Despite being shy and reserved, Jeannie Dougal finds herself newly engaged to handsome soldier, Arthur Dunn, the day war is announced. Jeannie accepts, even if she is unsure if a girl from the tenements will fit in with Arthur’s comfortable, middle-class background. But as WW2 takes its toll on the world, her wedding must wait…
As she sets off to work at a munitions factory she meets Eileen, Janet and Annie. As her new friends bond together in war work, sharing their stories of romance, Jeanie is grateful to be settled with Arthur, even if he is set in his ways.
Until she meets charming Canadian soldier, Bill, and realises she has found a spark she was always missing. But how can Jeannie tell Arthur? And is she strong enough to fight her own battle, with the country already at war…?
An emotional and romantic family saga set in WW2 Scotland and the start of a captivating new series. Fans of Call the Midwife and Katie Flynn won’t be able to put this down.
Glasgow, 1939: Despite being shy and reserved, Jeannie Dougal finds herself newly engaged to handsome soldier, Arthur Dunn, the day war is announced. Jeannie accepts even though she's unsure if a girl from the tenements will fit in with Arthur's comfortable middle-class background. But as WWII takes it's toll on the world, her wedding must wait. As she sets off to work at a munitions factory, she meets Eileen, Janet and Annie. As her new friends bond together in war work, sharing their stories of romance, Jeannie is grateful to be settled with Arthur. Until she meets Canadian soldier, Bill, and realises she has found the spark that is missing with Arthur.
This is quite an emotional read as we learn about Jeannie, her family and friends. We learn what it was like during WWII in Glasgow. It's beautifully written and I quickly found myself caught up in the pages. There's a mixed bunch of characters, some you'll love, others you'll dislike.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HeraBooks and the author #CarolMacLean for my ARC of #JeanniesWar in exchange for an honest review.
A lovely, lovely story set in WWII. We're with Jeannie Dougal and her family who live in Glasgow. We get to see the trials and tribulations of an ordinary family just prior to and during this world changing event. There are some wonderful characters. This includes some down right nasty ones as well as people we come to know and love. Jeannie is very quiet and timid in the beginning, a bit annoyingly so at times. She grows up quite a bit and discovers who she really is and what she can really achieve when she puts her mind to it. Life throws a lot at this family and it needs everyone to step up and play their part. There's a lovely older romance too. Having the story set in Scotland was very interesting. The books of this era I usually read have an English setting so the change was nice. I read it in a day. It gripped me from page one. Waiting for the next one will be a trial! I'd highly recommend it!
Thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this book early.
What a thoroughly enjoyable tale set in Glasgow at the onset of WW2 that I devoured almost in one sitting. A quick read that has an easy style and flows seamlessly, JEANNIE'S WAR is the story of Jeannie and her family, the Dougals. Like most wartime sagas, this one focuses on a working class family inflicted by the ravages of war as their sons, brothers and loved ones are soon shipped out to fight the enemy in Europe. And like most wartime sagas, they feel the ripples and far reaching tentacles of the enemy as the war that was meant to be over by Christmas continues over the course of the next several years, changing lives with it.
Shy and reserved Jeannie Dougal and her family of six live in a two room tenement flat on Kiltie Street when the prime minister announces the declaration of war in September 1939. Her fifteen year old sister teases her that the young man she has stepped out with twice, Arthur Dunn, will surely be proposing before he heads off to war. Marriage? To Arthur? But she hardly knows him! And yet, it's exactly what Arthur has in mind when he calls on Jeannie that afternoon. Though instead of asking her, he informs her they should get married and then goes on to tell her what will happen, assuming her answer before she's had a chance to give it. But her mother thinks Arthur is a wonderful catch. He's handsome, has a secure job in a bank and is middle class with far better prospects than those that could be found on Kiltie Street. So Jeannie acquiesces to his wishes, insisting on a long engagement...to give them time to get to know one another. However, if Arthur is unemotional and aloof, his mother Helen is the polar opposite and Jeannie adores her from the moment they meet.
It isn't long before Jeannie begins to see the vast differences between them, despite her being working class and he middle class. That, it seems, is the least of their problems. Arthur doesn't like it when Jeannie announces her wish to work at the new munitions factory, he doesn't like it when she's affectionate, he doesn't like dancing or going to the cinema, he doesn't like her have an opinion of her own...basically he doesn't like much of anything. He may seem closed off emotionally and somewhat aloof but Jeannie soon discovers other behavioural traits in her fiance that makes her uncomfortable. Helen says he takes after his late father with a sympathetic look at her daughter-in-law-to-be. But it seems that Arthur has taken over where his father left off in controlling every aspect of his mother's life and thus expecting Jeannie to look after his invalid mother in his absence. But Helen is anything but an invalid and when she begins joining Jeannie's mother Mary in helping the WVS, Arthur is livid and demands she cease the activity at once.
But it's Arthur's parting remark one evening before he leaves to fight for King and country that shocks Jeannie to the core. His cruel comment left her shaken and sobbing herself to sleep. I would have called the engagement off right then, as he obviously had so little respect for the woman he was meant to love; the woman he was to marry. But Jeannie had made a promise and she wouldn't break it and shame her family.
One evening, her friends from the factory - Eileen, Janet and Annie - convince her to join them at a dance which is teeming with military personnel on leave. There Jeannie meets Canadian Bill but, despite her instant attraction to him, borders on rude as she is aware of her engagement to Arthur and her worry if he were to find out she went dancing. But she soon finds herself on the dance floor with Bill and enjoying herself immensely. And before long, Bill becomes a friend of the family as Jeannie continues to fight her growing feelings for the kind and gentle Canadian.
Then as the bombs begin to fall on Glasgow the realities of war hits the community as their city is rocked to its foundations. Innocent people are killed, buildings are decimated and lives are changed forever. Jeannie soon discovers that she has shed her shy and reserved demeanour and in its place is a bolder more forthright young woman...much to Arthur's chagrin. He wants a quiet obedient wife, but will Jeannie acquiesce to his will?
But it's not only Jeannie's life that changes but those of her new friends as well as her family. New loves and new beginnings abound while across the waters in Europe war continues to rage on. Will their loved ones return? And how will the war affect those left behind keeping the home fires burning? As for Jeannie...will she fulfill her promise to marry Arthur or will she follow her heart with Bill?
JEANNIE'S WAR is more than just a romance; it is a story of friendships, family and community pulling together during one of the darkest times in history as they fight battles of their own at home with rationing of food, clothing and petrol, Anderson shelters and evacuation.
The story unfolds primarily through Jeannie's eyes, as she is the main character, but we also catch glimpses from others' perspectives as well. The story itself is heartwarming, emotional and thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end. I am thrilled to hear there is to be a sequel and I eagerly await it!!
An easy read, JEANNIE'S WAR is perfect for fans of wartime sagas such as Call the Midwife, Rosie Clarke and Pam Howes.
I would like to thank #CarolMacLean, #Netagalley, #HeraBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #JeanniesWar in exchange for an honest review.
Jeannie’s War by Carol MacLean is an engaging novel set that takes us to Glasgow, Scotland in 1939. The Dougal family is in their flat on Kiltie Street listening to Neville Chamberlain on the wireless as he declares they are now at war with Germany. Jeannie Dougal is a reserved young woman who does not realize her own beauty because of a faded strawberry birthmark on her face. She considers herself fortunate to be stepping out with the handsome Arthur Dunn. Arthur comes to the house after the broadcast and asks Jeannie to marry him. Jeannie accepts his proposal even though she is a little unsure. They have only gone on a couple of dates, and they are from different backgrounds. While the Dougal’s live in the tenements, Arthur and his mother live in a home in an upper middle-class neighborhood. Arthur heads off to training after enlisting while Jeannie begins working at Fearnmore’s factory where they are making munitions. At the factory, Jeannie befriends Eileen Boyle, Janet Thom, and Annie Morris. When Jeannie goes out with her friends one evening, she meets Canadian solider Bill. Jeannie finds herself attracted to Bill and feels a spark with him that she has never felt with Arthur. Jeannie made a commitment to Arthur, though, and she intends to honor it. But then something happens could change the family forever. I enjoyed reading Jeannie’s War by Carol MacLean. I found myself drawn into the story. I was curious as to how everything would turn out. I like the author’s writing style. It made the story easy to read. Jeannie’s War had a good pace and flow. The story focuses on Jeannie, but we also spend time with Eileen, Jeannie’s mother, Jimmy who is Jeannie’s brother who is in the army, Jeannie’s youngest siblings in the countryside, and Jeannie’s younger sister. Kathy, Jeannie’s sister is fifteen going on twenty-five. She is a temperamental young woman who likes to get her way. The characters are a mixed bunch (some you like and some you do not). I thought they were realistic. I enjoyed the descriptions of Glasgow. I thought the author captured the time period especially the munitions factory. I can tell the author did her research. I like how the novel ended and I am looking for the next book in The Kiltie Street Girls series. Jeannie’s War is a poignant historical tale with avowal of war, rationing regulations, a temperamental teenager, war work, a precious pig, firm friends, and a problem to ponder.
Loved it. Glasgow 1939 the beginning of war is upon Kiltie Street Maryhill a tight knit community saying goodbye to their men and children is going to be hard. Jeannie Dougal a lovely wee soul is now walking out with handsome Arthur Dunn and feels so lucky to be proposed to before he goes away but she would like a long engagement and to get to know him and his mother Helen more. Arthur is so controlling and likes everything his way but her mother Mary says he's a good catch with a big house and money, the strawberry mark on her cheek has always spoiled any chances of her finding love. Big changes are about to happen to them all and her new job at Fearnmore factory is hard but she makes some forever friends. Jeannies story is touching to read, that you just want to jump inside the book. Heart breaking in chapters that will make you cry so make sure the tissues are handy. I just loved the whole story my first from this author, a touching story well written that leaves flutters in your tummy
This is a fabulous book and one that I just couldn't put down. Starting in Glasgow 1939 rumours of war and the memories of the previous one are on everyone's mind. More so for those living on Kiltie Street where this story is set.
The author has focused her story on one main family, the Dougal's. Jeannie is a shy girl and has caught the eye of Arthur Dunn. He is also reserved and so it seems like the two will make a good match. When war is declared many men are due to join up and be sent for training. It is a time fraught with worry and so plans are made for the future. Jeannie and Arthur get engaged like many at the time.
The author weaves such a wonderfully compelling story. Kiltie Street is like many areas and war brings people closer and communities support each other. When bombs start to fall this becomes even more apparent. It is something that affects everyone and all try to do their part.
Although the focus is more on Jeannie, it is also about the rest of the family and also friends. The author has created such a heartwarming story but also has got the balance of fear for those who are at home waiting for news of their loved ones. The ever-present danger of the bombing is something that I feel the author has captured well. Mentioning the areas around Glasgow, factories such as Singer, and also how the River Clyde was used on moonlit nights as a marker.
I thought the pacing of the book was great, although it does move through the war years quite quickly it didn't feel rushed. It mentions so many things that people have to endure during troubled times and how the family work together and support each other. The younger children evacuated, the older ones doing their bit for the war effort, whether it be enlisting or working in factories. Things such as rationing, food, clothing, Anderson shelters and so much more.
There is also the romance side to the story and this one isn't straightforward and it also involves various couples, after all this is a community and friendships are formed.
A fabulous story that I happily read over one evening. Ideal for readers who like historical fiction, family sagas during WWII and it is one I would definitely recommend.
The day the war is announced is also the day Jeannie Dougal gets engaged to the handsome Arthur Dunn. She insists on a long engagement, soon realising that their difference in economic status is the least of their problems. Arthur doesn’t like it when Jeannie starts working at the munitions factory, he doesn’t like when she’s affectionate and, basically, he doesn’t like much of anything. But then Jeannie meets Canadian, Bill, and the connection is instant, even if she tries to fight it.
I really enjoyed this book. At first, I thought it was just going to be from Jeannie’s POV, but it’s from her siblings’ and mother’s and her friends’ as well. I wasn’t too sure if I would like that, but it worked really well and we were given a better picture of what was happening with the characters and it gave better understanding of the relationships between characters.
This book seems to be well researched, both of the area and the era. I enjoyed the cast of characters (except for a few of them, of course) and was glad the group of girls from the factory didn’t fall into the stereotypic roles that other authors usually put them in (the good-time gal, the quiet church mouse, the girl next door). It was interesting to see where the book was going to go. Jeannie’s character development pleased me to no end.
I’m happy to hear there’s going to be a sequel and I’ll definitely be giving it a read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera Books for the opportunity to read and ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Jeannie’s War is an amazing book I read in a sitting and so late into the early hours of the morning.
I am pleased with the twists and turns of the plot. The characterization is so great, the suspense was well controlled and the plot had that page turning effect.
Jeannie is a remarkable character and a loveable one. You cannot help following her story and that of other characters especially Kathy! I love that character and I almost thought she was real.
The book title and cover were what drew my attention and I am pleased I read this amazing book that took me on an adventure to the WW2. I am grateful for modern times like this and warm food to eat.
The author wrote the plot in a realistic way with human empathy.
I am rating this great book 5 stars because I just love it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hera Publishers through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
The first in what looks to be a promising new wartime saga by Carol.
Beautifully written, with some colourful characters, Jeannie's War is a thoroughly enjoyable read that is heartwarming, emotive and full of community spirit.
Told primarily from Jeannie's point of view, although we do get to hear from others throughout the book.
A story of friendships, romance and loss.
Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot.
I found this a very enjoyable book to read with a story and characters that flow so well together although I must admit to not liking all of them.Carol MacLean has written a book that readers will love just as much as I did.5*
If there’s one thing that I like doing, it’s discovering new authors and Carol MacLean is certainly a new author for me. As well as being a book geek, I am also a historical fiction nerd with a particular interest in the Second World War. I read the synopsis of ‘Jeannie’s War’ and it certainly appealed to me. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Jeannie’s War’ but more about that in a bit. Every so often I come across a book that blows me away. ‘Jeannie’s War’ is one such book. As soon as I started reading, I knew that I was onto something special and that I would soon become addicted to reading it. The story seemed to develop a hold over me and it was a hold that I wasn’t willing to break. I had picked the book up only intending to read a chapter or two but I became so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the characters that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. The first time I checked my reading progress, I was staggered to realise that I had read the over a third of the story in one go. My Kindle was well travelled that day as it travelled everywhere with me because I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘Jeannie’s War’ and I had to say farewell to Jeannie an the rest of the characters. ‘Jeannie’s War’ is superbly written. Carol certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story and then some. ‘Jeannie’s War’ is the first book in ‘The Kiltie Street Girls’ series and what a superb start to a new series. I loved the fact that the story was set in Glasgow at the beginning of the Second World War. We had a family friend from Glasgow who was about the same age as Jeannie in the story and so this story made me think of her . Every time I came across a bit of Scottish dialect that I would ‘hear’ the voice of our friend. Carol clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She literally makes them seem just as real as you and I. Reading this book did take me on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster ride with all the ups and downs, twists and turns. I love the way in which Carol makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Jeannie’s War’ and I wholeheartedly recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Carol’s work in the future. ‘Jeannie’s War’ has to be one of my top reads of 2022 so far. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
Jeannie's War opens as the declaration of the Second World War is being announced on the radio. Gathered round the wireless are Jeannie, her mother and sister. For Jeannie, her family and all on Kiltie Street this is something that stuns and frightens them in equal measure, convinced that the First World War was the war to end all wars. Jeannie fears for her family, particularly her brother Jimmy who is a soldier. Spurred on by such an emotive announcement about war, Arthur Dunn, a young man Jeannie barely knows and has only stepped out with a few times, proposes and suddenly amongst all the fervour of the day, Jeannie suddenly finds herself engaged. Her life is about to change in so many ways and the trials and tribulations that are to come will test her and everyone she cares about.
I thoroughly enjoyed Jeannie's War and it was a great first book in the series. Jeannie is a lovely young woman who has tried to live her life in the shadows to avoid ridicule due to a facial birthmark. She has so much to offer and I felt for her as she tried to fit in with Author and his expectations of her. And his horrendously cruel comment to her about her looks made my blood boil! I was hurt on her behalf! Despite their differences in social standing, with Arthur being better off and having a respectable job and big house, Jeannie is far too good for him as he uses her insecurities around her looks to control her. He is also an absolute bore compared to Jeannie and her outlook on life and kind heart. But Jeannie's heart may indeed find love yet in the form of a Canadian soldier! I love a bit of romance, especially against all the odds when it seems that the world is determined to create one battle after another and not just on the battlefields of France.
There are many interesting and multi-layered characters in the book and they all added a little something to the storyline. I loved how Jeannie herself evolved throughout the story and she was a very likeable character. Each character affected by the war in their own way and each trying to do their best for their families and friends. There was a wonderful feeling of community within Kiltie Street that I absolutely loved and the author has managed to capture the camaraderie and indeed the hardships also of war time Scotland. It's a story about family, loss, loyalty and love in the face of adversity. Its about being brave enough to follow your heart no matter how difficult. Clearly a well researched book and a recommended read. Really looking forward to the rest of the series.
Set in Glasgow at the beginning of WW2, I found I couldn't put it down. It is a quick read, but one that is beautifully written. Here we find Jeannie and her family as they face the hardships of war. What everyone thought was going to be a short war dragged on for years. When the prime minister announces war, Jeannie's sister teases that Arthur, the guy Jeannie has been on two dates with, will certainly propse before heading off to join the war. Aruthr does that, but not so much proposes as tells Jeannie they are getting married. Shy Jeannie agrees as long as they have a long engagement so they can properly get to know one another.
While she is uncertain of Arthur, she adores his mother, Helen. Once engaged, it doesn't take Arthur long to show his true colors. While Helen makes the excuse, he takes after his late father. Arthur is very old-fashioned in that he feels women are beneath men. He doesn't like that Jeannie wants to work at the new munitions factory. Of course, that is just the tip of the iceberg. He's unemotional, not affectionate, doesn't like dancing, the cinema, or a whole list of things. He treats his mother like she is an invalid when she is far from it.
While Jeannie should have called off the engagement, she doesn't want to shame her family or not honor the promise she made. So she sticks it out. One night at a dance, she meets Bill, who is from Canada and is everything that Arthur is not. As Jeannie's feelings for Bill grow, she finds that the shy and reserved girl she once was has been replaced by someone much stronger.
This was so beautifully written, and I must say I enjoyed all of the characters. Even Arthur, who I hated for how he was, is written in a way that you can't imagine any other way. He is very much a product of his times. Women were still trying to find their own independence in much of their lives while also trying to be wives and mothers. The war brought new dimensions to their lives, and they were the backbone of the effort.
A rich, vivid and heartfelt wartime saga, Carol Maclean’s Jeannie’s War is an emotional and engrossing tale that will appeal to fans of Nancy Revell and Rosie Clarke.
In Glasgow, 1939, handsome soldier Arthur Dunn has just proposed to shy and reserved Jeannie Dougal. However, their engagement is overshadowed by the announcement that the country is at war. While Jeannie is worried that she will not fit in in Arthur’s middle class world, she quickly realises that there are far more important things to be concerned about. With the war changing everybody’s lives overnight, Jeannie and Arthur decide to put their wedding on hold. As the men go and do their duty for king and country, Jeannie decides to do her bit and sets off to work at a munitions factory.
Jeannie soon makes friends with Eileen, Janet and Annie, who also work at the factory, and as the bond between the four girls increases with each passing day, they vow to always be there for one another and to offer help and support whenever it is needed. Jeannie enjoys hearing her friends’ stories about their love lives – even if it does make her wonder whether she is doing the right thing in marrying Arthur. Is he truly the one for her? Or should she heed the voice telling her she might be looking for love in all the wrong places?
When she crosses paths with Canadian soldier Bill, Jeannie immediately finds herself drawn to him. As falls head over heels in love with him, she is torn between the man who has come to mean the world to her and the fiancé she feels duty-bound to marry. Will Jeannie make the right choice? Or will she end up making a decision that will cost her dear?
Carol Maclean’s Jeannie’s War is an enjoyable wartime saga that draws readers in from page one and keeps them hooked until the very end. Full of vividly drawn characters that leap off the pages, Jeannie’s War is a tale about friendship, the ties that bind and love sprinkled with pathos, warmth and atmosphere that will have readers awaiting the next installment in what promises to be a very entertaining wartime series by up and coming author Carol Maclean.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Jeannie's War focusses on Jeannie Dougal, a young shy woman living in Glasgow as war is declared in 1939. If you've followed my blog for a while you will know that this novel is right up my street - historical fiction that follows women in war is always a winner for me!
Against the advice of her handsome soldier fiancee Arthur, Jeannie goes to work at the munitions factory where she makes new friends in Eileen, Janet and Annie. The four women couldn't be more different yet they find themselves forging a strong friendship as the war starts to pick up and Glasgow really starts to feel its effects.
This novel follows Jeannie as she navigates her relationship with Arthur who has a very set idea of what their marriage will be like. Watching Jeannie's character develop from one of a meek, almost trodden down women into a more independent, strong woman who battles for what she wants from life as the bombs start to fall around her is rather inspiring. As the days where a woman was expected to be a good wife, keeping their husband happy become numbered, Jeannie and her friends find themselves with a newfound freedom and many more options available to them.
It was interesting to read a WWII novel set outside of London, as it really highlighted the important war work that took place all over Great Britain as the Allies fought for control. So many of these novels are set in London which I love, but it was nice to branch out geographically. The descriptions of Glasgow are vivid, and Carol MacLean really does set the scene beautifully. This novel is filled with love and friendship, but also heartache as the war is truly brought to life.
I loved this novel, and am more than happy to recommend it to you all. Jeannie's War is book 1 in The Kiltie Street Girls series, so I can't wait for the next one to learn a little more about this Glaswegian community during such a difficult time.
Thank you to Carol MacLean and Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to be a part of this blog tour, and for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Jeannie’s War by Carol MacLean is a great WWII-era historical fiction saga that takes place in Scotland, and I truly enjoyed this one.
I really like the aspect that the location of the novel focusses on the people of Glasgow. So many books rightfully cover the lives and happenings of those in England, but not so many shine a light on those in Scotland.
Through the lives of Jeannie and the full character cast, we get a glimpse of the ordinary and extraordinary events of the “every day” person in Scotland during the War, and not just those serving. We can see how life was pre-war and during the war and how it affected those living there. We can see the beginnings of a societal changing…balancing on how life was before these monumental and sometimes horrific changes and losses.
I love how through this story of love, loss, uncertainty, and finding one’s place in life we also get a glimpse of history as well.
The story is beautifully written, and I really felt like I identified and sympathized with the trials and tribulations big and small that took place. I enjoyed the pacing, plot, and I also enjoyed the positive ending that Jeannie was able to experience.
I recommend this one to anyone that enjoys a great historical fiction saga.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Hera Books 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 on 3/24/22.
Jeannie’s War by Carol MacLean is a great WWII-era story. It is book one in the Kiltie girl series. It takes place in Glascow Scotland. I enjoyed reading this point of view. This book starts off in 1939 where there are rumors that war will be happening. Jeannie Dougal is a shy girl. She catches the eye of solider, Arthur Dunn. Arthur comes from a middle class background, while Jeannie and her family come from the tenements. When the war starts - everyone's lives change. Boys and Men go off to war - women take their place in the munitions factory. It is here that Jeannie meets Eileen, Janet and Annie. They work along side each other. The author did a great job with showing the hardships of a world at war. I felt that I learned so much from this author and her story.
Jeannie, meets a Canadian soldier. She feels different with Bill. She wonders if she is meant to be with Arthur. Bill treats her so differently. Jeannie is caught with honoring her engagnemt to Arhtur, or breaking it off and shaming her family.
This book is well written, I have not read a WWII story that shows the POV of Scotland. I always enjoy books where I can learn about different aspects of history. This is the first book that I have read by this author - and it will not be the last. I hope to see more in the Kiltie Girls series.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Rachel's Random Resources for allowing me to read a copy of this book.
I had two favorite storylines in this novel. The first involved the children sent from the city to live with an elderly woman on a farm. The Russian aggression in Ukraine has provided modern parallels to remind us of the painful parenting choices involved in war. In the novel, Mammy sends her youngest on a train where they have life-altering experiences while parted from the family culture. Nothing will be the same after she puts them on that train. My heart broke for all the ways that war disrupted this loving family.
The second storyline was Jeannie. It’s obvious from the first introduction that Arthur is not a good choice, but she has so few options. The cruelty of a world that demands everything from women while offering little in return hurt more than usual as I agonized with Jeannie over her future.
The writing of this story is simple. The author confesses it’s her first major work. I hope she keeps learning her craft. She’s a good storyteller with a gift for character, even if some of the other elements of literary persuasion are underutilized.
What a wonderful book Jeannie’s War is. Beautifully immersive and just takes you on a journey into Jeannie’s life. She is a kind and gentle soul. Her story is very touching and I was totally drawn into her life. She is seemingly very happy with her beau, Arthur, who, by the way is not a nice man, Jeannie then meets the rather dashing Bill and sparks fly. Is this what love is meant to feel like?
There are heart breaks along the way that will certainly make you reach for your tissues. I really enjoyed the Glasgow setting during WW2, it made a great change from London. The descriptions of Glasgow are vivid and really bring the whole place to life.
The synopsis tells you enough to draw you right in to this truly awesome war time story. Strong and exquisitely created characters who just shine out from the pages. I loved Jeannie as the main character, she carries the story brilliantly. An all round tip top read.
4.5 I flew through this book, couldn't put it down. It was an absolute pleasure to read. Jeannie is such a sweet character and I loved seeing her blossom from this quiet, self conscious character into this strong young woman who's a lot more sure of herself and isn't afraid to stand up for herself. I'm excited to find out that there will be a followup to this book and I'll look forward to seeing where it'll take Eileen and Annie.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hera Books for the opportunity to read this Advance Reader's Copy.
Loved this book a typical ww2 saga. This was a great read and had a few good twist and turns in the story. It concentrated mostly on Jeannie and her family and friends with the going’s on in ww2 Glasgow. Loved the characters and the storyline. Will be looking out for more of this author as this is my first read of any of her work. Highly recommended
I enjoyed the story in the end. It did take me a while to take to the characters. Possibly there are too many story lines beginning at once. I also felt that two were left hanging at the end. Nevertheless for the most part I was engaged in this book and liked the main character – Jeannie in the title. The other characters also seemed authentic.
I loved this story of a family at war in Glasgow during the 1940s. It is an accurate depiction of how war effected family life. Jeannie is a lovely warm character who eventually finds true love and the tales of her family are both funny and poignant.
What a treat to have a lovely long read with great characters and good writing that makes the setting come alive. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Jeannie and her family and friends and look forward to hearing more from the Kiltie Street Girls.
Brilliant book couldn't put it down loved th characters especially Bill but didn't like Arthur one little bit I felt myself being part of the characters I wish there was a follow on from this as to what becomes of Jennie and Bill after the war.
Loved this book, couldn't put it down, read it in one sitting. My type of book, I love stories set around WWII with its reminders of how difficult life was but how they faced those difficulties and made fun where they could.