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Girls in Tin Hats
1940 - Small Heath, in the heart of Birmingham, is facing the darkest days of the war. Two very different girls from this tight-knit community join up as ARP wardens to do their bit for the Home Front.Violet Simms lives with her controlling, widowed mother who runs the local pawn shop. At just twenty-years-old, Violet longs for friendship, love and escape. It seems her dreams might come true until tragedy strikes on one of the very worst nights of the Birmingham Blitz. Grace Templeton is the eldest in her family of ten children. Spirited Grace is determined never to become burdened by child bearing and drudgery like her mother. Adored by childhood sweetheart, Jimmy Oval, Grace believes she can do better. Volunteering as an ARP warden feels like a chance for adventure – until she sees the horror and reality of war first hand. In this blacked out city, where not everyone is quite what they seem, she comes to realize she is less in control of events than she had thought.The war will have long-lasting effects on every family . . . Long buried secrets come to light, and their stories are woven together amid the intense bombing of Birmingham.The girls’ lives will be changed forever by friendship and love, by tragedy and joy. Girls in Tin Hats is the heart-wrenching generational saga by Sunday Times top ten bestselling author Annie Murray.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2020
42 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Annie Murray
51 books167 followersAnnie Murray was a ‘childhood writer.’ Her career was helped a great deal by belonging to Tindal Street Fiction Group in Birmingham and by winning the SHE/Granada TV Short Story Competition in 1991. She has published short stories in a number of anthologies as well as SHE magazine. Her first regional saga, Birmingham Rose appeared in 1995 and reached the Times bestseller list. She has since published more than a dozen others, including the ‘Cadbury books,’ Chocolate Girls and The Bells of Bournville Green, Family of Women and her latest, A Hopscotch Summer. Annie has four children and lives near Reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 11, 2021
Three and a half stars
Violet Simms, lives with her selfish, controlling mother. It is a difficult relationship. When Violet volunteers as an air raid warden, that doesn’t please her mother either. Violet longs for friends, love and change in her life. Through the ARP she meets Grace Templeton who is from a large loving family. The two young women become friends. They also find love. Or do they? For not everyone is what they seem at first. Then there are those will give what little they have in time and meagre worldly goods to help others. A real sense of community exists among the inhabitants of Small Heath, Birmingham. They seek to support each other as they deal with the enemy and regular bombings that are taking place.
Pain, loss, joy, wrong choices, love and grief are all part of this well researched historical novel. The characters are well drawn and realistic and largely likeable though there were times I became exasperated with the choices of at least one of the young women, especially when it came to one of the men.. It is easy to get caught up in the situations. But that is always a good sign. It means as a reader I am involved emotionally with the characters.
An enjoyable read that throws the spotlight on the work down by the air raid wardens and the horrors experience in war, but also the humanity of others. Recommended for all who enjoy historical novels and a story well told.
Violet Simms, lives with her selfish, controlling mother. It is a difficult relationship. When Violet volunteers as an air raid warden, that doesn’t please her mother either. Violet longs for friends, love and change in her life. Through the ARP she meets Grace Templeton who is from a large loving family. The two young women become friends. They also find love. Or do they? For not everyone is what they seem at first. Then there are those will give what little they have in time and meagre worldly goods to help others. A real sense of community exists among the inhabitants of Small Heath, Birmingham. They seek to support each other as they deal with the enemy and regular bombings that are taking place.
Pain, loss, joy, wrong choices, love and grief are all part of this well researched historical novel. The characters are well drawn and realistic and largely likeable though there were times I became exasperated with the choices of at least one of the young women, especially when it came to one of the men.. It is easy to get caught up in the situations. But that is always a good sign. It means as a reader I am involved emotionally with the characters.
An enjoyable read that throws the spotlight on the work down by the air raid wardens and the horrors experience in war, but also the humanity of others. Recommended for all who enjoy historical novels and a story well told.
April 16, 2020
I was drawn into this story straight away - I couldn't enjoy it more! It is written exceptionally well and is well researched. I am not very familiar with Birmingham, so the setting for this book in Birmingham was a pleasant change for me.
Small Heath, Birmingham 1940. Violet Simms and Grace Templeton, both of Archibald Street, could not be more different. One girl is an only child and is very self conscious, her home very cold and a hostile environment, the other is from a large, warm, loving family and is very confident. Although only a year lies between them and them living nearby to each other, they didn't attend the same school, so they only met properly when they started training as ARP wardens.
I like both girls. Both caring which shows in their willingness to help the war effort as it rages on and on. Even though both girls work in the day, they still put their heart and souls into helping as ARP wardens and there is so much devastation all around.
My heart goes out to these characters, but even more so, to each and every one of the people who helped in whatever way, however big or small, during such tragic times. It has opened my eyes, yes I've heard about the Great War and WW2 and the heavy bombings; the destruction and devastation it left. However, this author shone a light further. The people in society, how they got through the heartbreaking, anxious, endless days, them not knowing when this living nightmare would end. If it would end.
I liked most characters, they all had so much depth and I wanted more. I wanted to see how the friendships developed, if certain characters would find true love, which of them would make it? I was hoping all of them, even the couple I didn't like, but this is war. The book isn't without humour, the author really has thought of everything.
I enjoyed every moment of it!
I liked the twists, the surprises, the feelings of the characters just seemed to seep off the page.
I laughed and I cried and I am recommending this heartwarming book to anyone I know, who likes this genre.
The author drew me in: the sights and sounds, the smells and the whole atmosphere. I feel I know these people. Miss Holt, Arthur Oval, Maud and Lucy, these are my favourite characters and I'm sad to say goodbye to them.
I never knew what would happen next, I was enthralled from beginning to end. The story is plotted very well and is brilliant, I loved it!
Thank you to the author (for writing it) and to Pan Macmillan via NetGalley.
Small Heath, Birmingham 1940. Violet Simms and Grace Templeton, both of Archibald Street, could not be more different. One girl is an only child and is very self conscious, her home very cold and a hostile environment, the other is from a large, warm, loving family and is very confident. Although only a year lies between them and them living nearby to each other, they didn't attend the same school, so they only met properly when they started training as ARP wardens.
I like both girls. Both caring which shows in their willingness to help the war effort as it rages on and on. Even though both girls work in the day, they still put their heart and souls into helping as ARP wardens and there is so much devastation all around.
My heart goes out to these characters, but even more so, to each and every one of the people who helped in whatever way, however big or small, during such tragic times. It has opened my eyes, yes I've heard about the Great War and WW2 and the heavy bombings; the destruction and devastation it left. However, this author shone a light further. The people in society, how they got through the heartbreaking, anxious, endless days, them not knowing when this living nightmare would end. If it would end.
I liked most characters, they all had so much depth and I wanted more. I wanted to see how the friendships developed, if certain characters would find true love, which of them would make it? I was hoping all of them, even the couple I didn't like, but this is war. The book isn't without humour, the author really has thought of everything.
I enjoyed every moment of it!
I liked the twists, the surprises, the feelings of the characters just seemed to seep off the page.
I laughed and I cried and I am recommending this heartwarming book to anyone I know, who likes this genre.
The author drew me in: the sights and sounds, the smells and the whole atmosphere. I feel I know these people. Miss Holt, Arthur Oval, Maud and Lucy, these are my favourite characters and I'm sad to say goodbye to them.
I never knew what would happen next, I was enthralled from beginning to end. The story is plotted very well and is brilliant, I loved it!
Thank you to the author (for writing it) and to Pan Macmillan via NetGalley.
July 5, 2020
My Mum was 4 in 1939 and lived in different parts of Birmingham during the war so I was interested in reading this. As always with Annie's books I was hooked from the first few pages and couldn't wait to read more. Loved it ❤
December 24, 2020
Welcome back Annie Murray! After reading the very different novel "Mother and Child" and not enjoying it, I welcomed the return of Annie to the genre she does best...and she didn't let me down! I have read a plethora of WW2-based stories and each one is unique in their own way, but GIRLS IN TIN HATS was different in that we see the destruction of war through the eyes of two women who become Air Raid Wardens.
Birmingham 1940: Shy and self-conscious 20 year old Violet Simms lives with her domineering mother above a pawnbroker's shop in a cold and hostile environment. May Simms has had a hard life and spends the rest of it taking it out of her daughter Violet. She belittles her, criticises her, blames her and has no qualms in telling her that men are only after one thing. Yet she becomes whiny and needy should Violet try to escape the stifling environment for something more cheerful...even going to work.
So when Violet decides to become an Air Raid Warden, May is quick to tell Violet she is selfish and thinking only of herself...leaving her mother all alone and at the German's mercy. But Violet wants to do her bit for the war effort and feels compelled to help others in the midst of the horrors they now face. It's not selfish at all, but rather selfless to put herself in harms way to help others.
During the course of her duties as an ARP Warden, Violet meets special constable George Cherry who, because of a limp, was exempt from fighting. Violet cannot help but be enamoured by George and his constant cheerfulness and soon the pair meet up as regular as they can. Violet knows she must keep George a secret from her mother who would soon spoil things for the young couple. After all, May has always told her daughter that men are only after one thing and one thing only. But she knows George is not like that. And soon she meets his family who are just as lovely as he is. Violet thought her home life was something normal and expected George's mother to be much like her own, but she couldn't be more different. The family welcomed her with open arms and it wasn't long until Violet dreaded returning home. And when she did, it was to a barrage of questions as to where she's been and who with...
But George has always wondered why he has never been back to Violet's to meet her family...and thinks maybe she might be ashamed on him. But no matter how much she tries to explain the way her mother is, George finds it hard to comprehend as he has never known such hostility from his mum. But as Violet and George become more serious and he asks her to marry him, Violet knows she must introduce them. But nothing will prepare her for what is about to come...
Grace Templeton couldn't be more different from Violet. She too has joined the ARP Wardens and often patrols with Violet. Gregarious and outgoing, Grace is from a family of ten children all of whom she adores. Having grown up with the Ovals, Grace and Jimmy had been unofficially stepping out together so when he joins the army and is sent abroad, the two continue writing to each other with Grace looking forward to his letters.
But something is missing...and she doesn't know what. She loves Jimmy, or believes she does, but he's just...well, Jimmy. As is her nature, Grace is looking for a bit of excitement and she's not sure Jimmy does that to her. He's safe and secure Jimmy...but not exciting. And then one night whilst she and Violet perform a rescue on a collapsed house, she meets good looking and charming Harry Cobb. And before long, the two are meeting in shadowy corners, in darkened alleys, stolen moments during the blackout where Harry ignites something exciting in her she has never felt before. Certainly not with Jimmy. And yet...something doesn't feel right. Why do they only meet at night? Why does Harry not walk out with her in public? And why is he always intent on delving beneath her skirts without so much as a by-your-leave?
Then one night while Grace was seconded away in a darkened alley fumbling in the dark with Harry, one of her younger brothers ran into the ARP post looking for her. Grace had told her family she was on duty that night...but she wasn't. And no one knew where she was. Something terrible had happened and they needed Grace right away. Afterwhich, Grace felt so much shame for what she was getting up to when her family needed her most. And then the German's bombed the BSA factory where her father worked...and Grace was in an awful state wondering if he was buried amongst the rubble or if he was safe.
GIRLS IN TIN HATS is the story of two very different women with two very different stories and paths in life who meet when they join the ARP together. It is heartbreaking and heartwarming. There will be tears, there will be laughter.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and its easy style. Violet and Grace are both very likable and easily relatable. Most characters are likable, even if they aren't in the beginning, you will grow to like them. All except May and Harry. I didn't like either of them. May was a selfish cow who used emotional blackmail to keep her dutiful daughter in line. She spent her entire life lying to her about her past and continues to do so. She is thoroughly unlikable, despite knowing she'd probably had a tough life. And Harry...there was just something underhand about him. I kept inwardly screaming at Grace to run and go back to Jimmy...but she didn't listen. Not even when she knew what she was doing was wrong and shameful. Harry was the epitome of men that Violet's mum had warned her about and yet it was Grace who fell under his spell.
A wonderful realistic story set during the Blitz on Britain...this time in Birmingham...GIRLS IN TIN HATS draws you in right from the start with it's descriptions of life during wartime. A story of utter chaos and bravery as the people stood together to defeat the enemy.
Perfect for fans of of wartime historical fiction, GIRLS IN TIN HATS is a heartbreaking yet heartwarming of two girls whose lives will be changed forever by friendship, love, tragedy and joy.
