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The Wrens #2
A Wrens' Wartime Christmas
After her fiancé died in the sinking of the Royal Oak , Mary finds herself stationed in Orkney, still battling her grief. With Iris and Sally by her side, she is gradually overcoming her loss and is surprised to be helped by the irascible Joe . Joe is a signalman aboard the Kelpie and his cheeky Morse code signals to Mary while she's on shift bring her cheer and exasperation in equal measure. With Christmas round the corner, Mary is opening herself back up to the festive spirit – and to love. But the Germans keep slipping through Scapa Flow’s defences, somehow without triggering any of the Navy’s alarms. Could someone on land be guiding them? If so, can Mary, Iris and Sally figure out who and stop them before more lives are lost? A wonderfully heartwarming and gripping saga, perfect for readers of Johanna Bell, Kate Thompson and Daisy Styles.
‘This had me enthralled from the very start … Vicki knows how to tell a great story and I can't wait until the next book. I thoroughly recommend this!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘Enjoyed this book - was a lovely, easy to read story with really good characters !’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘ Another brilliant story from Vicki Beeby . I do so love reading this genre – you learn so much.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘This book kept me awake at night because I couldn’t put it down . It was exciting and heartwarming in equal measures … loved it.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘ Another fantastic book in the series . The girls are all so likeable... The story was easy to read and had plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader interested.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘ I loved the festive wartime vibes . Honestly had me smiling from ear to ear and this is another book I can add to the ‘adored it’ list.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘Wow what another brilliant book in The Wren Series . If you love family saga set during the world wars, this is right up your street.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review
‘This had me enthralled from the very start … Vicki knows how to tell a great story and I can't wait until the next book. I thoroughly recommend this!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘Enjoyed this book - was a lovely, easy to read story with really good characters !’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘ Another brilliant story from Vicki Beeby . I do so love reading this genre – you learn so much.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘This book kept me awake at night because I couldn’t put it down . It was exciting and heartwarming in equal measures … loved it.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘ Another fantastic book in the series . The girls are all so likeable... The story was easy to read and had plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader interested.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘ I loved the festive wartime vibes . Honestly had me smiling from ear to ear and this is another book I can add to the ‘adored it’ list.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘Wow what another brilliant book in The Wren Series . If you love family saga set during the world wars, this is right up your street.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2022
About the author
Vicki Beeby
23 books100 followersVicki Beeby writes historical fiction about the friendships and loves of service women brought together by the Second World War.
Her first job was as a civil engineer on a sewage treatment project, so things could only improve from there. Since then, she has worked as a maths teacher and education consultant before turning freelance to give herself more time to write.
In her free time, when she can drag herself away from reading, she enjoys walking and travelling to far-off places by train. She lives in Shropshire in a house that doesn’t contain nearly enough bookshelves.
Her first job was as a civil engineer on a sewage treatment project, so things could only improve from there. Since then, she has worked as a maths teacher and education consultant before turning freelance to give herself more time to write.
In her free time, when she can drag herself away from reading, she enjoys walking and travelling to far-off places by train. She lives in Shropshire in a house that doesn’t contain nearly enough bookshelves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 28, 2022
I seriously adored the first book in this series: A new hope for the Wrens and have been excitingly waiting for the follow up. Great thing about this book is that you needn’t have read the first to enjoy it, as it could almost work as a standalone (with some references to past events and characters which the author does a fab job on filling you in on), so nothing is really missed.
In this one, Mary takes centre stage. We met her in the first book, flocking to the Wrens to do her bit for the war effort and making sure no one would meet the fate of her beloved Owen if she could have a hand in it. She’s a strong and feisty character, painting on an indifferent and unapproachable air so as to protect her fragile heart. But on the inside, she’s just a little bit broken and learning to deal with her own demons and sadness.
Luckily, she finds friendship in the form of Iris, a once well to do and fairly pompous rich girl, and Sally, a hopeless romantic from Yorkshire. Together they make up the Wrens, stationed at a signalling station in the middle of no where. Mary had thought there was benefits working somewhere where there was barely a soul to cross paths with, however it is also where Joe is stationed and he can’t keep his eyes of this stunning Hedy Lamarr lookalike.
I was behind Joe the whole way, rooting for him and Mary and hoped he would succeed in chipping away at her seemingly frosty and standoffish exterior. She’d gone through so much heartbreak, could she risk opening her heart again?
The Christmas element of this was also great and I loved the festive wartime vibes. Honestly had me smiling from ear to ear and this is another book I can add to the ‘adored it’ list. I shall begin my next patient wait for the next one!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
In this one, Mary takes centre stage. We met her in the first book, flocking to the Wrens to do her bit for the war effort and making sure no one would meet the fate of her beloved Owen if she could have a hand in it. She’s a strong and feisty character, painting on an indifferent and unapproachable air so as to protect her fragile heart. But on the inside, she’s just a little bit broken and learning to deal with her own demons and sadness.
Luckily, she finds friendship in the form of Iris, a once well to do and fairly pompous rich girl, and Sally, a hopeless romantic from Yorkshire. Together they make up the Wrens, stationed at a signalling station in the middle of no where. Mary had thought there was benefits working somewhere where there was barely a soul to cross paths with, however it is also where Joe is stationed and he can’t keep his eyes of this stunning Hedy Lamarr lookalike.
I was behind Joe the whole way, rooting for him and Mary and hoped he would succeed in chipping away at her seemingly frosty and standoffish exterior. She’d gone through so much heartbreak, could she risk opening her heart again?
The Christmas element of this was also great and I loved the festive wartime vibes. Honestly had me smiling from ear to ear and this is another book I can add to the ‘adored it’ list. I shall begin my next patient wait for the next one!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
January 24, 2023
This is the second book in the series and whilst it still includes all three WRENS (Iris, Mary & Sally), this book primarily focusses on Mary. She is still grieving for the boyfriend she lost when the Royal Oak was torpedoed in Scapa Flow, close to where she is now based. She is strong willed and presents a no nonsense, tough exterior, though underneath she is still grieving from the loss of Owen and the life she could have had.
A handsome sailor named Joe who is stationed nearby is keen on Mary & whilst she is not interested in romance, they become good friends.
As the girls are joined by more trained Wren’s, they are able to have a little more free time to socialise and plan to spend Christmas with their new friends Elspeth & Archie who are Orkney residents.
Following on from the previous book, the girls find further evidence that there is a spy on Orkney & when German vessels seem to breaking through the defences, suspicions are raised and when an incident occurs that affects some of the people they’ve come to care about, the girls ramp up their investigations. The identity of the traitor was pretty obvious from book 1, but the storyline plays out fairly well.
There are some new secrets and revelations in this book, and just enough open ends for book 3, which should primarily be Sally’s story.
Ultimately this is an engaging historical novel that fits well into its genre and the location of Orkney and the role of visual signaller makes it a little different to other similar books. The characters remain interesting, and realistic, whilst the Christmas storyline is heartwarming and you just know that things will work out happily “because it’s Christmas”!
The book will definitely appeal to fans of WW2 historical fiction, particularly those who enjoy the story of women from different backgrounds coming together to do their part in wartime.
A handsome sailor named Joe who is stationed nearby is keen on Mary & whilst she is not interested in romance, they become good friends.
As the girls are joined by more trained Wren’s, they are able to have a little more free time to socialise and plan to spend Christmas with their new friends Elspeth & Archie who are Orkney residents.
Following on from the previous book, the girls find further evidence that there is a spy on Orkney & when German vessels seem to breaking through the defences, suspicions are raised and when an incident occurs that affects some of the people they’ve come to care about, the girls ramp up their investigations. The identity of the traitor was pretty obvious from book 1, but the storyline plays out fairly well.
There are some new secrets and revelations in this book, and just enough open ends for book 3, which should primarily be Sally’s story.
Ultimately this is an engaging historical novel that fits well into its genre and the location of Orkney and the role of visual signaller makes it a little different to other similar books. The characters remain interesting, and realistic, whilst the Christmas storyline is heartwarming and you just know that things will work out happily “because it’s Christmas”!
The book will definitely appeal to fans of WW2 historical fiction, particularly those who enjoy the story of women from different backgrounds coming together to do their part in wartime.
October 9, 2023
Vicki Beeby (2022) A WRENS' WARTIME CHRISTMAS (AUDIOBOOK)
BorrowBox - Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 out of 5 stars
BorrowBox writes, "German U-boats are getting through the defences. In this wonderfully heartwarming and gripping saga by Vicki Beeby, it's up to the Wrens to stop them. After her fiancé dies in the sinking of the Royal Oak, Mary finds herself stationed in Orkney, still battling her grief. With Iris and Sally by her side, she is gradually overcoming her loss and is surprised to be helped by the irascible Joe. Joe is a signalman aboard the Kelpie and his cheeky Morse code messages to Mary while she's on shift bring her cheer and exasperation in equal measure. With Christmas round the corner, Mary is opening herself back up to the festive spirit—and to love. But the Germans keep slipping through Scapa Flow's defences, somehow avoiding triggering any of the Navy's alarms. Could someone on land be guiding them? If so, can Mary, Iris and Sally figure out who and stop them before more lives are lost?"
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This only mention my home county - Pembrokeshire!
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#VickiBeeby #AWrensWartimeChristmas #Book #Books #Read #Reads #Reading #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads #Audiobook #Audiobooks #BorrowBox #Christmas #Xmas #MerryChristmas #HappyChristmas #MerryXmas #HappyXmas #HappyHolidays #CrimboReads
BorrowBox - Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 out of 5 stars
BorrowBox writes, "German U-boats are getting through the defences. In this wonderfully heartwarming and gripping saga by Vicki Beeby, it's up to the Wrens to stop them. After her fiancé dies in the sinking of the Royal Oak, Mary finds herself stationed in Orkney, still battling her grief. With Iris and Sally by her side, she is gradually overcoming her loss and is surprised to be helped by the irascible Joe. Joe is a signalman aboard the Kelpie and his cheeky Morse code messages to Mary while she's on shift bring her cheer and exasperation in equal measure. With Christmas round the corner, Mary is opening herself back up to the festive spirit—and to love. But the Germans keep slipping through Scapa Flow's defences, somehow avoiding triggering any of the Navy's alarms. Could someone on land be guiding them? If so, can Mary, Iris and Sally figure out who and stop them before more lives are lost?"
=====
This only mention my home county - Pembrokeshire!
=====
#VickiBeeby #AWrensWartimeChristmas #Book #Books #Read #Reads #Reading #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads #Audiobook #Audiobooks #BorrowBox #Christmas #Xmas #MerryChristmas #HappyChristmas #MerryXmas #HappyXmas #HappyHolidays #CrimboReads
August 13, 2022
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this quaint book
this is the second book in the series but it can be read as a stand alone....
so we have mary, iris and sally the 3 wrens who work together keeping a look out and sending and receiving signals from ships that pass them...they are constantly on guard for any signs of the german u boats after losing a ship the pervious year with many hands losing their lives on being marys boyfriend
time has moved on for all three girls and they are making plans for christmas, jo a signal man off the kelpie named ship has the hots for mary but for now they are friends....though they both love sending messages to each when each are suppose to be on the look out.. they even invent their own sign language
a tragedy happens one night when on look out the girls witness a u boat bombing one of the ships and though they called in re-enforcements they were unable to find the u boat, could there be a spy in orkney....
its a lighthearted book that will entrance many readers with the Christmassy feel good factor about it
this is the second book in the series but it can be read as a stand alone....
so we have mary, iris and sally the 3 wrens who work together keeping a look out and sending and receiving signals from ships that pass them...they are constantly on guard for any signs of the german u boats after losing a ship the pervious year with many hands losing their lives on being marys boyfriend
time has moved on for all three girls and they are making plans for christmas, jo a signal man off the kelpie named ship has the hots for mary but for now they are friends....though they both love sending messages to each when each are suppose to be on the look out.. they even invent their own sign language
a tragedy happens one night when on look out the girls witness a u boat bombing one of the ships and though they called in re-enforcements they were unable to find the u boat, could there be a spy in orkney....
its a lighthearted book that will entrance many readers with the Christmassy feel good factor about it
February 19, 2023
A continuation of the Wrens, still on Orkney island in Scotland, they continue their duties, and this book focusses on Mary's background and falling in love with another working on the island. As she is still mourning her loss of her lifetime friend and fiancé, she learns that her heart is capable of moving on. Meanwhile, what I did not understand how this did not get resolved in the previous book, the doctor who is clearly not a doctor continues to work undercover, until the wrens solve the mystery of his comings and goings, and therefore save many a lives.
Entertaining romance book, with some lovely Scottish mannerisms embedded in it, but ultimately it had little body to it in my head, it was all about Mary and the boy and the back and forth about their desires and emotions, with some descriptive Wren duties in between.
Entertaining romance book, with some lovely Scottish mannerisms embedded in it, but ultimately it had little body to it in my head, it was all about Mary and the boy and the back and forth about their desires and emotions, with some descriptive Wren duties in between.
August 25, 2022
I loved being back on Orkney with the characters, Mary, Iris and Sally, who we first met in A New Start for the Wrens. I was reading this at a time when I needed to be absorbed by a story and this book was a sheer tonic whisking me away to Orkney. With just the right mix of mystery, intrigue and romance. I could imagine myself on the headland near the Wrens’ signalling station, smell the air and see the sea and the heather covered land. Orkney is now most definitely on my "to be visited” list.
I even sat and read this book in the middle of the day, which is unheard of for me. Can’t wait for the next episode to find out what happens to my favourite characters. Sheer tonic.
I even sat and read this book in the middle of the day, which is unheard of for me. Can’t wait for the next episode to find out what happens to my favourite characters. Sheer tonic.
August 22, 2022
3.5 but I'll round up to 4. This is a really good book, I'm just not rating it as high due to the fact it was so obvious what Stewart was up to and I feel like they should have realised before they did. Putting that aside though, this is a lovely book about friendship, finding love and making the most of life during the dark, scary days of the war. Mary, Iris and Sally's friendship us absolutely heartwarming. I can't wait to see where Sally's story takes us.
Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for the opportunity to read this Advance Reader's Copy.
Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for the opportunity to read this Advance Reader's Copy.
April 5, 2023
This is book two in the Wren series and I enjoyed catching up with all the characters again. Mary is struggling with her feelings but Iris and Sally give her good advice to help her get her head straight. Even though it’s coming up to Christmas there’s a lot going on with the Wren’s and I look forward to reading book three soon.
October 15, 2023
I really love these books!! Vary rarely can I say I haven't wanted to finish books, but that's what it's like with these!! I read books then pass them on, but not with these, as I intend to read them again. Still have one more to read and will savour it. Will certainly miss all the characters when I finish the last one.
Any chance they could ALL come back again please????
Any chance they could ALL come back again please????
April 2, 2024
I am already a fan of Vicki Beeby and this latest book did not disappoint .
This is the 2nd book in the wrens series but will be ok as a standalone .
Follow Iris, Mary and Sally . Three very different characters who all work in the war to interpret signals from ships.
Lovable characters with a storyline with intrigue and friendship
Hope there will be a 3rd in the series.
This is the 2nd book in the wrens series but will be ok as a standalone .
Follow Iris, Mary and Sally . Three very different characters who all work in the war to interpret signals from ships.
Lovable characters with a storyline with intrigue and friendship
Hope there will be a 3rd in the series.
August 14, 2022
I read WW2 Historical fiction in order to learn more about wartime England. American history books are very lacking. Reading a book like A Wren's Wartime Christmas gave me direction on where to research. It gave me a glimpse into what I am lacking in knowledge, a never ending challenge. Can I recommend that you read the author's note at the end of the book. It was quite enlightening.
WW2 brought women from different social classes and locations together in a common cause-- assist the war effort. Mary, Sally and Iris are a wonderful example that during times of need purpose is what is most important. They form a very unlikely friendship to survive on the Orkney Islands.
I had never heard of the Orkney Islands. I had not realized their importance during the war. Total respect to those that were stationed in the area. Their hardships were many. Within the story the author took me back to a time I could not begin to imagine. We take so much for granted. What an eyeopener!!!!
A Wren's Wartime Christmas isn't just the story of the visual signalers communicating with ships. Romance and friendships fill the pages. The closeness between the girls and a couple near them added an endearing quality to the story.
A Wren's Wartime Christmas also got me thinking about spies. U-boats were sneaking behind the loop undetected. How could that happen? In a small village, how could a traitor hide? The suspense was amazing as Mary and the others slowly put the pieces together in hopes of saving the ships and crews.
WW2 brought women from different social classes and locations together in a common cause-- assist the war effort. Mary, Sally and Iris are a wonderful example that during times of need purpose is what is most important. They form a very unlikely friendship to survive on the Orkney Islands.
I had never heard of the Orkney Islands. I had not realized their importance during the war. Total respect to those that were stationed in the area. Their hardships were many. Within the story the author took me back to a time I could not begin to imagine. We take so much for granted. What an eyeopener!!!!
A Wren's Wartime Christmas isn't just the story of the visual signalers communicating with ships. Romance and friendships fill the pages. The closeness between the girls and a couple near them added an endearing quality to the story.
A Wren's Wartime Christmas also got me thinking about spies. U-boats were sneaking behind the loop undetected. How could that happen? In a small village, how could a traitor hide? The suspense was amazing as Mary and the others slowly put the pieces together in hopes of saving the ships and crews.
September 12, 2022
War romance books are always a fun read and this book is no exception.
The characters are believable and relatable.
The scenarios are realistic and the description of the Orkney island is breathtaking .
Definitely a book worth reading .
The characters are believable and relatable.
The scenarios are realistic and the description of the Orkney island is breathtaking .
Definitely a book worth reading .
December 22, 2022
Romantic thriller for Christmas.
Perfect reading for Christmas.
Enjoyable and immensely satisfying. Seeing our three heroes at their best. Great fun. Thoroughly recommend for anyone.
Perfect reading for Christmas.
Enjoyable and immensely satisfying. Seeing our three heroes at their best. Great fun. Thoroughly recommend for anyone.
April 16, 2024
Disappointingly dull after reading the 1st book in the series,when I rushed to read another .
Think that will be my lot for some time as I have a feeling that the novels are going to be very similar and all blend in to each other .
Think that will be my lot for some time as I have a feeling that the novels are going to be very similar and all blend in to each other .
May 13, 2026
a heartwarming Christmas take for the wrens
I loved this book following on well to book 2 . It’s so good to follow on with the girls and seeing where fate falls for them. Really love that you start to find more out about Mary
I loved this book following on well to book 2 . It’s so good to follow on with the girls and seeing where fate falls for them. Really love that you start to find more out about Mary
August 29, 2022
Loved this hope we have another follow up
September 17, 2022
I wanted to find another saga or series to follow and this one currently fits the bill. Back with book two and the WREN signallers, Mary, Sally and Iris who feature in the first book are back in Orkney. They are joined by more trained Wren’s and so they have a bit more time to be able to relax and enjoy Christmas this year after the eventful one of the previous year.
This time Mary is taking centre stage, very much still grieving for Owen the boyfriend she lost when the Royal Oak was lost of Scapa Flow, not far from where she is now based. She is strong willed and almost unapproachable with a tough exterior but it seems that Joe is starting to chip away at this and something begins to develop,.
However there is still some unfinished business on the island and a name from the past still seems to be hanging around. Why are they not doing their bit for the war effort? Or are they doing it for the wrong side? When German vessels seem to breaking through the defences, suspicions tarts to fall in some unlikely places. It seems that these wrens have some work to do before they can relax into Christmas.
It was lovely to be back in Orkney and be part of their Christmas. As the three most unlikely women form this friendship it is great to see how all their characters develop. It is is also refreshing to move a World War Two saga away from being London centric and to see that many other places in the UK had their own battle during this difficult time. This series has the potential for a few more books I am sure and I definitely want to be there for everyone of them.
This time Mary is taking centre stage, very much still grieving for Owen the boyfriend she lost when the Royal Oak was lost of Scapa Flow, not far from where she is now based. She is strong willed and almost unapproachable with a tough exterior but it seems that Joe is starting to chip away at this and something begins to develop,.
However there is still some unfinished business on the island and a name from the past still seems to be hanging around. Why are they not doing their bit for the war effort? Or are they doing it for the wrong side? When German vessels seem to breaking through the defences, suspicions tarts to fall in some unlikely places. It seems that these wrens have some work to do before they can relax into Christmas.
It was lovely to be back in Orkney and be part of their Christmas. As the three most unlikely women form this friendship it is great to see how all their characters develop. It is is also refreshing to move a World War Two saga away from being London centric and to see that many other places in the UK had their own battle during this difficult time. This series has the potential for a few more books I am sure and I definitely want to be there for everyone of them.
October 10, 2022
A Week's Wartime Christmas
Thoroughly enjoyed the second book about the Wrens, with a few twists and turns, it made great reading. Hopefully there will be a third book to the series
Thoroughly enjoyed the second book about the Wrens, with a few twists and turns, it made great reading. Hopefully there will be a third book to the series
November 30, 2022
Finished! What a lovely book. Xmas spirit, abit of romance, drama and tragedy all in one. Really enjoyed this one. Would recommend.
January 13, 2023
Even though one in a series, this book stood alone. All that tromping around in the winter, I believe this author is familiar with northern winters.
March 7, 2023
I’ve loved these first two books! I can’t wait for the next one..I’ve already preordered it. I’ll miss these girls when it’s over though.
February 4, 2024
A lovely book to read
February 12, 2024
I just love the ease of this series to read! It has everything; friendship, romance, daring do! What more could one want?
July 15, 2024
Excellent
January 2, 2025
Wonderful
July 29, 2025
awesome
March 13, 2026
Love this final book about the Wrens. This book was Mary story and explained a lot about her younger life and how it effects her in adult life.
April 3, 2026
Second book of three describing how the wrens on Orkney Island. Each book tells the story from the perspective on one of the three friends.
March 29, 2023
I've usually found books with "Christmas" in the title to be pretty light, but this one surprised me. I really enjoyed the setting (Orkney Islands in north Scotland), which I knew nothing about, and the camaraderie between the young women, their friendship with an older couple, and their love lives. The book was clean and free of profanity, even though completely secular in every aspect. Even using a "crib scene" in their assorted Christmas decorations could have seem "popish" to some, they feared. How one can view the Northern Lights and other incredible phenomena and have no interest in God baffles and saddens me.
I did find two new quotes for my "clever quotes collection." One is "the chime of hope that rang in her heart," and the other is "as romantic as a compost heap." (Apologies for so many quotes marks in this review!)
I did find two new quotes for my "clever quotes collection." One is "the chime of hope that rang in her heart," and the other is "as romantic as a compost heap." (Apologies for so many quotes marks in this review!)
December 4, 2022
I loved being back in Orkney with the wrens. A nice christmassy story and left me wanting this next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews