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The Blitz Girls #1
The Blitz Girls
A heartwarming and gripping new saga series from the author of The Bobby Girls
'A heartwarming story of women discovering their inner strength. . . I couldn't put it down' Vicki Beeby, author of A New Start for the Wrens
***
Their country needs them. They need each other.
August, 1940. The war is raging in Europe, but on the home front conflict still seems far away.
Dot , living with her mother-in-law and dreading the day that her thuggish husband comes home on leave, is fighting her own battle to contribute to the war effort. Peggy has found confidence as an Air Raid Precaution Warden, despite the jeers of the men she works with - but beneath her pluck she fears for her close-knit family, scattered by the war. And glamorous Vivian , the former debutante, is running away from her own heart and into danger as a volunteer ambulance driver.
Then the bombs begin to fall over London, and all their lives are turned upside down. Thrown together into an unlikely friendship, can the Blitz Girls protect their country - and each other - in the darkest hour?
Readers love THE BLITZ GIRLS!
' Absolutely loved this book, if you enjoy WW2 stories then this is for you' 5*
'I devoured this, it's going to be a great series' 5*
'I LOVED this book, every single page from start to finish' 5*
'What a wonderful story' 5*
'Family saga at the best. I sat up most of the night to finish it' 5*
'The sense of strength, camaraderie and friendship was so strong in this' 5*
***
Praise for Johanna
Filled with richly drawn characters that leap from the page, and a plot that's so well researched and well written you will believe you are in the thick of wartime policing, The Bobby Girls is a must-read for all saga fans.' - Fiona Ford, bestselling author of Christmas at Liberty's
'I really enjoyed reading about Britain's first female police officers. A lot of research has gone into this book and it's all the richer and more readable for it. An exciting new voice in women's fiction.' - Kate Thompson, bestselling author of Secrets of the Singer Girls
'I really did enjoy The Bobby Girls . It has a lovely warm feeling about it and is excellently written.' - Maureen Lee, RNA award-winning author of Dancing in the Dark
'A well-researched and interesting story giving a great insight into early women's policing.' - Anna Jacobs, bestselling author of the Ellindale series
'Written with warmth and compassion, the novel gives fascinating insights into the lives of three courageous young women.' - Margaret Kaine, RNA award-winning author of Ring of Clay
'Johanna Bell has hit the jackpot with this striking WW1 crime story. The author places the focus firmly on the girls' growth into independent members of society in a rapidly changing world. It's a heartening central message conveyed with verve and empathy and remains relevant to today's readers, both young and old.' - Jenny Holmes, author of The Spitfire Girls
'This is a story that needed to be told. As a former Special Constable, I love Johanna Bell from the bottom of my heart for giving a voice to the women who first made a way for me and countless others like me - to work as real police officers in the service of our communities.' - Penny Thorpe, author of The Quality Street Girls
'A lovely story! The author has researched the era and the theme very well. The characters stood out on the page and through their eyes you are transported back to a different age.' - AnneMarie Brear, author of Beneath a Stormy Sky
'A heartwarming story of women discovering their inner strength. . . I couldn't put it down' Vicki Beeby, author of A New Start for the Wrens
***
Their country needs them. They need each other.
August, 1940. The war is raging in Europe, but on the home front conflict still seems far away.
Dot , living with her mother-in-law and dreading the day that her thuggish husband comes home on leave, is fighting her own battle to contribute to the war effort. Peggy has found confidence as an Air Raid Precaution Warden, despite the jeers of the men she works with - but beneath her pluck she fears for her close-knit family, scattered by the war. And glamorous Vivian , the former debutante, is running away from her own heart and into danger as a volunteer ambulance driver.
Then the bombs begin to fall over London, and all their lives are turned upside down. Thrown together into an unlikely friendship, can the Blitz Girls protect their country - and each other - in the darkest hour?
Readers love THE BLITZ GIRLS!
' Absolutely loved this book, if you enjoy WW2 stories then this is for you' 5*
'I devoured this, it's going to be a great series' 5*
'I LOVED this book, every single page from start to finish' 5*
'What a wonderful story' 5*
'Family saga at the best. I sat up most of the night to finish it' 5*
'The sense of strength, camaraderie and friendship was so strong in this' 5*
***
Praise for Johanna
Filled with richly drawn characters that leap from the page, and a plot that's so well researched and well written you will believe you are in the thick of wartime policing, The Bobby Girls is a must-read for all saga fans.' - Fiona Ford, bestselling author of Christmas at Liberty's
'I really enjoyed reading about Britain's first female police officers. A lot of research has gone into this book and it's all the richer and more readable for it. An exciting new voice in women's fiction.' - Kate Thompson, bestselling author of Secrets of the Singer Girls
'I really did enjoy The Bobby Girls . It has a lovely warm feeling about it and is excellently written.' - Maureen Lee, RNA award-winning author of Dancing in the Dark
'A well-researched and interesting story giving a great insight into early women's policing.' - Anna Jacobs, bestselling author of the Ellindale series
'Written with warmth and compassion, the novel gives fascinating insights into the lives of three courageous young women.' - Margaret Kaine, RNA award-winning author of Ring of Clay
'Johanna Bell has hit the jackpot with this striking WW1 crime story. The author places the focus firmly on the girls' growth into independent members of society in a rapidly changing world. It's a heartening central message conveyed with verve and empathy and remains relevant to today's readers, both young and old.' - Jenny Holmes, author of The Spitfire Girls
'This is a story that needed to be told. As a former Special Constable, I love Johanna Bell from the bottom of my heart for giving a voice to the women who first made a way for me and countless others like me - to work as real police officers in the service of our communities.' - Penny Thorpe, author of The Quality Street Girls
'A lovely story! The author has researched the era and the theme very well. The characters stood out on the page and through their eyes you are transported back to a different age.' - AnneMarie Brear, author of Beneath a Stormy Sky
320 pages, Paperback
Published November 28, 2023
87 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 31, 2023
August, 1940. The war is raging in Europe, but on the home front conflict still seems far away.
Dot, living with her mother-in-law and dreading the day her thuggish husband comes home on leave, is fighting her own battle to contribute to the war effort.
Peggy has found confidence as an Air Raid as an Air Raid Precaution Warden, despite the jeers of the men she works with - but beneath her pluck she fears for her close-knit family, scattered by the war.
And glamorous Vivian, the former debutante, is running away from her own heart and into danger as a volunteer ambulance driver.
I loved Johanna Bell's The Bobby Girls series, so I was excited to see she had a new series out, and I jumped at the chance to get an ARC. Set in Chelsea, London during WWII and The Blitz, we meet Dot Simmons, Peggy Miller and Viv Howe. The women all come from different backgrounds, but they all want to take part and keep their community safe. I don't think I could be as brave as these women were during the war. This is a fantastic start to the new series, and I can't wait to read what happens to these likable women in the next book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HodderStoughton and the author #JohannaBell for my ARC of #TheBlitzGirls in exchange for an honest review.
Dot, living with her mother-in-law and dreading the day her thuggish husband comes home on leave, is fighting her own battle to contribute to the war effort.
Peggy has found confidence as an Air Raid as an Air Raid Precaution Warden, despite the jeers of the men she works with - but beneath her pluck she fears for her close-knit family, scattered by the war.
And glamorous Vivian, the former debutante, is running away from her own heart and into danger as a volunteer ambulance driver.
I loved Johanna Bell's The Bobby Girls series, so I was excited to see she had a new series out, and I jumped at the chance to get an ARC. Set in Chelsea, London during WWII and The Blitz, we meet Dot Simmons, Peggy Miller and Viv Howe. The women all come from different backgrounds, but they all want to take part and keep their community safe. I don't think I could be as brave as these women were during the war. This is a fantastic start to the new series, and I can't wait to read what happens to these likable women in the next book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HodderStoughton and the author #JohannaBell for my ARC of #TheBlitzGirls in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2024
Loved the storyline for this and how it follows three women - who become great friends- from very different backgrounds as they cope with the fallout and horrors of war. The writing style is quite basic (for want of a better word) and some of the scenes pretty graphic but the characterisation is great and I became fully invested jn the outcome.
April 4, 2023
I received this ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’m starting this on a Sunday afternoon so I can really enjoy it.
Historical Fiction Sagas are my favourite books to read and I’d finished it by Monday evening because it was that engaging.
This is also the first book in the Blitz Girls Series, how exciting is a new Saga Series?.
Dot, Peggy & Viv are absolutely wonderful strong women, even though each has struggles they are trying to overcome they find hope and friendship by joining the war effort as ARP wardens and Ambulance drivers.
Dot has a loveless marriage and is living with a horrible mother in law who rules the roost in every way possible and she needs to have her independence and find an escape but can she do it having no family of her own to help her?.
Peggy is alone in London living in a boarding house because her and her family decided to do whatever they could when war broke out so half of her family is still at home at Sussex taking in evacuees and the rest are in the forces or working for the war effort. She also has to deal with a misogynist for a colleague.
Viv is from Suffolk but moved to London at the start of the war to help the war effort by becoming an ambulance driver, she adores the glamorous nightlife in London and loves nothing more than dressing up and dancing the night away whenever she gets the chance, she’s also got an admirer called William but she doesn’t want to take that leap and be with him officially.
I really couldn’t read this book fast enough with the highly detailed descriptions of London during the Blitz and the richly woven characters it’s the perfect start to a thrilling new saga series.
Dot, Peggy and Viv felt like my old friends and I was cheering them on and was right with them as they experienced all the highs and lows of life during WW2.
I’m delighted that this is going to be a series and I’ll be counting down the days until book 2.
I’m starting this on a Sunday afternoon so I can really enjoy it.
Historical Fiction Sagas are my favourite books to read and I’d finished it by Monday evening because it was that engaging.
This is also the first book in the Blitz Girls Series, how exciting is a new Saga Series?.
Dot, Peggy & Viv are absolutely wonderful strong women, even though each has struggles they are trying to overcome they find hope and friendship by joining the war effort as ARP wardens and Ambulance drivers.
Dot has a loveless marriage and is living with a horrible mother in law who rules the roost in every way possible and she needs to have her independence and find an escape but can she do it having no family of her own to help her?.
Peggy is alone in London living in a boarding house because her and her family decided to do whatever they could when war broke out so half of her family is still at home at Sussex taking in evacuees and the rest are in the forces or working for the war effort. She also has to deal with a misogynist for a colleague.
Viv is from Suffolk but moved to London at the start of the war to help the war effort by becoming an ambulance driver, she adores the glamorous nightlife in London and loves nothing more than dressing up and dancing the night away whenever she gets the chance, she’s also got an admirer called William but she doesn’t want to take that leap and be with him officially.
I really couldn’t read this book fast enough with the highly detailed descriptions of London during the Blitz and the richly woven characters it’s the perfect start to a thrilling new saga series.
Dot, Peggy and Viv felt like my old friends and I was cheering them on and was right with them as they experienced all the highs and lows of life during WW2.
I’m delighted that this is going to be a series and I’ll be counting down the days until book 2.
May 6, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for this ARC.
I have a feeling, this is going to be another brilliant series from JB. The girls are so very likeable, you only want the best for them, they're a part of your family from the start. Life's hard, but they do what they can for the War effort. Very well researched and written.
Roll on book 2, can't wait to catch up with them again.
I can fully recommend this first book in Johanna's new serie, and in fact, all her books are brilliant reads.
I have a feeling, this is going to be another brilliant series from JB. The girls are so very likeable, you only want the best for them, they're a part of your family from the start. Life's hard, but they do what they can for the War effort. Very well researched and written.
Roll on book 2, can't wait to catch up with them again.
I can fully recommend this first book in Johanna's new serie, and in fact, all her books are brilliant reads.
July 18, 2023
We're off to a promising start with this new saga. I thoroughly enjoyed The Blitz Girls. Dot, Viv and Peggy were amazing, capable, brave and resilient young woman who I couldn't help but admire. Reading about these brave men and women putting themselves in harm's way every night during the dark and scary days of the war is riveting. My heart was in my mouth whilst reading a lot of this book. There was so much drama, it really is such a page turner. I cannot wait for the follow up.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the opportunity to read this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the opportunity to read this book.
July 3, 2023
Fantastic and gripping blitz girls will keep you wanting more! I really enjoyed getting to know the characters Dot is my favourite character she is so determined and brave. I couldn't put this book down. I really enjoy Johanna's books.
February 5, 2025
A book you can’t put down.
From beginning to the end this book had me wanting to know what’s going to happen next.
I felt as if I was there by the sides of these characters.
An amazing story.
From beginning to the end this book had me wanting to know what’s going to happen next.
I felt as if I was there by the sides of these characters.
An amazing story.
September 30, 2025
This is a series Book one of two!
What an excellent book! This is about a story of 3 friends who made friends because the ARP during World War 2 they supported people in staying safe. This is their story of their lives and what they go through
Lovely easy read!
What an excellent book! This is about a story of 3 friends who made friends because the ARP during World War 2 they supported people in staying safe. This is their story of their lives and what they go through
Lovely easy read!
Read
June 10, 2023Loved this! Good writing characters are strong. Can’t wait for the next in series .
January 30, 2024
Such a good book can’t wait for the next instalment
April 6, 2024
Could not put it down, felt like you were going through the ups and downs with the girls
November 25, 2024
Cute & heartwarming story with an emotional kick! I just LOVE well written female characters ✨️💅🏼
March 13, 2023
I LOVED this book, every single page from start to finish. Not exaggerating when I say it’s one of the best wartime books I’ve ever read (and I’ve read a fair few!).
It’ll hook you from the beginning and as you follow these three extraordinary women throughout their lives as ARP wardens. The respect for such women in a profession like this one during such immensely difficult times will skyrocket. Seriously. I was in awe of them and I know it’s only a parallel for what really happened and took place during the war. London and the blitz was one of the most dangerous times to be in, and these plucky young girls offered up their lives daily to help in the fight.
With Dot, finding her strength again and building confidence out of her difficult home life (that Beryl will have you seething and rooting for Dot at every turn!), with the lovely Peggy who has such a big heart for her friends and the fun loving Viv, who takes happiness where she can and could often be founding dancing the night away with the brightest lipstick to be found. I loved them all and it’s a trio I can’t wait to join back with again.
The sense of strength, camaraderie and friendship was so strong in this and it was so heartwarming to read. It was raw, candid and an honest portrayal of life during the blitz and I also love that the author did her research so well into making this series. You could really tell all the work that had gone into it and it was just a true delight to read.
It was also such a nice touch to have the authentic photos at the end of snapshots into the blitz with a brief telling of their stories. I loved that and it just rounded off what was a brilliant book in a spectacular way.
Safe to say I’ll be a true and avid follower of this series now and will eagerly await the next in the series!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
It’ll hook you from the beginning and as you follow these three extraordinary women throughout their lives as ARP wardens. The respect for such women in a profession like this one during such immensely difficult times will skyrocket. Seriously. I was in awe of them and I know it’s only a parallel for what really happened and took place during the war. London and the blitz was one of the most dangerous times to be in, and these plucky young girls offered up their lives daily to help in the fight.
With Dot, finding her strength again and building confidence out of her difficult home life (that Beryl will have you seething and rooting for Dot at every turn!), with the lovely Peggy who has such a big heart for her friends and the fun loving Viv, who takes happiness where she can and could often be founding dancing the night away with the brightest lipstick to be found. I loved them all and it’s a trio I can’t wait to join back with again.
The sense of strength, camaraderie and friendship was so strong in this and it was so heartwarming to read. It was raw, candid and an honest portrayal of life during the blitz and I also love that the author did her research so well into making this series. You could really tell all the work that had gone into it and it was just a true delight to read.
It was also such a nice touch to have the authentic photos at the end of snapshots into the blitz with a brief telling of their stories. I loved that and it just rounded off what was a brilliant book in a spectacular way.
Safe to say I’ll be a true and avid follower of this series now and will eagerly await the next in the series!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
January 31, 2024
This story was something that I couldn't put down.
Yes some bit where hard to read as it got to much.
But it was reality and we had to accept what was going on in London.
I was glad to read the bobby girls by this author and glad to read this story.
I hope their are more for the blitz.
Yes some bit where hard to read as it got to much.
But it was reality and we had to accept what was going on in London.
I was glad to read the bobby girls by this author and glad to read this story.
I hope their are more for the blitz.
March 5, 2023
Book One, a new start to the series as we are introduce to Viv Howe, Dot Simmonds and Peggy Miller, The Blitz Girls, volunteers ARP Girls.
Its WW2 in Chelsea London, they need women, ambulance drivers, first aiders and casualty, and wardens, your country needs you and bombs are dropping.
Three women all from different lives together doing their bit, and their priority is keeping everyone safe to wake up to yet another day.
As the book unfolds, and we get drawn into the characters, my heart was leaping, the women all share a bond to each other in troubles and strifes with the men, colleges and lovers, men just don't see them doing their jobs, that is proven wrong, and they become such amazing friends.
This book has it all. heart pounding chapters that leave uneasy feelings in your tummy, it will blow your mind, you will love the style of writing, how every chapter just draws you into the story, and makes you jump into the book and be their best friend.
A fantastic start to a new incredible series that leaves you thirsty for so much more, simply the best start eagerly await book two now.
I loved it all 10/10 if I could but have to settle for 5 stars. for a must read that I will highly recommend to readers.
Its WW2 in Chelsea London, they need women, ambulance drivers, first aiders and casualty, and wardens, your country needs you and bombs are dropping.
Three women all from different lives together doing their bit, and their priority is keeping everyone safe to wake up to yet another day.
As the book unfolds, and we get drawn into the characters, my heart was leaping, the women all share a bond to each other in troubles and strifes with the men, colleges and lovers, men just don't see them doing their jobs, that is proven wrong, and they become such amazing friends.
This book has it all. heart pounding chapters that leave uneasy feelings in your tummy, it will blow your mind, you will love the style of writing, how every chapter just draws you into the story, and makes you jump into the book and be their best friend.
A fantastic start to a new incredible series that leaves you thirsty for so much more, simply the best start eagerly await book two now.
I loved it all 10/10 if I could but have to settle for 5 stars. for a must read that I will highly recommend to readers.
April 5, 2023
This is a really great wartime saga and I enjoyed getting to know Dot, Viv and Peggy and their challenges, triumphs and hardships as volunteers battling the blitz.
Dot and Peggy are ARP wardens and Viv is an ambulance driver. Their friendship blossoms over the course of the book, as they support each other through personal trials and the horror of war.
I thought the author did a really good job of avoiding cliche and glamorising the war. The characters had guts and grit, but were vulnerable and fearful too. It made them feel more realistic.
Some interesting twists and turns and I flew through it. I’ve liked previous books by this Author and will definitely be reading more of this series and purchasing this one for a family member. Recommended for fans of this genre, it’s a great read.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my arc.
Dot and Peggy are ARP wardens and Viv is an ambulance driver. Their friendship blossoms over the course of the book, as they support each other through personal trials and the horror of war.
I thought the author did a really good job of avoiding cliche and glamorising the war. The characters had guts and grit, but were vulnerable and fearful too. It made them feel more realistic.
Some interesting twists and turns and I flew through it. I’ve liked previous books by this Author and will definitely be reading more of this series and purchasing this one for a family member. Recommended for fans of this genre, it’s a great read.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my arc.
April 11, 2023
I loved this story of the blitz girls. It told the stories of Peggy, Viv and Dot and how they became friends during this difficult time of World War Two. The descriptive way it was told really brought all the characters to life and helped us picture how awful things were but how everybody pulled together in this difficult time. I do hope this isn’t the end for Peggy, Viv and Dot and that Johanna is writing more about these strong women.
December 1, 2023
This was the 1st book I've read by Johanna and I really enjoyed it. The 3 main characters Viv, Dot and Peggy are very easy to like and the way the story was written it was easy to read. I hope there's at least a sequel as I'd like to find out what happens next.
September 14, 2023
Another triumph by Johanna Bell. I loved it and I can't wait for the rest of the trilogy. I felt every emotion and really liked the 3 female main characters.
December 31, 2023
A gripping new saga that I devoured. The research that has gone into this is unbelievable! The sense of commradide the girls have is honorable. A tough read at times but a important story.
Read
June 6, 2024A interesting insight into the work of women in the ARP.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews