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The Wrens #3
Hopeful Hearts for the Wrens
Sally Hartley is a hopeless romantic. Her father died when she was a baby but she has lived off stories from her mother of what a wonderful man he was. Now, all she wants is a love like theirs. And she thinks she’s found it in Adam , the brother of a friend from home. When Adam is posted to Orkney, it’s like Sally’s dreams have all come true. After Italy changes sides in the war, the Italian POWs are granted more freedom on the islands, meaning Sally can spend more time with her friend, Aldo , and the two grow ever closer. But when a family secret is revealed, Sally's trust might be forever broken. Sally, Iris and Mary must continue their duties even as life changes drastically around them, including an attack on one of their fellow Wrens from an unknown assailant. Now the friends face danger not just from the enemy, but also someone much closer to home. An uplifting and dramatic WWII saga for fans of Kate Thompson, Margaret Dickinson and Daisy Styles. ‘Vicki Beeby carried me along yet again with her skilful story weaving. The book has it all with romance and friendship, danger and intrigue . I didn’t want this series to end and I finished this book with a tear in my eye .’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘ Absolutely brilliant ! I love how the books follow on and if you love family saga based in wartime please read these books . Feel like I have gone through all the emotions with the girls.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘I really enjoyed reading this and highly recommend this series.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘Brilliant… There was drama (and plenty of it), romance, and humour too. I love Vicki’s style of writing .’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘ A truly great series! I do love a good wartime book and this hit all the marks . The friendship, the strength in the face of adversity and the romance throughout such different times. The ending was amazing and so satisfying.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘ Wow what an emotional end to the girls ! I loved following the adventures of Sally, Mary and Iris now sad that it’s over… Vicki has written this series perfectly .’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2023
About the author
Vicki Beeby
18 books95 followersVicki Beeby writes historical fiction about the friendships and loves of service women brought together by the Second World War.
Her first job was as a civil engineer on a sewage treatment project, so things could only improve from there. Since then, she has worked as a maths teacher and education consultant before turning freelance to give herself more time to write.
In her free time, when she can drag herself away from reading, she enjoys walking and travelling to far-off places by train. She lives in Shropshire in a house that doesn’t contain nearly enough bookshelves.
Her first job was as a civil engineer on a sewage treatment project, so things could only improve from there. Since then, she has worked as a maths teacher and education consultant before turning freelance to give herself more time to write.
In her free time, when she can drag herself away from reading, she enjoys walking and travelling to far-off places by train. She lives in Shropshire in a house that doesn’t contain nearly enough bookshelves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 29, 2023
A sweet and fitting end to the Wrens series. I just didn't enjoy this series nearly as much as thr Ops Room Girls one so I couldn't rate it as high. Sally was such sweet character though, I liked her instantly and I was rooting for her and Aldo since book one. The Wren's friendship and warmth is evident throughout the three books and even though there are some dramatic and heartbreaking moments, overall the love and goodness of the people who kept Britain safe during the scary days of WW2 shines through.
Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for the opportunity to read this Advance Reader's Copy.
Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for the opportunity to read this Advance Reader's Copy.
April 9, 2023
Whilst I do like a saga to get involved in, this trilogy comes to end with this book for the Wrens, their work is almost done and they can perhaps get on with their lives.
We are back to Orkney with Iris, Mary and Sally. Sally is the main focus of this book but her friends still feature strongly as it is their friendship that has got them through some really tough times.
Sally is if nothing ad reamer, filled with stories of her parents relationship before her father died, She believes she will know when she meets the one. Adam is the one. A friend back from home is suddenly near to where Sally is posted. But something doesn’t seem right and when new Wren Tessa seems to have set her sights on Adam, Sally still believes all will be well in the end. Then Adam gets engaged to someone else.
Tessa and Sally are somewhat miffed. Tessa resorts to taking everything out on Sally.
Sally starts to think perhaps she will never find the one. Little does she know, she already as but his circumstances are much restricted.
Aldo is an Italian Prisoner of War on Orkney. However events in Europe, see Italy changing sides and the PoWs suddenly have some more freedom. For Aldo this means he can see the woman he has been dreaming about since he first met her. Sally.
Of course, nothing is going to be easy and when a fellow Italian Fascist from the camp threatens the woman that Aldo cares about, it seems that no one is safe on the island.
This is a great conclusion to the series and I would recommend this series to anyone who has an interest in the Home Front during the Second World War as well as the work that Women did during that time in our Armed Forces. I thought it was all thoroughly researched and d gave a real sense of time and place. Thank you to the author.
We are back to Orkney with Iris, Mary and Sally. Sally is the main focus of this book but her friends still feature strongly as it is their friendship that has got them through some really tough times.
Sally is if nothing ad reamer, filled with stories of her parents relationship before her father died, She believes she will know when she meets the one. Adam is the one. A friend back from home is suddenly near to where Sally is posted. But something doesn’t seem right and when new Wren Tessa seems to have set her sights on Adam, Sally still believes all will be well in the end. Then Adam gets engaged to someone else.
Tessa and Sally are somewhat miffed. Tessa resorts to taking everything out on Sally.
Sally starts to think perhaps she will never find the one. Little does she know, she already as but his circumstances are much restricted.
Aldo is an Italian Prisoner of War on Orkney. However events in Europe, see Italy changing sides and the PoWs suddenly have some more freedom. For Aldo this means he can see the woman he has been dreaming about since he first met her. Sally.
Of course, nothing is going to be easy and when a fellow Italian Fascist from the camp threatens the woman that Aldo cares about, it seems that no one is safe on the island.
This is a great conclusion to the series and I would recommend this series to anyone who has an interest in the Home Front during the Second World War as well as the work that Women did during that time in our Armed Forces. I thought it was all thoroughly researched and d gave a real sense of time and place. Thank you to the author.
March 10, 2023
My happiness to be back with the Wrens =x1000! It has been a truly great series and I’ve been so excited to rejoin them and see how they’re getting on. I’ve been anticipating Sophie’s time in the limelight, with the book based around her life (&subsequent romance of course!). And it was great to be back with Iris and Mary too.
Sophie’s a hopeless romantic and has been fixated on her inevitable union with Adam. She’s been a great character throughout the other two books and I couldn’t wait to see her have her happy ending.
Another thing I loved is that it’s not necessary to have read the other two (although I fervently recommend it as they’re great!) but it doesn’t take enjoyment out if this is your first encounter with the wrens. The author catches you up and makes it feel like you’ve missed out on little, so fear not if you haven’t read the others.
It was everything I hoped for and more ! I do love a good wartime book and this hit all the marks. The friendship, the strength in adversity and the romance throughout such different times. And I’ve always been intrigued by the jobs of the wrens so a book showing what such integral work they do is amazing. I’m so sad to see these books end as I’ve so enjoyed getting to know these characters but the ending was amazing and so satisfying. I can’t wait to see what else this author produces now. I’m ready to get stuck into a whole new series!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
Sophie’s a hopeless romantic and has been fixated on her inevitable union with Adam. She’s been a great character throughout the other two books and I couldn’t wait to see her have her happy ending.
Another thing I loved is that it’s not necessary to have read the other two (although I fervently recommend it as they’re great!) but it doesn’t take enjoyment out if this is your first encounter with the wrens. The author catches you up and makes it feel like you’ve missed out on little, so fear not if you haven’t read the others.
It was everything I hoped for and more ! I do love a good wartime book and this hit all the marks. The friendship, the strength in adversity and the romance throughout such different times. And I’ve always been intrigued by the jobs of the wrens so a book showing what such integral work they do is amazing. I’m so sad to see these books end as I’ve so enjoyed getting to know these characters but the ending was amazing and so satisfying. I can’t wait to see what else this author produces now. I’m ready to get stuck into a whole new series!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
May 21, 2023
As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot - there are reviews like that out there already!
I've read several other titles by this author, and enjoyed her writing style, so was delighted to receive an ARC of this novel.
This is the final book in the "Wrens" trilogy, and I enjoyed it as much as the previous titles in the series. In this novel we meet several new characters - some nice, some not so - as well as catching up with our friends from the earlier books. I was very pleased with the eventual outcome(s) - but will say no more than that so as not to give away the plot!
This is a cosy read with threads of intrigue, romance and sadness woven together. The author has clearly done a lot of research into the Orkneys during WW2, and it shows in the well-crafted plot and characters.
Recommended if you enjoy well written stories with a historical setting (this series is set during WW2), great characters and a well thought out plot.
Looking forward to more by this author.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
I've read several other titles by this author, and enjoyed her writing style, so was delighted to receive an ARC of this novel.
This is the final book in the "Wrens" trilogy, and I enjoyed it as much as the previous titles in the series. In this novel we meet several new characters - some nice, some not so - as well as catching up with our friends from the earlier books. I was very pleased with the eventual outcome(s) - but will say no more than that so as not to give away the plot!
This is a cosy read with threads of intrigue, romance and sadness woven together. The author has clearly done a lot of research into the Orkneys during WW2, and it shows in the well-crafted plot and characters.
Recommended if you enjoy well written stories with a historical setting (this series is set during WW2), great characters and a well thought out plot.
Looking forward to more by this author.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
March 26, 2023
I recently saw a documentary about the Wrens and it helped me to set the characters into perspective and appreciate how well researched this book is.
There's a mix of historical fiction, romance, and some mystery. The characters are fleshed out and the author did not picture an all-white-scenario as there's also prejudice and all those nasty things connected to a war.
I enjoyed it and think and i will read the rest of the series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
There's a mix of historical fiction, romance, and some mystery. The characters are fleshed out and the author did not picture an all-white-scenario as there's also prejudice and all those nasty things connected to a war.
I enjoyed it and think and i will read the rest of the series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
October 17, 2023
As Refreshing as Iced Tea
The delightful third book in the Wrens trilogy was just a good as the first two. Sally takes center stage here and learns to quite a few important lessons about friendship and love.
A new Wren, Tessa, seems bound and determined to spoil things for Sally, but with the help from her friends Mary and Iris all works out well. There is a new danger for the Wrens, but this time it's not a spy.
I thoroughly enjoyed all three books.
The delightful third book in the Wrens trilogy was just a good as the first two. Sally takes center stage here and learns to quite a few important lessons about friendship and love.
A new Wren, Tessa, seems bound and determined to spoil things for Sally, but with the help from her friends Mary and Iris all works out well. There is a new danger for the Wrens, but this time it's not a spy.
I thoroughly enjoyed all three books.
March 6, 2023
It was lovely being back in Orkney with the Wrens, Sally, Mary and Iris. Vicki Beeby carried me along yet again with her skillful story weaving. The book has it all with romance and friendship, plus danger and intrigue. Even the baddies have their own story. I didn’t want this series to end and I finished this book with a tear in my eye and a great big, satisfied feeling.
April 7, 2023
I love Vicki’s books and I particularly enjoyed the Wrens series telling the stories of Iris, Sally and Mary. They definitely had some ups and downs during their stay in Orkney. It was nice how three strangers in book one came together and became like family to each other during the difficult times of World War Two. If you like historical fiction I can highly recommend this series.
April 8, 2023
Excellent book to end the trilogy.
I fell in love with Sally iris and Mary from the first book, and also Orkney. A delightful read. Author Vicky Beeby has put a lot of research into the stories which make it feel realistic. Would love a 3 weddings update soon.
I fell in love with Sally iris and Mary from the first book, and also Orkney. A delightful read. Author Vicky Beeby has put a lot of research into the stories which make it feel realistic. Would love a 3 weddings update soon.
May 6, 2023
I enjoyed reading the Wrens books and I was excited to receive this one! Although I did enjoy it I felt disappointed especially when most of the drama happened towards the end and was then abruptly over. Definitely enjoyed the first and second but I wouldn’t rush to read this one again sadly.
May 12, 2023
Loose ends and new beginnings
So good to revisit Orkney and this fascinating period in its history,to tie up loose ends in the lives of these well loved characters.Thanks to this talented author for transporting readers back to those turbulent times set in a breathtaking backdrop.
So good to revisit Orkney and this fascinating period in its history,to tie up loose ends in the lives of these well loved characters.Thanks to this talented author for transporting readers back to those turbulent times set in a breathtaking backdrop.
Read
August 13, 2024All 3 books were a great read
I enjoyed the interactions between the 3 main characters. Hard work interspersed with social events... Storyline worked well and the plots were excellent throughout
I enjoyed the interactions between the 3 main characters. Hard work interspersed with social events... Storyline worked well and the plots were excellent throughout
April 6, 2023
Excellent series of books, this is the last in the series, highly recommend that you read in order.
Read
April 8, 2023It was lovely being back with Sally,Iris & Mary. Well written story lines in all the series this book tied up all the loose ends. A lovely read
April 30, 2023
Hopeful Hearts for the Wrens
Another very enjoyable book by Vicky Berry, having read all three books in this series I can definitely recommend them
Another very enjoyable book by Vicky Berry, having read all three books in this series I can definitely recommend them
May 23, 2023
What a great way to end the series…I’m sad it’s over though..I will miss them all!!
July 23, 2023
I love this series and book 3 is a fitting end to the series.
August 17, 2023
Easy relaxing read. Enjoyed the series and the characters.
September 3, 2023
I loved this trilogy. You know it's a good book series when you're sad it's come to an end
December 9, 2023
Can Sally get her happy ever after?
A story of strong and courageous women! I love how they support each other through the toughest of times!
A story of strong and courageous women! I love how they support each other through the toughest of times!
February 4, 2024
Great conclusion to series
July 24, 2024
Very good
December 16, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyable read
March 10, 2026
This was a great story line following on from previous book. It had a great ending with all the Wrens having a happy ending
April 3, 2026
Third book of the series and still enjoyable is somewhat predictable.
May 16, 2026
love the ending
Yet another fantastic book. This one really had you on the edge of your seat though. It was full of tears of happiness and sadness
Yet another fantastic book. This one really had you on the edge of your seat though. It was full of tears of happiness and sadness
June 11, 2023
a nice continuation of the story and a nice return to Orkney
April 12, 2023
I love this series and this book certainly didn't disappoint.
April 1, 2023
Hopeful Hearts for the Wrens is a wonderful addition to my collection of World War 2 historical fiction books. I enjoy devouring as much information as possible about the time period. My mum never wants to talk about it. Other family members change the subject when I ask questions. So books, like this one, are a way to understand what happened.
The author's dramatic story was joy to read as I followed Sally Hartley's search for her soul mate. Sally's propensity towards superstitions had me laughing along side her friends. Sally used superstitions to guide her in love, blinding her to what was right in front of her.
Hopeful Hearts for the Wrens is filled with drama, suspense, romance and friendships. A new member to the Signalers, Tessa, made for a very interesting read. I didn't think Sally could ever have an enemy, but Tessa proved me wrong. Holy Moly, she is an interesting character bringing many entertaining moments to the read. I couldn't wait to read what she did next.
Making the story even more intense were the Italian prisoners of war being located nearby. Not all of the POWs came with good intentions. Some were very vocal in their intentions against the British expecting others to go along. A change in status will make no difference to some. To others it is a time for new beginnings.
When a Wren is attacked; attitudes and beliefs could influence the investigation. What an eye opener!!! The story became a real nail biter as prejudices influence the future of one of the POWs. The determination of Sally and her friends just might turn things around. The ending had me beaming with glee.
The author's dramatic story was joy to read as I followed Sally Hartley's search for her soul mate. Sally's propensity towards superstitions had me laughing along side her friends. Sally used superstitions to guide her in love, blinding her to what was right in front of her.
Hopeful Hearts for the Wrens is filled with drama, suspense, romance and friendships. A new member to the Signalers, Tessa, made for a very interesting read. I didn't think Sally could ever have an enemy, but Tessa proved me wrong. Holy Moly, she is an interesting character bringing many entertaining moments to the read. I couldn't wait to read what she did next.
Making the story even more intense were the Italian prisoners of war being located nearby. Not all of the POWs came with good intentions. Some were very vocal in their intentions against the British expecting others to go along. A change in status will make no difference to some. To others it is a time for new beginnings.
When a Wren is attacked; attitudes and beliefs could influence the investigation. What an eye opener!!! The story became a real nail biter as prejudices influence the future of one of the POWs. The determination of Sally and her friends just might turn things around. The ending had me beaming with glee.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews