What do you think?
Rate this book
None Stood Taller The Final Year
542 pages, Paperback
Published September 21, 2021
414 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
Peter Turnham
9 books50 followersI took the rash decision to retire from my business at the age of 46 to self-build my own house on the top of the Cotswold Hills and to breed a few trout for our lakes. We've now lived in the house for well over 20 years and are still here! We're not really self-sufficient but my wife and I manage and maintain everything ourselves. I just wish I'd discovered the joy of writing sooner - it has become one of my greatest pleasures in life. After a ruptured Achilles tendon trapped me in a chair for some months, to keep my mind occupied I wrote my "Autumn Daffodils" series which is essentially a story in two halves. "Charlie's Story" ends dramatically, and "Joanna's Story" continues the roller-coaster ride to even greater heights.
Since then, I have published the "None Stood Taller" trilogy including "None Stood Taller The Final Year" and "None Stood Taller The Price of Freedom". "Freedom" can be read as the conclusion of the story or can introduce the series to new readers.
"Parallel Lives - a Story of the Greatest Generation" published late August 2024 has taken me two years to write. At 550 pages it seems long, but it is actually two books in one; I could find no sensible place to divide it into two separate books, as it depicts the lives of both Emma and Roger throughout WW2 from 1939 through to 1945.
My six books are all published on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle, with hardbacks of the None Stood Taller series and of Parallel Lives. Paperbacks are also available to order from High Street bookstores.
These days we let out one of our farm buildings as a holiday cottage, and we meet many interesting people from the UK and abroad.
In March 2022, I was shortlisted with "None Stood Taller" for the UK Selfies Award, a competition for self-published authors, with the winner being announced at the annual London Book Fair. Very exciting for a relatively new author at the time!
Since then, I have published the "None Stood Taller" trilogy including "None Stood Taller The Final Year" and "None Stood Taller The Price of Freedom". "Freedom" can be read as the conclusion of the story or can introduce the series to new readers.
"Parallel Lives - a Story of the Greatest Generation" published late August 2024 has taken me two years to write. At 550 pages it seems long, but it is actually two books in one; I could find no sensible place to divide it into two separate books, as it depicts the lives of both Emma and Roger throughout WW2 from 1939 through to 1945.
My six books are all published on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle, with hardbacks of the None Stood Taller series and of Parallel Lives. Paperbacks are also available to order from High Street bookstores.
These days we let out one of our farm buildings as a holiday cottage, and we meet many interesting people from the UK and abroad.
In March 2022, I was shortlisted with "None Stood Taller" for the UK Selfies Award, a competition for self-published authors, with the winner being announced at the annual London Book Fair. Very exciting for a relatively new author at the time!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 23, 2021
3.5 stars
I found this second book about life in England in WWII less interesting than the first. This book was more about personal relationships. The romance was a bit too sweet and unrealistic for me and there was a lot of moralisation.
I found this second book about life in England in WWII less interesting than the first. This book was more about personal relationships. The romance was a bit too sweet and unrealistic for me and there was a lot of moralisation.
October 4, 2021
This was a wonderful book, with a knowledgeable and intricate weaving of fact and historical fiction! The fictional characters were very believable as they told their story along side of some of WW2’s biggest players. One of my uncles was stationed in Shipdham, England and flew missions to liberate France and Germany from 1942 until the end of the war. He was a waist gunner on a B-24 Liberator. His kid brother landed on Utah beach on D-Day as a 17 year old. (he kid about his age to join). He fought through Normandy, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Battle of the Bulge, across the Rhine and all the way to Berlin. This story brought my uncles stories to life. Thank you, Mr. Turnham!
July 16, 2022
I enjoyed this sequel as much as the first book. The first book took us up to D-day. This one was post D-day. I tend to think of D-day as the end of WWII in Europe. But it certainly was not, and the outcome in Europe was still very much up-in-the-air. I learned more about the efforts of the Allies to fight their way through Nazi occupied northwestern Europe.
January 8, 2022
Riveting, fascinating and intriguing. For those who love historical fiction WWII. A story of love, sacrifice and bravery. It is not to be missed. Loved the 1st book too, but had to read the 2nd as it is a continuation of the 1st. I recommend both.
July 28, 2023
Savor it slowly.
Excellent historical fiction filled with true historical detail. I enjoyed it so much that I read it over a period of several weeks, which I have rarely ever done.
Amazing author! Can’t wait to read the next in series.
Excellent historical fiction filled with true historical detail. I enjoyed it so much that I read it over a period of several weeks, which I have rarely ever done.
Amazing author! Can’t wait to read the next in series.
July 31, 2023
A great story!
I've read a number of books that represent this period. However they do not tell the real story of the times. While I know this is a work of fiction, it gives us a glance into the life and reality of many who gave their lives for our freedoms.
I've read a number of books that represent this period. However they do not tell the real story of the times. While I know this is a work of fiction, it gives us a glance into the life and reality of many who gave their lives for our freedoms.
January 13, 2022
This also was an excellent book! I loved the detail and the characters. It has given me such a wonderful respect for the greatest generation! Just a wonderful book and a wonderfully talented author!!
April 6, 2025
An incredible true story of a few of WWII unsung heroes and much more
The story continues for Lily and Edward, and those around them. What you thought you knew about D=DAY and the final turning point of WWII will change after reading this book. The many sacrifices and unfortunately the millions of ultimate sacrifices that were taken during this time is meticulously researched and told . A book everyone should read and be grateful for the amazing courage that was unbreakable during the world's darkest time in history. I learned a great deal reading this series and I have read many books during this time in history, but not one that enlightened me as much as this one did. If you love history and a great love story, then this is one you should not miss.
The story continues for Lily and Edward, and those around them. What you thought you knew about D=DAY and the final turning point of WWII will change after reading this book. The many sacrifices and unfortunately the millions of ultimate sacrifices that were taken during this time is meticulously researched and told . A book everyone should read and be grateful for the amazing courage that was unbreakable during the world's darkest time in history. I learned a great deal reading this series and I have read many books during this time in history, but not one that enlightened me as much as this one did. If you love history and a great love story, then this is one you should not miss.
December 5, 2024
Incredible research and detail
This author should be applauded because he is able to synthesize all the factual information and weave it into dialogue and characters. The only flaw I see is that he was not able to keep the voices separate. In the first book, he did a better job, but in this book, he lost distinct voices, and they all started sounding the same by the end. Nevertheless, it is still worthy of a read!
This author should be applauded because he is able to synthesize all the factual information and weave it into dialogue and characters. The only flaw I see is that he was not able to keep the voices separate. In the first book, he did a better job, but in this book, he lost distinct voices, and they all started sounding the same by the end. Nevertheless, it is still worthy of a read!
April 21, 2025
great read and page turner
Real people real characters bring this war story to life.
Not usually my genre but this was excellent. Sensitively expressed deep emotions sandwiched between the anxieties and dangers of war in a fresh take on lives during this period. Authentic feelings with no cliches or sentimental yearnings in this original narrative of the highs and lows of the Second World War.
Highly recommended.
Real people real characters bring this war story to life.
Not usually my genre but this was excellent. Sensitively expressed deep emotions sandwiched between the anxieties and dangers of war in a fresh take on lives during this period. Authentic feelings with no cliches or sentimental yearnings in this original narrative of the highs and lows of the Second World War.
Highly recommended.
July 16, 2025
This is a truly brilliant follow-up to the first book. This one covers VE Day to VJ Day and all that happens in between, including the V1 and the V2 bombs. The characters are just as good, and the story pulls you in just as the first one did. They go through some really amazing things and some very desperate times. What people were prepared to do and sacrifices made during the war is amazing.
I love this series of books and consider them well worth reading.
I love this series of books and consider them well worth reading.
May 9, 2025
Wow
Read these books! My family lived in Normandy when all this occurred. They were very active in the French Resistance. This book hit home. Read it. Also, the writing is superb!
Read these books! My family lived in Normandy when all this occurred. They were very active in the French Resistance. This book hit home. Read it. Also, the writing is superb!
February 22, 2025
On to book 3 in the series!!
This book taught me so much about WWII in Europe. The historical history is so important, I read it twice!!
This book taught me so much about WWII in Europe. The historical history is so important, I read it twice!!
June 19, 2025
Great follow-up to first book. Needed to see characters through.
September 14, 2025
Your books would make a great movie! Maybe one day we’ll see them on the big screen.
December 10, 2025
I enjoyed this book more than I had expected although still felt Lily was too good to be true.
December 17, 2025
the final year
Loved this book and the first and now to read Dotty’s story. Your books make you want to keep turning the pages!
Loved this book and the first and now to read Dotty’s story. Your books make you want to keep turning the pages!
February 20, 2022
One of the greatest love stories of World War Two. Lily and Edward are two people united by the war but separated by the social divide that stands between them.
When a V1 flying bomb leaves Edward critically injured, only destiny can decide Lily’s future. A part of that future was waiting on a launch ramp in the Pas-de-Calais. Once more, destiny decides when the bringer of death will strike at Lily’s heart. From the depths of despair, she is offered a new future from beyond the grave. The final year proves to be the longest of the war for Lily. When it was finally over, on May the 8th 1945, the great day of celebration was the event that changed Lily’s life forever.
Their story continues from June 6th, 1944. The sun has finally set upon one of the most momentous events in British history. For Lily Heywood, and Edward, Lord Middlebourne, D-Day marked the culmination of three years of intensive research and ultimately crushing responsibility. SOE Station M has completed its work. This might have signalled the end of the intelligence unit's wartime involvement. Events, however, conspire otherwise. Hitler’s vengeance weapons present a new challenge.
The Royal Air Force Special Duties (SD) Service was a secret air service created to provide air transport to support the resistance movement in Axis controlled territories. The service helped develop and support the resistance by bringing in agents, wireless operators and supplies. Parachute drop was the primary method by which the Special Duties units delivered supplies and most of the agents to the occupied countries. They also developed an air taxi service to pick up agents, political leaders and special communications from occupied Europe and bring them to England.Operation Bernhard was an exercise by Nazi Germany to forge British bank notes. The initial plan was to drop the notes over Britain to bring about a collapse of the British economy.After the war, the organisation was officially dissolved on 15 January 1946.
When a V1 flying bomb leaves Edward critically injured, only destiny can decide Lily’s future. A part of that future was waiting on a launch ramp in the Pas-de-Calais. Once more, destiny decides when the bringer of death will strike at Lily’s heart. From the depths of despair, she is offered a new future from beyond the grave. The final year proves to be the longest of the war for Lily. When it was finally over, on May the 8th 1945, the great day of celebration was the event that changed Lily’s life forever.
Their story continues from June 6th, 1944. The sun has finally set upon one of the most momentous events in British history. For Lily Heywood, and Edward, Lord Middlebourne, D-Day marked the culmination of three years of intensive research and ultimately crushing responsibility. SOE Station M has completed its work. This might have signalled the end of the intelligence unit's wartime involvement. Events, however, conspire otherwise. Hitler’s vengeance weapons present a new challenge.
The Royal Air Force Special Duties (SD) Service was a secret air service created to provide air transport to support the resistance movement in Axis controlled territories. The service helped develop and support the resistance by bringing in agents, wireless operators and supplies. Parachute drop was the primary method by which the Special Duties units delivered supplies and most of the agents to the occupied countries. They also developed an air taxi service to pick up agents, political leaders and special communications from occupied Europe and bring them to England.Operation Bernhard was an exercise by Nazi Germany to forge British bank notes. The initial plan was to drop the notes over Britain to bring about a collapse of the British economy.After the war, the organisation was officially dissolved on 15 January 1946.
January 4, 2023
None stood Taller: Final Year by Peter Turnham. This second book of the series takes place during the final year of World War II. Much has happened to the three young girls as they have become entangled with the secret happenings taking place at Middlebourne Manor.
Lily is firmly in place as Chief of Staff and runs the Manor and the secret institute as well as oversees the house and estate of Lord Middlebourne. She has become part of the family with close ties to Lady Caroline and Lord Edward. She has formed close ties to the estate manager, Greg Norton as well. She has met Lady Beatrice who it is assumed will eventually marry Edward as it has been assumed since their births. Lady Beatrice isn’t so sure this is going to happen as she watches Edward and Lily growing closer.
Fiona has come to the Manor as second to Lily and picks up when Lily isn’t around. She had fallen in love with a pilot, Johnny one night at the local pub when Dotty introduced them. She knows when and where he is flying and suffers when he is gone.
Dotty had seen people In the manor fields training and she thought she could do better than they were doing. When she was caught spying on them, she asked Lily to get her in the program with them. In an unorthodox manor, she is accepted into training despite not having an entry interview and not being able to speak French. However, she excels in the program which until this time had very few women in it. When Max was asked to bring in agents to help Station M gather information in France, he specifically asked for Dotty so she joined her friends at Station M. She had finally found something she was really good at.
Everything comes to a head with D-Day. Once it is over, is Station M to be dismantled?
The book takes over where Book one leaves off and takes us on a very dangerous adventure. This book is well worth reading.
Lily is firmly in place as Chief of Staff and runs the Manor and the secret institute as well as oversees the house and estate of Lord Middlebourne. She has become part of the family with close ties to Lady Caroline and Lord Edward. She has formed close ties to the estate manager, Greg Norton as well. She has met Lady Beatrice who it is assumed will eventually marry Edward as it has been assumed since their births. Lady Beatrice isn’t so sure this is going to happen as she watches Edward and Lily growing closer.
Fiona has come to the Manor as second to Lily and picks up when Lily isn’t around. She had fallen in love with a pilot, Johnny one night at the local pub when Dotty introduced them. She knows when and where he is flying and suffers when he is gone.
Dotty had seen people In the manor fields training and she thought she could do better than they were doing. When she was caught spying on them, she asked Lily to get her in the program with them. In an unorthodox manor, she is accepted into training despite not having an entry interview and not being able to speak French. However, she excels in the program which until this time had very few women in it. When Max was asked to bring in agents to help Station M gather information in France, he specifically asked for Dotty so she joined her friends at Station M. She had finally found something she was really good at.
Everything comes to a head with D-Day. Once it is over, is Station M to be dismantled?
The book takes over where Book one leaves off and takes us on a very dangerous adventure. This book is well worth reading.
March 8, 2022
I loved reading both the first book and this one in the series. Though the topic of war and how it affects civilians is heartbreaking this was told with such optimism that I looked forward to reading what my favorite characters were up to.
I did notice both books had a tendency to repeat the character whom one person was speaking to repeatedly. For example, "Why yes, Lilly, that is exactly what I meant." "But, Edward, you surely don't mean having Hut 3 investigate the bombing sites now." "Oh, Lilly that is exactly what I intend."
Along those lines (those aren't actual quotes from the book). Anyway, you couldn't mix up who you were reading about based on that little exchange :D
The book was a bit unrealistic (as was the first one) with how much respect Lilly ended up getting and that though she was an East Ender they embraced her completely and she was able to rub elbows with the likes of Winston Churchill and others whom a person would normally never get near. It's as if it came easily to her. Not really the case, but it felt like it.
All in all, an enjoyable read if you can take some of the "perfect" ending with bit of a grain of salt. It was conveniently positive. And sometimes that's just what we need.
I did notice both books had a tendency to repeat the character whom one person was speaking to repeatedly. For example, "Why yes, Lilly, that is exactly what I meant." "But, Edward, you surely don't mean having Hut 3 investigate the bombing sites now." "Oh, Lilly that is exactly what I intend."
Along those lines (those aren't actual quotes from the book). Anyway, you couldn't mix up who you were reading about based on that little exchange :D
The book was a bit unrealistic (as was the first one) with how much respect Lilly ended up getting and that though she was an East Ender they embraced her completely and she was able to rub elbows with the likes of Winston Churchill and others whom a person would normally never get near. It's as if it came easily to her. Not really the case, but it felt like it.
All in all, an enjoyable read if you can take some of the "perfect" ending with bit of a grain of salt. It was conveniently positive. And sometimes that's just what we need.
December 13, 2021
I am an avid reader of historical fiction of the world wars. It is clear that Mr. Turnham was a dedicated researcher for this book and the one before it, both with the same title, except this one was "the Final Year". It was unputdownable, and I forced myself to read only a couple of chapters at a time so I could savor the entire story slowly. It is blessed with complex characters who are well developed as the story unwinds. It is a book that will have you experience a variety of emotions - joy, triumph, sadness, and depression among many. Ultimately, it really helps the reader understand vicariously how the United Kingdom and its people lived through horrific times and emerged victorious. Enjoy every page - I envy you!
March 27, 2023
This series, 3 books in all, started out very good, detailing many aspects of WWII's SOE operations. charaters were very well thought out and with many historical fiction, I always look up key people and events, dates etc. & found them in Turnhams first two books. I wasn't overly thrilled with the 3rd book as it tilted towards the first two books, which was everything the reader already knew. The 3rd book wasn't necessary at all I would recommend the first two books, but the thired is just like reading the first two.
March 10, 2024
3.75 stars. There are HUGE problems with these books. The attitude to the Official Secrets Act is ridiculous. They just whip out the Act, and then tell anyone they want. They're so blaze about official secrets throughout, it's just unrealistic. Everything is also a but 'rosy' and 'it all worked out in the end'. The main character is also seriously flawed, but is presented as if she is not, and that really irked me. Having said that, I LOVED this. THe historical detail is fantastic, and I just genuinely loved reading it.
Read
July 10, 2023Continuation of the story of Lily and Lord Middlebourne (Edward). Lily has fallen in love with Edward, but knows that his commitment to his position is that he be married to a chosen woman whom he knows, but does not love. Lily and Edward work well together with their staff to plan D-Day. They must calculate the weather, time, date, sand conditions, the moon cycles, etc. to get the best results for the Allies. Again, good story, but lots of historical details.
February 11, 2022
Inspiring! Especially in view of the past 7 years 2015-2022
I love the historical detail, woven into the portrayal of the characters lives. The characters are captivating! The historical context provides us a reminder to not forget the lessons of history so we don't repeat the tragedies...hopefully!
I love the historical detail, woven into the portrayal of the characters lives. The characters are captivating! The historical context provides us a reminder to not forget the lessons of history so we don't repeat the tragedies...hopefully!
March 20, 2023
Powerful!
The Final Year brought to life a time of great loss and great courage. The characters were well created, had depth, and helped the reader better understand what people lived through. The ending of the book is so well written! I found myself cheering with the crowds, crying for what was lost, and evaluating my generation. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author.
The Final Year brought to life a time of great loss and great courage. The characters were well created, had depth, and helped the reader better understand what people lived through. The ending of the book is so well written! I found myself cheering with the crowds, crying for what was lost, and evaluating my generation. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author.
May 3, 2023
Excellent read!
This series is one of the most informative about WW II that I've ever read. The details are amazing. The research that went into the books must have taken years. Can't wait to read the last 3 episodes. I never write reviews, but had to for this. Thanks for the entertaining history lesson.
This series is one of the most informative about WW II that I've ever read. The details are amazing. The research that went into the books must have taken years. Can't wait to read the last 3 episodes. I never write reviews, but had to for this. Thanks for the entertaining history lesson.
May 17, 2023
I loved the entire None Stood Taller series. I felt they were very well written, believable, and pretty accurately depicted those years for so many people of the "Greatest Generation."
It also described some of the battles very accurately, as my father served, and I have read his letters and history of the period.
It also described some of the battles very accurately, as my father served, and I have read his letters and history of the period.
October 6, 2023
The final year of WWII
Make sure you read Part one before you read this. Often times I felt as if I were standing next to Lilly. Turn ham is a wonderful author and describes events well. Part three is next and I expect that book will be excellent also. Please read to relive the events of the war to end all wars.
Make sure you read Part one before you read this. Often times I felt as if I were standing next to Lilly. Turn ham is a wonderful author and describes events well. Part three is next and I expect that book will be excellent also. Please read to relive the events of the war to end all wars.
December 17, 2021
Greatest love story
I read the first book of the set liked it so much I had to read the second. Bring ing in the historical figure s made this book real. The love story was fantastic I literally could not put my Kindle down.
I read the first book of the set liked it so much I had to read the second. Bring ing in the historical figure s made this book real. The love story was fantastic I literally could not put my Kindle down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews