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The Land Girls #1
Muddy Boots and Silk Stockings
England, 1943. The country is at war
With so many men away fighting, it is the women left behind who must keep the country going, and when Alice Todd is abandoned by her husband, she must find a means to provide for herself and her young son. She is offered the job of looking after the group of land girls at Lower Post Stone Farm and soon discovers they each have a story – and some have secrets they’d rather not reveal. The harsh times of war are tempered by the Saturday evening dances in the local hall, but as the hostilities continue, it is clear to Alice that there is more tragedy to follow closer to home.
Muddy Boots and Silk Stockings is the evocative and compelling story of the sacrifices made during wartime and the indomitable spirit of those left behind, from a writer of the much-loved drama series The House of Eliot.
With so many men away fighting, it is the women left behind who must keep the country going, and when Alice Todd is abandoned by her husband, she must find a means to provide for herself and her young son. She is offered the job of looking after the group of land girls at Lower Post Stone Farm and soon discovers they each have a story – and some have secrets they’d rather not reveal. The harsh times of war are tempered by the Saturday evening dances in the local hall, but as the hostilities continue, it is clear to Alice that there is more tragedy to follow closer to home.
Muddy Boots and Silk Stockings is the evocative and compelling story of the sacrifices made during wartime and the indomitable spirit of those left behind, from a writer of the much-loved drama series The House of Eliot.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 10, 2012
1.5 Stars. With her marriage disintegrating and the country deep in the throes of World War II, Alice Todd finds she must reinvent herself from the roles wife and mother to mother and breadwinner. In order to support both herself and her young son Edward-John, Alice applies to the Women's Land Army for the position of warden at Lower Post Stone Farm, overseeing a the hostel and its Land Girls, managing the meals and schedules and ensuring that the girls adhere to a code of conduct and behavior befitting their status as representatives of the Land Army. With the reluctant support of the enigmatic farmer owner, Roger Bayliss, and Rose, her prickly assitant, Alice dives into the work and discovers the life of a warden to a group of very different girls is by turns both exhausting and terrifying. But as as her tenure at the farm progresses, Alice and her "girls" become an unexpected and unorthodox family, who must band together in order to survive when the horrors of war find their way to Lower Post Stone Farm.
Oh goodness, where to start. I adore World War II history, and was made aware of and interested in the history of the "Land Girls" through the three-season BBC television series of the same name. While the television show took some hits for historical inaccuracies, on the whole it is a delicious period piece full of atmosphere, suspense, and compelling characters. After finishing the third series I decided to seek out any books on the subject of the Land Girls and their role in the war effort. This novel was my first discovery of fiction in this vein -- and if you're thinking about reading it, let me recommend you stick with the television series instead.
All of the pieces are in place for what could, and should, have been a compelling character piece featuring women exploring new avenues of employment and opportunity thanks to the war and the accompanying need for workers in previous male-only fields. And there are moments of character depth, moments that hint at the possibilities inherent in material of this ilk (but too often sadly unrealized by this novel): the sensitive Jewish painter Andreis, who fled Nazi persecution in his native Netherlands but couldn't start anew in England; the shy Hester, raised in a (overly) strict religious home, who blossoms under the friendship of the other Land Girls and finds romance with a G.I. from North Dakota; the fiery attraction between Georgina, an avowed pacifist, and Christopher, Roger's son and a pilot, who find themselves irrevocably changed by the war and each other's convictions.
But these flashes of promising characterization are lost in a veritable sea of awkward prose, run-on sentences, and stagnant plot development. For example, Stoneham has an unfortunate tendency to repeatedly describe the girls' scent -- instead of being atmospheric it just reads as awkward and off-puttiing. And then, starting around chapter three, every few pages (I read this on my Kindle) contains sentences anywhere from six to ten lines long (one shouldn't become winded when reading!). And sadly there is an over-abundance of "telling" instead of "showing" the action unfolding on the page -- a shame since this time period, and Stoneham's subject matter, are rife with dramatic possibilities. While this novel had potential, and I applaude and appreciate Stoneham's desire to explore a little-discussed aspect of homefront, 1940s-era history, this effort stands in need of stronger characterizations, dynamic plot development, and thorough editing.
Oh goodness, where to start. I adore World War II history, and was made aware of and interested in the history of the "Land Girls" through the three-season BBC television series of the same name. While the television show took some hits for historical inaccuracies, on the whole it is a delicious period piece full of atmosphere, suspense, and compelling characters. After finishing the third series I decided to seek out any books on the subject of the Land Girls and their role in the war effort. This novel was my first discovery of fiction in this vein -- and if you're thinking about reading it, let me recommend you stick with the television series instead.
All of the pieces are in place for what could, and should, have been a compelling character piece featuring women exploring new avenues of employment and opportunity thanks to the war and the accompanying need for workers in previous male-only fields. And there are moments of character depth, moments that hint at the possibilities inherent in material of this ilk (but too often sadly unrealized by this novel): the sensitive Jewish painter Andreis, who fled Nazi persecution in his native Netherlands but couldn't start anew in England; the shy Hester, raised in a (overly) strict religious home, who blossoms under the friendship of the other Land Girls and finds romance with a G.I. from North Dakota; the fiery attraction between Georgina, an avowed pacifist, and Christopher, Roger's son and a pilot, who find themselves irrevocably changed by the war and each other's convictions.
But these flashes of promising characterization are lost in a veritable sea of awkward prose, run-on sentences, and stagnant plot development. For example, Stoneham has an unfortunate tendency to repeatedly describe the girls' scent -- instead of being atmospheric it just reads as awkward and off-puttiing. And then, starting around chapter three, every few pages (I read this on my Kindle) contains sentences anywhere from six to ten lines long (one shouldn't become winded when reading!). And sadly there is an over-abundance of "telling" instead of "showing" the action unfolding on the page -- a shame since this time period, and Stoneham's subject matter, are rife with dramatic possibilities. While this novel had potential, and I applaude and appreciate Stoneham's desire to explore a little-discussed aspect of homefront, 1940s-era history, this effort stands in need of stronger characterizations, dynamic plot development, and thorough editing.
March 25, 2022
When Alice Todd finds herself hired to be the warden of a group of land girls working a farm in Devon, she's not entirely sure she's the right person for the job. But she doesn't really have any other options, so she has to make it work.
I always love homefront stories. This was a quick read, although not really very deep. Also, the author sometimes rambled away in LONG sentences... so much so, that they were somewhat distracting and sometimes I had to go back to the beginning and read the sentence again. Here's an example I found amusing: "Hester, who in spite of Reuben's continuing attention, wore very little make-up, remained fascinated by the fact that Marion, before she transformed herself with mascara, pancake foundation, crimson lipstick and powdered rouge and had rolled her hair into solid mounds which gave onto cascading curls and had caged her body in waist-cinching belts, above which frilled blouses suggesting irresistible roundnesses and softnesses, was an entirely different person from the frowsy, angular, pale creature with lank hair and thin lips who, at breakfast and during working hours, was familiar to all of them." It had already been mentioned that Marion's "going out" persona didn't really match her real appearance, but this sentence goes the long way around the barn to describe it again... It's kind of more telling than showing, I guess.
Anyway, the awkward sentence structuring doesn't keep me from enjoying the story, and I plan to check out the others immediately. My library has 2 more in this series.
I always love homefront stories. This was a quick read, although not really very deep. Also, the author sometimes rambled away in LONG sentences... so much so, that they were somewhat distracting and sometimes I had to go back to the beginning and read the sentence again. Here's an example I found amusing: "Hester, who in spite of Reuben's continuing attention, wore very little make-up, remained fascinated by the fact that Marion, before she transformed herself with mascara, pancake foundation, crimson lipstick and powdered rouge and had rolled her hair into solid mounds which gave onto cascading curls and had caged her body in waist-cinching belts, above which frilled blouses suggesting irresistible roundnesses and softnesses, was an entirely different person from the frowsy, angular, pale creature with lank hair and thin lips who, at breakfast and during working hours, was familiar to all of them." It had already been mentioned that Marion's "going out" persona didn't really match her real appearance, but this sentence goes the long way around the barn to describe it again... It's kind of more telling than showing, I guess.
Anyway, the awkward sentence structuring doesn't keep me from enjoying the story, and I plan to check out the others immediately. My library has 2 more in this series.
May 28, 2018
This is a reasonable read which shows the hard work of assisting on farms and managing a centre for the land girls, as well as the troubles of the men at war, coming home wounded and distressed. I like that we see briefly how big gardens and forestry were neglected for lack of staff. Horses are barely mentioned, not seen, and 'shoed' instead of shod. That's not how I understand it used to be, as petrol, oil, tyres and spares were often not available. Horses were needed.
As we can expect the tale becomes a case of pairing off in romantic entanglements but the book finishes before everyone is sorted out, the war ongoing and the work never ending. Probably leaving room for a second book.
I thought it odd that there was no shortage of real food, especially meat, as opposed to what city dwellers or lumberjanes in another book got - endless cabbage, turnip jam with strawberry flavouring - though if you were anywhere you would want to be on a farm for food. Nobody complains about not being able to buy knicker elastic or having to use gravy browning for imitation stockings. The vehicles have enough fuel and the girls have enough toiletries and makeup. Maybe this is how it was, I don't know.
This is an unbiased review.
As we can expect the tale becomes a case of pairing off in romantic entanglements but the book finishes before everyone is sorted out, the war ongoing and the work never ending. Probably leaving room for a second book.
I thought it odd that there was no shortage of real food, especially meat, as opposed to what city dwellers or lumberjanes in another book got - endless cabbage, turnip jam with strawberry flavouring - though if you were anywhere you would want to be on a farm for food. Nobody complains about not being able to buy knicker elastic or having to use gravy browning for imitation stockings. The vehicles have enough fuel and the girls have enough toiletries and makeup. Maybe this is how it was, I don't know.
This is an unbiased review.
February 28, 2018
Another great story about a group of land girls working on a farm during the war. Lots of likable characters and believable story lines. Looking forward to reading the sequel and hopefully finding out what happens to everybody.
April 4, 2025
I enjoyed the story. Tells about the life of the Land Girls in WW II. Addressed some controversial topics but it was clean and not graphic.
June 3, 2013
This is the first book in a trilogy. It is about Land Girls living in Devon and was a decent book to read. The author described the characters very well and it was easy to identify with them. I will definitely read the other two books.
February 23, 2012
A good read, quite a new take on wartime - but then it ended quite abruptly. There was no 'wrapping up' for the last few chapters and it just...ended!
February 9, 2025
Set in Devonshire during the second World War, we follow the stories of Alice, Rose, and the Land Army girls who occupy the Lower Post Stone Farm. Between love, war, and family hardships, the crew learns to rely on one another and face realities and coming into their own.
This was a cute story focusing on sisterhood as well as providing a different perspective than I've ever received of women during WWII. I've only ever been introduced to what contributions American women ever made, so getting to see the British side was wonderful. I wasnt necessarily a fan of the ending, as it didn't really feel final enough, and tons of openings were left in regards to the futures of several of the Land Army girls, and Alice herself, but I did really love watching Alice herself blossom into a strong and independent woman compared to the beginning of the book.
This was a cute story focusing on sisterhood as well as providing a different perspective than I've ever received of women during WWII. I've only ever been introduced to what contributions American women ever made, so getting to see the British side was wonderful. I wasnt necessarily a fan of the ending, as it didn't really feel final enough, and tons of openings were left in regards to the futures of several of the Land Army girls, and Alice herself, but I did really love watching Alice herself blossom into a strong and independent woman compared to the beginning of the book.
May 4, 2017
Wow what a great find at the cancer society second hand book shop!
I was was getting to the end of the pages and was looking for a finale but it just stopped.........I didn't realise this was the first book in many that tell the tales of the Land Girls and their matron Alice during the second world war. Some of my relatives were Land Girls but here in New Zealand.
It was so easy to read and you grew to love the girls and their different personalities. And of course the shocking true war aspects touching on Jews and soldiers suffering shell shock, brought serious themes in to contrast the light hearted girly moments.
Would be nice to continue reading the rest in the series if I can track them down.
I was was getting to the end of the pages and was looking for a finale but it just stopped.........I didn't realise this was the first book in many that tell the tales of the Land Girls and their matron Alice during the second world war. Some of my relatives were Land Girls but here in New Zealand.
It was so easy to read and you grew to love the girls and their different personalities. And of course the shocking true war aspects touching on Jews and soldiers suffering shell shock, brought serious themes in to contrast the light hearted girly moments.
Would be nice to continue reading the rest in the series if I can track them down.
October 27, 2020
Muddy boots
I enjoyed reading "Muddy Boots and Silk Stockings" very much. It was interesting and entertaining to read about civilian life in WW2 England. With the men being sent to fight the war many of the women were sent to the farms to keep the food supply going. This was very necessary work and it was interesting to see how the women handled the work and living together. The laughter, sorrow, growing, and friendship that the "Cinderella Service" women lived through made a very good story. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
I enjoyed reading "Muddy Boots and Silk Stockings" very much. It was interesting and entertaining to read about civilian life in WW2 England. With the men being sent to fight the war many of the women were sent to the farms to keep the food supply going. This was very necessary work and it was interesting to see how the women handled the work and living together. The laughter, sorrow, growing, and friendship that the "Cinderella Service" women lived through made a very good story. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
February 5, 2025
Land Girls
War is brutal but sometimes we push the brutality of it behind us. This book brings to the fore the fact that the war and its effectd were brutal not just to the men but to the women who were left behind to carry on the work of the men.
It also demonstrated the resilience of the people who found ways to make the most of what they were left with. So, I salute Alice and her Land Girls as the learnt to find their strengths and also how to live with each other.
An easy read that you will want to read to the end. The end leaves you wondering though.
War is brutal but sometimes we push the brutality of it behind us. This book brings to the fore the fact that the war and its effectd were brutal not just to the men but to the women who were left behind to carry on the work of the men.
It also demonstrated the resilience of the people who found ways to make the most of what they were left with. So, I salute Alice and her Land Girls as the learnt to find their strengths and also how to live with each other.
An easy read that you will want to read to the end. The end leaves you wondering though.
July 23, 2025
Enjoyable Story
During WWII, the UK had Land Girls who did the work that the men used to do. To accommodate the ladies, the farm owner, Roger, had a lady Alice, called a Warden, who looked after the girls and made sure they obeyed the house rules and were fed.
This story walks you through the start up of the Land Girls at Roger's farm and introduces us to the girls and others from around the farm and area.
I enjoyed the story, though, I had read the second book in this series before reading this book. I would have enjoyed the second book more if I had read this book first.
During WWII, the UK had Land Girls who did the work that the men used to do. To accommodate the ladies, the farm owner, Roger, had a lady Alice, called a Warden, who looked after the girls and made sure they obeyed the house rules and were fed.
This story walks you through the start up of the Land Girls at Roger's farm and introduces us to the girls and others from around the farm and area.
I enjoyed the story, though, I had read the second book in this series before reading this book. I would have enjoyed the second book more if I had read this book first.
January 29, 2025
The ending that wasnt
I enjoyed reading about the ŵar efforts and the hard work and almost no play for the hostel girls. But in moving around from this character to that I lost the richness of having a main character. In fact the last paragraph was confusing. Who was leaving the place forever. Was it this girl or Mrs. Todd. I didn't care enough to want to read the next book. I really wish authors would complete a story.
I enjoyed reading about the ŵar efforts and the hard work and almost no play for the hostel girls. But in moving around from this character to that I lost the richness of having a main character. In fact the last paragraph was confusing. Who was leaving the place forever. Was it this girl or Mrs. Todd. I didn't care enough to want to read the next book. I really wish authors would complete a story.
February 8, 2025
Muddy boots and silk stockings
I was really enthralled with this book and its interesting characters. Both story and characters were quite successful. But it ended abruptly in my opinion. I must admit I was disappointed.
I found the vocabulary to be challenging and interesting. I would recommend Muddy Boots and Silk Stockings .
I was really enthralled with this book and its interesting characters. Both story and characters were quite successful. But it ended abruptly in my opinion. I must admit I was disappointed.
I found the vocabulary to be challenging and interesting. I would recommend Muddy Boots and Silk Stockings .
February 12, 2025
My only disappointment with this story is that it ended before I was ready! But now I realise it was the first book of 4.
A thoroughly enjoyable journey with 10 girls and a warden moving to a Devonshire farm as part of the war effort. Although a terrible war was being fought, this was a time for women to help out and excel. Great characters, going to read book 2 straight away!
A thoroughly enjoyable journey with 10 girls and a warden moving to a Devonshire farm as part of the war effort. Although a terrible war was being fought, this was a time for women to help out and excel. Great characters, going to read book 2 straight away!
October 17, 2021
I love this book series. Comes from a completely different perspective of the land girls and the stories of the characters are not so overly dramatic that they aren’t believable, nor are they predictable.
A nice light read!
A nice light read!
January 6, 2024
Recently, I re read this as i had fond memories of it.
I was not disappointed, I read it very quickly and love every bit of it.
I can't wait to get my hands on the others in the series to see what happens to the girls.
I was not disappointed, I read it very quickly and love every bit of it.
I can't wait to get my hands on the others in the series to see what happens to the girls.
January 22, 2025
Engrossing
The author was able to capture the truth of humanity. Of how all of us misconstrue another person’s thoughts or feelings, most often to lose the true relationship that could have been. Well done.
The author was able to capture the truth of humanity. Of how all of us misconstrue another person’s thoughts or feelings, most often to lose the true relationship that could have been. Well done.
February 3, 2025
Compelling
We meet the land girls and their guardians as they all get acquainted and find their places in their new ‘family’ roles. There’s tears, loss, success, friendship and love. It’s compelling reading and I was disappointed to get to the end.
We meet the land girls and their guardians as they all get acquainted and find their places in their new ‘family’ roles. There’s tears, loss, success, friendship and love. It’s compelling reading and I was disappointed to get to the end.
February 26, 2025
Somewhat interesting to learn about The Land Girls in WW2 . No real plot, just a collection of profiles of individuals that happen to intersect. The people are more one demential caricatures than fleshed out characters .
March 29, 2025
A wonderful book
A good story with an excellent range of interesting and well-drawn characters, this remained very readable and engaging while at the same time tackling some very serious dilemmas and issues on the subject of war.
A good story with an excellent range of interesting and well-drawn characters, this remained very readable and engaging while at the same time tackling some very serious dilemmas and issues on the subject of war.
July 2, 2025
Muddy boots and Silk stockings
An enjoyable read. Offers a different aspect to wartime stories, selecting on the love of ten land girls and their experiences both at work in their personal lives.
An enjoyable read. Offers a different aspect to wartime stories, selecting on the love of ten land girls and their experiences both at work in their personal lives.
August 4, 2025
This book is first in a series, and I enjoyed reading this book!
I highly recommend this book! It kept my attention! I am certain others will enjoy it ad well! It is first in a series!
I highly recommend this book! It kept my attention! I am certain others will enjoy it ad well! It is first in a series!
May 22, 2017
Steady book to read , enjoyed the storyline too.
About to start the second book to this series
About to start the second book to this series
September 16, 2017
Very easy read, but not complete. If I didn't know there were books 2 & 3 I'd be very confused.
February 21, 2019
Very good book but didn't have any real conclusion to it...
August 28, 2020
Ok but obviously another book to come - it’s hard to realise how different things were a relatively short time ago.
February 2, 2023
I couldn’t get interested in this book. I couldn’t finish Chapter 1. Boring.
November 3, 2024
landgirls
I liked the associations of girls from different backgrounds living and working together during the austerity of world war two
I liked the associations of girls from different backgrounds living and working together during the austerity of world war two
January 19, 2025
Historical fiction during a stressful time in England.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews