What do you think?
Rate this book
The Highland Girls at War
Can the Highland girls prove everyone wrong? Don’t miss this poignant and heartwarming WW2 novel for fans of Rosie Clarke, Dilly Court and Rosie Archer, from the author of A Wartime Secret.
Scotland, 1942.
The Lumberjills, the newest recruits in the Women’s Timber Corps, arrive in the Scottish Highlands to a hostile reception from doubtful locals. The young women are determined to prove them wrong and serve their country – but they’re also all looking for something more…
Lady Persephone signed up to show everyone she’s more than just a pretty face – but it’ll take more than some charm and her noble credentials to win handsome Sergeant Fraser over.
Tall, strong Grace has led a lonely life working on a croft, with just her mother for company. All she wants is to find her place in the world – even if that’s a thousand miles from home.
And Irene misses her husband terribly, so until he returns home from the frontline, she’s distracting herself with war work. But one distraction too far leads to devastating consequences…
Can the Lumberjills get through their struggles together – even when tragedy strikes?
Scotland, 1942.
The Lumberjills, the newest recruits in the Women’s Timber Corps, arrive in the Scottish Highlands to a hostile reception from doubtful locals. The young women are determined to prove them wrong and serve their country – but they’re also all looking for something more…
Lady Persephone signed up to show everyone she’s more than just a pretty face – but it’ll take more than some charm and her noble credentials to win handsome Sergeant Fraser over.
Tall, strong Grace has led a lonely life working on a croft, with just her mother for company. All she wants is to find her place in the world – even if that’s a thousand miles from home.
And Irene misses her husband terribly, so until he returns home from the frontline, she’s distracting herself with war work. But one distraction too far leads to devastating consequences…
Can the Lumberjills get through their struggles together – even when tragedy strikes?
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2022
377 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
Helen Yendall
4 books41 followersHelen Yendall has been writing ever since she could pick up a pencil.
After many years spent writing short stories, articles and poetry, she turned to novel writing.
Her debut novel, 'A Wartime Secret', set in WW2 and based on the true story of a bank and its staff that moved from London to the countryside to escape the Blitz, was published in early 2022. It was described by one reviewer as 'East Enders meets Downton Abbey'.
Then she embarked on a series about the Women's Timber Corps, the women who worked in the forests and sawmills of Britain during WW2.
First in the series is 'The Highland Girls at War', the second is 'The Highland Girls on Guard' and the third, 'The Highland Girls Report for Duty' was published in March 2025.
She's currently working on a new historical novel. Details will be revealed shortly!
Helen's a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and is represented by Underline Literary Agency.
When she's not writing, she likes playing tennis, swimming and reading (not all at the same time) and walking Bonnie, her cocker spaniel.
After many years spent writing short stories, articles and poetry, she turned to novel writing.
Her debut novel, 'A Wartime Secret', set in WW2 and based on the true story of a bank and its staff that moved from London to the countryside to escape the Blitz, was published in early 2022. It was described by one reviewer as 'East Enders meets Downton Abbey'.
Then she embarked on a series about the Women's Timber Corps, the women who worked in the forests and sawmills of Britain during WW2.
First in the series is 'The Highland Girls at War', the second is 'The Highland Girls on Guard' and the third, 'The Highland Girls Report for Duty' was published in March 2025.
She's currently working on a new historical novel. Details will be revealed shortly!
Helen's a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and is represented by Underline Literary Agency.
When she's not writing, she likes playing tennis, swimming and reading (not all at the same time) and walking Bonnie, her cocker spaniel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 12, 2022
The Highland Girls at War written by Helen Yendall was the first book I had the pleasure of reading by this author. This remarkable historical fiction book told the little known story of a group of women who called themselves The Lumberjills. These women who wanted to do their part in the war effort were recruited as members of the Women’s Timber Corps. These brave women from all different backgrounds ended up in the highlands of Scotland. They replaced the lumberjacks who were needed to fight in combat against Hitler and the Nazis. The local people were quite skeptical about how these women would fare. How could women be expected to do the work of strong and capable men? The Women’s Timber Corps came under the umbrella of The Women’s Land Army but was never given the recognition it so deserved on its own merits. It became known as “The Forgotten Corps”. Helen Yendall brilliantly researched and gathered the details about The Women’s Timber Corps and wove them into this historical fiction saga. While she conducted her research, Helen Yendall, also discovered that lumberjacks from Canada ( The Canadian Forestry Corps) had also been recruited by the British and were working close by in the forests of Scotland where the lumberjills were also felling trees. This was a part of World War II history that had never been told. I applaud Helen Yendall for telling the story of these women and The Women’s Timber Corps.
Lady Persephone (Seffy) Baxter-Mills had been born with a silver spoon in her mouth. She never had to worry about money. Seffy was English, titled, a debutante and lived in a castle. When her social season was cut short due to the numerous recruitments of the men in her circle and The Blitz, Seffy returned home to Dalreay Castle. She was bored and wanted something exciting to happen in her life. When Seffy’s twin brothers arrived home to let her family know they had enlisted in The Royal Air Force she was more determined than ever to make a difference herself. Seffy applied to be a Land Girl but was offered a position in the Women’s Timber Corps. Her family was flabbergasted! They made a bet with her that she wouldn’t last more than a month. Her father threatened to cut off her allowance if she went through with it. Seffy was determined to prove them all wrong.
The Women’s Timber Corps was not exactly what Seffy had imagined. Women from all different social and economic backgrounds had been commissioned to serve. Seffy soon learned that some of the women had received advanced training. She was not happy that she had not been offered that opportunity. Soon Seffy found herself surrounded by women who had previously been domestics, factory workers, shop assistants and hairdressers. One of the women had worked in a tea room and someone else in a hotel. All these women were “townies”. She really had nothing in common with any of them. What had she gotten herself into?
Seffy’s attitude of superiority and entitlement was recognized immediately by the others in the dorm she was assigned to. They took an immediate dislike to her and made her time there horrid. Seffy kept her head down and took what they dished out. She had hoped to make some friends but it didn’t seem like that was in the cards for her. Seffy almost quit several times but somehow she persevered and stuck it out. Of all the women in the Women’s Timber Corps, Seffy’s transformation was the most radical and the most recognized. Seffy was by far my favorite character in the book. Among others, Seffy shared the dorm with Grace McGinty, an only child that had been living on a farm in the middle of nowhere with her domineering and demanding mother prior to enlisting. Grace was tall and somewhat clumsy. She didn’t like herself very much and she was quite shy and withdrawn. Irene Calder was another woman that shared the dorm with Seffy. She was the hardest on Seffy and ridiculed her relentlessly. Irene was older than all the others. She was petite and beautiful. Irene had just been made “leader girl” by their supervisor. Her husband, her childhood sweetheart, was away at sea as a signalman in the Navy. Irene signed up for the Women’s Timber Corps to distract her until her husband returned home. The women and Seffy learned quickly that they were responsible for felling trees and hauling them to the mill. Their work was dangerous and taxing. The conditions under which they lived and worked were not optimal and often left much to be desired. Seffy and the others quickly learned that felling trees required the utmost concentration, maximum strength and a great deal of endurance. They named themselves Lumberjills.
Not far from where the Women’s Timber Corps camp resided, the Canadian Forestry Corps had built a camp. When British lumberjacks were called up for service during the war, Britain reached out to foreigners to take their posts. Many Canadian men responded. In addition to their lumberjack skills they also participated in military training. Sergeant Callum Fraser and his buddy Gordy soon discovered the existence of the Lumberjills. Over time, there were romances, scandals and good times and bad. The Canadian Forestry Corps as well as the local people from the village did not have a lot of faith in the Lumberjills. Would the Lumberjills succeed and be able to carry out what they were commissioned to do? Could these women accomplish what the men had previously done?
The Highland Girls at War by Helen Yendall was inspiring, compelling and heartwarming. I enjoyed the characters and felt like I really knew them by the conclusion of this book. It was fast paced and held my attention throughout. There was humor, disappointment, romance, disgrace, decisions and sisterhood. Helen Yendall combined just the right amount of fact with fiction to make this historical fiction saga believable and inspiring. Her research was impeccable. My only criticism was the ending. It left me hanging and did not neatly tie up all the loose ends for me. A sequel would be appreciated. All I can do is hope. I really enjoyed reading The Highland Girls at War and highly recommended it.
Thank you to HQ Digital/Harper Collins Publishing for allowing me to read the ARC of The Highland Girls at War by Helen Yendall through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lady Persephone (Seffy) Baxter-Mills had been born with a silver spoon in her mouth. She never had to worry about money. Seffy was English, titled, a debutante and lived in a castle. When her social season was cut short due to the numerous recruitments of the men in her circle and The Blitz, Seffy returned home to Dalreay Castle. She was bored and wanted something exciting to happen in her life. When Seffy’s twin brothers arrived home to let her family know they had enlisted in The Royal Air Force she was more determined than ever to make a difference herself. Seffy applied to be a Land Girl but was offered a position in the Women’s Timber Corps. Her family was flabbergasted! They made a bet with her that she wouldn’t last more than a month. Her father threatened to cut off her allowance if she went through with it. Seffy was determined to prove them all wrong.
The Women’s Timber Corps was not exactly what Seffy had imagined. Women from all different social and economic backgrounds had been commissioned to serve. Seffy soon learned that some of the women had received advanced training. She was not happy that she had not been offered that opportunity. Soon Seffy found herself surrounded by women who had previously been domestics, factory workers, shop assistants and hairdressers. One of the women had worked in a tea room and someone else in a hotel. All these women were “townies”. She really had nothing in common with any of them. What had she gotten herself into?
Seffy’s attitude of superiority and entitlement was recognized immediately by the others in the dorm she was assigned to. They took an immediate dislike to her and made her time there horrid. Seffy kept her head down and took what they dished out. She had hoped to make some friends but it didn’t seem like that was in the cards for her. Seffy almost quit several times but somehow she persevered and stuck it out. Of all the women in the Women’s Timber Corps, Seffy’s transformation was the most radical and the most recognized. Seffy was by far my favorite character in the book. Among others, Seffy shared the dorm with Grace McGinty, an only child that had been living on a farm in the middle of nowhere with her domineering and demanding mother prior to enlisting. Grace was tall and somewhat clumsy. She didn’t like herself very much and she was quite shy and withdrawn. Irene Calder was another woman that shared the dorm with Seffy. She was the hardest on Seffy and ridiculed her relentlessly. Irene was older than all the others. She was petite and beautiful. Irene had just been made “leader girl” by their supervisor. Her husband, her childhood sweetheart, was away at sea as a signalman in the Navy. Irene signed up for the Women’s Timber Corps to distract her until her husband returned home. The women and Seffy learned quickly that they were responsible for felling trees and hauling them to the mill. Their work was dangerous and taxing. The conditions under which they lived and worked were not optimal and often left much to be desired. Seffy and the others quickly learned that felling trees required the utmost concentration, maximum strength and a great deal of endurance. They named themselves Lumberjills.
Not far from where the Women’s Timber Corps camp resided, the Canadian Forestry Corps had built a camp. When British lumberjacks were called up for service during the war, Britain reached out to foreigners to take their posts. Many Canadian men responded. In addition to their lumberjack skills they also participated in military training. Sergeant Callum Fraser and his buddy Gordy soon discovered the existence of the Lumberjills. Over time, there were romances, scandals and good times and bad. The Canadian Forestry Corps as well as the local people from the village did not have a lot of faith in the Lumberjills. Would the Lumberjills succeed and be able to carry out what they were commissioned to do? Could these women accomplish what the men had previously done?
The Highland Girls at War by Helen Yendall was inspiring, compelling and heartwarming. I enjoyed the characters and felt like I really knew them by the conclusion of this book. It was fast paced and held my attention throughout. There was humor, disappointment, romance, disgrace, decisions and sisterhood. Helen Yendall combined just the right amount of fact with fiction to make this historical fiction saga believable and inspiring. Her research was impeccable. My only criticism was the ending. It left me hanging and did not neatly tie up all the loose ends for me. A sequel would be appreciated. All I can do is hope. I really enjoyed reading The Highland Girls at War and highly recommended it.
Thank you to HQ Digital/Harper Collins Publishing for allowing me to read the ARC of The Highland Girls at War by Helen Yendall through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2022
Scotland, 1942: The Lumberjills, the newest recruits in the Women's Timber Corps, arrive in the Scottish Highlands to a hostile reception from doubtful locals. The young women are determined to prove them wrong and serve their country - but they're also looking for a little bit more....
Lady Persephone signed up to show everyone she's more than just a pretty face - but it will take more than some charm and noble credentials to win handsome Sargeant Fraser over.
Tall strong Grace has led a lonely life working on a croft, with just her mother for company. All she wants is to find her place in the world - even if that's a thousand miles from home.
This was a different aspect on the work the women did during WWII. The women were from different walks of life, but they all had the same goal, to help their country. What a great bunch of women they were, well, except for Irene, who knew how to push my buttons. This book has been well researched. There's a lot more about the girls' romances than there is about the war. A story of love, friendship and heartbreak.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #HelenYendall for my ARC of #TheHighlandGirlsAtWar in exchange for an honest review.
Lady Persephone signed up to show everyone she's more than just a pretty face - but it will take more than some charm and noble credentials to win handsome Sargeant Fraser over.
Tall strong Grace has led a lonely life working on a croft, with just her mother for company. All she wants is to find her place in the world - even if that's a thousand miles from home.
This was a different aspect on the work the women did during WWII. The women were from different walks of life, but they all had the same goal, to help their country. What a great bunch of women they were, well, except for Irene, who knew how to push my buttons. This book has been well researched. There's a lot more about the girls' romances than there is about the war. A story of love, friendship and heartbreak.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #HelenYendall for my ARC of #TheHighlandGirlsAtWar in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2022
This is the first time I have read anything from this author and this book was a wonderful one to read. The setting is Scotland during WWII. As some women join the WVRS or become LandGirls, there is another group they can enlist with, this is The Womens' Timber Corp. I seem to remember something about this but I am not sure from where. The WTC was set up in 1942, the aim was for women to take over the forestry jobs of the men who had to go to war.
The story focuses on a small group of women, you couldn't get a much different group as they come together to do what they can to help. A mix of Scottish women, a couple are married, some are engaged, some come from other jobs and there is even an English Lady!
The author brings this group of women together and over the course of the story, they start to form friendships. The work is tough, some that have come from crofts or small holding are more used to the physical work, whereas others come from shop or factory backgrounds. Each of them though odes brings their own personality and it seems that all have a reason to be there.
The women are not the only ones in the forest, there are some Candian Lumberjacks that have been stationed close by. The girls much prefer their own nickname, the Lumberjills. Living in close proximity there are dalliances between the two groups. There is going to be heartache somewhere down the line.
The author has woven a group of strangers that have a job to do, it also turns out they have a point to prove. Working a very tough job that is seen as being "men's work" gives the girls a push to do the best they can. As the months roll on the camaraderie between the women grows, and solid friendships are formed.
This was a wonderful glimpse into a group that I had heard about and it definitely made me search for more information about the WTC. The author has mixed a factual group that played its part in their service to the war effort and worked some wonderful storylines into the story. This was a wonderful one to read and if you are a fan of WWII historical romances and sagas then you are really going to enjoy this one. A story of friendship, support and overcoming the odds. A great cast of characters and I was sorry to get to the end of the story. It is one I would definitely recommend.
The story focuses on a small group of women, you couldn't get a much different group as they come together to do what they can to help. A mix of Scottish women, a couple are married, some are engaged, some come from other jobs and there is even an English Lady!
The author brings this group of women together and over the course of the story, they start to form friendships. The work is tough, some that have come from crofts or small holding are more used to the physical work, whereas others come from shop or factory backgrounds. Each of them though odes brings their own personality and it seems that all have a reason to be there.
The women are not the only ones in the forest, there are some Candian Lumberjacks that have been stationed close by. The girls much prefer their own nickname, the Lumberjills. Living in close proximity there are dalliances between the two groups. There is going to be heartache somewhere down the line.
The author has woven a group of strangers that have a job to do, it also turns out they have a point to prove. Working a very tough job that is seen as being "men's work" gives the girls a push to do the best they can. As the months roll on the camaraderie between the women grows, and solid friendships are formed.
This was a wonderful glimpse into a group that I had heard about and it definitely made me search for more information about the WTC. The author has mixed a factual group that played its part in their service to the war effort and worked some wonderful storylines into the story. This was a wonderful one to read and if you are a fan of WWII historical romances and sagas then you are really going to enjoy this one. A story of friendship, support and overcoming the odds. A great cast of characters and I was sorry to get to the end of the story. It is one I would definitely recommend.
April 15, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyable as an entertaining historical story, this novel also introduced me to The Women's Timber Corps. I had of course known about the 'Land Girls', but this is the first time I've learned about the lumberjills (as opposed to lumberjacks)
Set in the forests of Scotland during 1942, the story featured several of the lumberjills from all different walks of life, and various social classes, single, married, and widowed. All young, in their twenties, they were taught the gruellingly arduous job of felling trees with axes and bucksaws. Some of the lower class girls were not strangers to hard physical labour, but one of the protagonists of the story, Lady Persephone (Seffy), the daughter of a British Earl, has never had to work for anything. Spoiled by her father's money and social status, she is rudely awakened by her new career. She is disliked by the other girls, so feels she must prove herself - both to the other girls and to her parents. Scottish born Grace has previously worked on her mother's croft, so she is the most physically strong of the bunch. Irene's husband is serving in the war, so she hopes her new position will help to quell her loneliness and fear for him.
As they learn their dangerous new trade, the girls encounter some Canadian Lumberjacks from The Canadian Forestry Corps, who provide both jacks and jills with some much needed distraction from the war, and from their bone weary daily labours.
This gripping story transports the reader to the forests of Scotland where the work is hard, the sap is sticky, the midges bite, and young hearts are tested in many ways.
Highly recommended to those who appreciate a romantic story with lots of history thrown in. A heart-warming, heart-breaking, and entertaining saga about female friendship, hope, courage, and the cruelties of war.
Set in the forests of Scotland during 1942, the story featured several of the lumberjills from all different walks of life, and various social classes, single, married, and widowed. All young, in their twenties, they were taught the gruellingly arduous job of felling trees with axes and bucksaws. Some of the lower class girls were not strangers to hard physical labour, but one of the protagonists of the story, Lady Persephone (Seffy), the daughter of a British Earl, has never had to work for anything. Spoiled by her father's money and social status, she is rudely awakened by her new career. She is disliked by the other girls, so feels she must prove herself - both to the other girls and to her parents. Scottish born Grace has previously worked on her mother's croft, so she is the most physically strong of the bunch. Irene's husband is serving in the war, so she hopes her new position will help to quell her loneliness and fear for him.
As they learn their dangerous new trade, the girls encounter some Canadian Lumberjacks from The Canadian Forestry Corps, who provide both jacks and jills with some much needed distraction from the war, and from their bone weary daily labours.
This gripping story transports the reader to the forests of Scotland where the work is hard, the sap is sticky, the midges bite, and young hearts are tested in many ways.
Highly recommended to those who appreciate a romantic story with lots of history thrown in. A heart-warming, heart-breaking, and entertaining saga about female friendship, hope, courage, and the cruelties of war.
August 30, 2022
I don’t think I can contain my feelings for this book in words. I adored it!! It may say I’ve given it 5 stars but in my head I’ve given it 100!
From start to finish, I loved it and couldn’t wait to get back to it whenever I had to rip myself away. I loved all the characters (although at times Irene did certainly test me but she more than redeemed herself). Seffy was such a great character, and from riches to rags, she boldly took on the job of a Lumberjill and rose to all the challenges she faced. Irene excelled as ‘Leader girl’ of their cohort and made sure all the girls were kept in line. And lovely Grace (or Amazing Grace I should say!) who was just a lovely sunshiney addition to this fab cast of characters. They were all honestly so strong and well written.
I love reading about the girls in the Timber corp, as we’ve all heard of the land girls and I definitely feel those hard working girls in the forests don’t get as much air time! It’s brilliant to see a light shone on them in fiction.
I definitely rode the waves of feelings in this book and was well and truly ensconced. I feel like an honorary member of the girls in the Macdonald hut and so enjoyed reading their plights, sharing the happy times and their struggles. It had all; camaraderie, friendship, romance and the wartime spirit.
I do really hope this is a series as I NEED (capitals necessary), the next book as it certainly left me wanting more! It was brilliant.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
From start to finish, I loved it and couldn’t wait to get back to it whenever I had to rip myself away. I loved all the characters (although at times Irene did certainly test me but she more than redeemed herself). Seffy was such a great character, and from riches to rags, she boldly took on the job of a Lumberjill and rose to all the challenges she faced. Irene excelled as ‘Leader girl’ of their cohort and made sure all the girls were kept in line. And lovely Grace (or Amazing Grace I should say!) who was just a lovely sunshiney addition to this fab cast of characters. They were all honestly so strong and well written.
I love reading about the girls in the Timber corp, as we’ve all heard of the land girls and I definitely feel those hard working girls in the forests don’t get as much air time! It’s brilliant to see a light shone on them in fiction.
I definitely rode the waves of feelings in this book and was well and truly ensconced. I feel like an honorary member of the girls in the Macdonald hut and so enjoyed reading their plights, sharing the happy times and their struggles. It had all; camaraderie, friendship, romance and the wartime spirit.
I do really hope this is a series as I NEED (capitals necessary), the next book as it certainly left me wanting more! It was brilliant.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
November 6, 2022
I'm finding it hard to rate this book. It was almost like it was in two parts. The first half was very slow and we were shown what was happening rather than reading it from the characters themselves. I also thought there should have been more about the actual work the Women's Timber Corps did.
The pace and story picks up in the second half of the book and was quite enjoyable.
Seffy is the main character and she's not at all likeable in the beginning. She does grow and become a better person but I never took to her. Also she decided to take time off at one stage and I didn't understand this at all. I thought once you signed up you got your leave and that was it! I was quite confused about some of the things in the story. I liked Grace a lot but I felt that some of her insecurities were a bit silly. The relationship with her mother was glossed over quickly and I didn't see the point of it. The ending was unexpected. I don't know if this is a series or not but if it's stand alone then I didn't like the ending. Too many loose ends.
It just missed the mark for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for an early copy of this book.
The pace and story picks up in the second half of the book and was quite enjoyable.
Seffy is the main character and she's not at all likeable in the beginning. She does grow and become a better person but I never took to her. Also she decided to take time off at one stage and I didn't understand this at all. I thought once you signed up you got your leave and that was it! I was quite confused about some of the things in the story. I liked Grace a lot but I felt that some of her insecurities were a bit silly. The relationship with her mother was glossed over quickly and I didn't see the point of it. The ending was unexpected. I don't know if this is a series or not but if it's stand alone then I didn't like the ending. Too many loose ends.
It just missed the mark for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for an early copy of this book.
November 7, 2022
Highland Girls at War by Helen Yendall is a wonderful WWII-era historical fiction saga that delves into the Women’s Timber Corps.
This book starts off in 1942 and takes place in the Scottish Highlands. Here we get to see a group of women come together under the service of the WTC. I had never heard of this division under the Women’s Land Army and had also never heard of these amazing women called The Lumberjills. I learned so much about all of these unsung heroes and the historical context really added to the book. The author’s note at the end of the book really helped give more detail.
I enjoyed the main characters, a group of women coming together from different circumstances and different walks of life for a common purpose and for their country. I enjoyed the relationships that were built, and how the women themselves grew and evolved throughout the book. I sure hope this will turn into a series.
4.5/5 stars
Thank you NG and HQ Digital for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/4/22.
From the Publisher:
Pre-Order Link - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Highland-Gir...
Can the Highland girls prove everyone wrong? Don’t miss this poignant and heartwarming WW2 novel for fans of Rosie Clarke, Dilly Court and Rosie Archer, from the author of A Wartime Secret.
Scotland, 1942.
The Lumberjills, the newest recruits in the Women’s Timber Corps, arrive in the Scottish Highlands to a hostile reception from doubtful locals. The young women are determined to prove them wrong and serve their country – but they’re also all looking for something more…
Lady Persephone signed up to show everyone she’s more than just a pretty face – but it’ll take more than some charm and her noble credentials to win handsome Sergeant Fraser over.
Tall, strong Grace has led a lonely life working on a croft, with just her mother for company. All she wants is to find her place in the world – even if that’s a thousand miles from home.
And Irene misses her husband terribly, so until he returns home from the frontline, she’s distracting herself with war work. But one distraction too far leads to devastating consequences…
Can the Lumberjills get through their struggles together – even when tragedy strikes?
This book starts off in 1942 and takes place in the Scottish Highlands. Here we get to see a group of women come together under the service of the WTC. I had never heard of this division under the Women’s Land Army and had also never heard of these amazing women called The Lumberjills. I learned so much about all of these unsung heroes and the historical context really added to the book. The author’s note at the end of the book really helped give more detail.
I enjoyed the main characters, a group of women coming together from different circumstances and different walks of life for a common purpose and for their country. I enjoyed the relationships that were built, and how the women themselves grew and evolved throughout the book. I sure hope this will turn into a series.
4.5/5 stars
Thank you NG and HQ Digital for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/4/22.
From the Publisher:
Pre-Order Link - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Highland-Gir...
Can the Highland girls prove everyone wrong? Don’t miss this poignant and heartwarming WW2 novel for fans of Rosie Clarke, Dilly Court and Rosie Archer, from the author of A Wartime Secret.
Scotland, 1942.
The Lumberjills, the newest recruits in the Women’s Timber Corps, arrive in the Scottish Highlands to a hostile reception from doubtful locals. The young women are determined to prove them wrong and serve their country – but they’re also all looking for something more…
Lady Persephone signed up to show everyone she’s more than just a pretty face – but it’ll take more than some charm and her noble credentials to win handsome Sergeant Fraser over.
Tall, strong Grace has led a lonely life working on a croft, with just her mother for company. All she wants is to find her place in the world – even if that’s a thousand miles from home.
And Irene misses her husband terribly, so until he returns home from the frontline, she’s distracting herself with war work. But one distraction too far leads to devastating consequences…
Can the Lumberjills get through their struggles together – even when tragedy strikes?
March 6, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this eye opening book
wow i wasnt sure at first about this book but once i got into it i loved it....women doing their bit for the war but again not being recognised for it....and how they had to win the approval of the village they were based around....honest to god you cant make this up....
when the women first enrolled at the womens timber corp it was with excitement and trepidation, it was to be the hardest work they had ever done...and a learning curve for many...how to chop down trees and transport them to where they were needed....
and how to live in basic huts with no hot water.... but it was the camaraderie of those in the huts that saw them through many adversities
and what a story this is...based on fact there actually was a womens timber corps in the 2nd world war in the highlands of scotland.... amazing stuff
and this story kept me hooked on their journey though the actual storyline on them is fiction certain things are factual.... and i loved it
will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works
wow i wasnt sure at first about this book but once i got into it i loved it....women doing their bit for the war but again not being recognised for it....and how they had to win the approval of the village they were based around....honest to god you cant make this up....
when the women first enrolled at the womens timber corp it was with excitement and trepidation, it was to be the hardest work they had ever done...and a learning curve for many...how to chop down trees and transport them to where they were needed....
and how to live in basic huts with no hot water.... but it was the camaraderie of those in the huts that saw them through many adversities
and what a story this is...based on fact there actually was a womens timber corps in the 2nd world war in the highlands of scotland.... amazing stuff
and this story kept me hooked on their journey though the actual storyline on them is fiction certain things are factual.... and i loved it
will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works
September 24, 2022
I found myself really struggling to get into this book. I found it slow to start, slow to establish the plot and then somehow the ending felt very rushed. It was a cute story and I thought the author did a good job at establishing the characters and their backgrounds.
It tells the story of a group of girls who join the Timber Corp in Scotland during WWII to do their bit and help the war effort. While they are in the woods, they meet a group of timber men from a Canadian Military Group. The story is a mix of womanhood, adventure and romance but it just felt very rushed at times and other times I found myself trying to understand the point of the story.
It tells the story of a group of girls who join the Timber Corp in Scotland during WWII to do their bit and help the war effort. While they are in the woods, they meet a group of timber men from a Canadian Military Group. The story is a mix of womanhood, adventure and romance but it just felt very rushed at times and other times I found myself trying to understand the point of the story.
February 23, 2024
The Timber Corp Girls prove their worth!
I very much enjoyed this novel about a group of young women who joined to serve as Timber Corps girls in WW2. Most of this particular group were Scottish girls, but the main protagonist was Lady Persephone Baxter Mills, a rather flighty young English girl. She has more to prove than any of the other girls and it was fun to watch her character grow and blossom into a young woman others could count upon. I will definitely look forward to reading the next book in the series which is coming out in March.
I very much enjoyed this novel about a group of young women who joined to serve as Timber Corps girls in WW2. Most of this particular group were Scottish girls, but the main protagonist was Lady Persephone Baxter Mills, a rather flighty young English girl. She has more to prove than any of the other girls and it was fun to watch her character grow and blossom into a young woman others could count upon. I will definitely look forward to reading the next book in the series which is coming out in March.
November 20, 2022
I do enjoy books which feature a group of women, all different, and these women were certainly that, all thrown together by war and a desire to serve. I had never heard of the lumberjills before but was soon swept up in their lives and work, romances and tragedies. Not the ending I had expected, so bravo to the author for that!
February 15, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this listen on Libby.
I had no idea there was a women’s Timber Corps during the war so this story, loosely based on factual data, was an eye opener and very interesting and enjoyable. A complete mix of characters and personalities made for a great listen
I had no idea there was a women’s Timber Corps during the war so this story, loosely based on factual data, was an eye opener and very interesting and enjoyable. A complete mix of characters and personalities made for a great listen
November 4, 2022
I had heard of girls becoming landgirls during war. I wasn’t aware of them also being lumberjills.
It’s really centered more around romances the girls had while being lumberjills than the war.
I thought it was a good book and it certainly got better as the book went on.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
It’s really centered more around romances the girls had while being lumberjills than the war.
I thought it was a good book and it certainly got better as the book went on.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
April 16, 2025
*Thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for the eARC; the review is my own.*
3.5 stars
I really wanted to like this book more than I did, and I feel a bit bad giving it 3.5 stars. (Though, for the record, 3.5 stars isn't a bad rating--it just means that I didn't find the book exceptional.) I enjoyed learning about the Women's Timber Corps from WWII, as well as a little about the Canadian Forestry Corps, both of which were military branches I knew nothing about. It's good for those more obscure groups to receive some recognition, and it was clear that Helen Yendall put in quite a bit of time doing the necessary research to write this book.
What it lacked for me, however, was a true story arc. I felt more like I was following these women (and occasionally Sergeant Fraser) around, observing them from the time they chose to enlist until the book ended. There was no rising action, no climax, no falling action, no denouement. It all felt like exposition with a few minor blips along the way. There was no peril, no real worry for the characters. Yes, I was disappointed for Seffy at times and even concerned about some other characters, but that's it. I found it all rather slow.
One thing that did get me a bit fired up, however, was the portion of the book following the attempted rape of one of the side characters. It angered (and still angers) me to no end that the most optimal choice was to cover the whole thing up because Grace would have been punished for defending her friend against a Captain. I am aware of how, historically, women's allegations of rape have been handled, and it's appalling. I suppose that's one reason why it was included.
Side note: I was completely prepared to say that the ending felt less like an ending and more like the author reached her allotted number of words and decided she was done; however, I have discovered that there are two more books that follow this one, so I will reserve judgment for now.
Something I did like, however, was the character development, particularly of Seffy (21?). Although she began the book as naive, fragile, and somewhat snobby (picture Cher from Clueless, she discovered she was stronger and kinder than anyone believed her to be. Her character was my favorite, and she will likely be the reason I continue the series. Irene (26?) irritated me almost from the start, and I found her to be self centered, prejudiced, and mean. Despite being married, she delighted in her popularity among the CFC. Grace (early 20s?) was probably the least memorable of the three women the book focused on, though I found her likable. I'm not sure how to feel about Sergeant Fraser (?), to be honest. I really liked him for a while and hoped that things would work out between him and Seffie. But once some information about him was revealed, my opinion of him somewhat plummeted. I suppose we'll see if he redeems himself.
How it ends:
Note: Attempted rape, infidelity, death.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
I wasn't the biggest fan of this narrator. Sure, her voice was fine and sounded age appropriate for the characters. But she always sounded like she was smiling (forced or otherwise), which didn't always fit the tone of the book. She was also terrible with any accent but Scottish (she is Scottish). Every time she spoke for the Canadians, it hurt my soul.
Narrator: Charlie Mudie
3.5 stars
I really wanted to like this book more than I did, and I feel a bit bad giving it 3.5 stars. (Though, for the record, 3.5 stars isn't a bad rating--it just means that I didn't find the book exceptional.) I enjoyed learning about the Women's Timber Corps from WWII, as well as a little about the Canadian Forestry Corps, both of which were military branches I knew nothing about. It's good for those more obscure groups to receive some recognition, and it was clear that Helen Yendall put in quite a bit of time doing the necessary research to write this book.
What it lacked for me, however, was a true story arc. I felt more like I was following these women (and occasionally Sergeant Fraser) around, observing them from the time they chose to enlist until the book ended. There was no rising action, no climax, no falling action, no denouement. It all felt like exposition with a few minor blips along the way. There was no peril, no real worry for the characters. Yes, I was disappointed for Seffy at times and even concerned about some other characters, but that's it. I found it all rather slow.
One thing that did get me a bit fired up, however, was the portion of the book following the attempted rape of one of the side characters. It angered (and still angers) me to no end that the most optimal choice was to cover the whole thing up because Grace would have been punished for defending her friend against a Captain. I am aware of how, historically, women's allegations of rape have been handled, and it's appalling. I suppose that's one reason why it was included.
Side note: I was completely prepared to say that the ending felt less like an ending and more like the author reached her allotted number of words and decided she was done; however, I have discovered that there are two more books that follow this one, so I will reserve judgment for now.
Something I did like, however, was the character development, particularly of Seffy (21?). Although she began the book as naive, fragile, and somewhat snobby (picture Cher from Clueless, she discovered she was stronger and kinder than anyone believed her to be. Her character was my favorite, and she will likely be the reason I continue the series. Irene (26?) irritated me almost from the start, and I found her to be self centered, prejudiced, and mean. Despite being married, she delighted in her popularity among the CFC. Grace (early 20s?) was probably the least memorable of the three women the book focused on, though I found her likable. I'm not sure how to feel about Sergeant Fraser (?), to be honest. I really liked him for a while and hoped that things would work out between him and Seffie. But once some information about him was revealed, my opinion of him somewhat plummeted. I suppose we'll see if he redeems himself.
How it ends:
Note: Attempted rape, infidelity, death.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
I wasn't the biggest fan of this narrator. Sure, her voice was fine and sounded age appropriate for the characters. But she always sounded like she was smiling (forced or otherwise), which didn't always fit the tone of the book. She was also terrible with any accent but Scottish (she is Scottish). Every time she spoke for the Canadians, it hurt my soul.
Narrator: Charlie Mudie
November 6, 2022
Beginning in 1942, this book focuses on a different aspect of the war rather than the usual WAAFs, Wrens, Land Army or ATS. It tells the story of the women who joined the Women's Timber Corp (WTC) and in this case, they are situated in the remote and largely unforgiving Highlands. The work is hard and the conditions harsh. Who'd have thought women would be felling trees? That was man's work, as society saw it. And so did many of the women before being recruited.
I am happy to say that this is the first in a series, particularly with how it ended, leaving everything open-ended and just more than a few loose ends. But what will the future hold for the remaining women of the WTC? And who else will join their ranks?
The story opens with one Lady Persephone Baxter-Mills (which is something of a mouthful), Seffy for short, at her Aryeshire estate (or rather castle) doing nothing but growing bored with...well, doing nothing! She has only her best friend Emerald's wedding to look forward to and even then she has been subjected to wearing the most awful bridesmaid dress in lime green!
So when her brothers, twins Percy and Tol, arrive home with the exciting news that have joined up with the RAF, Seffy couldn't be outdone, announcing that she was also signing up. Her parents and brothers laughed. Seffy? Lady of the manor? Born for nothing but marriage and breeding? Join the forces? With such an amusing announcement, nobody could believe she would last a week but they laid a bet of £10 that she wouldn't last a month...to which her father upped the stakes by cutting off her allowance for the interim. That should do it...or so they thought.
After her initial interview, she was recruited to the WTC and she with the belief that she would be working with the horses. Upon arriving at the camp, Seffy is shocked at the conditions. How is she to survive? But survive she must. She meets the other women allocated to her lodgings. Grace had lived her life with her mother on a small farm but decided she wanted something more. Her mother had not been impressed. Irene was working in a teashop when she saw the Women's Land Army marching passed with one of them telling her about the WTC, after which she marched back into the shop and handed in her notice. She had a husband away in the forces whom she hadn't seen in two years. Hazel was a slip of a woman who has lost her husband and her dog in a direct hit in their shelter. There was also Jean, Joey, Morag and Enid.
Seffy was looking forward to making some friends...but that was not to be when she immediately rubbed everyone up the wrong way with the way she talked and acted. She meant no harm but she had no idea she came across as condescending and looking down on them. As if that wasn't bad enough, the work was beyond hard and after the first day she was ready to toss it in and go home. Almost. But then she remembered the bet she had with her brothers and father who thought she wouldn't last five minutes. She just HAD to prove them wrong; that she could do it.
Then word reaches the women of the Canucks (Canadian Forestry Corp) stationed nearby and they are eager to meet these men. Soon they are enjoying dances, movies, boat rides and a little canoodling under the stars when they are not felling trees and lugging them via lorry to the sawmill. It isn't long before friendships and romance bloom between some of the lumberjills and the CFC servicemen.
Seffy is even surprised to discover her Aunt Dilys living in a castle of sorts nearby and takes to sneaking some of the women there for a much-longed-for bath. This goes some way into endearing her to the women somewhat, despite some still thinking she is a stuck up madam. Before long, Seffy proves her worth amongst the women and becomes a valued member of their group.
But tragedy strikes the women at their core, leaving one of the women risking her position with the WTC and Seffy blaming herself. Can she move past what happened and prove to her family that she was made for more than just marriage and breeding?
THE HIGHLAND GIRLS AT WAR is a delightful easy read set in the Scottish Highlands from the summer of 1942 through to the winter of 1943. I expected there to be more focus on the war given its title but was relieved to discover that it is merely a backdrop for the main story...which is that of the women doing man's work, working as lumberjills felling trees, and their subsequent romances and dalliances. It is enchanting without the sheer sadness that usually floods wartime fiction and readers will fall in love with Seffy, Irene, Grace, Jean and the others. Dilys is also an interesting story arc having worked for the Forestry Commission (later renamed the WTC) in WW1, as is her companion Marigold. I really enjoyed those two affable women.
I do have one complaint though...and that may well be because I'm so used to it in other books...and that is I'd prefer it if the narrator of each chapter was named at the beginning of each so that we are aware of whose narrative it was, despite the narrative changing mid chapter several times (which could have made way for it becoming another chapter). I don't know, it may just be me but it did make it difficult to follow whose narrative I was reading when it ended up being Callum instead of Seffy or Irene or Grace. If not named, then each particular narrative made clear as to who it is would be a little more helpful.
Overall, THE HIGHLAND GIRLS AT WAR is entertaining and am easy compelling read. Perfect for fans of wartime fiction. And I look forward to discovering what happens next...as I really didn't like the way it ended.
I would like to thank #HelenYendall, #Netgalley, #HQStories and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheHighlandGirlsAtWar in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I am happy to say that this is the first in a series, particularly with how it ended, leaving everything open-ended and just more than a few loose ends. But what will the future hold for the remaining women of the WTC? And who else will join their ranks?
The story opens with one Lady Persephone Baxter-Mills (which is something of a mouthful), Seffy for short, at her Aryeshire estate (or rather castle) doing nothing but growing bored with...well, doing nothing! She has only her best friend Emerald's wedding to look forward to and even then she has been subjected to wearing the most awful bridesmaid dress in lime green!
So when her brothers, twins Percy and Tol, arrive home with the exciting news that have joined up with the RAF, Seffy couldn't be outdone, announcing that she was also signing up. Her parents and brothers laughed. Seffy? Lady of the manor? Born for nothing but marriage and breeding? Join the forces? With such an amusing announcement, nobody could believe she would last a week but they laid a bet of £10 that she wouldn't last a month...to which her father upped the stakes by cutting off her allowance for the interim. That should do it...or so they thought.
After her initial interview, she was recruited to the WTC and she with the belief that she would be working with the horses. Upon arriving at the camp, Seffy is shocked at the conditions. How is she to survive? But survive she must. She meets the other women allocated to her lodgings. Grace had lived her life with her mother on a small farm but decided she wanted something more. Her mother had not been impressed. Irene was working in a teashop when she saw the Women's Land Army marching passed with one of them telling her about the WTC, after which she marched back into the shop and handed in her notice. She had a husband away in the forces whom she hadn't seen in two years. Hazel was a slip of a woman who has lost her husband and her dog in a direct hit in their shelter. There was also Jean, Joey, Morag and Enid.
Seffy was looking forward to making some friends...but that was not to be when she immediately rubbed everyone up the wrong way with the way she talked and acted. She meant no harm but she had no idea she came across as condescending and looking down on them. As if that wasn't bad enough, the work was beyond hard and after the first day she was ready to toss it in and go home. Almost. But then she remembered the bet she had with her brothers and father who thought she wouldn't last five minutes. She just HAD to prove them wrong; that she could do it.
Then word reaches the women of the Canucks (Canadian Forestry Corp) stationed nearby and they are eager to meet these men. Soon they are enjoying dances, movies, boat rides and a little canoodling under the stars when they are not felling trees and lugging them via lorry to the sawmill. It isn't long before friendships and romance bloom between some of the lumberjills and the CFC servicemen.
Seffy is even surprised to discover her Aunt Dilys living in a castle of sorts nearby and takes to sneaking some of the women there for a much-longed-for bath. This goes some way into endearing her to the women somewhat, despite some still thinking she is a stuck up madam. Before long, Seffy proves her worth amongst the women and becomes a valued member of their group.
But tragedy strikes the women at their core, leaving one of the women risking her position with the WTC and Seffy blaming herself. Can she move past what happened and prove to her family that she was made for more than just marriage and breeding?
THE HIGHLAND GIRLS AT WAR is a delightful easy read set in the Scottish Highlands from the summer of 1942 through to the winter of 1943. I expected there to be more focus on the war given its title but was relieved to discover that it is merely a backdrop for the main story...which is that of the women doing man's work, working as lumberjills felling trees, and their subsequent romances and dalliances. It is enchanting without the sheer sadness that usually floods wartime fiction and readers will fall in love with Seffy, Irene, Grace, Jean and the others. Dilys is also an interesting story arc having worked for the Forestry Commission (later renamed the WTC) in WW1, as is her companion Marigold. I really enjoyed those two affable women.
I do have one complaint though...and that may well be because I'm so used to it in other books...and that is I'd prefer it if the narrator of each chapter was named at the beginning of each so that we are aware of whose narrative it was, despite the narrative changing mid chapter several times (which could have made way for it becoming another chapter). I don't know, it may just be me but it did make it difficult to follow whose narrative I was reading when it ended up being Callum instead of Seffy or Irene or Grace. If not named, then each particular narrative made clear as to who it is would be a little more helpful.
Overall, THE HIGHLAND GIRLS AT WAR is entertaining and am easy compelling read. Perfect for fans of wartime fiction. And I look forward to discovering what happens next...as I really didn't like the way it ended.
I would like to thank #HelenYendall, #Netgalley, #HQStories and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheHighlandGirlsAtWar in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
January 19, 2023
I enjoyed this book, although it started off a bit slow for me. It took me a while to get immersed in the story. I loved the characters of the young girls who left family and went to work in the woods, their determination and yet real feelings were felt throughout the book. I enjoyed their friendship and the joys they shared along with the sorrow.
There were a few characters I didn’t care for in the book, but unfortunately usually every book has some.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There were a few characters I didn’t care for in the book, but unfortunately usually every book has some.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2024
I read this book in one sitting and I’ve not stopped thinking about it.
The Highland Girls at War is an absolute gem. Telling the story of the too often forgotten war efforts of British women. I laughed and cried, feeling fully content as I read the last lines.
It’s a story of perseverance, friendship, love and heartbreak, giving perspective to the real lives torn apart by war and the opportunities that tragedies often bring.
I had never heard of the lumberjills before and I am so grateful to now know who they were.
The Highland Girls at War is an absolute gem. Telling the story of the too often forgotten war efforts of British women. I laughed and cried, feeling fully content as I read the last lines.
It’s a story of perseverance, friendship, love and heartbreak, giving perspective to the real lives torn apart by war and the opportunities that tragedies often bring.
I had never heard of the lumberjills before and I am so grateful to now know who they were.
January 2, 2026
Spoiled Seffy makes a bet with her brothers and joins a group of woman lumberjacks during WW2 with the expectations she will be home within a week. She impresses them all by sticking it out, making friends, falling in love, experiencing loss and being quite clever along the way. Can’t wait for the second book in March!
January 8, 2025
2.5 stars but I’ll round up to 3 to be nice.
This is the second book I’ve read featuring the Women’s Timber Corps in WW2, but the other one being a teen fiction, I was excited to read what I hoped would be a more in depth adult version.
It was cute enough. A quick novel about the women of Scotland coming together to take the place of man in the woods and the tree felling scene. But the characters just felt flat to me.
For one, I was amazed by the amount of blatant cheating that seemed normalised in this book. Yeah, shoot me for being conservative or whatever, but honestly. We’re told how much our character Irene loves her husband who’s at war, how he’s her one true love, how much she misses him, etc...but at the first sighting of a man within her age she’s licking her lips and looking for more? And I understand these women were lonely and attention starved. I sympathise, truly I do. But it just seemed unrealistic that the character who was so in love with her husband could so quickly turn to the attentions of other men also.
Then there was Seffy, and Callum too. Both were in relationships but both were also happy to kiss each other and sort of string one another along. I understand that Seffy was feeling uncertain that her beau was really her true love and that Callum had maybe been coerced into an engagement he was unsure of, but if you make a promise to someone, you gotta stick to it! I honestly felt bad for her boyfriend and for Callum’s fiancée back home, and I’m pretty sure that wasn’t what the author was intending to make me feel. When Callum tries to break things off with Seffy, telling her about his fiancée, she literally responds with ‘So? I have a beau.’ Ummm, girl....
The love interest: Callum. Was I supposed to like him, to root for his success and happiness? Nothing about his character endeared me to him. All I saw was a man who was rude, unfaithful, brooding, an annoying stickler for rules, and frankly a bit of a party pooper. In his first few scenes we were lead to understand there was a reason for him being so, but it was never actually revealed. He needed more depth to his character, and a few likeable traits. He seemed hella moody, and on top of that, I actually thought he and Seffy would be a terrible match. There was nothing similar in their personalities, their upbringings, their lives.
I’ll tell you what I did love though: Grace and Gordy. Oh my gosh, could we have had a whole novel of these two? If the book went without Seffy and Irene’s POV and had only Grace’s, I would’ve been happy. She was so awkward and unsure of herself and sweet, it was adorable. And the two of them together, even cuter. Shy, sweet Grace and the humble, kind, joker Gordy were the best characters.
However, I just felt things got a little ridiculous by the end of the book. The whole high tea thing with Captain Graham? And even the ending, when the Canadians going off and loose ends are still dangling?
Oh and one more thing: the dialogue. I did not like the way their accents were actually written. Just a pet peeve of mine, but I hate when books do this. For me, I can IMAGINE they are speaking with Scottish accents, I don’t need to read it. It breaks up the writing and flow with clunky and annoying words. Eg, ‘wasnae’, ‘cannae’. Just say ‘wasn’t’ and ‘cannot’! Spell check doesn’t like it and neither do I!
It was a good attempt at what is an interesting and little known topic, so for what I learnt, I was grateful.
This is the second book I’ve read featuring the Women’s Timber Corps in WW2, but the other one being a teen fiction, I was excited to read what I hoped would be a more in depth adult version.
It was cute enough. A quick novel about the women of Scotland coming together to take the place of man in the woods and the tree felling scene. But the characters just felt flat to me.
For one, I was amazed by the amount of blatant cheating that seemed normalised in this book. Yeah, shoot me for being conservative or whatever, but honestly. We’re told how much our character Irene loves her husband who’s at war, how he’s her one true love, how much she misses him, etc...but at the first sighting of a man within her age she’s licking her lips and looking for more? And I understand these women were lonely and attention starved. I sympathise, truly I do. But it just seemed unrealistic that the character who was so in love with her husband could so quickly turn to the attentions of other men also.
Then there was Seffy, and Callum too. Both were in relationships but both were also happy to kiss each other and sort of string one another along. I understand that Seffy was feeling uncertain that her beau was really her true love and that Callum had maybe been coerced into an engagement he was unsure of, but if you make a promise to someone, you gotta stick to it! I honestly felt bad for her boyfriend and for Callum’s fiancée back home, and I’m pretty sure that wasn’t what the author was intending to make me feel. When Callum tries to break things off with Seffy, telling her about his fiancée, she literally responds with ‘So? I have a beau.’ Ummm, girl....
The love interest: Callum. Was I supposed to like him, to root for his success and happiness? Nothing about his character endeared me to him. All I saw was a man who was rude, unfaithful, brooding, an annoying stickler for rules, and frankly a bit of a party pooper. In his first few scenes we were lead to understand there was a reason for him being so, but it was never actually revealed. He needed more depth to his character, and a few likeable traits. He seemed hella moody, and on top of that, I actually thought he and Seffy would be a terrible match. There was nothing similar in their personalities, their upbringings, their lives.
I’ll tell you what I did love though: Grace and Gordy. Oh my gosh, could we have had a whole novel of these two? If the book went without Seffy and Irene’s POV and had only Grace’s, I would’ve been happy. She was so awkward and unsure of herself and sweet, it was adorable. And the two of them together, even cuter. Shy, sweet Grace and the humble, kind, joker Gordy were the best characters.
However, I just felt things got a little ridiculous by the end of the book. The whole high tea thing with Captain Graham? And even the ending, when the Canadians going off and loose ends are still dangling?
Oh and one more thing: the dialogue. I did not like the way their accents were actually written. Just a pet peeve of mine, but I hate when books do this. For me, I can IMAGINE they are speaking with Scottish accents, I don’t need to read it. It breaks up the writing and flow with clunky and annoying words. Eg, ‘wasnae’, ‘cannae’. Just say ‘wasn’t’ and ‘cannot’! Spell check doesn’t like it and neither do I!
It was a good attempt at what is an interesting and little known topic, so for what I learnt, I was grateful.
October 26, 2022
Highland Girls at War by Helen Yendall is a WWII-era historical fiction saga that focuses around the Women’s Timber Corps, stationed in Scotland.
There have been a number of novels in recent years focussing on the “women’s war”, each having their own focus on a different way women helped the war effort: those who became nurses or WRNS; sorted mail for the post office; drove ambulances; worked as bus conductors, in munitions factories or on the waterways; joined the land girls, or in this case the timber corps.
Many of these books focus on a small group of girls, usually from various backgrounds come together & form firm friendships as they undertake work previously deemed to be too hard, too strenuous or too dangerous for women.
This is a book that fits well into this genre & I would give it a solid 4 stars.
Our main protagonist is Seffy, full name Lady Persephone Baxter-Mills, who starts off snobbish, joining the timber corps for a bet/as a lark and not really expecting to have to get her hands dirty! Of course she rubs some of the other, more practical, girls up the wrong way at the start but rises to the challenge and evolves from a spoilt socialite into a strong young woman who is eventually accepted by her peers and becomes an integral part of the group. The characters are all different but meld together well as they grow up, gain independence and find a new reality in their lives, which is enhanced by the nearby presence of some members of the Canadian Forestry Corp (CFC), doing similar work. Of course there are some friendships and romances formed, and when things go awry the girls pull together to get through some difficult times with a little help from Seffy’s estranged Aunt Dilys who lives close by.
I liked Aunt Dilys as a character, and when aunt & niece get to know each other away from the rest of the family, they find they actually have much in common.
It’s a story of friendship and sisterhood, of love and heartbreak. There is a bit of romance, a little adventure, lots of new experiences and some poor decisions.
What didn’t quite work for me
The book is not listed/described as being the first in a series, and yet it very much feels as though it is. The book establishes the characters just enough to make you want to come back for another instalment and the ending was left open …
. As a standalone, the book feels unfinished & a little rushed in places, so I would generally drop a star for that, but if it is indeed to have a sequel I’d give it a star back! As such I'll say 3.5 rounded to 4.
Recommendation
This is a gentle, easy, heart-warming read (yet not in a twee “happy ever after” way) that will appeal to anyone who enjoys this the sort of Historical Fiction. If you enjoy authors like Rosie Archer, Vicki Beeby, Lizzie Lane, Margaret Dickinson or Pam Howes then I think you would enjoy this.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own & my review is left voluntarily.
There have been a number of novels in recent years focussing on the “women’s war”, each having their own focus on a different way women helped the war effort: those who became nurses or WRNS; sorted mail for the post office; drove ambulances; worked as bus conductors, in munitions factories or on the waterways; joined the land girls, or in this case the timber corps.
Many of these books focus on a small group of girls, usually from various backgrounds come together & form firm friendships as they undertake work previously deemed to be too hard, too strenuous or too dangerous for women.
This is a book that fits well into this genre & I would give it a solid 4 stars.
Our main protagonist is Seffy, full name Lady Persephone Baxter-Mills, who starts off snobbish, joining the timber corps for a bet/as a lark and not really expecting to have to get her hands dirty! Of course she rubs some of the other, more practical, girls up the wrong way at the start but rises to the challenge and evolves from a spoilt socialite into a strong young woman who is eventually accepted by her peers and becomes an integral part of the group. The characters are all different but meld together well as they grow up, gain independence and find a new reality in their lives, which is enhanced by the nearby presence of some members of the Canadian Forestry Corp (CFC), doing similar work. Of course there are some friendships and romances formed, and when things go awry the girls pull together to get through some difficult times with a little help from Seffy’s estranged Aunt Dilys who lives close by.
I liked Aunt Dilys as a character, and when aunt & niece get to know each other away from the rest of the family, they find they actually have much in common.
It’s a story of friendship and sisterhood, of love and heartbreak. There is a bit of romance, a little adventure, lots of new experiences and some poor decisions.
What didn’t quite work for me
The book is not listed/described as being the first in a series, and yet it very much feels as though it is. The book establishes the characters just enough to make you want to come back for another instalment and the ending was left open …
. As a standalone, the book feels unfinished & a little rushed in places, so I would generally drop a star for that, but if it is indeed to have a sequel I’d give it a star back! As such I'll say 3.5 rounded to 4.
Recommendation
This is a gentle, easy, heart-warming read (yet not in a twee “happy ever after” way) that will appeal to anyone who enjoys this the sort of Historical Fiction. If you enjoy authors like Rosie Archer, Vicki Beeby, Lizzie Lane, Margaret Dickinson or Pam Howes then I think you would enjoy this.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own & my review is left voluntarily.
November 14, 2022
I had the distinct pleasure of reading and reviewing Helen's first book, which is called 'A Wartime Secret', which was released in January 2022. When I heard that Helen was due to release another book, I knew that I had to read it at the earliest opportunity. Well I finally managed to get my hands on a copy of Helen's second book called 'The Highland Girls At War' and it was released in e-book format on 4th November 2022. It's another corker of a read and then some. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Highland Girls At War' but more about that in a bit.
Anybody who knows me well knows that not only am I a book geek but I am also a history nerd with a special interest in stories set during the Second World War. So you can imagine why the synopsis of 'The Highland Girls At War' appealed to me so much. As soon as I started reading, I knew that I was reading something special and that I would struggle to put the book down for any length of time. I was blown away by the story and by the characters. My Kindle wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. The characters grew on me to the extent that I felt as though most of them had become friends of mine and I had to keep reading to see how the story panned out for them. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. All too quickly I reached the end of 'The Highland Girls At War' and I had to say goodbye to the 'Girls'. I found 'The Highland Girls At War' to be a gripping, tense and dramatic read, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
'The Highland Girls At War' is superbly written but then I would expect nothing less from Helen Yendall. Helen has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Helen certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story. Helen clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters seem just as real as you and I. Helen has clearly done an awful lot of research into the time time period in which the story takes place and this makes the story seem that bit more authentic. i love the way in which Helen makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. That's how I felt anyway.
Overall I loved reading 'The Highland Girls At War' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I hope to read much more of Helen's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
Anybody who knows me well knows that not only am I a book geek but I am also a history nerd with a special interest in stories set during the Second World War. So you can imagine why the synopsis of 'The Highland Girls At War' appealed to me so much. As soon as I started reading, I knew that I was reading something special and that I would struggle to put the book down for any length of time. I was blown away by the story and by the characters. My Kindle wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. The characters grew on me to the extent that I felt as though most of them had become friends of mine and I had to keep reading to see how the story panned out for them. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. All too quickly I reached the end of 'The Highland Girls At War' and I had to say goodbye to the 'Girls'. I found 'The Highland Girls At War' to be a gripping, tense and dramatic read, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
'The Highland Girls At War' is superbly written but then I would expect nothing less from Helen Yendall. Helen has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Helen certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story. Helen clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters seem just as real as you and I. Helen has clearly done an awful lot of research into the time time period in which the story takes place and this makes the story seem that bit more authentic. i love the way in which Helen makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. That's how I felt anyway.
Overall I loved reading 'The Highland Girls At War' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I hope to read much more of Helen's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
November 24, 2022
Scotland, 1942.
The newest recruits in the Women’s Timber Corps, arrive in the Scottish Highlands to a hostile reception from doubtful locals. The young women are determined to prove them wrong and serve their country–but they’re also all looking for something more...
Lady Persephone enlisted to show everyone she’s more than just privileged–but it’ll take more than some charm and her noble credentials to win handsome Sergeant Fraser over.
Tall, strong Grace has led a lonely life working on a croft, with just her mother for company. All she wants is to find her place in the world–even if it's far away from home.
And Irene misses her husband terribly, so she’s distracting herself with war work. But one distraction too far leads to devastating consequences.
Can the Lumberjills get through their struggles together–even when tragedy strikes?
Realising wood's potential for the war effort, the government,specifically the Ministry of Supply,set up the Home Grown Timber Production Department in October 1940.The German invasion of Scandinavian countries,meant that Britain's previous supplies of timber had been cut off.Furthermore,Canadian ships which had previously transported timber no longer had room;food and armaments were the priority.In April 1942,the department set up the WTC for England and Wales,with the establishment of Scottish Women's Timber Corps just 2 months later.In Scotland, girls and women were recruited from the age of 17,however,some were 14.Majority undertook their training at Shanford Lodge,near Brechin.The 'Lumberjills' carried out administrative and arduous tasks of felling,measuring,census,stocktaking, snedding,loading ,cross-cutting,driving, working with horses and operating sawmills.They worked from 7AM-4:30PM.They had stricter medical examinations than Land Girls.They could be promoted to Leader Girls.The women were paid piecework rather than a set wage.Accommodation ranged from built hutted camps,hotels or hostels to private billets.
The Canadian Forestry Corps were nicknamed the "Sawdust Fusiliers".CFC were sent to England,but worked on cutting trees in Scotland and France.They only had basic training.
The newest recruits in the Women’s Timber Corps, arrive in the Scottish Highlands to a hostile reception from doubtful locals. The young women are determined to prove them wrong and serve their country–but they’re also all looking for something more...
Lady Persephone enlisted to show everyone she’s more than just privileged–but it’ll take more than some charm and her noble credentials to win handsome Sergeant Fraser over.
Tall, strong Grace has led a lonely life working on a croft, with just her mother for company. All she wants is to find her place in the world–even if it's far away from home.
And Irene misses her husband terribly, so she’s distracting herself with war work. But one distraction too far leads to devastating consequences.
Can the Lumberjills get through their struggles together–even when tragedy strikes?
Realising wood's potential for the war effort, the government,specifically the Ministry of Supply,set up the Home Grown Timber Production Department in October 1940.The German invasion of Scandinavian countries,meant that Britain's previous supplies of timber had been cut off.Furthermore,Canadian ships which had previously transported timber no longer had room;food and armaments were the priority.In April 1942,the department set up the WTC for England and Wales,with the establishment of Scottish Women's Timber Corps just 2 months later.In Scotland, girls and women were recruited from the age of 17,however,some were 14.Majority undertook their training at Shanford Lodge,near Brechin.The 'Lumberjills' carried out administrative and arduous tasks of felling,measuring,census,stocktaking, snedding,loading ,cross-cutting,driving, working with horses and operating sawmills.They worked from 7AM-4:30PM.They had stricter medical examinations than Land Girls.They could be promoted to Leader Girls.The women were paid piecework rather than a set wage.Accommodation ranged from built hutted camps,hotels or hostels to private billets.
The Canadian Forestry Corps were nicknamed the "Sawdust Fusiliers".CFC were sent to England,but worked on cutting trees in Scotland and France.They only had basic training.
September 21, 2025
1942, Scotland. Lady Persephone a pampered young woman is determined to hold the spotlight in her parent's eye when her younger twin brothers announce they have enlisted. Shocked, she blurts out that she too has signed up to help with the war effort. She has to back track to admit she intends to sign up when her family turns to look at her. But, when she is confronted at the recruiting office with what she is capable of doing, she suddenly finds herself joining the Lumberjills.
Grace, a lonely young woman living with her mother on a small farm decides she wants to do her part too and visits the local recruiting office. Her mother is a bully and tries to guilt her into staying home but Grace is determined to seek some freedom away from the claustrophobic home life she grew up in.
Irene has been married for some time but her husband is away at sea with the Navy. They have never had children. She decides to join the war effort and finds herself in the Lumberjills as well.
When it slips out that Lady Persephone is among their midst, Irene despite being put in charge because she is older and more experience challenges Persephone at every step making her life miserable. The locals are upset with their appearance believing they are taking jobs away from the locals. They work hard to gain their respect and show they are making a difference.
The Canadian Timber Corp are already working in the Highland forest felling trees when several soldiers come across the Lumberjills. Suddenly their Sergeant has a difficult time keeping them away from the women.
It's an interesting story and I had no idea women were sent into the forests as well as the men to work as Lumberjacks/Lumberjills during the war. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Grace, a lonely young woman living with her mother on a small farm decides she wants to do her part too and visits the local recruiting office. Her mother is a bully and tries to guilt her into staying home but Grace is determined to seek some freedom away from the claustrophobic home life she grew up in.
Irene has been married for some time but her husband is away at sea with the Navy. They have never had children. She decides to join the war effort and finds herself in the Lumberjills as well.
When it slips out that Lady Persephone is among their midst, Irene despite being put in charge because she is older and more experience challenges Persephone at every step making her life miserable. The locals are upset with their appearance believing they are taking jobs away from the locals. They work hard to gain their respect and show they are making a difference.
The Canadian Timber Corp are already working in the Highland forest felling trees when several soldiers come across the Lumberjills. Suddenly their Sergeant has a difficult time keeping them away from the women.
It's an interesting story and I had no idea women were sent into the forests as well as the men to work as Lumberjacks/Lumberjills during the war. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
November 14, 2022
The Highland Girls At War by Helen Yendall is a simply marvellous historical novel that gripped me from the start.
The action surrounds the lumberjills who were very much a part of the war effort during World War II. These are hard working young women who cut down and suppled the timber needed.
There is an eclectic mix of women – from a debutante to a widow to a married woman. These women from very different backgrounds all have to learn to work together as they face new challenges. There is a healthy rivalry with the Women’s Land Army.
We also meet a Canadian regiment of troops working the land but who have to be prepared to be mobilised.
The reader is treated to the fresh air in the Scottish forests. With comprehensive descriptions from Helen Yendall, we can practically smell the pine.
Family is important. A family was fractured decades earlier – now is the time to try to build bridges as tomorrow is uncertain.
Alliances are made in times of war that would not usually happen. Tomorrow is not guaranteed but the choices we make today will have consequences.
Tissues were definitely needed at one point in the novel. Helen Yendall perfectly captured the atmosphere and it really did feel as if heaven was touching earth.
I always love Helen Yendall’s novels and The Highland Girls At War was absolutely splendid. I cannot wait for more from Helen Yendall.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The action surrounds the lumberjills who were very much a part of the war effort during World War II. These are hard working young women who cut down and suppled the timber needed.
There is an eclectic mix of women – from a debutante to a widow to a married woman. These women from very different backgrounds all have to learn to work together as they face new challenges. There is a healthy rivalry with the Women’s Land Army.
We also meet a Canadian regiment of troops working the land but who have to be prepared to be mobilised.
The reader is treated to the fresh air in the Scottish forests. With comprehensive descriptions from Helen Yendall, we can practically smell the pine.
Family is important. A family was fractured decades earlier – now is the time to try to build bridges as tomorrow is uncertain.
Alliances are made in times of war that would not usually happen. Tomorrow is not guaranteed but the choices we make today will have consequences.
Tissues were definitely needed at one point in the novel. Helen Yendall perfectly captured the atmosphere and it really did feel as if heaven was touching earth.
I always love Helen Yendall’s novels and The Highland Girls At War was absolutely splendid. I cannot wait for more from Helen Yendall.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
November 4, 2022
I do enjoy a book that teaches me something. I do appreciate a book that has me searching for more information. The Highland Girls at War is one of those books. I have heard a lot about the Land girls, women that worked on farms. But I was clueless to the Women's Timber Corp until I read this story. I can't remember them being discussed in history classes or in any of the conversations I have had with my English relatives. I am so grateful to the author for writing a dramatic, yet informative historical Fiction.
The Highland Girls At War brings together women from different backgrounds to help the war effort. They become the lumberjills, replacing the lumberjacks in Scotland. I am in awe of these women, the characters and the actual members of the WTC. The conditions were deplorable. The work was beyond physically draining. The dangers were extreme. The pay was miniscule. If it wasn't for this story I would remain in the dark about these amazing women.
Any good story has a lot of drama to hook the reader. Helen Yendall uses the personalities of the girls to create a lot of drama within the hut and in the forest. The author brings in the Cannucks, Canadian Lumberjacks, to create romance and tension. Who know that the Canadians came to replace the men sent to war? Not me. Isolation can make for strange bedfellows. Actions have consequences and some learn this in the story.
The Highland Girls at War was a wonderful tale with a blending of fact and fiction. I am grateful for the chance to read it.
The Highland Girls At War brings together women from different backgrounds to help the war effort. They become the lumberjills, replacing the lumberjacks in Scotland. I am in awe of these women, the characters and the actual members of the WTC. The conditions were deplorable. The work was beyond physically draining. The dangers were extreme. The pay was miniscule. If it wasn't for this story I would remain in the dark about these amazing women.
Any good story has a lot of drama to hook the reader. Helen Yendall uses the personalities of the girls to create a lot of drama within the hut and in the forest. The author brings in the Cannucks, Canadian Lumberjacks, to create romance and tension. Who know that the Canadians came to replace the men sent to war? Not me. Isolation can make for strange bedfellows. Actions have consequences and some learn this in the story.
The Highland Girls at War was a wonderful tale with a blending of fact and fiction. I am grateful for the chance to read it.
November 5, 2022
I loved this book, the reason I didn’t give it a 5 is it left me with too many questions that I wanted answered. I’m not talking plot holes or missing information I’m talking about ending the book with an open ending! I know, I know it leaves it up to the readers imagination and they can decide what happens, but I want it wrapped up in a nice little bow thank you very much!
Steffy was my favorite out of the bunch and I loved the growth she showed and her fight! At the start when the girls were all against her she didn’t give up but kept her head held high!
Grace was just a meh character for me I enjoyed her romance with Gordy but there wasn’t really anything that drew me to her.
Irene I wanted to give a shake, at the beginning she was such an unlikeable know it all, I’m better then you. But by the end I enjoyed reading the struggles she has to go through and the growth that she made as well.
One grip I did have, and I’m not sure if it was because I had an Arc (which is why I didn’t really take this into consideration when I made my review) is that I wish the narrator of each chapter was written by the chapter number. It was confusing at times to think I was reading about one of the girls and then come to find out it was Callum.
All in all a wonderful read that I would recommend to all historical fiction/romance lovers!
That you to NetGalley and Helen Yendall for gifting me an advanced copy.
Steffy was my favorite out of the bunch and I loved the growth she showed and her fight! At the start when the girls were all against her she didn’t give up but kept her head held high!
Grace was just a meh character for me I enjoyed her romance with Gordy but there wasn’t really anything that drew me to her.
Irene I wanted to give a shake, at the beginning she was such an unlikeable know it all, I’m better then you. But by the end I enjoyed reading the struggles she has to go through and the growth that she made as well.
One grip I did have, and I’m not sure if it was because I had an Arc (which is why I didn’t really take this into consideration when I made my review) is that I wish the narrator of each chapter was written by the chapter number. It was confusing at times to think I was reading about one of the girls and then come to find out it was Callum.
All in all a wonderful read that I would recommend to all historical fiction/romance lovers!
That you to NetGalley and Helen Yendall for gifting me an advanced copy.
October 16, 2022
What an interesting WW2 story! I have read many WW2 stories from different perspectives and this is a new one for me. This book tells a tale of the English and Scottish women that joined the Women's Timber Corps billeted to the Scottish Highlands to fell trees for the war effort. Nearby was a men's group from Canada practicing soldiering skills when they weren't cutting trees as well. With so many Canadian men around this small village, some fun was had with dances, movies, and boat rides. They also had to deal with the realities of war with missing husbands and rationing. This is a story were WW2 provided the background and allowed the characters to work and love without the espionage, horror, and bombings of other stories of this era. I enjoyed this book and how the character of Persephone (Seffy) grew from a socialite into a much stronger woman who can take care of herself and her fellow Lumberjills. Her aunt, Dilys, was an interesting secondary character as she was a timber worker back in WW1 but it took a while for Seffy to get Dilys to reveal her background story. If you enjoy books about WW2 and need something a little more uplifting, I highly recommend this one.
Thank you Net Galley and HQ Stories for an ARC of The Highland Girls at War by Helen Yendall in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Net Galley and HQ Stories for an ARC of The Highland Girls at War by Helen Yendall in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2022
An enjoyable read with characters from various backgrounds making up one of the units of the Women’s Timber Corp in the Highlands of Scotland. The girls were pretty naïve about what they had signed up for, for the duration of WW2. As can be expected there are the usual tiffs, differences and power struggles in the early stages. Lightening the girls time, is a camp close by of the Canadian Forestry Corp (CFC) servicemen, doing similar work. Friendship and remoances are formed during the six months between the lumberjills and CFC. The main character is Seffy, a Lady in her own right, initially treated as a stuck up madam, after a couple of totally unselfish acts she is eventually accepted into the fold and becomes an integral part of the group. Romance abounds, accidents happen, but all the girls pull together, with a little help from Seffy’s aunt who lives close by.
An enchanting tale giving a slight insight into the life of the Women’s Timber Corp. Bravo to Helen Yendall for not giving it usual totally ‘happy ending’, although it’s a fine and credible ending. Maybe an opportunity for a sequel? A perfect book to snuggle up with in front of a fire on a cold winter’s afternoon.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers HarperCollins HQ Digital for this advance copy
An enchanting tale giving a slight insight into the life of the Women’s Timber Corp. Bravo to Helen Yendall for not giving it usual totally ‘happy ending’, although it’s a fine and credible ending. Maybe an opportunity for a sequel? A perfect book to snuggle up with in front of a fire on a cold winter’s afternoon.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers HarperCollins HQ Digital for this advance copy
January 2, 2023
Yet again Helen Yendall has created a novel full of wonderful engaging characters. Even the less sympathetic ones are always interesting and you will care about all of them, even those with minor roles to play.
The Highland Girls of the title are 'lumberjills', felling trees in a Scottish forest, doing jobs normally performed by men, who are now fighting in the War. The main characters come from a variety of backgrounds but they are all 'fish out of water' in this new environment.
How they learn to adapt and work together forms the start of the story. Then things become more complicated, as they become involved with a troop of (male) Canadian timber workers stationed nearby.
The page turning plot flows, with minor and amusing incidents, tragedies, mystery and more, building to a clever, at times, tense denouement, that while utterly satisfying definitely leaves you wanting more. The characters the author has created are too vivid to be restricted to one book, and I hope we'll be hearing more from them in the future.
A thoroughly satisfying read and a masterclass in excellent storytelling.
The Highland Girls of the title are 'lumberjills', felling trees in a Scottish forest, doing jobs normally performed by men, who are now fighting in the War. The main characters come from a variety of backgrounds but they are all 'fish out of water' in this new environment.
How they learn to adapt and work together forms the start of the story. Then things become more complicated, as they become involved with a troop of (male) Canadian timber workers stationed nearby.
The page turning plot flows, with minor and amusing incidents, tragedies, mystery and more, building to a clever, at times, tense denouement, that while utterly satisfying definitely leaves you wanting more. The characters the author has created are too vivid to be restricted to one book, and I hope we'll be hearing more from them in the future.
A thoroughly satisfying read and a masterclass in excellent storytelling.
August 11, 2023
Great book! Want to read a WWII story that is different? This book is for you!
It was so nice to read a WWII story that was not about death and destruction. This is a book about women volunteering to do their part for the war effort doing a really tough job. Women coming together from all backgrounds and working together to support their country at war. Women that did not even like each other at first, but eventually became family.
This book does not portray these women as saints - they made mistakes. This is a book about relationships between women, men and members of a family. One of the interesting parts of the story were the reasons that the women joined up. Each one joined for a different reason, some good and some bad.
Women in this story were supportive at times, but also hateful and sarcastic. It was great to see women from different classes learning from each other, in a country where class really mattered. This is a story about living life outside of your comfort zone and becoming a better person for it.
It was so nice to read a WWII story that was not about death and destruction. This is a book about women volunteering to do their part for the war effort doing a really tough job. Women coming together from all backgrounds and working together to support their country at war. Women that did not even like each other at first, but eventually became family.
This book does not portray these women as saints - they made mistakes. This is a book about relationships between women, men and members of a family. One of the interesting parts of the story were the reasons that the women joined up. Each one joined for a different reason, some good and some bad.
Women in this story were supportive at times, but also hateful and sarcastic. It was great to see women from different classes learning from each other, in a country where class really mattered. This is a story about living life outside of your comfort zone and becoming a better person for it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews