Hope for The Good Time Girls

The Good Time Girls Trilogy #3

by Fiona Ford

The final book in The Good Time Girls series.

Discover what happens to the women of the Palais De Danse as the war continues around them...

335 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2023

About the author

She is writer from the West Country. She has worked as a journalist for 15 years.
She also wrote under the pseudonyms of Fiona Harrison, Abby Williams, and Ruby Reynolds.

Reviews

[Karen Farrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok read set in the time of World War ll. It deals with some hard topics, particularly of the time, such as children born out of wedlock, racism and domestic violence. However they are dealt with well and culminate in a good story. I haven’t read the first two books and although I think it would have been beneficial, this could be read as a stand alone.

[karla_bookishlife · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a joy to return to the Palais for book 3 in the Good Time Girls series. The girls feel like friends now, and it is wonderful to catch up with their lives as World War 2 rages on in the background. With the devastating impact of the blitzing on towns and citizens, homelessness is rife, and people are suffering greatly. There is more need than ever for aid and for light relief in the form of music and dancing. A local reverend proposes building a second dance hall in the East End to help. With the arrival of the American GIs , racism comes to the forefront with bigoted dancers demanding that the black GIs be denied entry. Another tough subject brought to our attention is illegitimate children, and this is lovingly portrayed in the story through much wanted babies. It has been lovely catching up with the girls again, and I sincerely hope there will be another book.#hopeforthegoodtimegirls #fionaford #embla #netgalley

[Chloe Bardou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished the trilogy!! Very sad about it it's been keeping me company whilst I've been in Vietnam. Enjoyed it and there were a few plot twists that made me sob. However it feels like the end was wrapped up too quickly almost like the author had had enough of writing so it was a bit of a bad way to finish a trilogy that's taken up hours of my life.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I would have enjoyed this more had I read the first 2 in the series.
Well written, with an attention to detail. The good time girls are now running two clubs at opposite sides of London at the height of the 2nd world War. And coping with GIs, rationing, bombing and complicated personal lives.
Definitely thinking I should read the other books in the series.

[Sarahlovesbooks76 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 3rd book in the Good Time Girls series. It probably could be read as a standalone, but I would advise any reader to read at least the first book before attempting this one - I have read book 1, but not the second, and I found it quite hard remembering everyone straight off.

This time round sees the Good Time Girls dealing with racial inequality, more interaction with American GIs, love, loss, and many secrets. A nice easy read, although the timeline did seem a bit erratic at some points. I hope there is a fourth installment, I really want to know how life turns out for some of the girls!

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

1942 Renee Hammond the owner of the Hammersmith Palais De Danse West London.
This is book Three The Good Time Girls Trilogy that I am so enjoyed and this one is a cracker.

Violet Millington and Temperance Adams working the bar making the place shine along with Janice and Nancy, Renee's brother in law the vicar makes a social call to see how she is doing and needs her help with the homeless that are been bombed out in Bethnel Green in the East End of London and is planning to open the old theatre The Regal with the American GI's over now in their flock and the style of dancing they are taking over the brits, and he is hoping to be open for the Christmas season, Renee and the good time girls its going to be hard work.

This book is opening a lot a past secrets crawling out of the woodworks and a few relationship problems especially with the GI's giving the girls a glad eye that they just can't ignore and want to have a good time, and Renee knows how to keep her Palais in order if they put a step wrong.

Loved it once again, this author has delivered another fabulous read that was so hard to put down

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in London, during June 1942 and the war rages on as bombs continue to fall, however in this heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story the music also continues to play on. Having read and enjoyed the previous books in this series I was pleased to be back with the 'Good Time Girls'. Renee is at a good place in her life, and is supporting a new dance hall with Vicar Roger, however she has a terrible secret that she does not want Roger to discover. Meanwhile, Nancy's head has been turned by a very handsome and charming American soldier, GI Jack, and Temperance has made a new friend, but worries her relationship with Archie may not survive. Whilst Violet is spending all her time with baby Eamon following the death of her sweetheart. However she's having to face cruel gossip about her and her mixed-race son. This wonderfully written series about the power of love and friendship has had me hooked throughout, and I'm sad that it has come to an end, as the four women feel like old friends now! An emotional and engaging read.

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book quite hard to get into, lots of characters and backstories introduced at the beginning, in a big rush, and it was hard for me to remember who was who. It didn't help that this is book 3 of a trilogy and I hadn't read the first two. My fault.

The women who make up the bulk of the story are strong and resourceful and are trying to do their best during WWII. They are heavily involved in a dance hall and the book revolves around their lives and loves. The Bethnal Green incident is detailed - a shocking event which I had read about before and which I still think about, some years after I last became aware of it.

It always amazes me what people are capable of, good and bad, when the chips are down. I do think people of previous generations were tougher than us!

4 stars from me.

[lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite finding it difficult to get into I enjoyed it. There are many strong female characters and it was hard to remember who was who and their role in the Music Hall business. The males were confusing due to 3 of them having names beginning with A, Alec,Alan & Archie. Set during the war when women had take over the work from the men who had been called up, it was refreshing to have positive outcomes for many despite the difficulties they faced. I liked Renee she was easy to feel sympathy for as the story unfolds. Temperance and Violet were always going to be up against prejudices of the times. The GI's bringing in the prejudices of Americans added to the atmosphere. This is a well written easy read.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the good time girls trilogy. Set during World War Two it deals with the friendships of the women that work in the Hammersmith Palais. They have been through a lot in this series, but the love and friendship shines through. The characters have dealt with some difficult issues during this time, including racism, abuse, affairs, and child birth out of wedlock. Although they were at war and dealing with difficult situations the characters never gave up. If you like sagas you will love this series

[Kayla Lambert · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hope For The Good Time Girls by Fiona Ford was a really hard book for me to get into. From the beginning to me, it felt very rushed and at times I felt like the characters were not explained very well. It was hard to focus on and I struggled to keep interest in it. In all honesty, I made it about 6 chapters in and just could not keep reading. I would still read other books from this author, but unfortunately this one I was not able to

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This story did not live up to the previous book.

In places you got a real feel of WWII and being bombed.

Unfortunately it did get bogged down with the racism of the time from GI Americans and single mothers.

I know it happened but it did feel like the story was built around this rather than friendships and the War.

It also felt incomplete at the end.

Hopefully there will be another book in the series.

[Rachel Axford · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a strong feeling of solidarity throughout this book and between the generations of women who lived in London during WW2.
There was pain, sadness and heartbreak, however there was always hope for a better future.
I loved the community spirit and everyone pulling together. I finished the book feeling optimistic.

[Siobhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this wartime saga. This is book 3 of this trilogy and it's definitely worth your time starting with book 1. I have loved this series and am sad to have finished it. I recommend this series to those of you who like wartime sagas. It was the perfect ending to the series. 5 star read for me

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final book in the trilogy was another great read. Blitz in wartime was a harrowing experience and we follow the characters involved with the dance hall and the opening of a second. The true horror of life at this time, involving the rough characters, the American gi's and racism within the soldiers and staff and the difficulties everyone faced.

[johnanimalantics.net, Margaret G Conlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Absolutely wonderful read right from the beginning to the end. It was an amazing read with all the different characters playing their roles well. It had me turning over the pages quickly to see what would happen next. I was not disappointed. Thank you for keeping me entertained throughout a few hours read .

[julie young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong women controlling their own futures. Set in London during WW2, this book covers some hard hitting topics. Racism, domestic violence and pregnancy out of marriage. A really thought provoking, emotional read.

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final book in the trilogy. I thought this was the best of the 3. Set in world war 2 it show the spirit of the women left behind. Love Fiona Ford but found this trilogy hard going at times. But worth a read if you’ve read the others to find out what happens.

[Chrissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the previous books in this Trilogy but it is a good standalone and it didn't spoil my enjoyment .Set in London WW2,I loved the community spirit of that time ,strong woman doing the best they can .A very uplifting read .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This era of historical fiction is not my usual but I was pleasantly surprised. Despite not having read the previous books in the series, I really loved the strong female characters who deal with all aspects of life in London during World War II.

[Clare Brack · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I had read the 1st two in the trilogy I might have seen more of the characters. I felt like I'd started midway so couldn't really get into the book amd general storyline as much as I would have liked. A nice read though

[Kamini Mehta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of characters that are interwoven, this is a story about survival, with racism, sexism, financial hardship and most of all friendship. The people are all too human when it comes to affairs of the heart. But there is so much kindness and caring that this is overall an optimistic book.

[Gail Atkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the trilogy (but can be read as a stand alone). I wish I had read the previous 2, to totally understand the background.
Set in WW2, the story covers racism, friendships, domestic violence as well as unm mothers. It read well, although I might re-read it again in the correct order.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t realize that this was the third book in the series. It was really hard to get involved with the story since there is so much background. I’m sure it would be more interesting if you had read the first two.

[Anita Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story telling

Thoroughly enjoyed the series. Story was gripping in each book and the characters brought to life vividly. Content was excellent and made for a very immersive storyline.

[Mrs Maureen Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant.

It was lovely to catch up with Renee and all the other characters .
The descriptions were so real about the war time,
I really hope we will read more about them

[Virginia Casto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

I love stories about strong women, during the war adds to the suspense and this did not disappoint. Now, I'm hooked and have to read the rest of the series

[lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. Despite finding it difficult to get into I enjoyed it. There are many strong female characters and it was hard to remember who was who and their role in the Music Hall business. The males were confusing due to 3 of them having names beginning with A, Alec,Alan & Archie.
Set during the war when women had take over the work from the men who had been called up, it was refreshing to have positive outcomes for many despite the difficulties they faced. I liked Renee she was easy to feel sympathy for as the story unfolds. Temperance and Violet were always going to be up against prejudices of the times. The GI's bringing in the prejudices of Americans added to the atmosphere.
This is a well written easy read.

[Bri C · Rating 3 out of 5]

You really need to read the first book of this story before this one. It does summarise what happened before, but you would not really have a feel for the characters without doing so. Sadly, this book did not meet up to the standard of the first one. There is so much about race issues, that it takes over. The general plot about opening the second dance hall is fine. Including the disaster at Bethnall Green tube station was very well done, really capturing the feeling of it and the aftermath.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always a bit sad when I have to say goodbye to characters I liked and Fiona Ford always delivers strong and likeable characters.
This compelling and engrossing historical fiction series was an excellent one and I loved the girls and the historical background.
It's best to start with the 1st book.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine