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The London Girls
From the bestselling author of The Last Correspondent comes a remarkable story of three young women who defy the bombs to do their bit for Britain. Will they survive the dark streets of London to see the Allies win the war?
London, 1941. The Blitz. When a Royal Navy memo arrives at head office, requesting female recruits to sign up as motorcycle dispatch riders, delivering highly classified orders across the country, three women jump at the chance to sign up for the most dangerous jobs in London.
Olivia grew up riding motorcycles with her brothers, and with them fighting abroad she feels it is her duty to join up. The thrill of adventure draws Ava, but with more enthusiasm than skill, will she learn to navigate the treacherous London streets safely? Having lost her family during one of the first air attacks, Florence knows how important it is to have help arrive on the scene—fast—and so she steps up, out-manoeuvring the men behind the wheel of an ambulance. When Olivia, Ava and Florence meet for the first time they know they have found something all of them need—family.
As bombs fall, decimating the city they love, these three brave women build a sisterhood amid the rumble, facing down anyone—even their own families—who objects to their service. And while romances bloom and fade, their connection grows ever stronger. But none of them dare consider the terrifying reality that one night Florence’s ambulance may be rescuing someone she loves…
London, 1941. The Blitz. When a Royal Navy memo arrives at head office, requesting female recruits to sign up as motorcycle dispatch riders, delivering highly classified orders across the country, three women jump at the chance to sign up for the most dangerous jobs in London.
Olivia grew up riding motorcycles with her brothers, and with them fighting abroad she feels it is her duty to join up. The thrill of adventure draws Ava, but with more enthusiasm than skill, will she learn to navigate the treacherous London streets safely? Having lost her family during one of the first air attacks, Florence knows how important it is to have help arrive on the scene—fast—and so she steps up, out-manoeuvring the men behind the wheel of an ambulance. When Olivia, Ava and Florence meet for the first time they know they have found something all of them need—family.
As bombs fall, decimating the city they love, these three brave women build a sisterhood amid the rumble, facing down anyone—even their own families—who objects to their service. And while romances bloom and fade, their connection grows ever stronger. But none of them dare consider the terrifying reality that one night Florence’s ambulance may be rescuing someone she loves…
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2022
1857 people are currently reading
9962 people want to read
About the author
Soraya M. Lane
124 books2,064 followersSoraya M. Lane is the Amazon Charts & Kindle #1 bestselling author of THE SECRET MIDWIFE and THE ITALIAN DAUGHTER.
Soraya is thrilled to be publishing four new novels in 2025. Soraya has two new historical WWII novels, THE PIANIST'S WIFE and THE SECRET LIBRARIAN, and they're both available now. Soraya has also published two more books in her Lost Daughters series. Book #6, THE SPANISH DAUGHTER, was published in March and book #7, THE HIDDEN DAUGHTER, was published in October.
As a child, Soraya dreamed of becoming an author. Fast forward more than a few years, and Soraya is now living her dream! Soraya describes being an author as "the best career in the world", and she hopes to be writing romance and women's fiction for many years to come.
Soraya loves spending her days thinking up characters for books, and her home is a constant source of inspiration. She lives with her own real life hero and two sons on a small farm in New Zealand, surrounded by animals and with an office overlooking a field where their horses graze.
Add Soraya's latest novel, THE HIDDEN DAUGHTER, to your Goodreads shelf today!
For more information about Soraya, her books and her writing life, visit sorayalane.com or www.facebook.com/SorayaLaneAuthor, or follow her on Instagram @SorayaLaneAuthor. She would love to hear from you.
Soraya is thrilled to be publishing four new novels in 2025. Soraya has two new historical WWII novels, THE PIANIST'S WIFE and THE SECRET LIBRARIAN, and they're both available now. Soraya has also published two more books in her Lost Daughters series. Book #6, THE SPANISH DAUGHTER, was published in March and book #7, THE HIDDEN DAUGHTER, was published in October.
As a child, Soraya dreamed of becoming an author. Fast forward more than a few years, and Soraya is now living her dream! Soraya describes being an author as "the best career in the world", and she hopes to be writing romance and women's fiction for many years to come.
Soraya loves spending her days thinking up characters for books, and her home is a constant source of inspiration. She lives with her own real life hero and two sons on a small farm in New Zealand, surrounded by animals and with an office overlooking a field where their horses graze.
Add Soraya's latest novel, THE HIDDEN DAUGHTER, to your Goodreads shelf today!
For more information about Soraya, her books and her writing life, visit sorayalane.com or www.facebook.com/SorayaLaneAuthor, or follow her on Instagram @SorayaLaneAuthor. She would love to hear from you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews
June 25, 2025
My second Soraya M. Lane book and I highly enjoyed it! I just love her style of writing. Very engaging and free flowing.
It's a story about WW II and the time of the Blitz in London. It focuses on three ladies. Ava, Florence, and Olivia. The women are part of the WREN (Women's Royal Naval Service) who were established in 1940. As many more men were needed to fight the enemy front lines the Navy made a call out for current WRENS to apply to become, "Motorcycle dispatch riders." These riders were very important as they would be delivering top secret messages all across the country and into Scotland when needed...day or night. The story focuses on Ava and Olivia who become one of these riders and Florence who becomes an Ambulance driver.
Each of the three stories are very engaging. I felt many different emotions while reading this book and I loved how the focus was on the women and their courageous efforts. It was nice to read in the Author's notes at the end that parts of the story were based on factual people and events.
I'd like to Kindly thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK, and Lake Union Publishing for granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.
It's a story about WW II and the time of the Blitz in London. It focuses on three ladies. Ava, Florence, and Olivia. The women are part of the WREN (Women's Royal Naval Service) who were established in 1940. As many more men were needed to fight the enemy front lines the Navy made a call out for current WRENS to apply to become, "Motorcycle dispatch riders." These riders were very important as they would be delivering top secret messages all across the country and into Scotland when needed...day or night. The story focuses on Ava and Olivia who become one of these riders and Florence who becomes an Ambulance driver.
Each of the three stories are very engaging. I felt many different emotions while reading this book and I loved how the focus was on the women and their courageous efforts. It was nice to read in the Author's notes at the end that parts of the story were based on factual people and events.
I'd like to Kindly thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK, and Lake Union Publishing for granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.
arc
April 11, 2024I will read anything related to WWII, London, or the Blitz, so sign me right up for The London Girls. This is the first book I've encountered about the female motorcycle dispatch riders and ambulance drivers of wartime England, so kudos to the author for finding a unique niche in a topic (WWII) that has been explored to death in historical fiction.
Multiple protagonists can be tricky - they are often reduced to a trope (the funny one, the smart one, etc.) and remain one-dimensional throughout. That's not the case here - each of our three heroines is a full-fleshed human being we come to know and care about. I like brevity - I don't want to feel that a 300-page book could have been condensed into 200 pages without losing something essential - and I didn't feel that way here. The pacing is right, the imagery and detail are vivid, and the book is well-researched. Keep in mind that this is historical fiction and not history (i.e. based on a true story, and not the true story). For example, some historical details (dates of speeches) were wrong, but the author explains (in a wonderful endnote that provides fantastic historical context) that these details have been changed to fit the book's timeline.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK/Lake Union Publishing for this ARC.
Multiple protagonists can be tricky - they are often reduced to a trope (the funny one, the smart one, etc.) and remain one-dimensional throughout. That's not the case here - each of our three heroines is a full-fleshed human being we come to know and care about. I like brevity - I don't want to feel that a 300-page book could have been condensed into 200 pages without losing something essential - and I didn't feel that way here. The pacing is right, the imagery and detail are vivid, and the book is well-researched. Keep in mind that this is historical fiction and not history (i.e. based on a true story, and not the true story). For example, some historical details (dates of speeches) were wrong, but the author explains (in a wonderful endnote that provides fantastic historical context) that these details have been changed to fit the book's timeline.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK/Lake Union Publishing for this ARC.
October 25, 2022
Soraya M. Lane has become one of my all time favorite authors. Over the years, I have read many of her books and have never been disappointed. When I saw that she had written a new book, The London Girls, I was so excited to read it! All of Soraya M. Lane’s books, so far, have brilliantly linked an aspect of World War II with strong female protagonists. I really enjoy her books because I always learn something new about this period in history and it almost always revolves around something accomplished by women. The London Girls was no exception. It was well paced and the character development was brilliant. I felt like I had a real connection with each and every one of the characters by the time I finished reading The London Girls. The images that Soraya M. Lane created and portrayed throughout this book were so very painstakingly vivid and real especially those that centered around the devastation of The Blitz. The London Girls took place in London in 1941 during The Blitz.
In The London Girls, Soraya M. Lane, portrayed the brave and heroic efforts of female motorcycle dispatch riders that were recruited during World War II. These female motorcycle dispatch riders were essential to the war effort in delivering time sensitive classified memos throughout England. When the men who had been performing this very crucial job we’re needed at the front, the Navy decided to recruit and train women Wrens to replace the men. Some women were also recruited as ambulance drivers.
When the order came down from the Navy for Wrens to apply for the positions of motorcycle dispatch riders, three very different women applied. Ava, Olivia and Florence were excited about the prospect of being selected for one of the positions. Unfortunately, Florence did not have what it took but since she was so skilled at driving she was recommended to become an ambulance driver. Ava and Olivia were both granted spots. Olivia had been the only one of the three that had actually ever ridden a motorcycle before. She grew up as the only sister of three older brothers. Her older brother Petey had taught her. The three women started off as strangers to each other but quickly forged beautiful friendships with each other. They each put their lives in danger every time they rode their motorcycles through the darkened streets of London to deliver a top secret memo that could possibly help sway the war in favor of an allied victory. There was always the fear of German planes dropping bombs in their path or not seeing an obstacle in the road and crashing the motorcycle or the unthinkable. Ava and Olivia pledged from the start that no matter what happened they would deliver the memos even if it meant running to their destinations.
Then there was Florence who insisted on taking her ambulance out as soon as the sirens began to sound. The sirens warned those that heard them to take cover and get to the nearest shelter immediately. Florence felt that if she waited for the all clear siren to sound it would be too late to help those that were trapped, stuck or severely injured. Her ambulance was often right behind the fire trucks. She put herself in harms way every shift she worked. The bombs that fell over London produced so much rubble from the houses that collapsed and fires became abundant all over London. The ambulance drivers bravely entered houses that could collapse at any moment in the hope of saving even one life.
Each one of these brave and courageous women, Ava, Olivia and Florence, experienced their share of personal tragedies, trauma and challenges. Some of the things these women saw and experienced stayed with them and haunted them. They each wanted to do their part, though, in serving their country. They knew the risks they were taking but did their jobs professionally and proficiently. Through Ava, Olivia and Florence the true meaning of friendship, courage and love were exemplified and realized. They displayed compassion, grit, determination, strength and courage.
I really enjoyed reading The London Girls by Soraya M. Lane. I still find myself thinking about the characters. They really left a lasting impression on me. I had not been aware that there were female motorcycle dispatch riders during this war. So often, these women’s contributions are swept under the rug and not acknowledged. I so appreciate that Soraya M. Lane discovered what these women accomplished during World War II, researched it and made me aware of how these women did what they did selflessly and bravely. In her author’s notes, she mentioned some of the actual people she based her book on and some of the actual places and occurrences that really happened. She also clarified her leniency with some of the dates she used in the books so that they would fit in the context and timeline of the book. Soraya M. Lane is a masterful storyteller. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishers for allowing me to read this ARC of The London Girls by Soraya M. Lane through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Publication is set for November 8, 2022.
In The London Girls, Soraya M. Lane, portrayed the brave and heroic efforts of female motorcycle dispatch riders that were recruited during World War II. These female motorcycle dispatch riders were essential to the war effort in delivering time sensitive classified memos throughout England. When the men who had been performing this very crucial job we’re needed at the front, the Navy decided to recruit and train women Wrens to replace the men. Some women were also recruited as ambulance drivers.
When the order came down from the Navy for Wrens to apply for the positions of motorcycle dispatch riders, three very different women applied. Ava, Olivia and Florence were excited about the prospect of being selected for one of the positions. Unfortunately, Florence did not have what it took but since she was so skilled at driving she was recommended to become an ambulance driver. Ava and Olivia were both granted spots. Olivia had been the only one of the three that had actually ever ridden a motorcycle before. She grew up as the only sister of three older brothers. Her older brother Petey had taught her. The three women started off as strangers to each other but quickly forged beautiful friendships with each other. They each put their lives in danger every time they rode their motorcycles through the darkened streets of London to deliver a top secret memo that could possibly help sway the war in favor of an allied victory. There was always the fear of German planes dropping bombs in their path or not seeing an obstacle in the road and crashing the motorcycle or the unthinkable. Ava and Olivia pledged from the start that no matter what happened they would deliver the memos even if it meant running to their destinations.
Then there was Florence who insisted on taking her ambulance out as soon as the sirens began to sound. The sirens warned those that heard them to take cover and get to the nearest shelter immediately. Florence felt that if she waited for the all clear siren to sound it would be too late to help those that were trapped, stuck or severely injured. Her ambulance was often right behind the fire trucks. She put herself in harms way every shift she worked. The bombs that fell over London produced so much rubble from the houses that collapsed and fires became abundant all over London. The ambulance drivers bravely entered houses that could collapse at any moment in the hope of saving even one life.
Each one of these brave and courageous women, Ava, Olivia and Florence, experienced their share of personal tragedies, trauma and challenges. Some of the things these women saw and experienced stayed with them and haunted them. They each wanted to do their part, though, in serving their country. They knew the risks they were taking but did their jobs professionally and proficiently. Through Ava, Olivia and Florence the true meaning of friendship, courage and love were exemplified and realized. They displayed compassion, grit, determination, strength and courage.
I really enjoyed reading The London Girls by Soraya M. Lane. I still find myself thinking about the characters. They really left a lasting impression on me. I had not been aware that there were female motorcycle dispatch riders during this war. So often, these women’s contributions are swept under the rug and not acknowledged. I so appreciate that Soraya M. Lane discovered what these women accomplished during World War II, researched it and made me aware of how these women did what they did selflessly and bravely. In her author’s notes, she mentioned some of the actual people she based her book on and some of the actual places and occurrences that really happened. She also clarified her leniency with some of the dates she used in the books so that they would fit in the context and timeline of the book. Soraya M. Lane is a masterful storyteller. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishers for allowing me to read this ARC of The London Girls by Soraya M. Lane through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Publication is set for November 8, 2022.
November 11, 2022
Another beautifully told story about women in World War 2, as Soraya M Lane does so well showing the strength and courage that they had, this one follows three woman who sign up for the navy to become motorcycle dispatch riders, they become true friends as they journey through the blitz bombings in 1941, come along and meet Ava, Olivia and Florence and do make sure you have tissues ready.
Ava is loving her job as a WREN, her life at home with her father is not the best and this job gives her some freedom, but when she sees the advertisement about the motorcycle riders she sees this as more adventure and freedom for her, and once Ava sets her mind to something nothing stands in her way.
Olivia also a WREN has driven motorcycles since she was a young girl and can’t wait to get back on one, and do more for the war effort transporting important documents around England in very dangerous times, she is engaged to Leo who is away fighting with her brothers.
Florence knows what it is like to lose loved ones having lost her family in one of the first bombings she wants to do more and help, she had been training as a nurse before the war and is now living with her beloved grandmother.
When these three girls meet the friendship is instant even though they are all different people from different lives but friends are friends and we see them grow up change through such dangerous times, becoming closer as the bombs tear London apart and riding motorcycles through bombings is not easy, Florence is now driving ambulances and rescuing as many people as she can.
These girls call themselves The London Girls and stand firm friends, as they find love and themselves, their hearts will be broken as well in these very hard times, I loved all three of these girls especially Ava to see her change so much through her journey, this is a fabulous story that I would highly recommend, beautiful and emotional.
My thanks to Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
Ava is loving her job as a WREN, her life at home with her father is not the best and this job gives her some freedom, but when she sees the advertisement about the motorcycle riders she sees this as more adventure and freedom for her, and once Ava sets her mind to something nothing stands in her way.
Olivia also a WREN has driven motorcycles since she was a young girl and can’t wait to get back on one, and do more for the war effort transporting important documents around England in very dangerous times, she is engaged to Leo who is away fighting with her brothers.
Florence knows what it is like to lose loved ones having lost her family in one of the first bombings she wants to do more and help, she had been training as a nurse before the war and is now living with her beloved grandmother.
When these three girls meet the friendship is instant even though they are all different people from different lives but friends are friends and we see them grow up change through such dangerous times, becoming closer as the bombs tear London apart and riding motorcycles through bombings is not easy, Florence is now driving ambulances and rescuing as many people as she can.
These girls call themselves The London Girls and stand firm friends, as they find love and themselves, their hearts will be broken as well in these very hard times, I loved all three of these girls especially Ava to see her change so much through her journey, this is a fabulous story that I would highly recommend, beautiful and emotional.
My thanks to Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
March 7, 2023
I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. The friendships that were formed were beautiful.
Page 251
“Her life had changed in ways she never could have imagined, but being with her friends, doing work that truly meant something to her, it was all making her realize that she did have a future: just not the one she’d expected.”
Page 252
“[name] blinked away tears, but they didn’t steal her smile.”
Page 292
“War is brutal. It takes everything from us, and it makes us do things and see things we should never have to be witness to.”
Page 251
“Her life had changed in ways she never could have imagined, but being with her friends, doing work that truly meant something to her, it was all making her realize that she did have a future: just not the one she’d expected.”
Page 252
“[name] blinked away tears, but they didn’t steal her smile.”
Page 292
“War is brutal. It takes everything from us, and it makes us do things and see things we should never have to be witness to.”
Want to read
September 15, 2022I'm so excited to share my next historical WWII novel with you all.
From the moment I read about women riding motorcycles in London during the war, delivering classified memos all over England, I knew I had to write a story about them! I was also fascinated by the female ambulance drivers who risked so much to drive their ambulances as bombs fell on London, and in the direct aftermath of destruction.
If you've loved my other historical novels, I just know you will enjoy The London Girls.
Soraya x
From the moment I read about women riding motorcycles in London during the war, delivering classified memos all over England, I knew I had to write a story about them! I was also fascinated by the female ambulance drivers who risked so much to drive their ambulances as bombs fell on London, and in the direct aftermath of destruction.
If you've loved my other historical novels, I just know you will enjoy The London Girls.
Soraya x
October 5, 2022
“You deliver those documents, even if it kills you.”
I love Soraya Lane’s books featuring unsung heroes of war! With as much wartime historical fiction as I read, I’m always surprised to find unique stories and, somehow, Lane always delivers.
Olivia, Ava and Florence will keep you spellbound as you learn about The Flying Wrens - motorcycle dispatch riders and ambulance drivers in WWII. These daredevils risked it all to deliver messages via motorbike in one of the most dangerous cities in Britain. They sped through the dark and through bomb raids to get highly time-sensitive information or severely wounded people into the right hands. Their contributions were vital yet overlooked.
“If ever there was a night she was in danger of losing her life, it was tonight.”
Imagine your nose filled with smoke, thick in the air, darkness enveloping you, and the reverberating sounds of bombs exploding, ringing in your ears as you head out - wondering if this would be your last dispatch. Oh, the courage needed!
Lane will bring this period to life with her attention to detail, and her writing style and perfectly paced plot will keep you engaged. I will remember this book due to the connection to the characters, the amazing imagery and detail, and the messages about friendship and courage.
I’m always intrigued about how a seed idea for a novel blossoms into such a wonderful book at the hands of a capable author. Lane satisfied that curiosity and left me wanting more; more knowledge about The Flying Wrens and more of her compelling stories!
If you are looking for a great book about extraordinary women during WW2, featuring a unique plot and told from the female perspective, you need to read this one.
I love Soraya Lane’s books featuring unsung heroes of war! With as much wartime historical fiction as I read, I’m always surprised to find unique stories and, somehow, Lane always delivers.
Olivia, Ava and Florence will keep you spellbound as you learn about The Flying Wrens - motorcycle dispatch riders and ambulance drivers in WWII. These daredevils risked it all to deliver messages via motorbike in one of the most dangerous cities in Britain. They sped through the dark and through bomb raids to get highly time-sensitive information or severely wounded people into the right hands. Their contributions were vital yet overlooked.
“If ever there was a night she was in danger of losing her life, it was tonight.”
Imagine your nose filled with smoke, thick in the air, darkness enveloping you, and the reverberating sounds of bombs exploding, ringing in your ears as you head out - wondering if this would be your last dispatch. Oh, the courage needed!
Lane will bring this period to life with her attention to detail, and her writing style and perfectly paced plot will keep you engaged. I will remember this book due to the connection to the characters, the amazing imagery and detail, and the messages about friendship and courage.
I’m always intrigued about how a seed idea for a novel blossoms into such a wonderful book at the hands of a capable author. Lane satisfied that curiosity and left me wanting more; more knowledge about The Flying Wrens and more of her compelling stories!
If you are looking for a great book about extraordinary women during WW2, featuring a unique plot and told from the female perspective, you need to read this one.
October 31, 2022
I adore the author's books, and knew I HAD to read THE LONDON GIRLS, especially as it's set during the WWII blitz, a time that continually draws me.
One of Soraya's hallmarks as a writer is to humanize horrific times in history, and she does that beautifully here through three female characters, Olivia, Ava, and Florence, who become motorcycle dispatch riders delivering top-secret orders. They risk their lives traversing London's dangerous streets as Nazi bombs drop. What a story, one I dare you to put down once you read the first page. It's thrilling, heartbreaking, must-read historical fiction!
One of Soraya's hallmarks as a writer is to humanize horrific times in history, and she does that beautifully here through three female characters, Olivia, Ava, and Florence, who become motorcycle dispatch riders delivering top-secret orders. They risk their lives traversing London's dangerous streets as Nazi bombs drop. What a story, one I dare you to put down once you read the first page. It's thrilling, heartbreaking, must-read historical fiction!
October 19, 2022
In this book we mainly follow 3 courageous women during ww2, 2 as motorcycledispatchers and one as a ambulance driver.
For me this book was abour surviving, tragisk loss, family, the strong bond between women and some rays of sunshine.
What is it about me and reading books about strong women? I Just devoured the book. It makes me feel good inside , people standing up for themselves and eachother. I highly recomnend this book.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
For me this book was abour surviving, tragisk loss, family, the strong bond between women and some rays of sunshine.
What is it about me and reading books about strong women? I Just devoured the book. It makes me feel good inside , people standing up for themselves and eachother. I highly recomnend this book.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
March 12, 2025
The London Girls by Soraya M. Lane was a gripping story of courage, sisterhood, and great difficulties, a world set against the backdrop of the Blitz.
Olivia, Ava, and Florence experience danger daily as motorcycle dispatch riders, and deliver vital orders in bombed out London.
Heart-pounding danger throughout, strong friendships, and touching scenes, I cried a few times reading this, unexpected scenes which broke my heart.
This novel is a must-read for historical fiction lovers.
Olivia, Ava, and Florence experience danger daily as motorcycle dispatch riders, and deliver vital orders in bombed out London.
Heart-pounding danger throughout, strong friendships, and touching scenes, I cried a few times reading this, unexpected scenes which broke my heart.
This novel is a must-read for historical fiction lovers.
November 8, 2022
What I admire the most about Soraya Lane’s historical fiction novels is that she gives a voice to the brave women who served their countries during WWII, and she sheds light on the unique roles these women played. The London Girls tells us the stories of three of these courageous women. Olivia and Ava were dispatch riders who drove motorcycles to deliver important, top secret messages to the British military. Florence was an ambulance driver during the Blitz, rescuing survivors from the rubble and fires around London. All three women had extremely dangerous jobs, exposing themselves to truly scary situations through the bombings inflicted on London. I was instantly drawn to these women, who had also suffered through personal tragedies and challenges, but their spirit and their friendship kept them going through it all. I was in awe of these women and all they endured, and I shed tears for their pain and for the horrors and waste of war.
May 4, 2025
I adored this book so much that if I could give it 6 stars I would. The tale, full of twists and turns, centres on a group of women doing the dangerous work of motorcycle dispatch riders during the WW2 London Blitz. The women, very supportive of each other, are all lovable characters, albeit surrounded by a few not-so-lovable characters. It is a rollercoaster of emotions: fear, love, loss, betrayal, grief and rejection. I was so immersed in this book with its clever descriptive prose that I didn't want it to end. It is highly recommended.
November 8, 2022
Firstly I want to say a big thank you for the opportunity to read "The London Girls" by Soraya M.Lane before the release date.
This is a story of three brave women who decide to take on a challenge which could cost their lives. Three friends sign up to be dispatch riders from WRNS, one ending up as an ambulance driver and two riding on a motorcycle.
The story of grit, courage, love and determination. I thoroughly enjoyed these beautifully written pages and found myself seeing the most thrilling movie unfolding in my mind which kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time! I have no doubt that this story will be on the big screen one day.
This story is based on many true historical events which took place during the WWII and it will leave you speechless and possibly tearful.
Thank you!
This is a story of three brave women who decide to take on a challenge which could cost their lives. Three friends sign up to be dispatch riders from WRNS, one ending up as an ambulance driver and two riding on a motorcycle.
The story of grit, courage, love and determination. I thoroughly enjoyed these beautifully written pages and found myself seeing the most thrilling movie unfolding in my mind which kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time! I have no doubt that this story will be on the big screen one day.
This story is based on many true historical events which took place during the WWII and it will leave you speechless and possibly tearful.
Thank you!
November 8, 2022
The London Girls
By: Soroya Lane
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A beautiful story about friendship, love and loss.
🏍
We meet Florence, Olivia and Ava when they try out to be motorcycle dispatch riders during the war.
🏍
Olivia grew up riding motorcycles with her brothers and fells she is perfect for the job. Ava is vivacious and a charmer and she is drawn into the excitement of the job. Florence has lost her family and vows to help in the war effort. Florence ends up driving ambulances and works with a man who has also had a tremendous loss.
🏍
Lane always draws me in with her characters. I adored this novel and the women and their stories.
#thelondongirls, #soroyalane, #lakeunionpublishing, #happypubday, #netgalley, #bookreview, #booksconnectus, #stamperlady50
Thank you @netgalley @sproyamlane and @lakeunionpublishing for this advanced copy.
By: Soroya Lane
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A beautiful story about friendship, love and loss.
🏍
We meet Florence, Olivia and Ava when they try out to be motorcycle dispatch riders during the war.
🏍
Olivia grew up riding motorcycles with her brothers and fells she is perfect for the job. Ava is vivacious and a charmer and she is drawn into the excitement of the job. Florence has lost her family and vows to help in the war effort. Florence ends up driving ambulances and works with a man who has also had a tremendous loss.
🏍
Lane always draws me in with her characters. I adored this novel and the women and their stories.
#thelondongirls, #soroyalane, #lakeunionpublishing, #happypubday, #netgalley, #bookreview, #booksconnectus, #stamperlady50
Thank you @netgalley @sproyamlane and @lakeunionpublishing for this advanced copy.
August 11, 2025
“War is brutal. It takes everything from us, and it makes us do things and see things we should never have to be witness to.”
2 ½ out of 5 stars
It’s 1941, and World War II is raging across Europe. In London. Night bombings are becoming a regular nightmarish occurrence, decimating both the city and the lives of the people who live there. Men and women are being recruited to serve to fight the Nazis. One of these group of women are Wrens, who work in Naval intelligence. Men are usually the ones tasked with riding the motorcycles delivering top secret memos to the higher ups, but they’ve been dispatched to the frontlines to serve. Women are then given the opportunity to become the Flying Wrens. Ava, Florence, and Olivia are three such women who hear of this exciting opportunity and sign up. Olivia has grown up riding motorcycles with her brothers and is the most skilled person in the group. Ava is in it more for the thrill than any actual sense of duty, and Florence ends up becoming an ambulance driver after having failed to qualify, . The three women become fast friends, plunging headfirst into the most dangerous situations that one could find themselves in. They will render aid and deliver the memos, even if it kills them. Will all three be able to survive the war?
As a bookworm, one of the most disheartening things to do is to have a dissenting opinion on a book from most of the population. You feel like you’re banished to a book version of the Island of Misfit Toys. You spend time scouring the Goodreads reviews, hoping to find one with a similar opinion as your own, only to find pages upon pages of glowing reviews.
“How can this be?!!” you ask yourself.
“Did I read the same book as everyone else?”
“Am I missing something other people notice?”
It really is the most disheartening feeling, and that was exactly what happened with this book, not to mention it made me feel like even more of a jerk because of the important topic subject it covered. Women motorcycle riders serving in the British Armed Forces assigned to deliver top secret messages to official commanders, some of which may help end the war? Give me a helmet and let’s go for a ride!
And yet despite all that, there were so many things about this book that felt off. Disconnected. Like I was watching rather than experiencing anything that was happening. Everything just felt so… flat. I wanted to keep reading, but whenever I opened and started reading, it felt like a chore. It felt more like a TV movie than a cinematic experience.
Before I go all into the negatives, let’s focus on some positives. I appreciate the great care the author gave at honoring the brave, real life women who served as motorcycle dispatch riders in real life. In school, we of course covered the topic of World War II, but this vitally important position during the war wasn’t even covered. The fact that I’m just now learning about this at 30 is a shame. The author’s note at the end made it all the more impactful that we should be honoring these brave women more than we should.
The friendship between the women was heartwarming. To see all three women so genuinely supportive of one another, even in sticky situations, was so refreshing to read about. In literature lately, it seems that pitting women against each other seems to be the theme, but this is not the case here. From giving each other places to live to lending a shoulder to cry on to literally laying down their lives for each other, Ava, Olivia and Florence’s friendship was the solid foundation of this book.
So many times, when it comes to books with multiple points of view, it’s easy to confuse characters with one another due to similar narration styles, personalities, or appearances. The author here did a fantastic job in making each of the girls distinctive and very clearly their own person. I had no trouble at all distinguishing Ava, Olivia, and Florence from each other, as each had different personalities and ambitions, both individually and as a group. I had the softest spots in my heart for Florence and Olivia, with Florence’s story being the most heartbreaking and compelling.
And then there was the main crux of the storyline: Ava.
My gosh Ava was so bloody infuriating. She was spoiled, reckless, selfish, impulsive, conceited, and refused to admit that she could do anything wrong. Everything was always her fault, and she didn’t have the maturity to look inward and better herself. No matter how many times her friends told her that she was making a mistake, no matter how many times the commanding officer George told her to pay more attention, be more careful… she never ever listened. I thought she would redeem herself towards the end, but she ended up doing the exact same thing she had throughout the entire novel. She seemed to be able to charm her way out of any circumstance, even at the risk of her own safety.
Another problem I had with this book was that it was very formulaic and didn’t need to be nearly as long as it should have been. The author used the same plot formulas every single time for almost every chapter and skipped over some of the most important parts. For example, we got very little scenes with the women actually going through training on their motorcycles. One minute they were trying out and the next they were full-fledged riders. This would have been the perfect example to show the growth and personality of Ava and Olivia even more. It was like rinse and repeat. It felt like Groundhog Day every single chapter.
And lastly the romance. A little wartime romance never hurt anyone, but some of the romances in this book came out of nowhere, mainly the romance between Ava and George. Olivia and Leo needed to be wrapped in bubble wrap and protected, and Florence and Jack were absolutely shippable (if a little predictable), but Ava and George? I didn’t see them coming from anywhere. There was no chemistry between the two at all. It’s like, did I miss something while reading? When was I supposed to be getting the hate to love vibes? All I got was sheer annoyance.
The fact that it took me six days to finish a three hundred books says a lot about my enjoyment of it. Out of the 300 Wrens that served during World War II, 100 died. The fact that a third of the women who became Wrens perished highlighted the important work that they did. I wanted to like it so much for them, but with an unlikeable main character, repeated plot lines, a forced romance, and writing that felt forced, unfortunately this was a miss for me.
P.S.: This is just a sidenote, but so much tea was drunk in this novel! Between every single character at least five cups of tea were consumed a chapter. So much tea was consumed that when there were chapters where no one put a kettle on or poured a cup of tea, I would start to get concerned. I don’t know if British people truly drink that much tea or if it’s just perpetuating a stereotype against Britain, but it gave me a good chuckle. It even inspired me to keep a tea tally!
2 ½ out of 5 stars
It’s 1941, and World War II is raging across Europe. In London. Night bombings are becoming a regular nightmarish occurrence, decimating both the city and the lives of the people who live there. Men and women are being recruited to serve to fight the Nazis. One of these group of women are Wrens, who work in Naval intelligence. Men are usually the ones tasked with riding the motorcycles delivering top secret memos to the higher ups, but they’ve been dispatched to the frontlines to serve. Women are then given the opportunity to become the Flying Wrens. Ava, Florence, and Olivia are three such women who hear of this exciting opportunity and sign up. Olivia has grown up riding motorcycles with her brothers and is the most skilled person in the group. Ava is in it more for the thrill than any actual sense of duty, and Florence ends up becoming an ambulance driver after having failed to qualify, . The three women become fast friends, plunging headfirst into the most dangerous situations that one could find themselves in. They will render aid and deliver the memos, even if it kills them. Will all three be able to survive the war?
As a bookworm, one of the most disheartening things to do is to have a dissenting opinion on a book from most of the population. You feel like you’re banished to a book version of the Island of Misfit Toys. You spend time scouring the Goodreads reviews, hoping to find one with a similar opinion as your own, only to find pages upon pages of glowing reviews.
“How can this be?!!” you ask yourself.
“Did I read the same book as everyone else?”
“Am I missing something other people notice?”
It really is the most disheartening feeling, and that was exactly what happened with this book, not to mention it made me feel like even more of a jerk because of the important topic subject it covered. Women motorcycle riders serving in the British Armed Forces assigned to deliver top secret messages to official commanders, some of which may help end the war? Give me a helmet and let’s go for a ride!
And yet despite all that, there were so many things about this book that felt off. Disconnected. Like I was watching rather than experiencing anything that was happening. Everything just felt so… flat. I wanted to keep reading, but whenever I opened and started reading, it felt like a chore. It felt more like a TV movie than a cinematic experience.
Before I go all into the negatives, let’s focus on some positives. I appreciate the great care the author gave at honoring the brave, real life women who served as motorcycle dispatch riders in real life. In school, we of course covered the topic of World War II, but this vitally important position during the war wasn’t even covered. The fact that I’m just now learning about this at 30 is a shame. The author’s note at the end made it all the more impactful that we should be honoring these brave women more than we should.
The friendship between the women was heartwarming. To see all three women so genuinely supportive of one another, even in sticky situations, was so refreshing to read about. In literature lately, it seems that pitting women against each other seems to be the theme, but this is not the case here. From giving each other places to live to lending a shoulder to cry on to literally laying down their lives for each other, Ava, Olivia and Florence’s friendship was the solid foundation of this book.
So many times, when it comes to books with multiple points of view, it’s easy to confuse characters with one another due to similar narration styles, personalities, or appearances. The author here did a fantastic job in making each of the girls distinctive and very clearly their own person. I had no trouble at all distinguishing Ava, Olivia, and Florence from each other, as each had different personalities and ambitions, both individually and as a group. I had the softest spots in my heart for Florence and Olivia, with Florence’s story being the most heartbreaking and compelling.
And then there was the main crux of the storyline: Ava.
My gosh Ava was so bloody infuriating. She was spoiled, reckless, selfish, impulsive, conceited, and refused to admit that she could do anything wrong. Everything was always her fault, and she didn’t have the maturity to look inward and better herself. No matter how many times her friends told her that she was making a mistake, no matter how many times the commanding officer George told her to pay more attention, be more careful… she never ever listened. I thought she would redeem herself towards the end, but she ended up doing the exact same thing she had throughout the entire novel. She seemed to be able to charm her way out of any circumstance, even at the risk of her own safety.
”If I can talk someone else into doing something for me, why would I bother doing it myself?”Le sigh. I’m not gonna say she ruined it for the entire book, but when you have a main character as annoying as her, it pretty much does the job itself.
Another problem I had with this book was that it was very formulaic and didn’t need to be nearly as long as it should have been. The author used the same plot formulas every single time for almost every chapter and skipped over some of the most important parts. For example, we got very little scenes with the women actually going through training on their motorcycles. One minute they were trying out and the next they were full-fledged riders. This would have been the perfect example to show the growth and personality of Ava and Olivia even more. It was like rinse and repeat. It felt like Groundhog Day every single chapter.
And lastly the romance. A little wartime romance never hurt anyone, but some of the romances in this book came out of nowhere, mainly the romance between Ava and George. Olivia and Leo needed to be wrapped in bubble wrap and protected, and Florence and Jack were absolutely shippable (if a little predictable), but Ava and George? I didn’t see them coming from anywhere. There was no chemistry between the two at all. It’s like, did I miss something while reading? When was I supposed to be getting the hate to love vibes? All I got was sheer annoyance.
The fact that it took me six days to finish a three hundred books says a lot about my enjoyment of it. Out of the 300 Wrens that served during World War II, 100 died. The fact that a third of the women who became Wrens perished highlighted the important work that they did. I wanted to like it so much for them, but with an unlikeable main character, repeated plot lines, a forced romance, and writing that felt forced, unfortunately this was a miss for me.
P.S.: This is just a sidenote, but so much tea was drunk in this novel! Between every single character at least five cups of tea were consumed a chapter. So much tea was consumed that when there were chapters where no one put a kettle on or poured a cup of tea, I would start to get concerned. I don’t know if British people truly drink that much tea or if it’s just perpetuating a stereotype against Britain, but it gave me a good chuckle. It even inspired me to keep a tea tally!
October 31, 2022
INTENSELY MOVING!
Soraya M. Lane is one of my favorite authors of Women's WWII Historical Fiction. Her latest release stars three young, unforgettable women whose story will stay with you long after you have read the last word. Five Stars seems almost inadequate to rate this phenomenal work. This is one of those books that will have you have living this intense drama with every word that is read. Olivia, Ava, and Florence come from different walks of life, but they all joined the WRENS – The Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS – popularly and officially known as the Wrens) was the women's branch of the United Kingdom's Royal Navy. They felt compelled to serve their country and then felt an even higher calling and volunteered for much riskier services than working in offices as Secretaries. Olivia and Ava became motorcycle couriers, daredevils of a sort, carrying top-secret messages that contain information that will help save London. Their trips sometimes take up to ten hours round trip and that is with them riding at breakneck speed and with their headlamps on only when necessary to avoid being seen by searchlighlights and drawing bombs or other artillery their way. They were told to deliver the messages even if it meant sacrificing their own lives. Florence becomes an ambulance driver amidst the bombings of London. Each of them live lives of quiet desperation. They form a bond that is closer than family. They face things together in a short period of time that most people never encounter in a lifetime. They are each other's sounding boards, supporters, encouragers, pillars of faith, and love each other fiercely. War pushes people beyond what they can imagine they can survive and that is what these three friends face. Each of them stared death in the face at one time or another, whether it was their own, the life of a loved one, the life of a friend, or a family member.
This book is a reminder of The Greatest Generation of people who lived lives when cannot even imagine! Their sacrifices have paid the way for us to live in freedom and enjoy lives and comforts this generation would have never dreamed about. This is one of my Top Ten Books of 2022.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Lake Union Publishing & NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
Soraya M. Lane is one of my favorite authors of Women's WWII Historical Fiction. Her latest release stars three young, unforgettable women whose story will stay with you long after you have read the last word. Five Stars seems almost inadequate to rate this phenomenal work. This is one of those books that will have you have living this intense drama with every word that is read. Olivia, Ava, and Florence come from different walks of life, but they all joined the WRENS – The Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS – popularly and officially known as the Wrens) was the women's branch of the United Kingdom's Royal Navy. They felt compelled to serve their country and then felt an even higher calling and volunteered for much riskier services than working in offices as Secretaries. Olivia and Ava became motorcycle couriers, daredevils of a sort, carrying top-secret messages that contain information that will help save London. Their trips sometimes take up to ten hours round trip and that is with them riding at breakneck speed and with their headlamps on only when necessary to avoid being seen by searchlighlights and drawing bombs or other artillery their way. They were told to deliver the messages even if it meant sacrificing their own lives. Florence becomes an ambulance driver amidst the bombings of London. Each of them live lives of quiet desperation. They form a bond that is closer than family. They face things together in a short period of time that most people never encounter in a lifetime. They are each other's sounding boards, supporters, encouragers, pillars of faith, and love each other fiercely. War pushes people beyond what they can imagine they can survive and that is what these three friends face. Each of them stared death in the face at one time or another, whether it was their own, the life of a loved one, the life of a friend, or a family member.
This book is a reminder of The Greatest Generation of people who lived lives when cannot even imagine! Their sacrifices have paid the way for us to live in freedom and enjoy lives and comforts this generation would have never dreamed about. This is one of my Top Ten Books of 2022.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Lake Union Publishing & NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
December 17, 2024
This World War II in London historical follows the careers of three young women. Florence is an ambulance driver for the Red Cross during the Blitz, while Olivia and Ava are motorcycle dispatch couriers for the military. Both jobs are exhausting and dangerous, and the women all face many obstacles, including family tragedies. Each woman narrates part of the novel and the different voices help to move the story along. Most of the story takes place during the winter of 1940 when Britain stood alone.Although the three women come from vastly different backgrounds, they bond over their need to be independent and to make a difference for the war effort.
February 15, 2023
Such a great books about women in London during WWII who risked their lives to deliver important was documents and drive ambulances. Bombs killed some of them, but yet there were people who didn't think it was a women's place to be involved. Lots of respect for them from me. An exciting story.
February 22, 2023
Soraya M Lane does it again. I was lucky enough to get a ARC of this book from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing. I am never disappointed by any book I’ve read by Ms Lane, and this book was no different. Anyone who asks me for historical fiction recommendations hears her name.
The London Girls is about motorcycle dispatch riders. Three women, Olivia, Ava and Florence meet when they try out to ride. As the bombs fall in London, we follow these three courageous women through their experiences. Death surrounds them at every turn, like in any instance of war, but you see the strength of their friendship and relationships with others withstand all the ugliness.
Another spectacular WWII book.
The London Girls is about motorcycle dispatch riders. Three women, Olivia, Ava and Florence meet when they try out to ride. As the bombs fall in London, we follow these three courageous women through their experiences. Death surrounds them at every turn, like in any instance of war, but you see the strength of their friendship and relationships with others withstand all the ugliness.
Another spectacular WWII book.
December 15, 2024
Started off as 3 stars, but then Florence’s storyline got me so invested that I ended up becoming a weeping emotional wreck for all three girls. :)
July 29, 2023
A really good story about love, loss and how friends can be family. Warning some parts are really sad. However, the books speaks to resilience and how friendships grow from not just good things, but the sad and scary experiences in life. A very good book!
January 12, 2023
The ultimate ww2 girl boss book! I’ve been super into learning about the war & the blitz & this book gives such a unique insight into it. The girls in this book truly steal your heart & their struggles mirror those of thousands of londoners during this time.
January 7, 2023
I've read many books by Soraya and this one was the first one that I really enjoy I didn't feel like the characters were that naive.
The London Girls is a story that will bring you joy but at times will definitely make you cry, some of the characters are amazing like Olivia she was strong, accustomed to doing the hard stuff like her father and brothers she was able to do things like riding a motorcycle to deliver messages during the war, of coarse her father wasn't please with her desition but she was ready to serve no matter the circumstances.
Ava and Florence are two characters that will also bring so much to the story and are part of the "Motorcycle dispatch riders." along with Olivia living many crazy situations and experiences that will make them question themselves even more about their situation and if they were in the right place.
Three stories will connect and make you feel like you're part of the Motorcycle team, Three courageous women who had to endure many great things that no one could ever imagine. Trauma, tragedy everything you could ever imagine these women were going through but in the end, it was amazing to see the evolution of these three wonderful characters.
The hardship and the loss of many loved ones can make you see and feel differently this was the case with these three heroines, too much and too soon. but in the end, they were successful and victorious in their own way.
The narration by Sara Zimmerman where great I enjoy how she brought so much to the story and characters.
The London Girls is a story that will bring you joy but at times will definitely make you cry, some of the characters are amazing like Olivia she was strong, accustomed to doing the hard stuff like her father and brothers she was able to do things like riding a motorcycle to deliver messages during the war, of coarse her father wasn't please with her desition but she was ready to serve no matter the circumstances.
Ava and Florence are two characters that will also bring so much to the story and are part of the "Motorcycle dispatch riders." along with Olivia living many crazy situations and experiences that will make them question themselves even more about their situation and if they were in the right place.
Three stories will connect and make you feel like you're part of the Motorcycle team, Three courageous women who had to endure many great things that no one could ever imagine. Trauma, tragedy everything you could ever imagine these women were going through but in the end, it was amazing to see the evolution of these three wonderful characters.
The hardship and the loss of many loved ones can make you see and feel differently this was the case with these three heroines, too much and too soon. but in the end, they were successful and victorious in their own way.
The narration by Sara Zimmerman where great I enjoy how she brought so much to the story and characters.
November 1, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of The London Girls by Soraya Lane. I loved it! This style of story is totally my jam.
The story follows three women: Ava, Olivia, and Florence. The ladies try out to be motorcycle delivery drivers who deliver urgent war messages throughout London and the surrounding area.
It's fun to read about women riding motorcycles! I didn't find Ava all that likeable at the beginning, but I came around by the end. Olivia and Flo were likeable from the beginning, and Flo's grandma is a shining star in a secondary character along with George and Jack.
I really wish the cover was different - wish it had a motorcycle on it!
Great story, lots of action, and a dash of romance kept me flipping the pages fast!
The story follows three women: Ava, Olivia, and Florence. The ladies try out to be motorcycle delivery drivers who deliver urgent war messages throughout London and the surrounding area.
It's fun to read about women riding motorcycles! I didn't find Ava all that likeable at the beginning, but I came around by the end. Olivia and Flo were likeable from the beginning, and Flo's grandma is a shining star in a secondary character along with George and Jack.
I really wish the cover was different - wish it had a motorcycle on it!
Great story, lots of action, and a dash of romance kept me flipping the pages fast!
October 28, 2022
Thanks to Net Gallery for the ARC copy.
An unforgottable novel, with unforgottable charachers. Three woman (Olivia, Ava and Florence, all different but all determined) in serch of their identy during the WWII, between friendship, love and death. The story of the Wren and the motorcycle dispatch riders during the Blitz is thrilling and moving, but also shows the strenght and the will to protect the Country even in the worse adversity (such as wartime) from who is (well... was, at that time) supposed to stay home just waiting for things to happen and for man to came home. These woman, instead, fight for their country and for their life in spite of bombs, blackouts and infinite dangers.
An unforgottable novel, with unforgottable charachers. Three woman (Olivia, Ava and Florence, all different but all determined) in serch of their identy during the WWII, between friendship, love and death. The story of the Wren and the motorcycle dispatch riders during the Blitz is thrilling and moving, but also shows the strenght and the will to protect the Country even in the worse adversity (such as wartime) from who is (well... was, at that time) supposed to stay home just waiting for things to happen and for man to came home. These woman, instead, fight for their country and for their life in spite of bombs, blackouts and infinite dangers.
September 23, 2024
5 ⭐️ (📚)
This book follows the journey of three young women aiming to become motorcycle dispatch riders to aid in the war efforts whilst every able man was on the front lines, it displays heartbreak, strength, grief and newfound romance all in one
Every hardship they encountered felt as though you were right there with them, a beautiful story of the strength of people coming together and breaking societal norms, showcasing the importance of women during this time
Highly recommend, but oh god bring tissues
This book follows the journey of three young women aiming to become motorcycle dispatch riders to aid in the war efforts whilst every able man was on the front lines, it displays heartbreak, strength, grief and newfound romance all in one
Every hardship they encountered felt as though you were right there with them, a beautiful story of the strength of people coming together and breaking societal norms, showcasing the importance of women during this time
Highly recommend, but oh god bring tissues
July 19, 2023
This book should have been half its length…I felt like I was made to read a Hollywood romantic movie on pretext of a historic fiction book!! all the characters, the plot, the dialogues.. UGH.. I wanted to quit so many times .. there were times when I scanned a page for only dialogues to get to the end .. which was so predictable..
November 28, 2022
The thing that I love most about reading is learning something new. This is especially true for historical fiction and even more so when it’s with authors like Soraya Lane who are so passionate and meticulous. In all my years of reading about WWII I had never heard of female motorcycle dispatch drivers (Soraya admits this as well in her author notes) so when I saw this novel was about such an intriguing topic I couldn’t resist! This is my first by her but it absolutely won’t be my last!
During the time of the London Blitz, Olivia, Ava, and Florence all respond to a notice for motorcycle dispatch drivers at the head office where they all work as Wrens for the Women’s Royal Navy Service (WRNS). Women were needed to free up men to go to the front. Each of the women has their own unique reason why they want to sign up for such a dangerous task, each compelling in their own way. Olivia and Ava pass the test and Florence has the driving skills but not the motorcycle skills so she becomes an ambulance driver instead.
This gripping story is told in alternating narratives, each from a different woman’s perspective. The heart, bravery, grit, and friendship are solid throughout. Although it would seem that it would be constant sadness there are funny moments and of course poignant times as well. But, yes, keep the tissues handy.
The speed at which I added the rest of Soraya’s historical fiction catalog to my TBR list could rival Ava’s around a track.
Note: there are a few historical inaccuracies but the author explains these in her notes with good reason.
Thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK, and Lake Union for an early review copy!
During the time of the London Blitz, Olivia, Ava, and Florence all respond to a notice for motorcycle dispatch drivers at the head office where they all work as Wrens for the Women’s Royal Navy Service (WRNS). Women were needed to free up men to go to the front. Each of the women has their own unique reason why they want to sign up for such a dangerous task, each compelling in their own way. Olivia and Ava pass the test and Florence has the driving skills but not the motorcycle skills so she becomes an ambulance driver instead.
This gripping story is told in alternating narratives, each from a different woman’s perspective. The heart, bravery, grit, and friendship are solid throughout. Although it would seem that it would be constant sadness there are funny moments and of course poignant times as well. But, yes, keep the tissues handy.
The speed at which I added the rest of Soraya’s historical fiction catalog to my TBR list could rival Ava’s around a track.
Note: there are a few historical inaccuracies but the author explains these in her notes with good reason.
Thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK, and Lake Union for an early review copy!
November 27, 2022
Hopeful, heart-wrenching, and memorable!
The London Girls is an immersive, poignant tale set in London during WWII that takes you into the lives of three main characters. Ava Williamson, a daring, somewhat reckless young woman driven by overconfidence and a desire for a little more time and freedom to spend with her married lover; Olivia Blakely, an independent gal determined to use the motorcycle skills she was taught by her older brother to support the war effort however she can while she patiently awaits the return of her dearly beloved fiancé; and Florence Hughes a scarred ambulance driver who after losing her family when a bomb exploded on their home spends as many nights as possible trying to save those she can.
The prose is expressive and rich. The characters are independent, supportive, and courageous. And the plot is an intriguing, tender tale of life, loss, love, family, despair, sacrifices, tragedy, bravery, new beginnings, and the importance of female friendships.
Overall, The London Girls is an absorbing, moving, rollercoaster ride of emotion by Lane that does a wonderful job of showcasing the hard work, bravery, and danger involved in being one of the chosen female dispatch riders involved in transporting top-secret invaluable military information around the UK during WWII, and even though it’s surprisingly the first novel I’ve read by Lane, I can guarantee it won’t be my last.
Thank you to Thomas Allen & Son for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The London Girls is an immersive, poignant tale set in London during WWII that takes you into the lives of three main characters. Ava Williamson, a daring, somewhat reckless young woman driven by overconfidence and a desire for a little more time and freedom to spend with her married lover; Olivia Blakely, an independent gal determined to use the motorcycle skills she was taught by her older brother to support the war effort however she can while she patiently awaits the return of her dearly beloved fiancé; and Florence Hughes a scarred ambulance driver who after losing her family when a bomb exploded on their home spends as many nights as possible trying to save those she can.
The prose is expressive and rich. The characters are independent, supportive, and courageous. And the plot is an intriguing, tender tale of life, loss, love, family, despair, sacrifices, tragedy, bravery, new beginnings, and the importance of female friendships.
Overall, The London Girls is an absorbing, moving, rollercoaster ride of emotion by Lane that does a wonderful job of showcasing the hard work, bravery, and danger involved in being one of the chosen female dispatch riders involved in transporting top-secret invaluable military information around the UK during WWII, and even though it’s surprisingly the first novel I’ve read by Lane, I can guarantee it won’t be my last.
Thank you to Thomas Allen & Son for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for a review copy in exchange for an honest review. Soraya Lane has once again written a book that has swept me into the story and made me cry. This book follows Florence, Ava, and Olivia as they attempt to become motorcycle dispatch girls during WWII. The job is brutal and dangerous as they deliver memos to blacked out places around London during the Blitz. “You deliver the documents, even if it kills you”. This book has it all - a rich historically true aspects of the story, three kickass females whom you can’t help but root for, and a bit of romance. I couldn’t put this book down, even with a knot in my stomach and needing to know what happened. Highly recommend this book for the little known aspect of women riding motorcycles to deliver top secret memos during WWII and a great story of friendship and found family.
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