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The Bluebird Girls #2
We'll Meet Again
The sequel to THE BLUEBIRD GIRLS, following the fortunes of singers Rainey Bird, Ivy Sparrow and Bea Herron as they do their best to keep up morale at home and abroad, entertaining troops in the dark days of WW2
- GenresHistorical Fiction
352 pages, Hardcover
First published June 13, 2019
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198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 14, 2019
WE'LL MEET AGAIN is the second in a series by Rosie Archer featuring the Bluebird Girls. I went straight into this book without having read the first, which one could do so easily.
It's 1941 in the small town of Gosport, not far from Portsmouth, and the Bluebirds - Rainey, Ivy and Bea - are beginning to make a name for themselves. From their humble beginnings in the choir to the stages of clubs and hotels, the girls are bringing happiness to those that hear their beautiful harmonies in song.
It's still early days for the trio and as they are just 18 and still underage Rainey's mum, Jo, travelled with them as the girls' chaperone. Blackie is their manager, driver and piano player who also handled their money and bookings. As it stood, whatever money the girls made went to paying back Madame Walker for their costumes and other outlays. But Blackie had faith in the girls and it wouldn't be long before they started to make money.
After their performance in Portsmouth, and the raid that darkened the city soon after, the Bluebirds were in demand. Blackie was taking bookings for them in Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon and even The Savoy in London. The girls found themselves having to relinquish their jobs at the munitions factory to be able to keep up with the busy schedule of travelling and performing and as their chaperone, Jo had to give up her daytime job also.
Aside from the Bluebirds, there are other underlying stories woven throughout the pages. Bea's brother Eddie has started walking out with young Sunshine - who was named for the sunny day she was found abandoned on a bench as a baby - much to Ivy's disappointment. Ivy has always held a torch for Eddie but felt the age gap was the only thing between them. But when Eddie begins to notice that Ivy is no longer the little girl he saw her as, he finds himself torn between the two women.
But the decision may have already been made for him when Sunshine's head is turned by a young German prisoner of war, someone she is forbidden to fraternise with. But Sunshine cannot keep away from Max, and soon finds herself in a predicament she would never thought possible. But Max's intentions where Sunshine is concerned are not admirable. He has but one goal in mind - to escape St Vincents prison camp and make his back to the Fatherland. But for that he needs help...and that's where Sunshine comes in. But poor Sunshine has fallen head over heels for Max. It could only end in tears.
Then we have Rainey's mum, Jo. She had escaped her violent husband with her daughter some years ago and has begun to find confidence in herself once again...with the help of friend Syd Kennedy. Syd has been a good friend to Jo but it's obvious he is vying for more, taking her to the pictures on more than one occasion. Blackie finds himself jealous at the prospect of another man competing for Jo's attention. But Blackie can't bring himself to tell Jo how he feels...for fear of being rejected. Plus it would make for awkward travelling with the Bluebirds as she was their chaperone and he was the manager-and-thensome. Will Blackie find the courage to speak up?
Against the backdrop of wartime, WE'LL MEET AGAIN is a heartwarming tale of love and friendship and the best intentions amidst the tragedies of war. There is intrigue, drama, love and loss as well as the beautiful melodic voices of the Bluebird Girls. I have to admit, I heard The Andrews Sisters in my head as the girls sang...as their style would be similar being of the same era.
I feel I must mention a few niggles I had whilst reading. The constant references made to things that happened previously over and over was unnecessary. They only needed to be mentioned once in backstory description, not again and again. One example that sticks in my mine is "the sailor behind the Fox" which was referenced more than a couple of times in description. I also had the feeling the girls' lives were too perfect, despite their slow rise to fame. Any drama that occurred happened to other people and not them. It was all a bit chocolate-boxy...but still enjoyable. There were a few others, but I don't want to mention them due to spoilers. Let's just say, there are a few loose ends I felt should have been tied up but were left dangling. I hope they are addressed in the next book and that truth will out.
That isn't to say I didn't enjoy the book. I did. WE'LL MEET AGAIN is a lovely tale of the trio's gradual rise to stardom and those that surround them. I love stories set against the backdrop of wartime Britain - their loves, their losses, their happy times and their tragedies.
WE'LL MEET AGAIN is what I call a comfort read. It is delightful with an easy pace that flows effortlessly. I look forward to the next installment where I hope some of the loose ends are tied up a little neater.
I do recommend beginning with the first book "The Bluebird Girls" although WE'LL MEET AGAIN can be read on its own also, as I have done. But I will follow up with the next book "The Force's Sweethearts" in the hope the story develops more.
I would like to thank #RosieArcher, #NetGalley and #Quercus for an ARC of #We'llMeetAgain in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
It's 1941 in the small town of Gosport, not far from Portsmouth, and the Bluebirds - Rainey, Ivy and Bea - are beginning to make a name for themselves. From their humble beginnings in the choir to the stages of clubs and hotels, the girls are bringing happiness to those that hear their beautiful harmonies in song.
It's still early days for the trio and as they are just 18 and still underage Rainey's mum, Jo, travelled with them as the girls' chaperone. Blackie is their manager, driver and piano player who also handled their money and bookings. As it stood, whatever money the girls made went to paying back Madame Walker for their costumes and other outlays. But Blackie had faith in the girls and it wouldn't be long before they started to make money.
After their performance in Portsmouth, and the raid that darkened the city soon after, the Bluebirds were in demand. Blackie was taking bookings for them in Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon and even The Savoy in London. The girls found themselves having to relinquish their jobs at the munitions factory to be able to keep up with the busy schedule of travelling and performing and as their chaperone, Jo had to give up her daytime job also.
Aside from the Bluebirds, there are other underlying stories woven throughout the pages. Bea's brother Eddie has started walking out with young Sunshine - who was named for the sunny day she was found abandoned on a bench as a baby - much to Ivy's disappointment. Ivy has always held a torch for Eddie but felt the age gap was the only thing between them. But when Eddie begins to notice that Ivy is no longer the little girl he saw her as, he finds himself torn between the two women.
But the decision may have already been made for him when Sunshine's head is turned by a young German prisoner of war, someone she is forbidden to fraternise with. But Sunshine cannot keep away from Max, and soon finds herself in a predicament she would never thought possible. But Max's intentions where Sunshine is concerned are not admirable. He has but one goal in mind - to escape St Vincents prison camp and make his back to the Fatherland. But for that he needs help...and that's where Sunshine comes in. But poor Sunshine has fallen head over heels for Max. It could only end in tears.
Then we have Rainey's mum, Jo. She had escaped her violent husband with her daughter some years ago and has begun to find confidence in herself once again...with the help of friend Syd Kennedy. Syd has been a good friend to Jo but it's obvious he is vying for more, taking her to the pictures on more than one occasion. Blackie finds himself jealous at the prospect of another man competing for Jo's attention. But Blackie can't bring himself to tell Jo how he feels...for fear of being rejected. Plus it would make for awkward travelling with the Bluebirds as she was their chaperone and he was the manager-and-thensome. Will Blackie find the courage to speak up?
Against the backdrop of wartime, WE'LL MEET AGAIN is a heartwarming tale of love and friendship and the best intentions amidst the tragedies of war. There is intrigue, drama, love and loss as well as the beautiful melodic voices of the Bluebird Girls. I have to admit, I heard The Andrews Sisters in my head as the girls sang...as their style would be similar being of the same era.
I feel I must mention a few niggles I had whilst reading. The constant references made to things that happened previously over and over was unnecessary. They only needed to be mentioned once in backstory description, not again and again. One example that sticks in my mine is "the sailor behind the Fox" which was referenced more than a couple of times in description. I also had the feeling the girls' lives were too perfect, despite their slow rise to fame. Any drama that occurred happened to other people and not them. It was all a bit chocolate-boxy...but still enjoyable. There were a few others, but I don't want to mention them due to spoilers. Let's just say, there are a few loose ends I felt should have been tied up but were left dangling. I hope they are addressed in the next book and that truth will out.
That isn't to say I didn't enjoy the book. I did. WE'LL MEET AGAIN is a lovely tale of the trio's gradual rise to stardom and those that surround them. I love stories set against the backdrop of wartime Britain - their loves, their losses, their happy times and their tragedies.
WE'LL MEET AGAIN is what I call a comfort read. It is delightful with an easy pace that flows effortlessly. I look forward to the next installment where I hope some of the loose ends are tied up a little neater.
I do recommend beginning with the first book "The Bluebird Girls" although WE'LL MEET AGAIN can be read on its own also, as I have done. But I will follow up with the next book "The Force's Sweethearts" in the hope the story develops more.
I would like to thank #RosieArcher, #NetGalley and #Quercus for an ARC of #We'llMeetAgain in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
February 11, 2020
We’ll Meet Again by Rosie Archer is the second novel in The Bluebird Girls series. You do need to read The Bluebird Girls before embarking on We’ll Meet Again. I enjoyed reading this engaging World War drama. Ivy, Bea and Rainey performed at the King’s Theatre and they received a good write up in the local paper. Blackie is busy fielding calls from people who wish the book the female trio. We follow the day-to-day lives of Ivy, Bea, Rainey, Jo, Blackie, Eddie and others. I like that there are side stories woven into the book. Eddie has decided to employee German POWs to help with his rebuilding projects. Max, a German POW, is determined to escape. He has a plan and it involves conning a woman. Various romantic relationships, and Little Annette’s act and estrangement from her mother. I thought the author captured the feel of the time period where bombs are being dumped on the area, spending nights in air raid shelters, and rationing of most items is in effect. Of course, there are ways to get around the rationing if you know the right people or have enough money. The Bluebird Girls sing in a variety of clubs. I liked the girls’ energy and lovely singing voices (I could just imagine them). I felt bad for Blackie and Jo who quickly tired of the singers bickering (whenever they got into a car). Their careers are taking flight and the ladies have some wonderful opportunities coming their way. We’ll Meet Again has drama, suspense, romance, and music. It was lovely catching up with The Bluebird Girls in We’ll Meet Again and I am eager to read The Forces’ Sweethearts.
September 3, 2019
It was 1941 in the small town of Gosport, not far from London and Rainey Bird, Bea Herron and Ivy Sparrow were relishing their roles in The Bluebird Girls. From the school choir where they had excelled to the stages in clubs and hotels, the three girls were making people happy. The bombs continued to fall, there were even German prisoners of war – airmen mostly – who were nearby, chafing at being incarcerated, but looked after.
Jo, Rainey’s mum, was the girl’s chaperone, while Blackie was their manager, driver, piano player and money man. Not that there was much of that to be had. The Bluebird Girls were in demand. As the war worsened and rationing intensified, there was more for the friends to be concerned about. Would they continue to cope with all that was surrounding them?
We’ll Meet Again is the 2nd in The Bluebird Girls series by Rosie Archer and once again I loved it. Set in Britain during WWII, there was intrigue, a little mystery and some drama thrown into the mix. As well as some beautiful songs from the three young women with magical voices. (I felt like I could hear them singing anyway 😉) Highly recommended – but do start with #1.
With thanks to NetGalley and Quercus for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Jo, Rainey’s mum, was the girl’s chaperone, while Blackie was their manager, driver, piano player and money man. Not that there was much of that to be had. The Bluebird Girls were in demand. As the war worsened and rationing intensified, there was more for the friends to be concerned about. Would they continue to cope with all that was surrounding them?
We’ll Meet Again is the 2nd in The Bluebird Girls series by Rosie Archer and once again I loved it. Set in Britain during WWII, there was intrigue, a little mystery and some drama thrown into the mix. As well as some beautiful songs from the three young women with magical voices. (I felt like I could hear them singing anyway 😉) Highly recommended – but do start with #1.
With thanks to NetGalley and Quercus for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2019
Well i was so looking forward to catching up with the girls,family and friends that we met in the first book and are still together and going from strength to strength with their singing.Jo the girls and blackie are travelling around to venues that have booked The Bluebird Girls to sing and the girls are enjoying themselves.After they left one venue and headed home they recieved the news that a bomb had a direct hit on the club they had performed in and that there had been deaths and serious injuries.The girls are to have a photo shoot so that their posters can be put up advertising the venues they are to sing at,during the shoot Rainey begins to fall for the Photographer.Ivy stills dreams of Bea's brother Eddie but Bea swears she is off men.I can highly recommend this author well worth the 5*
September 10, 2019
So many books called We’ll Meet Again! This one however is Delightful!
The Lady, Rosie Archer is a fine writer with a terrific sense of humour!
She’s written earlier books under her real name, June Hampson. The genre for those is similar to Martina Cole and her talent is every bit as good as that Authors... maybe better? I’ve only read a little of her first one so you tell me.
Thoroughly enjoy a good.... saga in between my other more intense book choices they help me relax but I must say that consistently good books are hard to find.
The Lady, Rosie Archer is a fine writer with a terrific sense of humour!
She’s written earlier books under her real name, June Hampson. The genre for those is similar to Martina Cole and her talent is every bit as good as that Authors... maybe better? I’ve only read a little of her first one so you tell me.
Thoroughly enjoy a good.... saga in between my other more intense book choices they help me relax but I must say that consistently good books are hard to find.
August 21, 2019
Back with the Bluebird Girl's, the singing trio, Rainey Bea and Ivy the war is still raging in Gosport its January 1941 and this book takes us through to December. the second book in the series so was looking forward to reading as really enjoyed the first and was not disaeppointed. the girl's are kept busy at lots of social clubs, Portsmouth, Birmingham, Stratford upon avon, and Scotland for a burns night all want to see the girls perform, and keeps Blackie busy sorting out gigs for the girl's. still keeping their jobs at the Priddy's munitions factory but not for long. Blackie has big plans for the girls to top the bill in every theatre they have the talent to do it. i really enjoyed this book even found myself singing in my head as i was reading, it definitely keeps you shining through the dark of the war. " cannot wait now to read the next in the series in" The Forces Sweethearts". these books are superb reads for all saga readers.
July 9, 2019
Another good book in the series from Rosie Archer...
August 21, 2019
Bluebird girls
I really enjoyed this book was like being with old friends again love the storylines between the girls and Jo and blackie a fantastic story and looking forward to the next chapter .5 STARS.
I really enjoyed this book was like being with old friends again love the storylines between the girls and Jo and blackie a fantastic story and looking forward to the next chapter .5 STARS.
November 27, 2020
Gosport, 1941.The Bluebird Girls - Rainey Bird, Bea Herron and Ivy Sparrow - are on their way to stardom. From working mens' clubs to the glamour of the Savoy Hotel, fame and fortune beckon as the south coast's favourite singing trio work to charm their way into the hearts of the nation.But the war rages on, and reaching the top of their game will not be easy. Blonde bombshell Bea is still dealing with the fallout of a traumatic encounter last winter. Rainey is determined to live up to her mother's belief in her, but finds herself struggling with the whirlwind of life in showbusiness.And Ivy, usually so self-possessed, is hopelessly in love.As bombs rain down and rationing bites harder, it will take all their grit, good humour and the support of friends and family to see them through.Can the girls keep their dream alive through Britain's darkest hour?Entertainment during WWII provided civilians with a form of escape from the hardships of wartime life.It was equally important to those serving in the forces.Radio was the chief form of news and entertainment, and listening increased during wartime.Since the governments believed that a supportive home front was crucial to their countries' victory, they generally sought to keep the civilian spirits high and to depict the war in a positive light.In conjunction with one another, these forms of media kept citizens entertained with a pastime, informed about their country's war efforts, and motivated to contribute to the cause of the war.The theme of war took a popular role in the development of pop music. Artists expressed their feelings of hardships during the war. Others sang songs that aimed to lift the spirits of the citizens.Therefore,WWII was a unique situation for music and its relationship to warfare.Never before was it possible for not only single songs, but also single recordings of songs to be so widely distributed to the population.Singer Vera Lynn,gained national fame for her songs, We'll Meet Again,The White Cliffs of Dover, There'll Always Be an England.Singers performed in clubs,hotels and theatres.
August 29, 2019
Step back in time to the wartime years and the Gosport area, where it is great to see all the characters from Rosie Archer's previous book in the Bluebird Girls series (The Bluebird Girls) return in this book. Soon the girls are once again entertaining people from all walks of life with their singing and along the way they get both praise and criticism. Jo (Rainey's mum) is still acting as chaperone to the girls, she has two men trying to catch her attention, which one will she choose? Bea's brother Eddie has a decision to make between two girls whilst he is working at the home where his granddad is staying, will Sunshine have her head turned by someone who she shouldn't fraternise with and will Ivy seem too young for him now or will there be someone else who will melt his heart?
This is a story of friendships and relationships between everyone who has the best intentions of the young women at heart. The Bluebird Girls are upmost and foremost in this book and they certainly bring happiness to everyone who sees and hears them sing. A lovely book which I thoroughly enjoyed reading and I have given it 5☆.
This is a story of friendships and relationships between everyone who has the best intentions of the young women at heart. The Bluebird Girls are upmost and foremost in this book and they certainly bring happiness to everyone who sees and hears them sing. A lovely book which I thoroughly enjoyed reading and I have given it 5☆.
September 9, 2019
A lovely heartwarming story. I didn’t know it was the second book in a series and will definitely get the first book and I look forward to the third. The story flows wonderfully and tells how people got on with their lives in the midst of war-torn Britain in 1941. The singing group, The Bluebell Girls, comprising Bea, Rainey and Ivy are going from strength to strength, playing working men’s clubs and then The Savoy. Supervised by Jo and driven by Blackie, with hints of a friendship materialising into something else. The story is so authentic and uplifting. Can’t wait to read more.
Thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for the advance copy in return for an honest review.
#We’ll Meet Again #NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for the advance copy in return for an honest review.
#We’ll Meet Again #NetGalley
August 30, 2019
This is book two in the series about the Bluebird girls. The girls are starting to get popular and get a lot more venues to sing at. Jo gives up her job to become their chaperone and starts to grow closer to Blackie as he drives them around the country to their gigs. I had enjoyed The Bluebird Girls and liked catching up with Bea, Rainey and Ivy in We’ll Meet Again. If you enjoy this genre I can highly recommend this book and I look forward to catching up with them all again in January 2020 when book three is due out.
September 2, 2019
A fun sweet read that follows three young women - Rainey, Ivy, and Bea- their manager Blackie, and chaperone Jo as they sing in local venues in the UK during WWII. I missed the first book, which was not a problem because Archer gives enough back story to catch you up with who's who. It's set in December 1941 and reflects the trauma (and the happy times) of the period. There's loss but there's a lot of love too. Or at least love interests! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. An easy and enjoyable novel that's perfect for a lazy afternoon.
September 3, 2019
A sweet book, engrossing and entertaining.
I liked the well researched historical setting, the fleshed characters, and the plot that kept me interested till the end.
I like historical fiction and this one an excellent specimen.
Even if I didn't read the previous instalment I had no issues with the character or the plot as there is a lot of back story.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Quercus Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I liked the well researched historical setting, the fleshed characters, and the plot that kept me interested till the end.
I like historical fiction and this one an excellent specimen.
Even if I didn't read the previous instalment I had no issues with the character or the plot as there is a lot of back story.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Quercus Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
September 9, 2019
I am a big Rosie Clark fan so I was super excited to receive this from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I didnt realize it was a part 2 of a series until I finished ..... I enjoyed the story so much. She is a beautiful storyteller. I will be picking up book one to catch me up in case there is a third book in this series.
August 20, 2019
A very nice predictable story. It is what I call "comfort reading." An enjoyable read, expecially when your life is stressful. A wonderful way to escape. I enjoyed it. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read.
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September 1, 2019Holly good read
I have loved reading the book, as my family originate from the history area, but above all else I love reading about the war efforts, as my grandad was involved in the second world war and loved hearing his stories.
I have loved reading the book, as my family originate from the history area, but above all else I love reading about the war efforts, as my grandad was involved in the second world war and loved hearing his stories.
September 5, 2019
Try as I might, I just cannot get into this book. it may be formatting and layout of book as a ARC, but the plot also drags a bit and is slow to get into. I really just cannot finish it, as much as I like the concept and the description.
June 25, 2020
Is it only me, but for the life of me I can't figure out why Eddie is such a catch. Hello, can you say hypocrite? Ew, why is he labeled as a hero when he treated Sunshine no better than the german POW.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2019
Not my cup of tea.
June 24, 2019
Great read
Once again we meet the bluebird girls and once again they didn't fail to disappoint as there singing career takes off. Looking forward to reading the next one
Once again we meet the bluebird girls and once again they didn't fail to disappoint as there singing career takes off. Looking forward to reading the next one
June 30, 2019
Bluebirds
Another great read from rosie archer cant wait for the ne xt instalment housewarming,sad and funny all rolled into one
Another great read from rosie archer cant wait for the ne xt instalment housewarming,sad and funny all rolled into one
September 14, 2019
Love this
Love this book and an brilliant story teller identify with all the characters living in a totally time of despair and hope. Loved it
Love this book and an brilliant story teller identify with all the characters living in a totally time of despair and hope. Loved it
October 12, 2019
The first time I've read Rosie Archer and I wasn't disappointed! I felt as though I was living during World war 2 and was a member of the fan club.
October 16, 2019
Looking forward to book 3
January 2, 2020
I enjoyed this more than the first novel of this series. There were better story lines and I'm really looking forward to the next one.
January 6, 2020
Absolutely wonderful book highly recommend
This is Rosie Archer at her best if you enjoyed her previous series the munitions girls you will enjoy this
This is Rosie Archer at her best if you enjoyed her previous series the munitions girls you will enjoy this
July 27, 2020
Oh my! This series just gets better and better, Rainey, Ivy and Bea are still singing together and singing all over the country. I can't wait to read book 3!
January 12, 2025
Really enjoyed this book. Love that it is part of a longer series. Some interesting war things that I had not thought about before.
August 14, 2022
I have waited to listen to the second book in the series, but once again, it left me wanting more as so many ends need tying up. Let's hope there will be a third in the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews