didn't take us long at all to get into 'A Mother's Journey'. In fact by the time we got to the end of the first page, we both knew that we were in for a treat. From the moment we started to read the book until the moment we read the last word on the last page, we were completely under Donna's spell. To say that 'A Mother's Journey' is addictive reading seems a huge understatement. We both read the book in less than 24 hours which is pretty good going for us. Usually we find it hard to concentrate and we are easily distracted but funnily enough this has never happened with one of Donna's books.
'A Mother's Journey' is brilliantly written but then we find that to be true of all of Donna's books. Donna has one of those warm and friendly writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Reading one of Donna's books feels like you are chatting with friends. I hope that makes sense. Donna is known for writing stories that will tug on even the hardest of heartstrings and this one certainly tugged on ours. Donna certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and she draws you into the story. Donna writes so realistically and she uses such vivid descriptions that I really did feel as though I had been transported back in time to 1940s Hull.
Reading 'A Mother's Journey' certainly took me on one hell of an emotional rollercoaster ride with all the highs and lows, the ups and downs and so on and so forth. I found that I empathised with the characters and I felt myself go through the same emotions that they went through.
In short, 'A Mother's Journey' is another amazing read from Donna Douglas. I can't wait to read the second book in the series. Here's hoping that we don't have too long to wait. I definitely recommend that you read Donna's books. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hull, 1940. Edie Copeland has just arrived on Jubilee Row, carrying a secret and a heavy suitcase. She left York and her job at the Rowntrees Factory after tragedy struck to make a fresh start, but she's a stranger to this street, and her fellow tenant doesn't hesitate to remind her of this, widow or no.Luckily, the neighbours are a little more welcoming and Edie is soon made to feel at home by the Maguires and the Scuttles. As air raids sound, and the war feels closer than ever, the community has to stick together. But Edie is hiding something, and she doesn't know how much longer she can keep it up.Is the past going to catch up with her? And will Edie still be able to call Jubilee Row home when the truth comes out?Ironmongery originally was the manufacture of iron goods and then the place of sale of such items for domestic rather than industrial use.The term has expanded to include items made of steel, aluminium, brass, or other metals, as well as plastics.Ironmongers were suppliers of consumer goods,and are still widely used in Great Britain, the US equivalent being "hardware store".Many architectural ironmongery items (for example, door handles, locks, hinges, etc.) are also manufactured for wholesale and commercial use in offices and other buildings.The Royal Naval Patrol Service (RNPS) was a branch of the Royal Navy active during both World Wars.The RNPS operated many small auxiliary vessels such as naval trawlers for anti-submarine and minesweeping operations to protect coastal Britain and convoys.Many of the crews of the peacetime fishing fleets had been encouraged to join the Royal Naval Reserve.The RNPS became a "Navy within a Navy".The RNPS fought in all theatres of the war, from the Arctic to the Mediterranean, from the Atlantic to the Far East.The Hull Blitz was the bombing campaign that targeted the English port city of Kingston upon Hull by the Luftwaffe during WWII.The city spent more 1,000 hours under alert during raids from 19 June 1940 to 1945. Hull was the most severely damaged British city or town.Despite the damage the port continued to function throughout the war.

[The Literary Shed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do like a good historical saga, especially one that’s well penned and tightly plotted. Donna Douglas’s A Mother’s Journey, set in wartime England, is all that and more.

It opens in 1940, with young Edie Copeland, fresh from York, taking up residence in Jubilee Row in Hull. She’s alone and knows no one. The book focuses on Edie’s experiences settling into the street and its environs, in a place where, seemingly, there are no secrets and everyone knows everyone else’s business.

War has broken down the accepted code of behaviour, many living in the moment, well aware that life is a precious commodity that can be ripped away at any time. And Evie is one such character, a loner, hated by her stepmother and rejected by a weak father, who courageously takes herself out of a difficult situation to set up life among strangers.

The people she meets and the relationships she develops, the comradie between the women in particular, open up new possibilities, not just for her but for her new friends, too. And it's the cast of characters which Douglas creates so authentically that make this book so appealing.

A Mother's Journey is a very readable book, one that's hard to put down, so much so I read it in one sitting, within a few hours. It reminded me very much of the old school slightly yellowing historical sagas I used to pick off my parents’ shelves, penned so well by writers like Catherine Cookson and Barbara Taylor Bradford. That's about the highest praise I can give it.

Read it, do.


See: https://www.theliteraryshed.co.uk/rea...

Thanks to the publisher for sending us a review copy. All opinions are our own. All rights reserved.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

My reading this year has been hit and miss. Lately it's been more misses than hits. Thankfully it seems I can always count on Donna Douglas for a good read. After finally getting caught up on the Nightingale series it came to an end and this one began because that's always the way it goes. She takes a different turn going away from the hospital and medical setting and instead focuses on a neighbourhood in Hull. It was similar to other series like Annie Groves or Maureen Lee, but it has its own unique qualities. Edie Copeland arrives on Jubliee Row penniless and pregnant. She has to deal with Patience Huggins a Mrs. Bucket type character, who refuses to leave her house since her daughter Joyce got married against her wishes. Patience hates change and Edie represents big changes. Then there's the Maguire and Scuttle families who welcome Edie into their lives. As I said it was a good story. I loved watching both Joyce and Patience grow as characters, and seeing the interactions between the many different characters, Iris, Dolly, Sam, Charlie, Beattie and May. There's drama, romance, a wedding, fights and it ends with the blitz literally hitting close to home. The one thing I liked at first was that Edie was a widow. I think the single pregnant girl down on her luck kicked out of her home has been done to death and I welcomed the change. But then of course it turned out the book decided to follow the predictable trope all other books do. Eyeroll. If she had kept her a widow I would've loved it more, but otherwise it was a good way to break out of my bad book streak.

[Mary Stagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the type of book I feel I shouldn't really enjoy. Often books about WW2 are over sentimental and a bit sickly but this one seems much more realistic. It's got several storylines and a rather super wedding at the end with some very satisfactory conclusions. Its the first of a trilogy and I mistakenly read the second one first but now I'm all caught up I shall read the third one. It's mainly female based and set around one street in Hull. The girls work making nets and spend a lot of time knitting and at the WRVS. Edie moves in as the pregnant up stairs tenant above the rather cross tenant below. Needless to say, she stops being cross by the end of the book, Edie has her baby but obviously not without some drama. A very tender story line is Joyce's - you really do feel for her.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Donna’s Nightingale series and wondered what this new Yorkshire series would bring. I’ve not been disappointed it’s been great getting to know new characters. It starts with a newly widowed pregnant woman Edie Copeland moving to a new area completely alone. With hardly any money she sets about trying to find herself a job. Surprisingly to Edie she gets a much better reception then she thought and soon meets new friends that take her under their wing. There are lots of ups and downs to this book and it left me looking forward to reading more about all the great characters in the future.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read all of Donnas other books I was excited to read this one. However, before I made a start on it I read that she had written a wee short story that gave you a bit of Edie's backstory which was really good.

I thoroughly enjoyed a mother's journey, and there were a few unexpected twists in the story, and I am looking forward to the next installment in the story. Great book as always Donna, highly recommend this

[Jo Marlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Book

After having read Donna Douglas series of Nightingale Nurses, I couldn’t resist trying this one & im so glad I did as I was gripped read this within 3 days eagerly hoping to start on the next book to be disappointed that I’m having wait. But Donna Douglas books are all worth waiting to read.

I hope there will be more to come from Donna with both the Nightingale Nurses & with the lives of Eddie Copeland & all the residents of the Row.

[Gail Rolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Donna Douglas at her best

After reading all the Nightingale Series I did wonder if this would be as good.

A brilliant book, totally different from the others she has written. You take the characters to heart and you really feel as your living their lives with them.

Can't wait for the two other books in this trilogy, just one problem, what to read now?

[Tiffany Johnstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant new series from Donna Douglas. I loved Patience as a character as well as Edie, Very gripping start to the series. Joyce is another great character who is going through a lot. Donna Douglas is an absolutely brilliant author as always. She has a wonderful way of bringing her characters to life.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series for Donna Douglas after the popular nightingale nurses. What this author does very well is bring multiple characters into the plot, without being a muddle. I look forward to the next book on the series.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me two thirds of this book to get into it but I enjoyed it in the end. A lovely slow paced novel and easy read. I however find it hard to keep up with the families at the start and who was related to who

[Della Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series by Donna Douglas author of the nightingale books
Set in Hull during the Second World War this looks set to be another wonderful series of books well written and researched by the author which is what you can expect from this author can’t wait for book 2

[mois reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edie

This first book in the series was amazing just loved how they all work together and stick together definitely worth 5 stars .

[Carol Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have no idea why but I was disappointed with this book. I usually love this author but the characters in this one just didn’t seem to meld.

[Daisy Mawdsley-hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic as expected can't wait for next instalment

[Terry Birkbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love conquers all

Interesting and held the suspense to the end , found it difficult to put down . Strong feelings and appropriate action.

[I J Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wartime hull

Loved reading about the characters of hessle road in this wartime story a tale off happiness,sadness and hard times felt by many