"A brand-new novel from the RNA award-winning author of Bobby's War
It's 1942 and the Second World War is raging on. Maggie Carpenter led a seemingly quiet life as a teacher in Manchester, but as the fighting intensified, she made the decision to abandon everything she knows to do her bit for the war effort. As part of an army of girls working on the canals to deliver essential supplies around the country, Maggie's world is far from comfortable. She has to share a tiny cabin with two strangers, where there's no running water and a questionable lavatory set-up, and carry out back-breaking work from dawn until dusk.
As Maggie and her colleagues get used to their new existence, they grow gradually closer, but they soon realise that everyone has secrets. Maggie had reasons other than the war for fleeing Manchester while well-to-do Elizabeth is on the run from her own woes. And when the girls find themselves in a bit of bother, a young Army padre comes to their rescue. Against her better judgement Maggie finds herself drawn to this mysterious man, but as a woman scarred by her past, can she really let him in and learn to trust again?"
"An inspiring and uplifting tale of the strength of women during war, for fans of Nancy Revell and Vicki Beeby. By the author of Lily's War, Bobby's War and Hannah's War.
The Isle of Man, 1942
Manx born and bred, Bridget Quayle loves the island and knows every inch of it like the back of her hand. But that doesn't mean she wants to be there now, as World War II rages around the world.
As a newly trained police officer, living in the vibrant and bustling city of London, she had it all. A budding career, celebrity status as one of only a few female officers, and a busy social life. Then World War II strengthened its grip and she found herself posted back to the island - a stark contrast to the exciting streets of the capital.
But, tasked with managing Rushen Camp, a women's internment camp for Germans, Nazi sympathisers, fascists, IRA activists, Jews and conscientious objectors, she realises that the war can be just as dangerous on an island in the middle of the Irish Sea as in the centre of a big city. When the arrival of two women claiming to be Austrian Jews arouses Bridget's suspicions, she finds herself tested beyond anything she was taught in her training. And when a childhood friend of her brothers comes back to the island, she finds she is torn between being the professional adult she wants to be and the tomboy from her childhoos who roamed the cliffs without boundaries."
"A moving and dramatic World War II land girl saga by the author of Lily's War and Bobby's War. For readers of Nancy Revell and Annie Groves.
It's 1942 and at nineteen years old Hannah Compton has the world at her feet. But with World War II raging, the country is in turmoil, and Hannah decides to do her bit for the War effort. Hannah's beloved grandfather taught her to grow vegetables in his market garden and inspires her to become one of over 200,000 women joining the Land Army.
Posted to Salhouse Farm on the outskirts of Norwich, Hannah is excited for the adventure ahead of her. But soon reality hits. Hannah is a city girl at heart and life in the countryside is not what she imagined. It's cold, she hates the hard work, she misses her friends back in Manchester, and she has to share a double bed with a stranger.
As Hannah gets used to the punishing farm work and makes some friends, she starts to settle in. But she simply can't get used to living side by side with the German prisoners of war. Then a young German doctor steps in to save Hannah's life and everything she thought she knew is brought into question.
In a country at war, will Hannah be prepared to risk everything for the enemy?"
"Winner of the RNA Romantic Saga Award 2021
An inspiring and uplifting tale of women on the home front. For fans of Annie Groves and Nancy Revell.
On the ground, the crowd of men stood with their mouths agape, watching the wings soar into the air, the tail kept impressively steady and the small plane with a woman at the controls disappearing into the May sunshine.
It's 1942 and Bobby Hollis has joined the Air Transport Auxiliary in a team known as the 'glamour girls' - amazing women who pilot aircraft all around the country.
Bobby always wanted to escape life on the family farm and the ATA seemed like the perfect opportunity for her. But there's always something standing in her way. Like a demanding father, who wants to marry her off to a rich man. And the family secrets that threaten to engulf everything.
As Bobby navigates her way through life, and love, she has to learn that controlling a huge, four-engined bomber might just be easier than controlling her own life . . .
This audiobook is brought to you by Memory Lane, a community for lovers of heart-warming and moving stories about women's lives, featuring wartime, family and romance, and home to the very best saga writing. Join us today at memorylane.club.
Praise for Lily's War:
'[The story] read so true to me and I really didn't want to put it down . . . It may be fiction but those things could, and did, happen.' Vera Morgan, wartime WAAF
'An impeccably researched and uplifting story of love, loss and courage: a heartwarming read that will captivate all those who love a good war story.' Clare Harvey, author of The Gunner Girl
'A wonderful, inspiring story. I can't wait to read more from Shirley Mann.' Sheila Newberry"
"An uplifting and inspiring World War II saga for readers of Nancy Revell and Annie Groves.
1942, Manchester
World War Two is in full swing and Lily Mullins is determined to do her bit for the war effort. Her friends and sweetheart have all joined up and Lily's sure there must be a role for her that goes further than knitting socks for the troops!
When she decides to volunteer for the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, Lily soon discovers that she has a talent as a wireless operator. Helped along the way by a special gang of girls, she finds strengths she didn't know she had and realises that the safety of the country might just be in her hands . . .
Meanwhile, Danny is determined to marry Lily, but his letters home become more and more distant. Will a long separation mean the end of their love story?
An uplifting and inspiring novel of women on the home front.
This audiobook is brought to you by Memory Lane, a community for lovers of heart-warming and moving stories about women's lives, featuring wartime, family and romance, and home to the very best saga writing. Join us today at memorylane.club.
'[The story] read so true to me and I really didn't want to put it down . . . It may be fiction but those things could, and did, happen.' Vera Morgan, wartime WAAF
'An impeccably researched and uplifting story of love, loss and courage: a heartwarming read that will captivate all those who love a good war story.' Clare Harvey, author of The Gunner Girl
'A wonderful, inspiring story. I can't wait to read more from Shirley Mann.' Sheila Newberry"