I would like to thank #AnnieMurray, #NetGalley and #PanMacmillan for an ARC of #GirlsInTinHats in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Birmingham 1940: Shy and self-conscious 20 year old Violet Simms lives with her domineering mother above a pawnbroker's shop in a cold and hostile environment. May Simms has had a hard life and spends the rest of it taking it out of her daughter Violet. She belittles her, criticises her, blames her and has no qualms in telling her that men are only after one thing. Yet she becomes whiny and needy should Violet try to escape the stifling environment for something more cheerful...even going to work.
So when Violet decides to become an Air Raid Warden, May is quick to tell Violet she is selfish and thinking only of herself...leaving her mother all alone and at the German's mercy. But Violet wants to do her bit for the war effort and feels compelled to help others in the midst of the horrors they now face. It's not selfish at all, but rather selfless to put herself in harms way to help others.
During the course of her duties as an ARP Warden, Violet meets special constable George Cherry who, because of a limp, was exempt from fighting. Violet cannot help but be enamoured by George and his constant cheerfulness and soon the pair meet up as regular as they can. Violet knows she must keep George a secret from her mother who would soon spoil things for the young couple. After all, May has always told her daughter that men are only after one thing and one thing only. But she knows George is not like that. And soon she meets his family who are just as lovely as he is. Violet thought her home life was something normal and expected George's mother to be much like her own, but she couldn't be more different. The family welcomed her with open arms and it wasn't long until Violet dreaded returning home. And when she did, it was to a barrage of questions as to where she's been and who with...
But George has always wondered why he has never been back to Violet's to meet her family...and thinks maybe she might be ashamed on him. But no matter how much she tries to explain the way her mother is, George finds it hard to comprehend as he has never known such hostility from his mum. But as Violet and George become more serious and he asks her to marry him, Violet knows she must introduce them. But nothing will prepare her for what is about to come...
Grace Templeton couldn't be more different from Violet. She too has joined the ARP Wardens and often patrols with Violet. Gregarious and outgoing, Grace is from a family of ten children all of whom she adores. Having grown up with the Ovals, Grace and Jimmy had been unofficially stepping out together so when he joins the army and is sent abroad, the two continue writing to each other with Grace looking forward to his letters.
But something is missing...and she doesn't know what. She loves Jimmy, or believes she does, but he's just...well, Jimmy. As is her nature, Grace is looking for a bit of excitement and she's not sure Jimmy does that to her. He's safe and secure Jimmy...but not exciting. And then one night whilst she and Violet perform a rescue on a collapsed house, she meets good looking and charming Harry Cobb. And before long, the two are meeting in shadowy corners, in darkened alleys, stolen moments during the blackout where Harry ignites something exciting in her she has never felt before. Certainly not with Jimmy. And yet...something doesn't feel right. Why do they only meet at night? Why does Harry not walk out with her in public? And why is he always intent on delving beneath her skirts without so much as a by-your-leave?
Then one night while Grace was seconded away in a darkened alley fumbling in the dark with Harry, one of her younger brothers ran into the ARP post looking for her. Grace had told her family she was on duty that night...but she wasn't. And no one knew where she was. Something terrible had happened and they needed Grace right away. Afterwhich, Grace felt so much shame for what she was getting up to when her family needed her most. And then the German's bombed the BSA factory where her father worked...and Grace was in an awful state wondering if he was buried amongst the rubble or if he was safe.
GIRLS IN TIN HATS is the story of two very different women with two very different stories and paths in life who meet when they join the ARP together. It is heartbreaking and heartwarming. There will be tears, there will be laughter.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and its easy style. Violet and Grace are both very likable and easily relatable. Most characters are likable, even if they aren't in the beginning, you will grow to like them. All except May and Harry. I didn't like either of them. May was a selfish cow who used emotional blackmail to keep her dutiful daughter in line. She spent her entire life lying to her about her past and continues to do so. She is thoroughly unlikable, despite knowing she'd probably had a tough life. And Harry...there was just something underhand about him. I kept inwardly screaming at Grace to run and go back to Jimmy...but she didn't listen. Not even when she knew what she was doing was wrong and shameful. Harry was the epitome of men that Violet's mum had warned her about and yet it was Grace who fell under his spell.
A wonderful realistic story set during the Blitz on Britain...this time in Birmingham...GIRLS IN TIN HATS draws you in right from the start with it's descriptions of life during wartime. A story of utter chaos and bravery as the people stood together to defeat the enemy.
Perfect for fans of of wartime historical fiction, GIRLS IN TIN HATS is a heartbreaking yet heartwarming of two girls whose lives will be changed forever by friendship, love, tragedy and joy.
I would like to thank #AnnieMurray, #NetGalley and #PanMacmillan for an ARC of #GirlsInTinHats in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
March 22, 2020
Birmingham 1940, and twenty years old Violet Simms lives with her mom May small shy and wore spectacles, never had a boyfriend, with a very strict mom watching her like a hawk. Grace Templeton blonde and full of life twenty one year's old living at home with her parents and siblings all crammed in like sardines. both had day jobs, join together to become ARP volunteers at night during the air raids keeping people safe, in Archibald Street where they both live. Kitted out with uniforms and their very own protective Tin Hats begin training first at Kings in Norton. Two very different girl's who become friends, the community in Archibald Street always pull together. This book takes us through harrowing times of bombed homes and also a lot of work places and businesses, that brings casualties in their thousands, never a quiet night, and exhaustion work for the girl's. Their private lives also suffer a few ups and downs. I loved this book throughout with many characters that grow on you. It's definitely a book that keeps bringing you lots of different backgrounds into how it was in Birmingham and how the people suffered, totally Heartbreaking right through.
June 29, 2020
Yet another great read by Annie Murray.
This story is set in Smallheath, a area of Birmingham during the second world war. I enjoyed that it was focused on a small community and explored how that community was affected during those tough times. The story see two girls become Air Raid Wardens in their neighborhood, at times the story seemed so real that I could imagine the sights, sounds and smells of the aftermath of the dreaded siren. Because it felt so real it was also quite emotional, but it wasn't all serious there were some light hearted moments to balance the more heart rending ones.
This story is set in Smallheath, a area of Birmingham during the second world war. I enjoyed that it was focused on a small community and explored how that community was affected during those tough times. The story see two girls become Air Raid Wardens in their neighborhood, at times the story seemed so real that I could imagine the sights, sounds and smells of the aftermath of the dreaded siren. Because it felt so real it was also quite emotional, but it wasn't all serious there were some light hearted moments to balance the more heart rending ones.
March 26, 2020
Violet Simms who lives with her domineering mother is a shy girl with no friends,but determined to have some sort of freedom away from mom joins the ARP as a volunteer and soon makes friends with Grace Templeton and others in their team.Violet has never known life like it and is also scared but determined to do her bit.Annie Murray always writes great books and people will love this one too.5*
September 12, 2021
Girls In Tin Hats by Annie Murray is a powerful historical tale that will break your heart whilst simultaneously filling it with love and admiration.
The novel is set in Small Heath in Birmingham during the early years of World War II. It is a close-knit community with some big personalities. People were poor, living in back-to-backs, food was rationed but they shared all they had and helped where they could. People were in and out of each other’s homes as the spirit of community was alive and well.
Birmingham suffered dreadfully during the Blitz. It is a well-known fact that much of Coventry was destroyed on the night of 14th November 1940 but Birmingham also suffered, being bombed night after night. (Incidentally my Dad who lived in Birmingham at the time kept a notebook of bombing raids, it makes for fascinating reading) The indomitable spirit of the Birmingham people could not be kept down.
We follow the wardens on their nightly duties. They keep others safe as they walk the streets whilst the bombs fall. They see sights that no one should have to see.
Life goes on – babies are born, people fall in love despite, or maybe because of, being surrounded by death. Old friendships are strengthened, new friendships are made.
We witness the morals of some being eroded, as they lived for today because tomorrow was not guaranteed.
As with all Annie Murray’s novels, the characters are realistically and wonderfully drawn. I loved hearing, in my head, the Birmingham dialect.
Birmingham is my home town so I loved being familiar with the locations and the people.
Girls In Tin Hats was a fabulous read about a wonderful community of people.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The novel is set in Small Heath in Birmingham during the early years of World War II. It is a close-knit community with some big personalities. People were poor, living in back-to-backs, food was rationed but they shared all they had and helped where they could. People were in and out of each other’s homes as the spirit of community was alive and well.
Birmingham suffered dreadfully during the Blitz. It is a well-known fact that much of Coventry was destroyed on the night of 14th November 1940 but Birmingham also suffered, being bombed night after night. (Incidentally my Dad who lived in Birmingham at the time kept a notebook of bombing raids, it makes for fascinating reading) The indomitable spirit of the Birmingham people could not be kept down.
We follow the wardens on their nightly duties. They keep others safe as they walk the streets whilst the bombs fall. They see sights that no one should have to see.
Life goes on – babies are born, people fall in love despite, or maybe because of, being surrounded by death. Old friendships are strengthened, new friendships are made.
We witness the morals of some being eroded, as they lived for today because tomorrow was not guaranteed.
As with all Annie Murray’s novels, the characters are realistically and wonderfully drawn. I loved hearing, in my head, the Birmingham dialect.
Birmingham is my home town so I loved being familiar with the locations and the people.
Girls In Tin Hats was a fabulous read about a wonderful community of people.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
November 19, 2021
Another great Annie Murray book. I was moved by the storyline and it helped me to understand how difficult it was in Birmingham during the war.
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February 11, 2021I’ve just finished this book. It was wonderful, Annie Murray’s best yet in my opinion. I loved everything about it. I suppose it meant more to me as I was born and brought up in Small Heath Birmingham. It made me laugh and cry. Loved all the characters in fact I think there’s another book in there waiting to be written with another couple of the characters at the centre.
This story also gave me an insight into what my parents and grandparents went through. Thank you Annie Murray.
This story also gave me an insight into what my parents and grandparents went through. Thank you Annie Murray.
March 9, 2020
Couldn't put this book down will definitely read more books by this author
September 16, 2020
1940,Birmingham.Two very different girls from this tight knit community join up as ARP wardens to do their bit for the Home Front.Violet Simms lives with her controlling, widowed mother who runs the local pawn shop.At just 20 years old,Violet longs for friendship, love and escape.It seems her dreams might come true until tragedy strikes on one of the very worst nights of the Birmingham Blitz. Grace Templeton is the eldest in her family of 10 kids. Spirited Grace is determined never to become burdened by child bearing and drudgery like her mum.Adored by her childhood sweetheart, Jimmy Oval, Grace feels she can do better. Volunteering as an ARP warden feels like a chance for adventure-until she sees the horror and reality of war first hand. In this blacked out city, where not everyone is quite what they seem, she comes to realise she's less in control of events than she had thought.The war will have long lasting effects on every family.Long buried secrets come to light, and their stories are woven together amid the intense bombing of Birmingham.The girls' lives will be changed forever by friendship, love, tragedy and joy.The Birmingham Blitz was the heavy bombing by the Luftwaffe of Birmingham city and surrounding towns in central England, beginning August 9th 1940.Birmingham,is an important industrial and manufacturing location.Coventry city was bombed 14th-15th November 1940. Small Heath is an area in South East Birmingham.BSA Guns Ltd was the only factory producing rifles in the UK.They also made Browning machine guns and motorcycles.As the only rifle producer, the workforce voluntarily went onto a full week.The factory was bombed August 26th 1940.The Air Raid Wardens Service was set up in 1937.ARP wardens ensured the blackout was observed, sounded air raid sirens, safely guided people into public air raid shelters, issued and checked gas masks, evacuated areas around unexploded bombs, rescued people where possible from bomb damaged properties, located temporary accommodation for those who'd been bombed out, and reported to their control centre about incidents, fires etc.Also,they called in other services as required.
November 17, 2020
Girls in Tin Hats - Annie Murray
I found this author in a readers slump. There was I, waiting for a train in a busy waiting room. They have those book shelves where you can donate 50p or more for a second hand book and I picked up this book which wiped the slump away. I thought initially Annie Murray was similar to Catherine Cookson, but in truth her stories are far more true to life.
Almost always set in Birmingham her stories are about the realities of working class women, of desire and its consequences for a woman during the war and post war. She has an uncanny ability to shock me and that speaks more for her work than anything else I could say.
This book was one of the best I have ever read by her. She pays tribute to the air raids in Birmingham and she makes you realise the dangers of living during the blitz. We all know it was a frightening time but the scenarios she describes makes the reality of people having to band together and risk their lives so much more real. Young women having to clamber through the wreckage of a bombed out house. Men as old as seventy having to upkeep day jobs and stay up until 12-5 in the morning as ARP wardens.
A wonderful story, a realistic story. Annie Murray really did put me through the wringer with this one.
I found this author in a readers slump. There was I, waiting for a train in a busy waiting room. They have those book shelves where you can donate 50p or more for a second hand book and I picked up this book which wiped the slump away. I thought initially Annie Murray was similar to Catherine Cookson, but in truth her stories are far more true to life.
Almost always set in Birmingham her stories are about the realities of working class women, of desire and its consequences for a woman during the war and post war. She has an uncanny ability to shock me and that speaks more for her work than anything else I could say.
This book was one of the best I have ever read by her. She pays tribute to the air raids in Birmingham and she makes you realise the dangers of living during the blitz. We all know it was a frightening time but the scenarios she describes makes the reality of people having to band together and risk their lives so much more real. Young women having to clamber through the wreckage of a bombed out house. Men as old as seventy having to upkeep day jobs and stay up until 12-5 in the morning as ARP wardens.
A wonderful story, a realistic story. Annie Murray really did put me through the wringer with this one.
March 26, 2021
Really enjoyed this, took me a little while to get into it but once I did I was hooked. Beautiful characterisation. Loved the friendship between Violet and Grace. And adored the story of the two elderly friends Mrs Bright and Miss Snell, a story of true friendship through the years.
I so hope Grace and Jimmy ended up together and as much as June was annoying and irrelevant at the start I grew quite found of her in the end and I’m glad she finally got a happy ending.
I so hope Grace and Jimmy ended up together and as much as June was annoying and irrelevant at the start I grew quite found of her in the end and I’m glad she finally got a happy ending.
June 20, 2021
This was a very entertaining book to read full of ups and downs of the two main characters, Violet Simms and Grace Templeton, who volunteered to do their part in the war in the Birmingham area as ARP wardens. Not only were they helping the people in their community but also had battles in their own personal lives to deal with.
A good emotive story which I would thoroughly recommend.
A good emotive story which I would thoroughly recommend.
March 8, 2025
The emotions of this story had me in tears.
What a story I couldn't put it down.
The characters had something that made the story really amazing.
The plot really gripped you. I felt like I was in the book myself.
Picturing Birmingham was quite amazing and what has happened.
Annie Murray out done herself with this book.
What a story I couldn't put it down.
The characters had something that made the story really amazing.
The plot really gripped you. I felt like I was in the book myself.
Picturing Birmingham was quite amazing and what has happened.
Annie Murray out done herself with this book.
October 14, 2025
This book was written in a manner which is very different from what we have seen in the past century set in world war 2 when we experienced death destruction it is about to girls from totally different backgrounds one from a loving family the other is with a controlling mother they both decide to join the wardens and their lives change paths for ever
January 17, 2021
Loved this book. I was completely taken by the characters after the first couple of chapters. Going through a rollercoaster of emotions. Really made me imagine what it must of been like living through the war in a city not to far from where I live.
March 9, 2020
A good Birmingham based novel set in ww2 regarding young women in the war
May 30, 2020
Lovely book, very interesting
November 24, 2020
A good read
You felt like you were there in the street living like they did fantastic read good story and the people in the story were so real
You felt like you were there in the street living like they did fantastic read good story and the people in the story were so real
March 13, 2021
Great war story.
May 8, 2021
Emotional, well written, loved it and hoping for a part 2. Thank you for a great read 📚
December 21, 2021
Nice enough story! Sad, happy, hopeful, devastation, all included!
February 15, 2022
Really enjoyed it, this was the 1st book I read of hers.
March 22, 2022
Good story, with lots of interesting characters.
August 29, 2023
Really good book.. i found it took a while to get into but once there was a really misread and story!!
October 23, 2023
Good read
August 9, 2025
very good read. sad in place but feel there needs to be a follow on
November 8, 2022
Fantastic story, Annie Murray draws you in right from the start with the vivid descriptions of life for women in the home guard. The story is about the lives of the girls their home life friendships and romances. I loved the vivid description of the times, the utter chaos that the people of that time went through and their bravery as they stood together to defeat the foe. Brilliant read!!
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