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Goodwill House #5
A Wartime Reunion at Goodwill House
Discover Fenella J. Miller's bestselling Goodwill House series! September, 1940.
With harvest approaching, land girl Daphne is busier than ever as she ploughs the fields and tends to the animals with her friends Sal and Charlie. All three girls enjoy the relative peace of Goodwill House…but war is never far away.
When a German plane crash lands in the grounds of Goodwill House, everyone is shocked, especially when the two German pilots are declared missing. Where could they be hiding?
Tensions are high, and Daphne is dealt yet another shock, when she meets Corporal Robert Andrews – the man she was once engaged to marry! Goodwill House is the last place she expected to be reunited with Bob and although he looks dashing in his uniform, Daphne doesn’t think she can ever forgive him for breaking her heart.
With the war getting closer every day, can these two finally be reunited for good or will their love be forever lost...?
**Don't miss the next heart-breaking instalment in Fenella J. Miller's beautiful Goodwill House series.
Praise for Fenella J.
'Yet again, Fenella Miller has thrilled me with another of her historical stories in the Goodwill House saga series. She brings alive a variety of emotions and weaves in facts relating to the era, all of which keep me reading into the small hours.' Glynis Peters – Bestselling author of The Secret Orphan.
'Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller's characters and lose yourself in another time and another place.' Lizzie Lane
'Engaging characters and setting which whisks you back to the home front of wartime Britain. A fabulous series!' Jean Fullerton
With harvest approaching, land girl Daphne is busier than ever as she ploughs the fields and tends to the animals with her friends Sal and Charlie. All three girls enjoy the relative peace of Goodwill House…but war is never far away.
When a German plane crash lands in the grounds of Goodwill House, everyone is shocked, especially when the two German pilots are declared missing. Where could they be hiding?
Tensions are high, and Daphne is dealt yet another shock, when she meets Corporal Robert Andrews – the man she was once engaged to marry! Goodwill House is the last place she expected to be reunited with Bob and although he looks dashing in his uniform, Daphne doesn’t think she can ever forgive him for breaking her heart.
With the war getting closer every day, can these two finally be reunited for good or will their love be forever lost...?
**Don't miss the next heart-breaking instalment in Fenella J. Miller's beautiful Goodwill House series.
Praise for Fenella J.
'Yet again, Fenella Miller has thrilled me with another of her historical stories in the Goodwill House saga series. She brings alive a variety of emotions and weaves in facts relating to the era, all of which keep me reading into the small hours.' Glynis Peters – Bestselling author of The Secret Orphan.
'Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller's characters and lose yourself in another time and another place.' Lizzie Lane
'Engaging characters and setting which whisks you back to the home front of wartime Britain. A fabulous series!' Jean Fullerton
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2023
276 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Fenella J. Miller
151 books149 followersFenella Jane Miller was born in the Isle of Man. Her father was a Yorkshire man and her mother the daughter of a Rajah. She has worked as a nanny, cleaner, field worker, hotelier, chef, secondary and primary teacher and is now a full time writer.
She has over twenty five Regency romantic adventures published plus one Jane Austen re-telling and one YA romantic fantasy.
see also Fenella-Jane Miller
She has over twenty five Regency romantic adventures published plus one Jane Austen re-telling and one YA romantic fantasy.
see also Fenella-Jane Miller
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 6, 2023
Loved this one especially as I’ve read all the others in this series. So lovely to return to the same characters and some new ones and enjoy the goings on during the war. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
February 27, 2023
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this lovely book
its always nice to catch up with your favourite characters in a book and this books is no exception... its starts as the last book finished and we catch up with the land girls and how they are coping...
but the war is still ongoing and goodwill house nearly comes a cropper when a german plane nearly crashes into it...
two germans are witnessed to escape the burning plane and its all hands on deck to find them...
daphne one of the land girls witnesses the plane crash and also the upended car in the ditch and goes to help the occupants...its while she is pulling one of the men out that she recognises him as her ex fiancee... she runs off before he can thank her for the help
its a great storyline in the saga of goodwill house and the harcourt family but also womens roles during the war and what they took on
cant praise this book or the series enough
its always nice to catch up with your favourite characters in a book and this books is no exception... its starts as the last book finished and we catch up with the land girls and how they are coping...
but the war is still ongoing and goodwill house nearly comes a cropper when a german plane nearly crashes into it...
two germans are witnessed to escape the burning plane and its all hands on deck to find them...
daphne one of the land girls witnesses the plane crash and also the upended car in the ditch and goes to help the occupants...its while she is pulling one of the men out that she recognises him as her ex fiancee... she runs off before he can thank her for the help
its a great storyline in the saga of goodwill house and the harcourt family but also womens roles during the war and what they took on
cant praise this book or the series enough
February 28, 2023
Parted by trouble...they will meet again...
We return to Goodwill House for the fifth book in this easy to read saga series set just off the Kentish coast. It picks up directly where the fourth one ended, though as with all of them, it can easily be read a standalone. Each story is a new one as the main focus of the book with an underlying theme that runs throughout should you read the books from the very beginning. I do recommend this but as I said, you don't have to to be able to follow the story with ease.
I loved the first book in this series and enjoyed the subsequent ones following though I admit I preferred the direction the series was taking by the fourth book with the Land Girls being billeted at Goodwill House and (as with that one) I thoroughly enjoyed A WARTIME REUNION AT GOODWILL HOUSE even more than the first three which also included something of a different theme.
We pick up the action in September 1940 when the Blitz is just beginning as the Germans rain down their deluge after deluge of bombs, hoping to break the British spirit.
We are thrust right into the action with a stray German bomber crashing into the potato fields of Goodwill House, and thus bursting into flames. Lady Joanna Harcourt saw two airmen scramble from their burning wreck before the ensuing explosions but a sweep of the fields and outbuildings could find no trace of the Germans. The Home Guard therefore ruled they had perished in the explosion.
Corporal Bob Andrews was heading up a skeleton ground crew at the nearby defunct RAF Manston airfield when he saw the plane's descent to its subsequent crash and made his way to Goodwill House with his crew. But when the bomber's remaining explosives on board erupted, their vehicle ended upturned in a ditch and the crew scrambling for their lives.
Land girls Daphne, Sal and Charlie have remained billeted at Goodwill House and working at nearby Fiddlers Farm for Mr Pickering. Daphne joined the Land Army and had herself placed in Kent when she heard her fiance who had suddenly jilted her a week before their wedding was working at the RAF base there. Having never come across him in her time there, she realised that maybe he had moved on and was no longer stationed at Manston.
Until she saw that familiar mop of red hair so like her own climbing out of the upturned RAF vehicle in the ditch outside Goodwill House. And before she knew it, she had fled into the bushes before the men could see who it was that had pulled them to safety.
It goes without saying that Bob and Daphne undergo many run-ins, while Daphne would prefer nothing more than to stay clear out of Bob's way. Whatever his reasons for breaking her heart, it's too late. She cannot bear to be around him and does everything possible to avoid him.
And then the Lady Harcourts receive the most disheartening news and with Peter's help, Joanna enlists her solicitor Mr Broome to get to the bottom of it before it's too late. This sends her to London and to its outskirts and is sure to rock her to the core. But at least it gives her the opportunity to catch up with her daughter Sarah, whom we have not seen since the first book, who has just completed her first year of medical training to become a doctor.
As always, life goes on in Ramsgate for Goodwill House and those in its surrounds, despite the war threatening their lives and those of their loved ones. Time marches on and so does the war. And with it, the women of Goodwill House only become stronger.
I thoroughly enjoyed A WARTIME REUNION AT GOODWILL HOUSE. It is a little different than the others, I feel, though with the same heartwarming feel throughout. I have enjoyed getting to know each of the characters with my favourite being the irascible dowager old Lady Elizabeth Harcourt, Joanna's mother in law. When she turned up in the first book, I was horrified that she would be a thorn in everyone's side but she has proved to be such fun.
I was hooked to this story and devoured it in a day, though it's taken me another day to actually review it. How dare real life get in the way??!! lol I cannot wait for book six to see what awaits those at Goodwill House.
There is one thing that really irritates me with this series, as the author continues to use it throughout, and that is the constant use of the expression "gone for a Burton" regarding men who have perished in the service for their country. Instead of saying the driver succumbed to his injuries, she says "Jim went for a Burton". It is a silly expression in my opinion and it annoys me no end as it is not used just once or twice...but constantly throughout when referencing men dying for their country. Please stop using it...it sounds so crass. It sounds more like they are nipping out for a burger or fish and chips. It makes me cringe every time I read it and is probably the reason I rate the books down a star.
However, this time, despite the constant use of the ridiculous expression I am giving it a well deserved 5 stars because it really is one of the best of the series so far. I cannot wait to see what the sixth book has in store for us!
I would like to thank #FenellaJMiller, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #AWartimeReunionAtGoodwillHouse in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
We return to Goodwill House for the fifth book in this easy to read saga series set just off the Kentish coast. It picks up directly where the fourth one ended, though as with all of them, it can easily be read a standalone. Each story is a new one as the main focus of the book with an underlying theme that runs throughout should you read the books from the very beginning. I do recommend this but as I said, you don't have to to be able to follow the story with ease.
I loved the first book in this series and enjoyed the subsequent ones following though I admit I preferred the direction the series was taking by the fourth book with the Land Girls being billeted at Goodwill House and (as with that one) I thoroughly enjoyed A WARTIME REUNION AT GOODWILL HOUSE even more than the first three which also included something of a different theme.
We pick up the action in September 1940 when the Blitz is just beginning as the Germans rain down their deluge after deluge of bombs, hoping to break the British spirit.
We are thrust right into the action with a stray German bomber crashing into the potato fields of Goodwill House, and thus bursting into flames. Lady Joanna Harcourt saw two airmen scramble from their burning wreck before the ensuing explosions but a sweep of the fields and outbuildings could find no trace of the Germans. The Home Guard therefore ruled they had perished in the explosion.
Corporal Bob Andrews was heading up a skeleton ground crew at the nearby defunct RAF Manston airfield when he saw the plane's descent to its subsequent crash and made his way to Goodwill House with his crew. But when the bomber's remaining explosives on board erupted, their vehicle ended upturned in a ditch and the crew scrambling for their lives.
Land girls Daphne, Sal and Charlie have remained billeted at Goodwill House and working at nearby Fiddlers Farm for Mr Pickering. Daphne joined the Land Army and had herself placed in Kent when she heard her fiance who had suddenly jilted her a week before their wedding was working at the RAF base there. Having never come across him in her time there, she realised that maybe he had moved on and was no longer stationed at Manston.
Until she saw that familiar mop of red hair so like her own climbing out of the upturned RAF vehicle in the ditch outside Goodwill House. And before she knew it, she had fled into the bushes before the men could see who it was that had pulled them to safety.
It goes without saying that Bob and Daphne undergo many run-ins, while Daphne would prefer nothing more than to stay clear out of Bob's way. Whatever his reasons for breaking her heart, it's too late. She cannot bear to be around him and does everything possible to avoid him.
And then the Lady Harcourts receive the most disheartening news and with Peter's help, Joanna enlists her solicitor Mr Broome to get to the bottom of it before it's too late. This sends her to London and to its outskirts and is sure to rock her to the core. But at least it gives her the opportunity to catch up with her daughter Sarah, whom we have not seen since the first book, who has just completed her first year of medical training to become a doctor.
As always, life goes on in Ramsgate for Goodwill House and those in its surrounds, despite the war threatening their lives and those of their loved ones. Time marches on and so does the war. And with it, the women of Goodwill House only become stronger.
I thoroughly enjoyed A WARTIME REUNION AT GOODWILL HOUSE. It is a little different than the others, I feel, though with the same heartwarming feel throughout. I have enjoyed getting to know each of the characters with my favourite being the irascible dowager old Lady Elizabeth Harcourt, Joanna's mother in law. When she turned up in the first book, I was horrified that she would be a thorn in everyone's side but she has proved to be such fun.
I was hooked to this story and devoured it in a day, though it's taken me another day to actually review it. How dare real life get in the way??!! lol I cannot wait for book six to see what awaits those at Goodwill House.
There is one thing that really irritates me with this series, as the author continues to use it throughout, and that is the constant use of the expression "gone for a Burton" regarding men who have perished in the service for their country. Instead of saying the driver succumbed to his injuries, she says "Jim went for a Burton". It is a silly expression in my opinion and it annoys me no end as it is not used just once or twice...but constantly throughout when referencing men dying for their country. Please stop using it...it sounds so crass. It sounds more like they are nipping out for a burger or fish and chips. It makes me cringe every time I read it and is probably the reason I rate the books down a star.
However, this time, despite the constant use of the ridiculous expression I am giving it a well deserved 5 stars because it really is one of the best of the series so far. I cannot wait to see what the sixth book has in store for us!
I would like to thank #FenellaJMiller, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #AWartimeReunionAtGoodwillHouse in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
March 24, 2023
Good read
Not at all what I was expecting it to be, but all said it was a very enjoyable read. Looking forward to the next great read
Not at all what I was expecting it to be, but all said it was a very enjoyable read. Looking forward to the next great read
March 13, 2023
I am a big fan of Fenella’s work and have been for a few years now. I love the way in which she writes such fantastic historical fiction. I have a particular fondness for the series she has set in ‘Goodwill House’. When I heard that Fenella was due to release another book in the series I just had to grab a copy. Well the most recent book in the series is called ‘A Wartime Reunion At Goodwill House’ and it was released on 1st March 2023. It’s another cracker of a read, which I thoroughly enjoyed but more about that in a bit.
I know this sounds a bit superficial but I was drawn to this book by the lovely cover and the fact that the cover showed two people with ginger hair but then I am rather biased since I have ginger hair too. I started reading and basically I forgot to stop. I became so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the different characters that I was still sat there reading several chapters and an hour or two later. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I just couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. All too quickly I reached the end and I had to say goodbye to the residents of and everybody associated with Goodwill House. I found ‘A Wartime Reunion At Goodwill House’ to be a gripping and at times dramatic read, which certainly kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘A Wartime Reunion At Goodwill House’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Fenella J. Miller. She has an easy going writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. She certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into one hell of a read and then some. Fenella 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. Fenella has clearly done an awful lot of research into the time period during which the story takes place and this makes the story seem that bit more authentic. For me, the story started with a bang, hit the ground running and maintained a brisk pace throughout. i love the way in which Fenella 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.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Wartime Reunion At Goodwill House’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I hope to read much more of Fenella’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I know this sounds a bit superficial but I was drawn to this book by the lovely cover and the fact that the cover showed two people with ginger hair but then I am rather biased since I have ginger hair too. I started reading and basically I forgot to stop. I became so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the different characters that I was still sat there reading several chapters and an hour or two later. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I just couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. All too quickly I reached the end and I had to say goodbye to the residents of and everybody associated with Goodwill House. I found ‘A Wartime Reunion At Goodwill House’ to be a gripping and at times dramatic read, which certainly kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘A Wartime Reunion At Goodwill House’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Fenella J. Miller. She has an easy going writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. She certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into one hell of a read and then some. Fenella 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. Fenella has clearly done an awful lot of research into the time period during which the story takes place and this makes the story seem that bit more authentic. For me, the story started with a bang, hit the ground running and maintained a brisk pace throughout. i love the way in which Fenella 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.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Wartime Reunion At Goodwill House’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I hope to read much more of Fenella’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
February 13, 2023
For my complete review, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com
You don’t have to have read the first three volumes to find a charming story. According to author Fenella J. Miller “My Goodwill House series can be read as stand-alone books or in chronological order. Lady Joanna Harcourt, widowed at Dunkirk, features in every story. However, running alongside her life there is always a romance which, of course, has the essential happy-ever-after ending.” The books themselves are fairly inexpensive, and if you enjoy historical fiction with a little romance, you can’t go wrong.
As I’ve read the series, I’ve very much enjoyed the attention to historical detail in the books, As with The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson, there’s mention of people living in the tubes after the Blitz, and the Land Girls do real work on a local farm. German planes get into fire fights over the area and several people are shot by the bad guys, including Charlie, whom we met in the previous book. Bringing a huge dose of World War II reality into a historical romance is not an easy thing to do, but Miller does it well. I hope this series continues for a while and imagine it will. Not even a full year has gone by since the first book started January 1, 1940.
I received and Advanced Reader’s Copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
You don’t have to have read the first three volumes to find a charming story. According to author Fenella J. Miller “My Goodwill House series can be read as stand-alone books or in chronological order. Lady Joanna Harcourt, widowed at Dunkirk, features in every story. However, running alongside her life there is always a romance which, of course, has the essential happy-ever-after ending.” The books themselves are fairly inexpensive, and if you enjoy historical fiction with a little romance, you can’t go wrong.
As I’ve read the series, I’ve very much enjoyed the attention to historical detail in the books, As with The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson, there’s mention of people living in the tubes after the Blitz, and the Land Girls do real work on a local farm. German planes get into fire fights over the area and several people are shot by the bad guys, including Charlie, whom we met in the previous book. Bringing a huge dose of World War II reality into a historical romance is not an easy thing to do, but Miller does it well. I hope this series continues for a while and imagine it will. Not even a full year has gone by since the first book started January 1, 1940.
I received and Advanced Reader’s Copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 20, 2023
A Wartime Reunion At Goodwill House by Fenella J Miller is the fifth book in a marvelous wartime series.
This book can be read as a stand-alone but I enjoyed meeting up with many familiar faces as we rejoin the action in 1940. We see the stoicism of the characters as the war comes a little too close to Goodwill House.
Dog fights overhead interrupt the lives of those on the ground. It takes much courage to continue with day-to-day lives whilst being ever vigilant for the enemy.
A chance encounter sets hearts a racing as there is a search for the truth of their roots.
Once more we follow the land girls billeted at Goodwill House, as well as the family. There are no airs and graces as all are welcomed and treated as family.
Fenella J Miller writes in such a way that history comes alive for the reader. The British have a strong bulldog spirit as they keep calm and carry on, no matter what life throws at them.
We witness the lengths to which some will go in the pursuit of social climbing. Situations need to be investigated to find the truth.
I adore the Goodwill House series. All the characters are wonderfully drawn. With each new book I feel as if I am meeting up with dear friends. Roll on book six.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
This book can be read as a stand-alone but I enjoyed meeting up with many familiar faces as we rejoin the action in 1940. We see the stoicism of the characters as the war comes a little too close to Goodwill House.
Dog fights overhead interrupt the lives of those on the ground. It takes much courage to continue with day-to-day lives whilst being ever vigilant for the enemy.
A chance encounter sets hearts a racing as there is a search for the truth of their roots.
Once more we follow the land girls billeted at Goodwill House, as well as the family. There are no airs and graces as all are welcomed and treated as family.
Fenella J Miller writes in such a way that history comes alive for the reader. The British have a strong bulldog spirit as they keep calm and carry on, no matter what life throws at them.
We witness the lengths to which some will go in the pursuit of social climbing. Situations need to be investigated to find the truth.
I adore the Goodwill House series. All the characters are wonderfully drawn. With each new book I feel as if I am meeting up with dear friends. Roll on book six.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
March 7, 2023
A Wartime Reunion at Goodwill House is the fifth book in the series. This is a series that I have followed and have enjoyed every single one. Each one can be read as a standalone, but why would you when you can enjoy this series as a whole?
I was happy to be returning to so many familiar characters. It's 1940 now, and Goodwill House finds the war coming closer than ever. I loved catching up with the Land Girls and finding out how the war was affecting their lives. We see the man who broke Daphne's heart, Bob, come back into her life. Fenella.J. Miller knows how to pull on her readers' heartstrings so well. It's a great balance of emotion and lighter moments, too.
Then there's the drama, too! Don't think there isn't any, you will have to pick up the book. Great characters live through one of the toughest times in a generation. Fenella.J.Miller brings another heartwarming and uplifting story of the bravery of everyday people.
Don't think that this isn't addictive. Be prepared for Goodwill House and the characters to take over your life when you start reading any book in this series. A fantastically well researched and colourful series that I always look forward to.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley.
I was happy to be returning to so many familiar characters. It's 1940 now, and Goodwill House finds the war coming closer than ever. I loved catching up with the Land Girls and finding out how the war was affecting their lives. We see the man who broke Daphne's heart, Bob, come back into her life. Fenella.J. Miller knows how to pull on her readers' heartstrings so well. It's a great balance of emotion and lighter moments, too.
Then there's the drama, too! Don't think there isn't any, you will have to pick up the book. Great characters live through one of the toughest times in a generation. Fenella.J.Miller brings another heartwarming and uplifting story of the bravery of everyday people.
Don't think that this isn't addictive. Be prepared for Goodwill House and the characters to take over your life when you start reading any book in this series. A fantastically well researched and colourful series that I always look forward to.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley.
March 1, 2023
I have read all the previous books in the series and when I saw this instalment was forthcoming it was definitely on my ‘to read’ list
Now to this book - it was great to revisit old characters and learn more about their lives and life during WW2
The book was well written as always and tells of the horrors of war and the inherent dangers of war conducted in the air both to people and Goodwill House.
The writing style is very descriptive and it’s possible to imagine oneself actually ‘there’.
My only complaint if this is one was that I found the ending incredibly rushed and very abrupt. I turned the page expecting another chapter and there was none. Presumably this means another instalment later but surely there will be an end at some stage as the books do move slowly through the war. I understand that there will be a sixth book as well and I can see how that’s possible that the series might end. Being a child of the late 50s I have no experience of sustained war I had never considered how collateral damage from bombs and planes coming down could affect these old stately homes.
Thank you Fenella - will look out for more adventures from Goodwill House
Now to this book - it was great to revisit old characters and learn more about their lives and life during WW2
The book was well written as always and tells of the horrors of war and the inherent dangers of war conducted in the air both to people and Goodwill House.
The writing style is very descriptive and it’s possible to imagine oneself actually ‘there’.
My only complaint if this is one was that I found the ending incredibly rushed and very abrupt. I turned the page expecting another chapter and there was none. Presumably this means another instalment later but surely there will be an end at some stage as the books do move slowly through the war. I understand that there will be a sixth book as well and I can see how that’s possible that the series might end. Being a child of the late 50s I have no experience of sustained war I had never considered how collateral damage from bombs and planes coming down could affect these old stately homes.
Thank you Fenella - will look out for more adventures from Goodwill House
April 23, 2023
This is book #5 in the Goodwill House series and continues on from book 4 and starts with a German bomber crashing into the potato field behind Goodwill House with two German airmen witnessed escaping the burning plane – will they be found?
With harvest approaching, the Land Girls billeted at Goodwill House, Charlie, Sal & Daphne, are as busy as ever. In the aftermath of the crash, Daphne encounters Bob Andrews, the man she almost married. Whilst she would prefer to avoid him, it seems as though their lives will again become entwined. The book primarily follows Daphne & Bob - Will Bob get the answers to his questions? Can Daphne forgive him?
I found the story of the “missing German airmen” a bit silly, and I would have liked more from Joanna and the other occupants of Goodwill House, but the book continues to focus on the role of women during the war & will appeal to people who have read others in the series.
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.
With harvest approaching, the Land Girls billeted at Goodwill House, Charlie, Sal & Daphne, are as busy as ever. In the aftermath of the crash, Daphne encounters Bob Andrews, the man she almost married. Whilst she would prefer to avoid him, it seems as though their lives will again become entwined. The book primarily follows Daphne & Bob - Will Bob get the answers to his questions? Can Daphne forgive him?
I found the story of the “missing German airmen” a bit silly, and I would have liked more from Joanna and the other occupants of Goodwill House, but the book continues to focus on the role of women during the war & will appeal to people who have read others in the series.
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.
February 17, 2023
A Wartime Reunion at Goodwill House is the fifth book in the series. It can be read as a standalone but if you haven't read the others, and if you intend to, they really need to be read in order. I haven't read all the others, but I read the fourth book in the series. I enjoyed that and am happy to say I enjoyed this one even more.
It was great catching up with the landgirls and reading more about their lives during the war. A lot of focus was on Daphne who is shocked when Bob, the man who broke her heart comes back into her life. I was close to tears a few times over what they go through. Thankfully there was a nice balance of lighthearted moments too so I wasn't left feeling low. I was however left in shock at how the book ended. It didn't end on a cliffhanger per se but it did end a bit abruptly and with a particular character, not Bob or Daphne, showing an entirely different side to himself. I definitely can't wait for the next book in the series to find out what happens next.
It was great catching up with the landgirls and reading more about their lives during the war. A lot of focus was on Daphne who is shocked when Bob, the man who broke her heart comes back into her life. I was close to tears a few times over what they go through. Thankfully there was a nice balance of lighthearted moments too so I wasn't left feeling low. I was however left in shock at how the book ended. It didn't end on a cliffhanger per se but it did end a bit abruptly and with a particular character, not Bob or Daphne, showing an entirely different side to himself. I definitely can't wait for the next book in the series to find out what happens next.
April 19, 2023
In this novel, we are taken into the heart of the community as the Land Girls discover an independence of spirit and friendships to sustain them during this difficult time. Life in the rural village is difficult for the farmers and landowners who are working to keep the food chain moving.
We follow the lives of women from different classes and see how their roles give them a sense of independence and the desire to be in charge of their own lives without relying on a man. Attitudes to marriage are changing somewhat and not all are prepared to put up with mistreatment by a father or partner. Against the backdrop of life on the Home Front, there is a gentle romance and the unraveling of a mystery or two around identity. We see different women not willing to accept versions of events but proactive in finding out the truth. There are plenty of characters in the story to add variety and the period detail helps to bring the era alive.
In short : separations and reunions, friendships and romance
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
We follow the lives of women from different classes and see how their roles give them a sense of independence and the desire to be in charge of their own lives without relying on a man. Attitudes to marriage are changing somewhat and not all are prepared to put up with mistreatment by a father or partner. Against the backdrop of life on the Home Front, there is a gentle romance and the unraveling of a mystery or two around identity. We see different women not willing to accept versions of events but proactive in finding out the truth. There are plenty of characters in the story to add variety and the period detail helps to bring the era alive.
In short : separations and reunions, friendships and romance
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
February 20, 2023
Back at Goodwill House. The 3 land girls are still in residence along with others, but the story centers around the first 3, the friendship continues and although they come from different backgrounds and have problems to solve they are there for each other.
Joanna, her mother in law and her 2 adopted children continue to bond with everyone. Joanna has a letter from a solicitor saying that another cousin of her late husband is claiming the title. So plenty of problems to sort out. Joanna's daughter is still studying in London and she flits into the story.
Manston the RAF air base is still close by but non operational as regards flying. The only 'kites' as they are referred to come in for repairs.
I am look forward to the next book in this brilliant series which is due later this year. I can recommend this book and give it 5*
Joanna, her mother in law and her 2 adopted children continue to bond with everyone. Joanna has a letter from a solicitor saying that another cousin of her late husband is claiming the title. So plenty of problems to sort out. Joanna's daughter is still studying in London and she flits into the story.
Manston the RAF air base is still close by but non operational as regards flying. The only 'kites' as they are referred to come in for repairs.
I am look forward to the next book in this brilliant series which is due later this year. I can recommend this book and give it 5*
March 10, 2023
A Wartime Reunion at Goodwill House is the fifth book in the Goodwill House series by Fenella J Miller. I was delighted to revisit the house with Joanna, Elizabeth and the Land Girls. Joanna's life is delved into a little more but the novel concentrates mainly in Daphne's story. Daphne is one of the girls working on Mr Pickering's farm. These girls also share a room at Goodwill House and have become great friends although there are some secrets lurking in the background. The characters are all so relatable, and the descriptions of the scenes so real, I was immersed completely.
I completed the book in two sessions! A wonderful, easy read
I completed the book in two sessions! A wonderful, easy read
January 20, 2023
Another great book in the Goodwill House series. This time we explore Daphne's story which is interesting and emotional at times. We continue to see Joanna's personality shine through as she becomes more independent. I would have loved to see a certain character reappear in this book as there was mention of them but hopefully in the next book they will.
I can't wait to see how the story continues.
I can't wait to see how the story continues.
March 4, 2023
I love reading this series
The character development is so good that the characters are now my friends and I love reading about them. The books are stand alone but made much better by reading the series in order and you won’t regret it. I’ve already pre-ordered the next in the series so I’ll be sure to get it as soon as it’s available. In addition to good character development, the history of the land girls and how hard they worked makes the book even better.
The character development is so good that the characters are now my friends and I love reading about them. The books are stand alone but made much better by reading the series in order and you won’t regret it. I’ve already pre-ordered the next in the series so I’ll be sure to get it as soon as it’s available. In addition to good character development, the history of the land girls and how hard they worked makes the book even better.
March 6, 2023
I’m really enjoying this series about Lady Harcourt and her family and the land army girls that are living at Goodwill House. This book follows Daphne’s journey as she try’s to sort out her life with her ex fiancé Bob. We also catch up with the rest of the great characters in this series. I’m excited that there is to be another book but also sad as that will be the end of this great series. I recommend this series but you can also read them as standalone books too.
March 6, 2023
This series is a fantastic historical fiction saga and A Wartime Reunion at Goodwill House is heartbreaking and with lots of wartime action that had me turning the pages into the early hours of the morning. Daphne is shockingly reunited with her fiance and after a plane crashes into Goodwill house two German pilots are declared missing. The plot had my adrenaline pumping and I felt exhilarated and the characters all feel like you know them well. A gripping saga.
October 31, 2023
War comes close to Goodwill House in this book, as a german plane crashes and the hunt is on for the crew.
It's great to catch up with the family and the girls who work at Goodwill House and the daily life and dramas that they deal with. This is a wonderful series. War time dramas are one of my favourites and this series ranks very highly with me. I love all the characters and the way the house means so much to them.
It's great to catch up with the family and the girls who work at Goodwill House and the daily life and dramas that they deal with. This is a wonderful series. War time dramas are one of my favourites and this series ranks very highly with me. I love all the characters and the way the house means so much to them.
January 30, 2023
Once again an utterly fantastic book a great many twists and turns, life at goodwill house is full of fun the twins celebrating there birthday Joanna dealing with the trials and tribulations of life just a fabulous book can highly recommend and give nothing away so not to spoil it for anyone else.
March 17, 2023
This was the 5th book in this series that takes place in southeast England in the early part of WWII. I love this series and the characters and always enjoy the books. In this one Daphne, a land girl, has just run into her former fiancé who jilted her. But there was more to the story and she and Bob bring this to a satisfying conclusion. Ready for the next one!
March 7, 2023
Goodwill
I anxiously awaited The continuing saga of The Strong Women of Goodwill House.. All is not Fair in Love and War but The Harcourt Ladies.. the land Girls.. Find a way through it 1 Day at a time ... hope to see the next Volume Soon!
I anxiously awaited The continuing saga of The Strong Women of Goodwill House.. All is not Fair in Love and War but The Harcourt Ladies.. the land Girls.. Find a way through it 1 Day at a time ... hope to see the next Volume Soon!
April 1, 2023
Goodwill House - Courage and Compassion
I've fallen in love with this series of books. I love Joanna best of all because I admire her courage and compassion. They're well written books.
I've fallen in love with this series of books. I love Joanna best of all because I admire her courage and compassion. They're well written books.
January 3, 2024
Another Fenella J Miller great read
I really enjoyed this book - new characters and old with more surprising plot twists and turns
Interesting insights into rural England during WW2
I really enjoyed this book - new characters and old with more surprising plot twists and turns
Interesting insights into rural England during WW2
March 6, 2023
.5
My review of A Wartime Reunion at Goodwill House can be found on my blog...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
My review of A Wartime Reunion at Goodwill House can be found on my blog...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
March 21, 2023
Another brilliant book by Fenella
March 28, 2023
I really enjoy these stories and await the next one with anticipation
Read
April 6, 2023Another excellent book-in the series, just love reading these books
June 14, 2023
A great read
Love reading this book. I didn't won t to put it down. I would recommend this book , it keeps you singing to read the next page then the one after.
Love reading this book. I didn't won t to put it down. I would recommend this book , it keeps you singing to read the next page then the one after.
June 19, 2023
Very good book series
I am loving this book series can't wait to read the next one. There is never a dull moment and the characters are excellent. I highly recommend this series.
I am loving this book series can't wait to read the next one. There is never a dull moment and the characters are excellent. I highly recommend this series.
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