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The Girls in Blue #3
The Officer Girl in Blue
Book Three in the gorgeous Girls in Blue series by bestselling author Fenella J. Miller
London, 1942: Charlotte Fenimore is back home on a week's leave from the Women's Auxiliary Airforce. She had planned for a week of rest and recuperation. She hadn't planned to fall deeply in love with an irascible detective called Dan Chalmers, a severely wounded hero of Dunkirk who believed no woman would ever look at him again.
DI Chalmers is in London to arrest a gang of dangerous East End criminals and root out corrupt police detectives at the Met – and his involvement with Charlotte brings her into serious danger. And then the plane flying Charlotte to the wilds of Scotland comes down in a storm... In a time of war, with danger around every corner, how can their relationship survive?
London, 1942: Charlotte Fenimore is back home on a week's leave from the Women's Auxiliary Airforce. She had planned for a week of rest and recuperation. She hadn't planned to fall deeply in love with an irascible detective called Dan Chalmers, a severely wounded hero of Dunkirk who believed no woman would ever look at him again.
DI Chalmers is in London to arrest a gang of dangerous East End criminals and root out corrupt police detectives at the Met – and his involvement with Charlotte brings her into serious danger. And then the plane flying Charlotte to the wilds of Scotland comes down in a storm... In a time of war, with danger around every corner, how can their relationship survive?
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2021
246 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Fenella J. Miller
154 books153 followersFenella Jane Miller was born in the Isle of Man. Her father was a Yorkshire man and her mother the daughter of a Rajah. She has worked as a nanny, cleaner, field worker, hotelier, chef, secondary and primary teacher and is now a full time writer.
She has over twenty five Regency romantic adventures published plus one Jane Austen re-telling and one YA romantic fantasy.
see also Fenella-Jane Miller
She has over twenty five Regency romantic adventures published plus one Jane Austen re-telling and one YA romantic fantasy.
see also Fenella-Jane Miller
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
September 19, 2021
Charlotte Fenimore has finished her officers training in Somerset, she and a fellow WAAF’s officer Marion Russell travel to London together. Charlotte has a week’s holiday before she starts her new job and she’s excited to be able to visit her friend Nancy, her husband David and their menagerie of children and animals.
Charlotte’s single, she wants to concentrate on her career and then she meets handsome homicide detective Dan Chalmers at the Sanctuary Hotel, where she’s living. He was severely wounded at Dunkirk, he’s lucky to have not lost his leg, he’s still in a lot of pain and he doesn’t think any women would be interested in him.
Daniel Chalmers is trying to arrest a gang of dangerous East End criminals, and he’s sure their getting inside information from some corrupt policemen. Their extremely violent, this puts Charlotte in danger and the couple have to constantly have their wits about them. Charlotte has started working for Wing Commander Sanderson, after she tidies up his messy office, it’s her job to find any suspicious requests for personnel and it’s costing the British military money.
Charlotte and Dan have a lot in common, both have a good work ethic, and you can feel the chemistry and connection between them. I enjoyed reading about the three young women, Jane, Nancy and Charlotte who joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force together, their careers, friendship and all finding love. I highly recommend reading The Girls in Blue, The East End Girl in Blue and the final installment The Officer in Blue, and a fitting way to end the series. Thanks to Aria Fiction and NetGalley for my copy, in exchange for an honest review, and four stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Charlotte’s single, she wants to concentrate on her career and then she meets handsome homicide detective Dan Chalmers at the Sanctuary Hotel, where she’s living. He was severely wounded at Dunkirk, he’s lucky to have not lost his leg, he’s still in a lot of pain and he doesn’t think any women would be interested in him.
Daniel Chalmers is trying to arrest a gang of dangerous East End criminals, and he’s sure their getting inside information from some corrupt policemen. Their extremely violent, this puts Charlotte in danger and the couple have to constantly have their wits about them. Charlotte has started working for Wing Commander Sanderson, after she tidies up his messy office, it’s her job to find any suspicious requests for personnel and it’s costing the British military money.
Charlotte and Dan have a lot in common, both have a good work ethic, and you can feel the chemistry and connection between them. I enjoyed reading about the three young women, Jane, Nancy and Charlotte who joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force together, their careers, friendship and all finding love. I highly recommend reading The Girls in Blue, The East End Girl in Blue and the final installment The Officer in Blue, and a fitting way to end the series. Thanks to Aria Fiction and NetGalley for my copy, in exchange for an honest review, and four stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
October 4, 2021
The Girls In Blue #3
London, 1942: Charlotte Fenimore is back home on a weeks leave from the Women's Auxiliary Airforce. She had planned for a week of rest and recuperation. She hadn't planned to fall deeply in love with irascible detective Dan Chambers, a severely wounded hero of Dunkirk who believed no woman would ever look at him again. DI Chambers is in London to arrest a dangerous gang of East End criminals and root out corruptive police detectives at the Met.
I did not know that this was the third book in the series when I requested it. This is a story of corruption in the police force, murder and a blossoming romance. The girls from the previous two books make an appearance. Charlotte and Dan are both strong willed personalities who met and fall in love during WWII. But getting involved with Dan puts Charlotte's life in danger. There is quite a lot going on in this book. I do think It's best to read this series in the order they were written in.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AriaAries and the author #FenellaJMiller for my ARC of #TheOfficerGirlInBlue in exchange for an honest review.
London, 1942: Charlotte Fenimore is back home on a weeks leave from the Women's Auxiliary Airforce. She had planned for a week of rest and recuperation. She hadn't planned to fall deeply in love with irascible detective Dan Chambers, a severely wounded hero of Dunkirk who believed no woman would ever look at him again. DI Chambers is in London to arrest a dangerous gang of East End criminals and root out corruptive police detectives at the Met.
I did not know that this was the third book in the series when I requested it. This is a story of corruption in the police force, murder and a blossoming romance. The girls from the previous two books make an appearance. Charlotte and Dan are both strong willed personalities who met and fall in love during WWII. But getting involved with Dan puts Charlotte's life in danger. There is quite a lot going on in this book. I do think It's best to read this series in the order they were written in.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AriaAries and the author #FenellaJMiller for my ARC of #TheOfficerGirlInBlue in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2021
Very informative – and yet again I have learned something new about WWII!
In this, the third novel in series, we are following Charlotte Fennimore who is home on leave for a week’s rest when she meets Dan Chalmers, a detective who was wounded at Dunkirk. He is now working to bring down a group of East End criminals and root out corruption in the police force. Sadly, the attraction between these two puts Charlotte’s life in danger and, just when they think she is safe, the plane carrying her to a new posting in the very northern part of Scotland crashes and she is once more fighting to survive.
I love this series – just as I have enjoyed the author’s previous novels and she really manages to convey how women from every walk of life committed to doing their bit for the war effort. There were pieces of information I hadn’t come across before which definitely appealed to me. When you realise how women’s lives changed it was no surprise that things never went back to how they were before in this country and novels like this remind us – and educate younger women – of the facts. My only gripe is the language used by the character Dan Chalmers; back in the 1940’s no man would have blasphemed in front of a woman and it irritated me each time he did it. That aside, this further the story nicely and is another well written, skilfully crafted tale. Very enjoyable and, for me, 4*.
My thanks to the publisher for my copy, this is – as always – my honest, original and unbiased review.
In this, the third novel in series, we are following Charlotte Fennimore who is home on leave for a week’s rest when she meets Dan Chalmers, a detective who was wounded at Dunkirk. He is now working to bring down a group of East End criminals and root out corruption in the police force. Sadly, the attraction between these two puts Charlotte’s life in danger and, just when they think she is safe, the plane carrying her to a new posting in the very northern part of Scotland crashes and she is once more fighting to survive.
I love this series – just as I have enjoyed the author’s previous novels and she really manages to convey how women from every walk of life committed to doing their bit for the war effort. There were pieces of information I hadn’t come across before which definitely appealed to me. When you realise how women’s lives changed it was no surprise that things never went back to how they were before in this country and novels like this remind us – and educate younger women – of the facts. My only gripe is the language used by the character Dan Chalmers; back in the 1940’s no man would have blasphemed in front of a woman and it irritated me each time he did it. That aside, this further the story nicely and is another well written, skilfully crafted tale. Very enjoyable and, for me, 4*.
My thanks to the publisher for my copy, this is – as always – my honest, original and unbiased review.
March 1, 2022
Charlotte Fenimore is in the WAAF. While in London for a week off before her next posting she meets DCI Dan Chalmers. Both said they wanted careers and weren't looking for love. In Dan's case he was injured in the war and walked with a cane so didn't feel like anyone would ever be interested but they fell in love.
I didn't feel like I really got to know Charlotte. Her family had money and she went to boarding school but she didn't have money now. There was a bit about her posting in London and some intrigue with her boss. When she first came to London she roomed with a gal, Marion, who turned out to have a romantic interest in Charlotte but that story really went nowhere.
Dan's family had money and he had no reason to work but did so because he loved his job. He was on a case where Charlotte's life was in danger. I didn't feel like I knew Dan either except he limped, was in pain and dressed well.
The story was very readable but I felt like it just skimmed the surface. I didn't realize this was the third in the series and I didn't feel like I missed anything but maybe I did. I did find some of the dialog so simple that it was almost painful to read. I didn't feel any passion between Charlotte and Dan. I didn't feel the strong friendship she had with Nancy and Jane but perhaps that is what I missed by not reading the first two books.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Aria and Aries for providing me with a copy of this book.
I didn't feel like I really got to know Charlotte. Her family had money and she went to boarding school but she didn't have money now. There was a bit about her posting in London and some intrigue with her boss. When she first came to London she roomed with a gal, Marion, who turned out to have a romantic interest in Charlotte but that story really went nowhere.
Dan's family had money and he had no reason to work but did so because he loved his job. He was on a case where Charlotte's life was in danger. I didn't feel like I knew Dan either except he limped, was in pain and dressed well.
The story was very readable but I felt like it just skimmed the surface. I didn't realize this was the third in the series and I didn't feel like I missed anything but maybe I did. I did find some of the dialog so simple that it was almost painful to read. I didn't feel any passion between Charlotte and Dan. I didn't feel the strong friendship she had with Nancy and Jane but perhaps that is what I missed by not reading the first two books.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Aria and Aries for providing me with a copy of this book.
April 26, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, the third in a series, but each tells a different story connected by three friends - one being Charlotte Fenimore, and this is her story.
I liked the crime element, different to the saga that I usually read and although it didn't have me reaching for a cushion scared, I loved it and found the drama more than made up for it.
DI Dan Chalmers is wounded at Dunkirk and invalided out back to being a police officer.
I liked how Dan and Charlotte shared banter, his protectiveness of her and I hoped that they could iron out their insecurities (more so Dan's) and become a proper couple.
I found this story insightful and I liked the added suspense.
I will definitely read more by this author - particularly the rest of the books in this series.
I liked the crime element, different to the saga that I usually read and although it didn't have me reaching for a cushion scared, I loved it and found the drama more than made up for it.
DI Dan Chalmers is wounded at Dunkirk and invalided out back to being a police officer.
I liked how Dan and Charlotte shared banter, his protectiveness of her and I hoped that they could iron out their insecurities (more so Dan's) and become a proper couple.
I found this story insightful and I liked the added suspense.
I will definitely read more by this author - particularly the rest of the books in this series.
May 7, 2022
Loved this trilogy 🥰
August 17, 2021
This book is book three in a series. I have not read any of the preceding books and am not sure that it would have made a difference to my understanding of this book. From what I gather, the thing that ties the books together is the friendship of the main characters.
The main characters in this book are Charlotte Fenimore, a young woman who has just completed an officers training program with the Woman's Auxiliary Forces and Detective Inspector Dan Chalmers, an ex-soldier who had severe injuries to his leg while serving as a soldier at Dunkirk. They meet shortly after Charlotte and a friend arrive in London and hear a shooting happen near their hotel. There is an instant attraction on the part of Chalmers which is fairly quickly returned by the way more innocent Fenimore.
I have to confess that I didn't love this book. It was ok but I didn't really feel the emotions between the two and I didn't really like either of them much either. While Charlotte appeared to be the leader of her class of trainees and instantly excelled in whatever job she was placed in, I found her to be quite judgmental and way too prone to drinking more than she could handle. Chalmers suffered with chronic pain and was making decisions about how he would deal with it without even consulting the woman that he was apparently in love with. So many of their issues involved poor communication.
There are elements of mystery and this being a police procedural novel but the main focus was the relationship between Charlotte and Dan.
Many thanks to #NetGalley and Aria & Aries for allowing me to read an advance readers copy. The opinions are entirely my own.
The main characters in this book are Charlotte Fenimore, a young woman who has just completed an officers training program with the Woman's Auxiliary Forces and Detective Inspector Dan Chalmers, an ex-soldier who had severe injuries to his leg while serving as a soldier at Dunkirk. They meet shortly after Charlotte and a friend arrive in London and hear a shooting happen near their hotel. There is an instant attraction on the part of Chalmers which is fairly quickly returned by the way more innocent Fenimore.
I have to confess that I didn't love this book. It was ok but I didn't really feel the emotions between the two and I didn't really like either of them much either. While Charlotte appeared to be the leader of her class of trainees and instantly excelled in whatever job she was placed in, I found her to be quite judgmental and way too prone to drinking more than she could handle. Chalmers suffered with chronic pain and was making decisions about how he would deal with it without even consulting the woman that he was apparently in love with. So many of their issues involved poor communication.
There are elements of mystery and this being a police procedural novel but the main focus was the relationship between Charlotte and Dan.
Many thanks to #NetGalley and Aria & Aries for allowing me to read an advance readers copy. The opinions are entirely my own.
October 22, 2021
Charlotte Fenimore completes officer’s training and requests a post in London. It will give her an opportunity to visit with one of her best friend’s, Nancy and her family. While both of her friends have married, Charlotte intends to focus on her career in the WAAF’s. Then she meets Detective Inspector Dan Chalmers. He was injured at Dunkirk and believes that no woman will want him with his injuries. The chemistry between Charlotte and Dan is palpable. They begin dating, but Dan’s investigation into police corruption ends up with Charlotte in danger. Dan will do whatever it takes to keep Charlotte safe. Charlotte ends up flying off to Scotland. The plane goes down with Charlotte and the pilot lost in the wilds. Can the military find the downed plane? The Officer Girl in Blue by Fenella J. Miller is the 3rd book in The Girls in Blue. While The Officer Girl in Blue could be read as a standalone, I believe it is best read as part of the series. This will allow you to get to know all the characters and their backstories. I thought The Officer Girl in Blue contained good writing and developed characters. I like Charlotte who is spunky, smart, and resourceful. Dan is intelligent, dedicated, and handsome. The chemistry between the pair is obvious from the moment their eyes meet. I thought the author captured the time period and I enjoyed the use of the slang from that era. I did not, though, appreciate the foul language. I am glad we got to catch up with Nancy and Jane from the first two books in the series. I did feel that the side story involving Marion was unnecessary. I did not like how it was handled. The Officer Girl in Blue has suspense, danger, friendship, and romance. Those who like to read World War II romances, will enjoy The Officer Girl in Blue. The Officer Girl in Blue is a dramatic historical tale with corrupt cops, firm friends, blasting bombs, a disorganized desk, a plane predicament, messy mud, and a cheerful Christmas.
July 31, 2021
The Officer Girl in Blue by Fenella J. Miller is an excellent WWII-era historical fiction saga that is the third book in the excellent series: The Girls in Blue. I have now read all three books and loved every moment of it!
Each book in the series focusses on one of the group of three girlfriends while encompassing their shared struggles, close bonds, and describing the overall harsh times that affects the citizens of England during the War.
We have already read about Jane and Nancy, and now we are finishing up with Charlotte who is also part of the WAAF. I think I liked this book the best.
There is suspense, mystery, intrigue, crime, passion, twists and turns, and just an excellent narrative and character cast that really drew me in.
Charlotte’s story and her interactions and developing relationship with the equally intriguing DI Dan Chalmers is perfect. Their backstories, personalities, and chemistry really add to the overall plot of not only this book, but also for the series overall. I loved the pacing, subject matter, and of course the ending!
This is a must-read series for anyone that loves WWII historical fiction.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Aria & Aries for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
Each book in the series focusses on one of the group of three girlfriends while encompassing their shared struggles, close bonds, and describing the overall harsh times that affects the citizens of England during the War.
We have already read about Jane and Nancy, and now we are finishing up with Charlotte who is also part of the WAAF. I think I liked this book the best.
There is suspense, mystery, intrigue, crime, passion, twists and turns, and just an excellent narrative and character cast that really drew me in.
Charlotte’s story and her interactions and developing relationship with the equally intriguing DI Dan Chalmers is perfect. Their backstories, personalities, and chemistry really add to the overall plot of not only this book, but also for the series overall. I loved the pacing, subject matter, and of course the ending!
This is a must-read series for anyone that loves WWII historical fiction.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Aria & Aries for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
January 17, 2022
I flew through the first third of this book, but then I came to a bit of a stand still and it took me a lot longer to finish the book than it should have. It was a bit drawn out at times and I found myself not being as interested as I should have been as I love historical fiction. I did like Charlotte's character but unfortunately this saga is quite forgettable.
Thanks to Netgalley and Aria&Aries for the opportunity to read this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Aria&Aries for the opportunity to read this book.
October 2, 2021
This is the third book of the serie: The girls in blue. I really like book 1 and 2, this one was just ok for me.
The story takes place in 1942 during the war. Charlotte who joined the WAAF a while ago meet Detective Dan Chalmers during one of her assignation.
Dan Chalmers is dealing with a dangerous gang and finds out that some police officers are also involved...
Charlotte is very devoted to her work and take it seriously. It is something
I really like in her character, her honesty and her transparency.
From the beginning she was attracted by Dan Chalmers despite the fact that he has been wounded during the war and throughout the circumstances they face, they love strenghten.
I would recommend this series if you like historical novels about World War II. I think the first book is my favorite from the serie.
The story takes place in 1942 during the war. Charlotte who joined the WAAF a while ago meet Detective Dan Chalmers during one of her assignation.
Dan Chalmers is dealing with a dangerous gang and finds out that some police officers are also involved...
Charlotte is very devoted to her work and take it seriously. It is something
I really like in her character, her honesty and her transparency.
From the beginning she was attracted by Dan Chalmers despite the fact that he has been wounded during the war and throughout the circumstances they face, they love strenghten.
I would recommend this series if you like historical novels about World War II. I think the first book is my favorite from the serie.
August 27, 2021
This eARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Charlotte Fenimore is about to start her new position in London during WWII with the Women’s Auxiliary Airforce and is settling into the city when she meets DI Dan Chalmers. DI Dan Chalmers is still recovering from a delipidating injury he received while fighting at Dunkirk but that isn’t going to stop him from taking down dangerous criminals and purge Scotland yard of its corrupt officers. However, when he meets Charlotte, they fall hard and fast for each other and suddenly there are more important things in life than their jobs.
This book was not my cup of tea. The characters were not the most likeable people and when they were together, they rotated from being completely toxic for each other to unrealistically in love with each other. The timeline of this book was extremely short and the number of times they changed their minds about their feelings concerning each gave me whiplash. After his injury, DI Chalmers had a lot to work through concerning his mental, physical, and emotional health. He thought that by getting an amputation and marrying Charlotte it would fix everything and, because this book is so idealistic, it apparently does and he no longer has anger management or control issues afterwards. Charlotte’s personality is also not the best. Sometimes she is the strict, no-nonsense woman at her job, other times she is just plain rude to those around her she does not like, or she could be the giggly girl who just wants to be married. Overall, I did not buy their connection and felt their romance was tremendously rushed and toxic.
There was also a lot going on in this book. The main storyline was DI Chalmers taking down the corrupt officers and the criminal gang they were working with, but at times I found it hard to understand what they were actually doing and their motives for some of their actions. There were also two other storylines that felt particularly out of place- the plane crash and Charlotte’s relationship with Marion. Both felt completely unnecessary to the book. I was very disappointed reading the part with Marion because I felt Charlotte was portrayed as the victim in a situation that was a misunderstanding and then Marion just disappeared after being humiliated. I felt so bad for Marion and thought that part could have been handled better or been removed entirely.
While this book was not a good fit for me, I do want to thank Miller and Aries for a book that shows a different aspect of the Women’s Auxiliary Airforce and London during WWII.
Charlotte Fenimore is about to start her new position in London during WWII with the Women’s Auxiliary Airforce and is settling into the city when she meets DI Dan Chalmers. DI Dan Chalmers is still recovering from a delipidating injury he received while fighting at Dunkirk but that isn’t going to stop him from taking down dangerous criminals and purge Scotland yard of its corrupt officers. However, when he meets Charlotte, they fall hard and fast for each other and suddenly there are more important things in life than their jobs.
This book was not my cup of tea. The characters were not the most likeable people and when they were together, they rotated from being completely toxic for each other to unrealistically in love with each other. The timeline of this book was extremely short and the number of times they changed their minds about their feelings concerning each gave me whiplash. After his injury, DI Chalmers had a lot to work through concerning his mental, physical, and emotional health. He thought that by getting an amputation and marrying Charlotte it would fix everything and, because this book is so idealistic, it apparently does and he no longer has anger management or control issues afterwards. Charlotte’s personality is also not the best. Sometimes she is the strict, no-nonsense woman at her job, other times she is just plain rude to those around her she does not like, or she could be the giggly girl who just wants to be married. Overall, I did not buy their connection and felt their romance was tremendously rushed and toxic.
There was also a lot going on in this book. The main storyline was DI Chalmers taking down the corrupt officers and the criminal gang they were working with, but at times I found it hard to understand what they were actually doing and their motives for some of their actions. There were also two other storylines that felt particularly out of place- the plane crash and Charlotte’s relationship with Marion. Both felt completely unnecessary to the book. I was very disappointed reading the part with Marion because I felt Charlotte was portrayed as the victim in a situation that was a misunderstanding and then Marion just disappeared after being humiliated. I felt so bad for Marion and thought that part could have been handled better or been removed entirely.
While this book was not a good fit for me, I do want to thank Miller and Aries for a book that shows a different aspect of the Women’s Auxiliary Airforce and London during WWII.
September 30, 2021
Newly minted as an officer in the WAAF (Britain's Women's Auxiliary Air Force in World War II), Charlotte Fenimore is on leave at the Sanctuary House hotel in London, when she first sees DI Dan Chalmers across a crime scene. Their attraction is mutual, instant, leading to the first stirrings of romantic interest for Charlotte. But their cautious efforts to become acquainted are complicated by his injury sustained at Dunkirk and the danger Charlotte faces from the criminals Dan is pursuing.
The Officer Girl in Blue is the third book in Fenella J. Miller's The Girls In Blue series, and the second book I've read by this author. Having read the first book in this series I was expecting to be entertained and to learn more about the experience of women in the WAAF and, this time out, a glimpse of the inner workings of Scotland Yard during wartime. What I was not expecting was a story that slowly entangled me in the plot, the characters, and staying up way too late, repeatedly needing to know what would happen next.
Tension, peril, and a surprise or two - for the characters as well as the reader - and an on-again-off-again romance, with a hero that can be quite cranky and a heroine that, while aware she is naive in some areas, demands respect and takes command of a crash site or a WAAF group at a moments notice. While there was an occasional niggle, such as wondering if "tickety-boo" was used quite so frequently, The Officer Girl in Blue is thoroughly enjoyable and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. Recommended.
This review refers to an advance digital galley that I voluntarily read through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
The Officer Girl in Blue is the third book in Fenella J. Miller's The Girls In Blue series, and the second book I've read by this author. Having read the first book in this series I was expecting to be entertained and to learn more about the experience of women in the WAAF and, this time out, a glimpse of the inner workings of Scotland Yard during wartime. What I was not expecting was a story that slowly entangled me in the plot, the characters, and staying up way too late, repeatedly needing to know what would happen next.
Tension, peril, and a surprise or two - for the characters as well as the reader - and an on-again-off-again romance, with a hero that can be quite cranky and a heroine that, while aware she is naive in some areas, demands respect and takes command of a crash site or a WAAF group at a moments notice. While there was an occasional niggle, such as wondering if "tickety-boo" was used quite so frequently, The Officer Girl in Blue is thoroughly enjoyable and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. Recommended.
This review refers to an advance digital galley that I voluntarily read through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
October 12, 2021
The Officer Girl in Blue by Fenella J. Miller is a rather lovely World War II romance featuring a young WAAF officer and a police inspector. Charlotte and Dan didn't meet the first time they saw one another, they just saw one another from across the street but were immediately drawn to each other. Dan was tall and very handsome, despite the fact he walked with a stick, and Charlotte was striking in her uniform. It also turned out that her brother had died in his arms, a fact she really didn't care about. He had been much older and not very nice and his death didn't really touch her. It did provide a beginning for their very tumultuous relationship, which at first was on again, off again.
Dan is a wonderful character, marked by the war in so many ways: his leg was severely damaged at Dunkirk. They saved it, but was that the best move? He wasn't so sure. Charlotte had worked her way up from a frightened, weak girl to a woman who could command and stand on her own. Getting out of officer training school and getting her first assignment was daunting. The reader was there for all of it and so much more. This was a very eventful couple of months before the bombing at Pearl Harbor and the US joining the war, giving England some hope and the undertone of that follows the story and is written beautifully. So much happens to these two people in such a short period that it keeps the reader spellbound. This was a wond3rful book. I can't recommend it highly enough.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Officer Girl in Blue by Aria, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #aria #theofficergirlinblue #fenellajmiller
Dan is a wonderful character, marked by the war in so many ways: his leg was severely damaged at Dunkirk. They saved it, but was that the best move? He wasn't so sure. Charlotte had worked her way up from a frightened, weak girl to a woman who could command and stand on her own. Getting out of officer training school and getting her first assignment was daunting. The reader was there for all of it and so much more. This was a very eventful couple of months before the bombing at Pearl Harbor and the US joining the war, giving England some hope and the undertone of that follows the story and is written beautifully. So much happens to these two people in such a short period that it keeps the reader spellbound. This was a wond3rful book. I can't recommend it highly enough.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Officer Girl in Blue by Aria, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #aria #theofficergirlinblue #fenellajmiller
October 14, 2021
My thanks to netgally for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review, which I freely give.
There is a saying, never judge a book by its cover. Well this is almost the same, never judge a book by the title. This certainly applied to me with this book. Charlotte was sent for training, she met another trainee Marion at the Station and they organized all the others to march to the camp. Charlotte and Marion along with 2 others were room mates, these 2 were sent home along with others as not suitable. At the end of the training they had a weeks leave and the stayed in London. The Hotel was on the same street where a murder and suicide were committed, it was here that Charlotte met Dad a senior police officer from Scotland Yard when she gave her statement. Charlotte and Marian decided to have a day out, Marian had hoped for more than friendship. I was dealt with in a very delicate way.
Charlotte stayed at the hotel in London as a resident as it was cheaper than renting anywhere. She soon got to kno the police officer well who she had given her statement to.
The story then alternates between Charlotte and her job and Dan the police officer from Scotland Yard. I never mind these stories that alternate. Dad was after the gang land members and it became very dangerous both for him and Charlotte.
Charlotte also uncovered wrong doings and was transferred to Wick. This also had its dangers.
At the end of the book is a Bibliography. It is a tremendous amount of books that were used to get the facts correct.
It is a beautiful story and I can recommend it.
There is a saying, never judge a book by its cover. Well this is almost the same, never judge a book by the title. This certainly applied to me with this book. Charlotte was sent for training, she met another trainee Marion at the Station and they organized all the others to march to the camp. Charlotte and Marion along with 2 others were room mates, these 2 were sent home along with others as not suitable. At the end of the training they had a weeks leave and the stayed in London. The Hotel was on the same street where a murder and suicide were committed, it was here that Charlotte met Dad a senior police officer from Scotland Yard when she gave her statement. Charlotte and Marian decided to have a day out, Marian had hoped for more than friendship. I was dealt with in a very delicate way.
Charlotte stayed at the hotel in London as a resident as it was cheaper than renting anywhere. She soon got to kno the police officer well who she had given her statement to.
The story then alternates between Charlotte and her job and Dan the police officer from Scotland Yard. I never mind these stories that alternate. Dad was after the gang land members and it became very dangerous both for him and Charlotte.
Charlotte also uncovered wrong doings and was transferred to Wick. This also had its dangers.
At the end of the book is a Bibliography. It is a tremendous amount of books that were used to get the facts correct.
It is a beautiful story and I can recommend it.
August 20, 2021
I received The Officer Girl in Blue as an ARC in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. When I received it I didn't realize it was the 3rd book in the series, however I don't know that reading the first two would have made a difference in my understanding of this book. The characters and scenery were well described. I felt like I could see each scene the characters were in. I also loved the use of "old-timey" language that the characters used. I'd like to have known more about Charlotte and Dan so I may have to go back and read to first two in the series for more clarity. .
I had a few complaints about the story and one of them was not the stories fault: My edition of the story seemed to either be out of order or missing pages, so that made it a bit confusing at time, as if I was missing a paragraph or two one the next page. That obviously made the comprehension a bit more difficult. Another issue I had was the wishy-washiness of the main characters. By 50% in, the will they/won't they aspect had happened multiple times already which felt a little overkill by the end. My only other complaint is the title, The Officer GIRL in Blue. This is a woman in the WAAF and why the gender was even necessary confused me as we'd understand that the officer in question was a woman from reading it anyways.
I had a few complaints about the story and one of them was not the stories fault: My edition of the story seemed to either be out of order or missing pages, so that made it a bit confusing at time, as if I was missing a paragraph or two one the next page. That obviously made the comprehension a bit more difficult. Another issue I had was the wishy-washiness of the main characters. By 50% in, the will they/won't they aspect had happened multiple times already which felt a little overkill by the end. My only other complaint is the title, The Officer GIRL in Blue. This is a woman in the WAAF and why the gender was even necessary confused me as we'd understand that the officer in question was a woman from reading it anyways.
September 14, 2021
The Officer girl in blue by Fenella J Miller is the third book in The girls in Blue series. You can read this as a standalone book as I have not read the previous two books in the series.
London 1942 Charlotte Fenimore is on a week’s leave after completing her training as an officer in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. She is expecting to rest and is looking forward to her new post when she meets the DI Dan Chambers who is in London investigating a gang of East end criminals which is also linked to corruption in the Met Police. Dan is an ex-soldier whose leg was injured in the war at Dunkirk. There is an instant connection between the too. But getting involved with the inspector puts Charlotte life in danger and because of this she is put into some protection.
But she can’t live like this, so she decides to take a post in Scotland. But when she does her life is also in danger when the plane, she hitches a ride on goes down in deep fog.
Thank you, Aries, for an ARC of this book. I have been a fan of historical fiction set in WW2 for a long time so, I was looking forward to reading this. Unfortunately, though, I found it hard to connect with this book. I found the two main characters mannerisms too fanciful and quite rude and obnoxious. That I didn’t care for them. The story didn’t feel that realistic to me. 3 stars from me.
London 1942 Charlotte Fenimore is on a week’s leave after completing her training as an officer in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. She is expecting to rest and is looking forward to her new post when she meets the DI Dan Chambers who is in London investigating a gang of East end criminals which is also linked to corruption in the Met Police. Dan is an ex-soldier whose leg was injured in the war at Dunkirk. There is an instant connection between the too. But getting involved with the inspector puts Charlotte life in danger and because of this she is put into some protection.
But she can’t live like this, so she decides to take a post in Scotland. But when she does her life is also in danger when the plane, she hitches a ride on goes down in deep fog.
Thank you, Aries, for an ARC of this book. I have been a fan of historical fiction set in WW2 for a long time so, I was looking forward to reading this. Unfortunately, though, I found it hard to connect with this book. I found the two main characters mannerisms too fanciful and quite rude and obnoxious. That I didn’t care for them. The story didn’t feel that realistic to me. 3 stars from me.
September 15, 2022
The Officer Girl in Blue is the third book in the “Girls in Blue” series and this one is Charlotte’s story, though of course the other girls make appearances too!
When Charlotte is in London, she meets detective Dan Chalmers – wounded at Dunkirk, DI Chalmers believes no woman will ever be interested in a disabled man so he’s thrown himself into a police career and into his latest investigation. He’s working to bring down a group of East End criminals and also to uncover corruption in the police force.
Then, of course, along comes Charlotte! They have a lot in common, but getting involved with Dan puts Charlotte’s life in danger and her own job is also changing as she investigates some corruption within the military.
I enjoyed the book but there were some elements that didn’t quite work so well for me, including the storyline with Marion, but other than that minor blip, this was a good fit with the rest of the series yet bringing something new with some mystery, suspense and a few unexpected twists & turns.
The book really needs to be read as part of the series, though it could standalone.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own & my review is left voluntarily.
When Charlotte is in London, she meets detective Dan Chalmers – wounded at Dunkirk, DI Chalmers believes no woman will ever be interested in a disabled man so he’s thrown himself into a police career and into his latest investigation. He’s working to bring down a group of East End criminals and also to uncover corruption in the police force.
Then, of course, along comes Charlotte! They have a lot in common, but getting involved with Dan puts Charlotte’s life in danger and her own job is also changing as she investigates some corruption within the military.
I enjoyed the book but there were some elements that didn’t quite work so well for me, including the storyline with Marion, but other than that minor blip, this was a good fit with the rest of the series yet bringing something new with some mystery, suspense and a few unexpected twists & turns.
The book really needs to be read as part of the series, though it could standalone.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own & my review is left voluntarily.
November 1, 2021
I felt like this book was more focused on the romance aspect rather than the historical setting it was in. I just couldn't really get into the book. I was confused as to why Marion was part of this book. It didn't add to the book, as they got past the misunderstanding and then we never saw her again. So why include that? If she came back into the story, then yes, I could understand, but she just disappears. I also felt like the relationship between Dan and Charlotte wasn't the greatest. I mean, he is a bear! There is no getting around it. And Charlotte, while a strong female character, just isn't written in a way that resonates or speaks to me. I felt like their relationship was toxic at times, but they never really addressed that, until he makes a pretty drastic decision. So I just didn't think this book worked for me. All this aside, thanks to the author for including the word "tickety-boo" in the book. I, a word nut, have never heard this before, so every time someone (especially Dan) would say tickety-boo, I would instantly dissolve into giggles. :)
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 13, 2022
The Officer Girl In Blue
June 1941 - England
This book intrigues you immediately right at the first page. The reader gets drawn into the life of a one of the WAAF and all that it encompasses. Charlotte is stationed in London after her final upgrading training where she meets DI Chalmers, who had been hurt at Dunkirk, so after his rehabilitation he decided to go back into his profession with Scotland Yard.
The unfortunate thing is that due to his profession with Scotland Yard, some criminals attack Charlotte to cause sheer havoc and destruction to DI Chalmers. The attack on Charlotte was definitely done by corrupt men who were connected to the criminal world.
Charlotte found herself dealing with corruption on many levels in the War Office’s, with fraudulent claims, just as Dan did in Scotland Yard with inner thefts from crime syndicates through the Yard.
Due to her investigation Charlotte was immediately sent to Scotland before Dan even knew she was gone. Tragedy struck as the plane she was in crashed. This book is captivating, and it keeps the reader glued to the story. It is definitely a a page turner. An excellent book from start to finish.
June 1941 - England
This book intrigues you immediately right at the first page. The reader gets drawn into the life of a one of the WAAF and all that it encompasses. Charlotte is stationed in London after her final upgrading training where she meets DI Chalmers, who had been hurt at Dunkirk, so after his rehabilitation he decided to go back into his profession with Scotland Yard.
The unfortunate thing is that due to his profession with Scotland Yard, some criminals attack Charlotte to cause sheer havoc and destruction to DI Chalmers. The attack on Charlotte was definitely done by corrupt men who were connected to the criminal world.
Charlotte found herself dealing with corruption on many levels in the War Office’s, with fraudulent claims, just as Dan did in Scotland Yard with inner thefts from crime syndicates through the Yard.
Due to her investigation Charlotte was immediately sent to Scotland before Dan even knew she was gone. Tragedy struck as the plane she was in crashed. This book is captivating, and it keeps the reader glued to the story. It is definitely a a page turner. An excellent book from start to finish.
September 22, 2021
Set in 1942 London during WWII, this is the third in The Girls in Blue series. Friends Nancy and Jane have settled down with families and Charlotte is moving up in the ranks in the WAAF. Charlotte is the focus this time and her (mis)adventures are many. Not only is she busy with training and work but she also meets a detective, Dan Chalmers. Due to his debilitating and painful leg injury, he is amazed she is interested in him. While she trains, he flushes out criminal activity.
The historical details are fascinating...my knowledge base has just increased. However, Charlotte and Dan's relationship leaves me a bit cold. I'm not fond of their personalities but needn't like characters to enjoy a book. The preceding two books in the series have more oomph and depth in my view. Still, I do look forward to the next.
My sincere thank you to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book!
The historical details are fascinating...my knowledge base has just increased. However, Charlotte and Dan's relationship leaves me a bit cold. I'm not fond of their personalities but needn't like characters to enjoy a book. The preceding two books in the series have more oomph and depth in my view. Still, I do look forward to the next.
My sincere thank you to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book!
May 7, 2022
THE OFFICER GIRL IN BLUE by Fenella J. Miller is the third installment of her THE GIRLS IN BLUE series and focuses on the wartime adventures of Charlotte Fenimore, one of the three main characters from the original novel. Charlotte, intelligent but a bit naive, is now in training to become an officer in Britain's WAAF; while on leave in London, she meets a fascinating but irascible detective named Dan Chalmers, a wounded hero of Dunkirk. At this point, you have the makings of historical fiction about women's roles in WWII, with a romance between a woman officer in the military and a civilian detective with attitude. Miller, a good writer, is fully capable of weaving an enchanting tale with these elements--keeping the reader guessing about how Charlotte will get through the war and what will happen with her difficult romantic attachment. Definitely touching, fun, and dramatic--and not to be put down until the last page. I really enjoyed this one!
September 28, 2021
This is the 3rd book of this series. I didn't read the first 2, but didn't have any trouble dropping in and understanding the characters.
Charlotte undergoes training in the WAAF, and when complete, is in London when she meets Dan, who is a detective as well as a war veteran who'd undergone a serious injury. He feels unloveable, yet Charlotte sees past his injury and they become a couple. She continues training, he continues his detective work, trying to arrest a band of criminals wreaking havoc on the East End.
I don't do spoilers, so I can't tell you how this ends up. If you enjoy historical war-time fiction with a lot of romantic elements, this is for you.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
Charlotte undergoes training in the WAAF, and when complete, is in London when she meets Dan, who is a detective as well as a war veteran who'd undergone a serious injury. He feels unloveable, yet Charlotte sees past his injury and they become a couple. She continues training, he continues his detective work, trying to arrest a band of criminals wreaking havoc on the East End.
I don't do spoilers, so I can't tell you how this ends up. If you enjoy historical war-time fiction with a lot of romantic elements, this is for you.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
October 5, 2021
This is the third and final book in the girls in blue series, I hadn't read either of the other two but didn't feel it made any difference to this book as the novel concentrates on Charlotte's story.
She is on leave from the WAAF when she meets Dan a DI investigating a case. Dan, a war hero has previous injuries from Dunkirk and as a result of this feels no woman could love him. The case brings danger to Charlotte. Sadly I didn't enjoy this book as much as I wanted too, This is only on my part though as it is well written. It's the sort of historical fiction book my mum would enjoy so I would definitely recommend her to read the series
Many thanks to Netgalley and Aria Aries for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review
She is on leave from the WAAF when she meets Dan a DI investigating a case. Dan, a war hero has previous injuries from Dunkirk and as a result of this feels no woman could love him. The case brings danger to Charlotte. Sadly I didn't enjoy this book as much as I wanted too, This is only on my part though as it is well written. It's the sort of historical fiction book my mum would enjoy so I would definitely recommend her to read the series
Many thanks to Netgalley and Aria Aries for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review
August 4, 2021
NetGalley
Member Review
Cover Image: The Officer Girl in Blue
The Officer Girl in Blue
by Fenella J. Miller
Pub Date: 14 Oct 2021
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 4 Aug 2021
My Recommendation
With grateful thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion.
Having read the first two books in the series I was very looking forward to this one. I enjoyed it but felt it was rather twee, charrlotte and Dan really loved themselves a wee bit over the top for my liking.
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 14 Oct 2021, to post to these retailers.
Member Review
Cover Image: The Officer Girl in Blue
The Officer Girl in Blue
by Fenella J. Miller
Pub Date: 14 Oct 2021
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 4 Aug 2021
My Recommendation
With grateful thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion.
Having read the first two books in the series I was very looking forward to this one. I enjoyed it but felt it was rather twee, charrlotte and Dan really loved themselves a wee bit over the top for my liking.
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 14 Oct 2021, to post to these retailers.
October 2, 2021
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this quaint little book
a disabled serviceman dan chalmers is now a detective in scotland yard and called to a crime scene, but his eye is caught by two waaf who are on a weeks leave before they start their new deployment
this book deals with corruptness in the police force, and in the forces as both dan chalmers and charlotte are investigating claims with their individual jobs...
but unbeknown to them it puts them both in danger as several attempts are made
a quaint story that hints at what life was like during the war for men and women and during their service careers...
a disabled serviceman dan chalmers is now a detective in scotland yard and called to a crime scene, but his eye is caught by two waaf who are on a weeks leave before they start their new deployment
this book deals with corruptness in the police force, and in the forces as both dan chalmers and charlotte are investigating claims with their individual jobs...
but unbeknown to them it puts them both in danger as several attempts are made
a quaint story that hints at what life was like during the war for men and women and during their service careers...
July 31, 2021
I was so looking forward to reading this book to find out how the girls were getting on in the lives they are leading during ww11.Nancy is happy with David and their children, Jane and Oscar are enjoying their time together when they get to see each other.Charlotte is still a girl in blue and unsure about whether she will ever find someone to love like her dear friends have.I have to say i have loved this series of books they draw you in and feel as though you are alongside Charlotte as she journey's to her new posting.Thank you Fenella J Miller it is a brilliant book 5*
October 20, 2021
Wartime romance in London with a intriguing twist.
Charlotte is a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. She is going on holiday for a week before starting her new job. While in London she meets Dan, who is a DI investigating corruption in the police force. As Dan delves deeper into his investigation and his relationship with Charlotte grows, dangerous situations arise.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my o
Charlotte is a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. She is going on holiday for a week before starting her new job. While in London she meets Dan, who is a DI investigating corruption in the police force. As Dan delves deeper into his investigation and his relationship with Charlotte grows, dangerous situations arise.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my o
October 6, 2021
This is book 3 in the series, but it is more as a stand-alone book. It’s historical mystery with a heavier lean on romance. Great read, an easy page turner, some great little historical snippets, and I loved the very British words that were used. Charlotte is a strong character and has very great sense of what is right, and pushes through even when things get difficult.
Thank you NetGalley and Aria & Aries for an early readers copy
Thank you NetGalley and Aria & Aries for an early readers copy
December 12, 2021
A great end to this series, I love the books by this author about the women flying in the war in the Woman's Auxiliary Air Force and their bravery. I loved the characters especially Dan who's character really came through even after all he had been through and I found him thoroughly believable.
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