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Rose Queen #2
The Winter Rose
The heatwarming festive follow-up to The Rose Queen, from beloved Sunday Times bestselling author Katie Flynn.
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Liverpool, 1941: After German bombs shatter the life Cadi has built for herself in Liverpool, she's more determined than ever to sign up and do her bit. Joining the WAAF also means she is closer to her beau - until Jez is sent thousands of miles from home. . .
While Jez is in Africa, someone from the past starts spreading vicious rumours that could threaten their relationship, and Cadi finds herself torn between keeping secrets and telling the truth to protect those she holds dear.
Cadi has always believed that their love can weather any storm but as the snow sweeps in, she faces an impossible choice. Will her decision leave her broken-hearted or will Cadi and Jez be reunited in time for Christmas?
'A story of heartbreak and love, this book will keep you enthralled from start to finish' Northern Echo
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WHY READERS LOVE KATIE
'Her characters are like old friends!!'
'Takes you on a journey of heartbreak and joy'
'Heartwarming romance'
'Hard to put down!!'
_____________________________________________
Liverpool, 1941: After German bombs shatter the life Cadi has built for herself in Liverpool, she's more determined than ever to sign up and do her bit. Joining the WAAF also means she is closer to her beau - until Jez is sent thousands of miles from home. . .
While Jez is in Africa, someone from the past starts spreading vicious rumours that could threaten their relationship, and Cadi finds herself torn between keeping secrets and telling the truth to protect those she holds dear.
Cadi has always believed that their love can weather any storm but as the snow sweeps in, she faces an impossible choice. Will her decision leave her broken-hearted or will Cadi and Jez be reunited in time for Christmas?
'A story of heartbreak and love, this book will keep you enthralled from start to finish' Northern Echo
_________________________________________
WHY READERS LOVE KATIE
'Her characters are like old friends!!'
'Takes you on a journey of heartbreak and joy'
'Heartwarming romance'
'Hard to put down!!'
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2022
80 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Katie Flynn
100 books218 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Katie Flynn was born in Norwich and attended Norwich High School, where she was extremely happy and extremely undistinguished. Published at the tender age of eight, in Enid Blyton's Sunny Stories, she joined a Writers’ Circle as an adult, publishing short stories, articles, etc; only turning to novels in 1971 because the postal strike cut off her main source of income!
At first she wrote under several different names – Judith Saxton, Judy Turner, Lydia Balmain, Judith Arden – but her Katie Flynn books were a delight to write and proved far more popular than she had dreamed. She has now published nearly ninety novels, twenty-seven of which are Flynns. Her most recent titles are: Lost Days of Summer and Christmas Wishes.
Katie Flynn was born in Norwich and attended Norwich High School, where she was extremely happy and extremely undistinguished. Published at the tender age of eight, in Enid Blyton's Sunny Stories, she joined a Writers’ Circle as an adult, publishing short stories, articles, etc; only turning to novels in 1971 because the postal strike cut off her main source of income!
At first she wrote under several different names – Judith Saxton, Judy Turner, Lydia Balmain, Judith Arden – but her Katie Flynn books were a delight to write and proved far more popular than she had dreamed. She has now published nearly ninety novels, twenty-seven of which are Flynns. Her most recent titles are: Lost Days of Summer and Christmas Wishes.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 4, 2023
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Although the story lacks , what I believe to be historically correct with the ease of making phone calls and some of the slang, overall this is a story of friendship and love during WWII.
A very pleasant read.
Although the story lacks , what I believe to be historically correct with the ease of making phone calls and some of the slang, overall this is a story of friendship and love during WWII.
A very pleasant read.
November 21, 2022
It’s 1941 and Cadi Williams is engaged to Jez, she is waiting to join the WAAF and is excited to start her training. A well written account of what was happening during the war years and how brave Cadi and her fellow WAAF were.
March 26, 2023
Didn't enjoy as much as the first one. Was quite repetitive too much use of same lines and words like tallyho. I shall read the next one to see what happens
July 4, 2023
The novel started off well with the idea of Cadi joining the WAAF and wanting to do something useful and productive during the war effort. However, the plot became messy and small minor incidents became blown out of proportion into drama that divided many characters. The idea that Cadi had nightmares after the explosion at the Greyhound pub was not carried out throughout the rest of the novel, it was mentioned once and never again. I think having a deeper analysis to why Cadi was impacted this way and how she could overcome these scars left by war would have made her character more developed. Cadi also appeared as someone who follows gossip and rumours without seeing the facts; this is evident in her feud with Daphne and her relationship with Aled.
The Winter Rose had many sub-plots that weren't closed in a satisfying way for example, the Daphne - Aled - Cadi plot, Izzy's father Eric wasn't explored - why was he murdered? Who was he involved in? The plot twist of Izzy and Jez as sibling was out of the blue after saving Raquel. I liked the idea of these female characters feeling empowered with their war work, but this empowerment is undermined by their attention to gossip.
I haven't read a Katie Flynn novel before so I am unsure if this particular one is to the same standard, I think those who enjoy novels set in the second world war will enjoy this one and following these characters on their adventures. I have read other novels set in a similar time period with female protagonists working for the British government that had more danger, context and immersive qualities. Also, the chapters were very long and made the pace slow and tedious. There was a lack of historical context aside from slang or settings of bomb sites, army service bases etc. If the novel had more narrative focus, more world building with historical context this could an interesting read.
The Winter Rose had many sub-plots that weren't closed in a satisfying way for example, the Daphne - Aled - Cadi plot, Izzy's father Eric wasn't explored - why was he murdered? Who was he involved in? The plot twist of Izzy and Jez as sibling was out of the blue after saving Raquel. I liked the idea of these female characters feeling empowered with their war work, but this empowerment is undermined by their attention to gossip.
I haven't read a Katie Flynn novel before so I am unsure if this particular one is to the same standard, I think those who enjoy novels set in the second world war will enjoy this one and following these characters on their adventures. I have read other novels set in a similar time period with female protagonists working for the British government that had more danger, context and immersive qualities. Also, the chapters were very long and made the pace slow and tedious. There was a lack of historical context aside from slang or settings of bomb sites, army service bases etc. If the novel had more narrative focus, more world building with historical context this could an interesting read.
August 12, 2022
I didn’t enjoy this much. It felt like a soap opera gossip fest. While it dealt with important events, it sometimes turned a drama into a crisis. As it was set in ww2, the domestic problems pale into insignificance compared to the events unfolding 8n the war
January 17, 2023
Free courtesy of Netgalley
This book is the follow up to The Rose Queen, it is best to read this book first or the story will not flow as well.
The four friends have followed their own paths but have stayed in touch. Jez has joined the RAF and Poppy and Izzy have joined the Waaf, leaving Cadi behind in Liverpool helping out in the new hotel with Maria. Cadi has also signed up and is waiting for her papers to go and join the WAAF.
The story follows the relationship between Cadi and Jez and if they will overcome separation in war time and interference from others, who are determined to split them up, to get revenge. Izzy has to deal with information she finds out about her parents, after escaping her violent father in the first book.
They make more friends along the way and the story twists and turns, but it was the most enjoyable book and I would still like Katie to write another book with these characters in as I feel there are more tales to be told. I would definitely recommend this book but read The Rose Queen first if you haven't already. You won't be disappointed
This book is the follow up to The Rose Queen, it is best to read this book first or the story will not flow as well.
The four friends have followed their own paths but have stayed in touch. Jez has joined the RAF and Poppy and Izzy have joined the Waaf, leaving Cadi behind in Liverpool helping out in the new hotel with Maria. Cadi has also signed up and is waiting for her papers to go and join the WAAF.
The story follows the relationship between Cadi and Jez and if they will overcome separation in war time and interference from others, who are determined to split them up, to get revenge. Izzy has to deal with information she finds out about her parents, after escaping her violent father in the first book.
They make more friends along the way and the story twists and turns, but it was the most enjoyable book and I would still like Katie to write another book with these characters in as I feel there are more tales to be told. I would definitely recommend this book but read The Rose Queen first if you haven't already. You won't be disappointed
October 4, 2022
1941 WW2 Liverpool.
Cadi Williams nightmares have returned of the almighty explosion at the greyhound public house. Now staying and working with Maria and Bill Shankley at the B&B in Derby Road her troubled sleep worries her as she applies to join the WAAF with Jez in the RAF she maybe a bit closer to him so they can see more of each other she misses him so much.
This book has stolen my heart, it's such a lovely heart warming read that will need tissues as you read emotional chapters. I loved every moment curled up in my favourite seat. just beautiful from the author her books never let me down.
Cadi Williams nightmares have returned of the almighty explosion at the greyhound public house. Now staying and working with Maria and Bill Shankley at the B&B in Derby Road her troubled sleep worries her as she applies to join the WAAF with Jez in the RAF she maybe a bit closer to him so they can see more of each other she misses him so much.
This book has stolen my heart, it's such a lovely heart warming read that will need tissues as you read emotional chapters. I loved every moment curled up in my favourite seat. just beautiful from the author her books never let me down.
July 21, 2022
The Winter Rose by Katie Flynn
I've never read a book by this author that I've not loved and could easily rate higher than five stars and this one is no exception.
Liverpool, 1941: After German bombs shatter the life Cadi has built for herself in Liverpool, she is more determined than ever to sign up and do her bit. Joining the WAAF also means she is closer to her beau - until Jez is sent thousands of miles from home.
Brilliant character in Cadi , strong yet vulnerable , in love with her partner Jez but now torn away from each other having to ensure the perils of the war.
Brilliant.
I've never read a book by this author that I've not loved and could easily rate higher than five stars and this one is no exception.
Liverpool, 1941: After German bombs shatter the life Cadi has built for herself in Liverpool, she is more determined than ever to sign up and do her bit. Joining the WAAF also means she is closer to her beau - until Jez is sent thousands of miles from home.
Brilliant character in Cadi , strong yet vulnerable , in love with her partner Jez but now torn away from each other having to ensure the perils of the war.
Brilliant.
November 19, 2022
Another lovely book from Katie Flynn.
Katie Flynn writes such beautiful books with just the right amount of violence and warmth. Her characters are interesting and many likable. She describes the surrounding area so well that you feel as though you are almost there.
I really enjoyed immersing myself in this book and look forward to the next one taking me on another journey.
Katie Flynn writes such beautiful books with just the right amount of violence and warmth. Her characters are interesting and many likable. She describes the surrounding area so well that you feel as though you are almost there.
I really enjoyed immersing myself in this book and look forward to the next one taking me on another journey.
February 21, 2023
I always enjoy picking up a Katie Flynn book- you are guaranteed a warm, good read.
Cadi joins the WAAF and makes friends and settles into her new role well. The book explores the war roles for women, the homelife and bombing causing housing issues, friendships made and strengthened and the issues many people faced.
I will definately read more in this series.
Cadi joins the WAAF and makes friends and settles into her new role well. The book explores the war roles for women, the homelife and bombing causing housing issues, friendships made and strengthened and the issues many people faced.
I will definately read more in this series.
March 12, 2023
Another great book and well written.
We continue to see what happens in Cadi’s life she joins the WAAF and makes new friends. Cadi is such an organised person and does well in the WAAF. Jez and her seem to be at odds with each other with secrets will they overcome these.
A very enjoyable read look forward to the the next book in the series.
We continue to see what happens in Cadi’s life she joins the WAAF and makes new friends. Cadi is such an organised person and does well in the WAAF. Jez and her seem to be at odds with each other with secrets will they overcome these.
A very enjoyable read look forward to the the next book in the series.
January 15, 2025
3.5 stars!!! A very nice easy read, set in WW2 which I don’t read about as often anymore :)
Definitely needed a more gentle book after reading Pet Semetary and She’s Always Hungry…
I would read the final book in the trilogy! I enjoyed following each character’s personal development and it was easy to follow but not as gripping as books I’d normally choose
Definitely needed a more gentle book after reading Pet Semetary and She’s Always Hungry…
I would read the final book in the trilogy! I enjoyed following each character’s personal development and it was easy to follow but not as gripping as books I’d normally choose
February 11, 2025
The war is in full swing and Cadi Williams is desperate to sign up and do her bit for the war effort.
Also if she joins the WAAF she will also be nearer Jez, her boyfriend.
That is until Jez is sent to Africa.
Meanwhile back in Blighty secrets are rife and some things could tear the pair apart.
A great story with colorful characters and a whole lot going on alongside the main plot.
Great read.
Also if she joins the WAAF she will also be nearer Jez, her boyfriend.
That is until Jez is sent to Africa.
Meanwhile back in Blighty secrets are rife and some things could tear the pair apart.
A great story with colorful characters and a whole lot going on alongside the main plot.
Great read.
September 4, 2025
Spoiler alert- scroll
Its a cozy- christmasy kind of novel. Halfway through the book , I realised this book is part of a trilogy and I am reading the second book. The plot was predictable, I knew from the start that Jez and Izzy were siblings. But still I enjoyed reading this historical saga.It was a light, cozy, comforting read
Its a cozy- christmasy kind of novel. Halfway through the book , I realised this book is part of a trilogy and I am reading the second book. The plot was predictable, I knew from the start that Jez and Izzy were siblings. But still I enjoyed reading this historical saga.It was a light, cozy, comforting read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2022
I’m confused about the author of this book. Katie Flynn died in 2019 and this is a newer release. Had she written books ahead or is there a ghost writer? It didn’t seem as historically accurate as earlier Flynn novels. @penguin #katieflynn
December 31, 2022
A lovely story centred around the lead character Cadi, from the book The Rose Queen. A charming story of love, loss, deception and secrets revealed, set against the back drop of WW2. Christmas was a recurring event but it wasn’t the focus. This book cold be read at any time of the year.
January 16, 2024
4.5 stars
This is a great second in the series and had left me excited by the final book. I love Cadi so much and she is more confident. We get to meet new characters which are different. Definitely a great series.
This is a great second in the series and had left me excited by the final book. I love Cadi so much and she is more confident. We get to meet new characters which are different. Definitely a great series.
November 19, 2024
Not sure how factual it is - every train etc on time, phone calls galore, movements around country so easy during war. Could speed read over parts and not miss out. Repetitive in parts. Easy holiday read that will go to charity shop.
October 21, 2022
Yet again Katie flynn has exceeded my expectations with her writing. Set in the world war she writes about the whole experience of living. I can't wait for another book from her.
November 19, 2022
Book worth reading
I've really enjoyed this story and finding out all about what had happened to the characters. You really how hard the war was. . Thank you Katie Flynn ❤
I've really enjoyed this story and finding out all about what had happened to the characters. You really how hard the war was. . Thank you Katie Flynn ❤
November 29, 2022
This was another book by this author that I loved this was my 1st Xmas read of the year got others conning soon as
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2023
Loved it cant wait for the next book to co.e out
January 15, 2023
Brilliant read, have loved the first two books, can't wait for the last book in the series.
April 14, 2023
I read a few negative reviews so I was a bit worried….wrongly so, this book was really good, easy to read and a bit of a mystery to keep you gripped.
Can’t wait for the next one
Can’t wait for the next one
May 1, 2023
This is the 2nd book in the Rose Queen trilogy. It features all the characters from the first book. I really enjoyed this so much so that I'm reading the 3rd book now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2023
Katie Flynn is a fantastic author and has a clear talent. This story will take you on a journey of heartbreak, joy, secrets and discovery.
June 12, 2024
Just a lovely, easy read
April 12, 2025
The first moment I wanted to give up was a bit bored 😴. But I'm glad I didn't 😊
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews