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The Girls in Blue #1
The Girls in Blue
Jane Hadley has nothing to lose when she runs away to join the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. Whatever faces her in war-torn London can't be any worse than staying at home with her abusive father...
The city is nothing like she could have imagined, but she's soon on the move, travelling from base to base for her top-secret training. Making plenty of new friends along the way, it doesn't take long for Jane to embrace her growing confidence – especially under the attentive eye of dashing Officer Oscar Stanton.
Life as an independent woman is as rewarding as it is exciting, until Jane's father tracks her down and it crashes to a halt. Jane will need all her new-found strength to find her way back to the frontline – and to the man she's fallen for...
The city is nothing like she could have imagined, but she's soon on the move, travelling from base to base for her top-secret training. Making plenty of new friends along the way, it doesn't take long for Jane to embrace her growing confidence – especially under the attentive eye of dashing Officer Oscar Stanton.
Life as an independent woman is as rewarding as it is exciting, until Jane's father tracks her down and it crashes to a halt. Jane will need all her new-found strength to find her way back to the frontline – and to the man she's fallen for...
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2020
About the author
Fenella J. Miller
153 books123 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
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
September 17, 2021
Jane Hadley is eighteen, her father’s a respected bank manager and abusive. Reverend Jackson and his wife, are the only ones that know what’s been happening to Jane, they hide her on a Sunday night, and the next day she's leaving for London to join the Women’s Auxiliary Air force.
Jane has never been to London before, she meets two girls at the recruiting office, Nancy and Charlotte and they become best friends. After basic training, the girls are separated and keep in touch by writing to each other. Jane’s smart, she’s given a top secret job as a plotter and she moves around a lot.
Jane’s very nervous around men, due years of physical and mental abuse from her father, she meets Flight lieutenant Oscar Stanton, he’s a very nice young man and Jane’s not ready for a relationship. Gradually Jane gains confidence, she keeps bumping into Oscar Stanton and he’s a patient man.
Jane’s father still holds a grudge, he tracks her down and bundles her into a car. When Oscar finds out, he contacts the authorities, her father underestimates his daughters friends and Oscar. The phony war is over, the English armies being rescued from the beaches of Dunkirk, Oscar and Jane are both helping to defend England. I look forward to the continuation of their story, in the next book in the series; The East End Girl In Blue, how they settle into married life during a dangerous war and four stars from me.
Jane has never been to London before, she meets two girls at the recruiting office, Nancy and Charlotte and they become best friends. After basic training, the girls are separated and keep in touch by writing to each other. Jane’s smart, she’s given a top secret job as a plotter and she moves around a lot.
Jane’s very nervous around men, due years of physical and mental abuse from her father, she meets Flight lieutenant Oscar Stanton, he’s a very nice young man and Jane’s not ready for a relationship. Gradually Jane gains confidence, she keeps bumping into Oscar Stanton and he’s a patient man.
Jane’s father still holds a grudge, he tracks her down and bundles her into a car. When Oscar finds out, he contacts the authorities, her father underestimates his daughters friends and Oscar. The phony war is over, the English armies being rescued from the beaches of Dunkirk, Oscar and Jane are both helping to defend England. I look forward to the continuation of their story, in the next book in the series; The East End Girl In Blue, how they settle into married life during a dangerous war and four stars from me.
November 1, 2020
After an abusive life at the hands of her father, Jane escapes and joins the WAFF. She does well in the service and also meets Oscar, an RAF pilot.
The story was light and a quick read. It's a book about Jane with the war as a background. It took quite some time to have anything meaningful about the war introduced.
Too much happened to Jane. It was just one thing after another. Also she changed her mind about things too quickly and easily. One minute she was agreeing to or doing something and almost immediately decided to do the exact opposite.
Oscar was a little too good to be true. Nobody is that perfect.
The characters could have had more depth and perhaps a little bit more about the war and the work the WAFF did would have enhanced the story.
One thing grated with me, the phrase, 'that man' was used over and over and got very tiring in the end.
If you like romantic stories set in the war years you'll likely enjoy this.
Thanks to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for the chance to read this early.
The story was light and a quick read. It's a book about Jane with the war as a background. It took quite some time to have anything meaningful about the war introduced.
Too much happened to Jane. It was just one thing after another. Also she changed her mind about things too quickly and easily. One minute she was agreeing to or doing something and almost immediately decided to do the exact opposite.
Oscar was a little too good to be true. Nobody is that perfect.
The characters could have had more depth and perhaps a little bit more about the war and the work the WAFF did would have enhanced the story.
One thing grated with me, the phrase, 'that man' was used over and over and got very tiring in the end.
If you like romantic stories set in the war years you'll likely enjoy this.
Thanks to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for the chance to read this early.
December 8, 2020
Jane has been badly abused by her father so when she was eighteen, she ran away to join the WAAF. She learns new skills and makes new friends. She meets Oscar and it's not long before they're in a relationship. But things don't feel right for Jane. She's too emotionally damaged by her father so she ends the relationship.
This story takes place just as war is looming. It also revolves around Jane and the people she meets along the way. Jane is having a hard time learning to trust people after the abuse she received from her father. This us an emotional book to read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AriaAndAries and the author #FenellaJMiller for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This story takes place just as war is looming. It also revolves around Jane and the people she meets along the way. Jane is having a hard time learning to trust people after the abuse she received from her father. This us an emotional book to read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AriaAndAries and the author #FenellaJMiller for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2020
I loved this book which is set in World War 2. Jane is 17 years old and is living a nightmare that she must at all costs escape from. After going to boarding school she returned home to find that her father's cruelty towards her was to continue, not just physical but also mental abuse. She knows she must escape and the start of World War 2 is her way out. I really enjoyed this historical novel which gives an insight into the struggles and heartache that people had to face.
September 15, 2024
The Girls in Blue is a gripping and emotional wartime saga by Fenella J. Miller.
It is a beautifully researched and written book starting just as World War 2 is beginning. Jane Hadley has been abused by her father all her life. She has been counting the days until she turns 18 and can sign up for the WAAF. She has to escape her father and she wants to do her bit to help when the war begins. The time comes for her to go and she has to run away before her father can find her and stop her from leaving. He is a constant source of worry for her throughout this story because she knows he will never let her go.
Her life finally has meaning and she happily makes new friends, gains an admirer, and begins special training for the upcoming battles. She has been both physically and emotionally scarred by her father's treatment of her and fights to not let those scars overwhelm her when it comes to leading a normal life.
Hers is a very emotional story which had me in tears at times but also had me smiling. She made some wonderful friends from all different classes. They would become lifetime friends and be closer than most because of them all being in the WAAF and doing their bit. She has a budding romance with Oscar, a Flight Lieutenant in the airforce which is sweet. Oscar doesn't understand why she seems to blow hot and cold with him, but the minute he realises that somebody must have hurt her in the past he is determined to take his time with her and hopefully get her to learn to trust him. His reaction when he finds out that it was her father who had hurt her was fabulous. Oscar is the perfect hero and comes to Jane's rescue whenever necessary.
It is a beautifully researched and written book starting just as World War 2 is beginning. Jane Hadley has been abused by her father all her life. She has been counting the days until she turns 18 and can sign up for the WAAF. She has to escape her father and she wants to do her bit to help when the war begins. The time comes for her to go and she has to run away before her father can find her and stop her from leaving. He is a constant source of worry for her throughout this story because she knows he will never let her go.
Her life finally has meaning and she happily makes new friends, gains an admirer, and begins special training for the upcoming battles. She has been both physically and emotionally scarred by her father's treatment of her and fights to not let those scars overwhelm her when it comes to leading a normal life.
Hers is a very emotional story which had me in tears at times but also had me smiling. She made some wonderful friends from all different classes. They would become lifetime friends and be closer than most because of them all being in the WAAF and doing their bit. She has a budding romance with Oscar, a Flight Lieutenant in the airforce which is sweet. Oscar doesn't understand why she seems to blow hot and cold with him, but the minute he realises that somebody must have hurt her in the past he is determined to take his time with her and hopefully get her to learn to trust him. His reaction when he finds out that it was her father who had hurt her was fabulous. Oscar is the perfect hero and comes to Jane's rescue whenever necessary.
March 25, 2021
“that man”
The main character is written as having suffered physical abuse at the hands of her father. However her use of “that man” referencing him throughout the book eventually grates on your nerves as she never is able to grow beyond it. She is portrayed as sweet and innocent to the point that expressing her thoughts and emotions are stifled. Her outside demeanor was that of a naive little girl at least her inner thoughts and internal dialogue should have been expressed at a mature level. The author is trying to romanticize the “phony war” before nazi involvement with Britain. Talk of ration books but every time the main character is hungry ample food is found and easily. She’s forever hungry as all she eats for breakfast is toast when other foods are available. Fuel shortages but anytime a vehicle is needed it’s full of gas. She is traumatized by physical contact but in the next second she sidles up against her love interest and is physical. She meets her love interest and in their 3rd encounter she is his “girlfriend”. The book is full of inconsistencies that are very noticeable. Pass on this book it’s poorly written and it’s plot is not worth your effort.
The main character is written as having suffered physical abuse at the hands of her father. However her use of “that man” referencing him throughout the book eventually grates on your nerves as she never is able to grow beyond it. She is portrayed as sweet and innocent to the point that expressing her thoughts and emotions are stifled. Her outside demeanor was that of a naive little girl at least her inner thoughts and internal dialogue should have been expressed at a mature level. The author is trying to romanticize the “phony war” before nazi involvement with Britain. Talk of ration books but every time the main character is hungry ample food is found and easily. She’s forever hungry as all she eats for breakfast is toast when other foods are available. Fuel shortages but anytime a vehicle is needed it’s full of gas. She is traumatized by physical contact but in the next second she sidles up against her love interest and is physical. She meets her love interest and in their 3rd encounter she is his “girlfriend”. The book is full of inconsistencies that are very noticeable. Pass on this book it’s poorly written and it’s plot is not worth your effort.
November 15, 2020
Jane grew up in an abusive household. She refuses to endure her father’s behaviour any longer and at eighteen she decide to join the WAAF.There She makes beautiful encounters, several others young women and Oscar a young Pilot.
I feel for Jane she was very traumatized by her abuse and though she was damaged beyond repair to be loved.
I liked Oscar patience and kindness to her, he really loves her and respect her.
Jane go through a lot but little by little she becomes stronger, more confident and realize that her past doesn’t define her.
This was an interesting book, the only inconvenient was some bad language.
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley and this is an honest review.
I feel for Jane she was very traumatized by her abuse and though she was damaged beyond repair to be loved.
I liked Oscar patience and kindness to her, he really loves her and respect her.
Jane go through a lot but little by little she becomes stronger, more confident and realize that her past doesn’t define her.
This was an interesting book, the only inconvenient was some bad language.
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley and this is an honest review.
January 16, 2021
The Girls in Blue by Fenella J. Miller transports readers back to 1939 when war is declared in England. Jane Hadley has been waiting for this day. Jane has been beaten by her father regularly for years. With war declared and her eighteenth birthday the next day, Jane can finally escape. With help from the vicar and his wife, Jane departs the next day for London where she volunteers for the Women’s Air Auxiliary Force (WAAF). She trains with Charlotte and Nancy who become her close friends. Unfortunately, Jane is given a different assignment after training. On the first day at her new location, she has an accident and meets a handsome RAF pilot. Oscar Stanton would like to be more than friends, but Jane will not allow herself to get close to any man. Jane trains for a top-secret position and enjoys life in the WAAf. Her biggest worry is that her father will find her. One day Jane’s biggest nightmare comes to true. The Girls in Blue is an appealing and poignant historical novel. The author has an engaging writing style. I began reading and I was surprised by how quickly the book flew by. I could tell the author did her research for this book. I enjoyed an inside look at the WAAF. Also included are details on RAF pilots, their assignments, and war events. It is terrible what Jane endured at the hands of her father (it will have you in tears). I liked the developed and charming characters. The Girls in Blue focuses on Jane with chapters from Oscar’s point-of-view as well. Oscar is a delightful character. He is a cute RAF pilot with a big heart. This is an emotional story that will touch your heart. While I would have liked an epilogue, I understand why we did not get one (part of a series). I hope we get updates on Jane, Oscar, and Charlotte in the next book. I look forward to Nancy’s tale in The East End Girl in Blue. The Girls in Blue is a gratifying historical novel with a toast threat, dog drama, trust troubles, a vicious father, and horrendous hikes.
October 17, 2020
The Girls in Blue by Fenella J. Miller
I must compliment this book cover.
As usual, I am so pleased to read another of my favourite genre. Historical saga.
The heroines; Jane, Charlotte , Nora and Nancy. Each of them are so different in character but they really captured my attention especially Jane.
I love how detailed the author was in her research on the history of women in the WAAF.
I learnt so much.
This book is totally different from the historical sagas I read. This is a WWII novel. I am sure somebody will find this book interesting.
4 stars rating. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Aria & Aries through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
I must compliment this book cover.
As usual, I am so pleased to read another of my favourite genre. Historical saga.
The heroines; Jane, Charlotte , Nora and Nancy. Each of them are so different in character but they really captured my attention especially Jane.
I love how detailed the author was in her research on the history of women in the WAAF.
I learnt so much.
This book is totally different from the historical sagas I read. This is a WWII novel. I am sure somebody will find this book interesting.
4 stars rating. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Aria & Aries through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
February 9, 2022
I loved this book!
August 16, 2023
girls in blue
A great easy read about the trials of 1 girls journey after years of childhood abuse, through the beginnings of ww2 to finding love.
A great easy read about the trials of 1 girls journey after years of childhood abuse, through the beginnings of ww2 to finding love.
August 5, 2021
This book. Where to start…
The story itself sounded intriguing (with just the right amount of drama!). The execution unfortunately was a bit of a letdown. Firstly, there was something a little off about the writing style to me. Maybe it was a lack of detail or focussing on the wrong things in a scene but everything just felt sort of glossed over. It created an odd distance between the reader and the characters and I never really felt like I got to know them. There were also a few things that I felt were overdone in the story:
1. The use of the term that man. It was okay the first time but dear god, it got annoying by the twenty first time. It was like the author ctrl+f’d “her father” and replaced it with that man (always in italics of course). I think the author was trying to convey that Jane couldn’t even think of him as her father and used the term as a way to distance herself. But it was so incredibly overused that I wanted to stop reading by the end of the first chapter. It was that bad.
2. The obsession with going to the toilet. In every scene I feel like we knew where the bathroom was and who had to pee (oddly it was never number 2…). Every time Jane woke up she was “desperate” to go pee. We get it. Humans have bodily functions. They need to go to the bathroom. Peeing is a normal thing that literally everyone does in some fashion or another. But when there is a reference to it every other chapter and it does nothing to move the plot forward, it’s just weird.
3. The amount of times Jane was injured was ludicrous. The degree to which she was injured was ludicrous. It’s spoiler time.
Okay, now let’s talk about the bait and switch. If you’ve read the book you know what I mean. I’m talking about
The book was not terrible. I mean, I finished it and I normally don’t even finish a book if it’s too bad. But it just wasn’t great. I don’t think I’ll be reading the next ones in the series.
The story itself sounded intriguing (with just the right amount of drama!). The execution unfortunately was a bit of a letdown. Firstly, there was something a little off about the writing style to me. Maybe it was a lack of detail or focussing on the wrong things in a scene but everything just felt sort of glossed over. It created an odd distance between the reader and the characters and I never really felt like I got to know them. There were also a few things that I felt were overdone in the story:
1. The use of the term that man. It was okay the first time but dear god, it got annoying by the twenty first time. It was like the author ctrl+f’d “her father” and replaced it with that man (always in italics of course). I think the author was trying to convey that Jane couldn’t even think of him as her father and used the term as a way to distance herself. But it was so incredibly overused that I wanted to stop reading by the end of the first chapter. It was that bad.
2. The obsession with going to the toilet. In every scene I feel like we knew where the bathroom was and who had to pee (oddly it was never number 2…). Every time Jane woke up she was “desperate” to go pee. We get it. Humans have bodily functions. They need to go to the bathroom. Peeing is a normal thing that literally everyone does in some fashion or another. But when there is a reference to it every other chapter and it does nothing to move the plot forward, it’s just weird.
3. The amount of times Jane was injured was ludicrous. The degree to which she was injured was ludicrous. It’s spoiler time.
Okay, now let’s talk about the bait and switch. If you’ve read the book you know what I mean. I’m talking about
The book was not terrible. I mean, I finished it and I normally don’t even finish a book if it’s too bad. But it just wasn’t great. I don’t think I’ll be reading the next ones in the series.
January 19, 2021
I have been a fan of Fenella’s work for a while now. I haven’t quite got caught up with everything that she has released to date but I am getting there. I’ve enjoyed every book of hers that I have had the pleasure of reading. I read the synopsis for ‘The Girls In Blue’ and it certainly sounded like an amazing. So without further ado, I grabbed my Kindle, grabbed my cup of tea and settled down for what I hoped would be a thrilling read. I wasn’t wrong either because I flipping well loved reading ‘The Girls In Blue’ but more about that in a bit.
I loved the character of Jane Hadley and I warmed to her from the start. She hasn’t had the easiest of upbringings as her father is rather an abusive type. I won’t go into specifics as that might give the game away but needless to say that I kept everything crossed that she would manage to escape and find the happy life that she so deserved. Her life experiences have left their scars on her and to an extent she is frightened of being hopeful for her future. Jane is a lovely lass, who is helpful, kind, compassionate, feisty and determined.
It didn’t take me long to get into this story at all. In fact as soon as I started to read, I knew that this book was certainly the page turner that I had hoped it would be and therefore I wouldn’t be able to put the book down for any length of time. That was certainly the case. I would pick the book up only intending to read a chapter or two, but I would become that wrapped up in the story that I read way more than I had originally intended in one go. I developed a need to know what happened and the pages turned increasingly quickly as I raced my way to the end. All too quickly I reached the end of the book and I had to say goodbye to Jane and her friends.
‘The Girls In Blue’ is extremely well written but then I have found that to be the case with all of Fenella’s books to date. Fenella grabs your attention from the start and draws you into the story from the very start. She has a way of creating lead characters who are impossible to dislike. Fenella describes her characters in such a way that they seem just as real as you and I. Fenella describes the era in which the story is set so realistically that I felt as though I have jumped in a time machine and travelled back in time. I found this to be a gripping story, which held my attention from start to finish and left me wanting to read more about Jane in the future.
In short, ‘The Girls In Blue’ is another cracking read from Fenella J. Miller and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will definitely be reading more by Fenella J. Miller in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I loved the character of Jane Hadley and I warmed to her from the start. She hasn’t had the easiest of upbringings as her father is rather an abusive type. I won’t go into specifics as that might give the game away but needless to say that I kept everything crossed that she would manage to escape and find the happy life that she so deserved. Her life experiences have left their scars on her and to an extent she is frightened of being hopeful for her future. Jane is a lovely lass, who is helpful, kind, compassionate, feisty and determined.
It didn’t take me long to get into this story at all. In fact as soon as I started to read, I knew that this book was certainly the page turner that I had hoped it would be and therefore I wouldn’t be able to put the book down for any length of time. That was certainly the case. I would pick the book up only intending to read a chapter or two, but I would become that wrapped up in the story that I read way more than I had originally intended in one go. I developed a need to know what happened and the pages turned increasingly quickly as I raced my way to the end. All too quickly I reached the end of the book and I had to say goodbye to Jane and her friends.
‘The Girls In Blue’ is extremely well written but then I have found that to be the case with all of Fenella’s books to date. Fenella grabs your attention from the start and draws you into the story from the very start. She has a way of creating lead characters who are impossible to dislike. Fenella describes her characters in such a way that they seem just as real as you and I. Fenella describes the era in which the story is set so realistically that I felt as though I have jumped in a time machine and travelled back in time. I found this to be a gripping story, which held my attention from start to finish and left me wanting to read more about Jane in the future.
In short, ‘The Girls In Blue’ is another cracking read from Fenella J. Miller and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will definitely be reading more by Fenella J. Miller in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
September 9, 2021
The Girls in Blue is the first book in the series of the same name by Fenella J. Miller. The three girls of the title are each introduced within this story that focuses mainly on Jane Hadley as she escapes her abusive father to join the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) as Britain first enters World War II.
As the story moves between Jane and the pilot she meets, Oscar Stanton, we see both her introduction to the WAAF and Oscar's experiences as an officer. As their acquaintance begins to deepen, Jane reacts in fear and a pattern starts to emerge of her shutting things down between them only for events to bring them together again. And there are quite a few occasions where danger and injury occur, at times in such quick succession that the story nearly verges on melodrama.
With characters that are quickly drawn, this is a slightly frothy affair that doesn't explore too deeply below the surface, while still dealing with heavier topics. I did have some questions come to mind about the official secrecies act and Jane's adherence to it, and could have done with several less references to her father - the villain of this story - as "that man." But it is a quick, entertaining read that leaves the reader unsurprised by the inclusion of a slang dictionary in the series bibliography yet ready to eagerly dive into the rest of the series.
This is a romance, a coming of age story, and an interesting look into British military life in the early years of World War II. I’m looking forward to continuing the series and if you are looking for a diverting read that is easy on the history lessons, with romance and peril, and don't mind a bit of language and mentions of premarital intimacy, you might also want to give it a go. If historical fiction set during World War II is a favorite, Fenella J. Miller might just be your new comfort read author.
This review refers to an ebook I voluntarily read through my library's Overdrive service. No review was required and all opinions expressed are my own.
As the story moves between Jane and the pilot she meets, Oscar Stanton, we see both her introduction to the WAAF and Oscar's experiences as an officer. As their acquaintance begins to deepen, Jane reacts in fear and a pattern starts to emerge of her shutting things down between them only for events to bring them together again. And there are quite a few occasions where danger and injury occur, at times in such quick succession that the story nearly verges on melodrama.
With characters that are quickly drawn, this is a slightly frothy affair that doesn't explore too deeply below the surface, while still dealing with heavier topics. I did have some questions come to mind about the official secrecies act and Jane's adherence to it, and could have done with several less references to her father - the villain of this story - as "that man." But it is a quick, entertaining read that leaves the reader unsurprised by the inclusion of a slang dictionary in the series bibliography yet ready to eagerly dive into the rest of the series.
This is a romance, a coming of age story, and an interesting look into British military life in the early years of World War II. I’m looking forward to continuing the series and if you are looking for a diverting read that is easy on the history lessons, with romance and peril, and don't mind a bit of language and mentions of premarital intimacy, you might also want to give it a go. If historical fiction set during World War II is a favorite, Fenella J. Miller might just be your new comfort read author.
This review refers to an ebook I voluntarily read through my library's Overdrive service. No review was required and all opinions expressed are my own.
September 15, 2022
17 year old Jane Hadley is desperate to turn 18 so that she can leave the home of her abusive father (who is a very respectable pillar of the community outside home!) and join the Women’s Auxiliary Air force. Of course young, naïve Jane doesn’t realise that she will need to wait somewhat until she starts training but during this time she lives in a London hotel and becomes friends with Nancy and Charlotte.
The Girls in Blue is the first book in the series of the same name and each of the books primarily focusses on one of the characters – the first is Jane, the second book focusses on Nancy and the third on Charlotte, but of course the others do appear!
Following Basic Training, Jane’s is assigned to a secret job as a plotter and separated from her friends. On the first day at her new location, she has an accident and meets a handsome RAF pilot who looks after her – he would like to be more than friends but Jane is not ready/able to get close to a man.
Through her work in the WAAF, the time spent with her new friends, and further chance meetings with Oscar Stanton, Jane starts to develop in confidence.
Jane’s biggest worry is that her father will find her & force her to return home, as she is still under 21 & thus legally his responsibility. When her father does finally catch up with her & kidnaps her to return her home, Oscar in instrumental in securing her release.
The book is well-researched, though does remain quite generic in terms of the work that the WAAFs are doing. It is a nice reminder that once-upon-a-time, ordinary people really could stay for 3 months at a budget hotel in London (rather than now days when such a stay would bankrupt you!)
The characters are well developed, though Oscar is perhaps just a little bit too perfect! There is romance, coupled with good historical fact/research and this book, and the series, will appeal to lovers of this style of historical fiction.
The Girls in Blue is the first book in the series of the same name and each of the books primarily focusses on one of the characters – the first is Jane, the second book focusses on Nancy and the third on Charlotte, but of course the others do appear!
Following Basic Training, Jane’s is assigned to a secret job as a plotter and separated from her friends. On the first day at her new location, she has an accident and meets a handsome RAF pilot who looks after her – he would like to be more than friends but Jane is not ready/able to get close to a man.
Through her work in the WAAF, the time spent with her new friends, and further chance meetings with Oscar Stanton, Jane starts to develop in confidence.
Jane’s biggest worry is that her father will find her & force her to return home, as she is still under 21 & thus legally his responsibility. When her father does finally catch up with her & kidnaps her to return her home, Oscar in instrumental in securing her release.
The book is well-researched, though does remain quite generic in terms of the work that the WAAFs are doing. It is a nice reminder that once-upon-a-time, ordinary people really could stay for 3 months at a budget hotel in London (rather than now days when such a stay would bankrupt you!)
The characters are well developed, though Oscar is perhaps just a little bit too perfect! There is romance, coupled with good historical fact/research and this book, and the series, will appeal to lovers of this style of historical fiction.
September 13, 2020
A beautiful book that I enjoyed right through.
it's the year 1939, and Jane Hadley eighteen year's old just could not wait to join up hopefully in the WAAF now that Britain are at war with Germany, she had to get away from home her brutal father has made her and her mother's life hell, with the help of reverend Jackson and his wife who knew the man and how he is they were ready to do everything they could for her. Her mother aware of her plans packed her bags with her belonging's and a note with money told her she was doing the right thing.
The next day she set's off for London, The Women's Auxiliary Airforce and the Air ministry on Kingsway her new adventure begins.
Nancy and Charlotte are also joining up and the three remain firm friend's throughout the story.
she was now known as Aircraft Woman number 472374, the girl in blue and will remain anonymous now her father cannot find her.
pilot Oscar Stanton and Jane stuck up a friendship at first Jane's past he doesn't know of yet but he soon falls in love with her and the romance between these two will bloom later.
I loved everything about this book and the character's, your emotion's are captured and send's you wanting to read more, I highly recommend it for reader's, its a book to look out for, it will have you gripped, with happy moment's sad in the times of war.
my thanks to the author, the publisher's and netgalley .
it's the year 1939, and Jane Hadley eighteen year's old just could not wait to join up hopefully in the WAAF now that Britain are at war with Germany, she had to get away from home her brutal father has made her and her mother's life hell, with the help of reverend Jackson and his wife who knew the man and how he is they were ready to do everything they could for her. Her mother aware of her plans packed her bags with her belonging's and a note with money told her she was doing the right thing.
The next day she set's off for London, The Women's Auxiliary Airforce and the Air ministry on Kingsway her new adventure begins.
Nancy and Charlotte are also joining up and the three remain firm friend's throughout the story.
she was now known as Aircraft Woman number 472374, the girl in blue and will remain anonymous now her father cannot find her.
pilot Oscar Stanton and Jane stuck up a friendship at first Jane's past he doesn't know of yet but he soon falls in love with her and the romance between these two will bloom later.
I loved everything about this book and the character's, your emotion's are captured and send's you wanting to read more, I highly recommend it for reader's, its a book to look out for, it will have you gripped, with happy moment's sad in the times of war.
my thanks to the author, the publisher's and netgalley .
June 5, 2021
Fenella Miller wrote "The Girls In Blue" and it was a new one for me that you don't read many stories of "The Women In Blue" got enough credit for what they gave and sacrificed for their country! This is a heart warming store of a girl becoming a woman in all different areas and trying to move on from abusive up bringing from her own father! The characters they take on a life of their own where you forget your reading and you are watching this story become real.. Some parts they didn't make sense to me for that time in history but you can see much research went into this story especially about what part the women in blue played .. Find out if love comes into their lives and if forgiveness can come for the father what wouldn't let go and was abusive..can you forgive and go on with your life or can you not forgive and go on with your life? How healthy of a love relationship can you have? Read and find out !! I enjoyed this book and learned more of The Women In Blue! Received from Net Gallery!
January 22, 2021
Another excellent second world war drama - all the better for this author's attention to detail!
While the rest of the country fears war for Jane Hadley it is a means of escape. Running away from home to join the WAAF when war is declared gets her away from her brute of a father and she embraces her new life. As soon as basic training is complete, Jane finds herself on the move culminating in top secret training. As her confidence grows, she encounters officer Oscar Stanton but before they really get their relationship on a firm footing, Jane's father find her. Can she survive to continue with her new found career?
Such an enjoyable tale! This is an author who can always be depended on for a good, realistic storyline and she manages to get across the highs and lows of the many young women who volunteered. Excellent characterisation and an exciting storyline all add up to a thoroughly good read. I do enjoy a good saga set during the second world war, and Fenella J Miller never fails to deliver. A complete read in itself, this is beautifully written and hard to put down. Highly recommended and one I'm happy to give four stars.
While the rest of the country fears war for Jane Hadley it is a means of escape. Running away from home to join the WAAF when war is declared gets her away from her brute of a father and she embraces her new life. As soon as basic training is complete, Jane finds herself on the move culminating in top secret training. As her confidence grows, she encounters officer Oscar Stanton but before they really get their relationship on a firm footing, Jane's father find her. Can she survive to continue with her new found career?
Such an enjoyable tale! This is an author who can always be depended on for a good, realistic storyline and she manages to get across the highs and lows of the many young women who volunteered. Excellent characterisation and an exciting storyline all add up to a thoroughly good read. I do enjoy a good saga set during the second world war, and Fenella J Miller never fails to deliver. A complete read in itself, this is beautifully written and hard to put down. Highly recommended and one I'm happy to give four stars.
November 11, 2020
I love WWII Historical Fiction and this was different from the usual ones that I have read. The story takes place as the war is just starting when Jane Hadley, an 18-year-old who has been severely abused by her father all her life, seeks shelter with their vicar and joins the WAAF. It isn't long before Jane meets pilot Oscar Stanton who immediately falls in love with her. The story revolves around Jane and the female co-workers she meets and makes friends with, but it always manages to come back to Oscar who she is having a hard time learning to trust after her abusive relationship with her father. I really enjoyed this book but I did not care for the character of Jane.
Thank you NetGalley and Aria Books for the ARC of this very interesting book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Aria Books for the ARC of this very interesting book in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2020
Jane is in her late teens when she volunteers to join the WAAF, the female division of the RAF. She runs away from her home and her abusive father, and finds herself learning new skills and making new friends along the way.
This is a coming of age story, a history lesson and a love story wrapped up into one book. Jane meets Oscar in a rather unconventional way,a nod they keep running into each other over and over. They start a relationship, but Jane feels she is too emotionally damaged by her father and ends it.
Luckily they meet again, at a pivotal time. I don’t write spoilers, but will say that despite all odds, these two get their HEA ending.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
This is a coming of age story, a history lesson and a love story wrapped up into one book. Jane meets Oscar in a rather unconventional way,a nod they keep running into each other over and over. They start a relationship, but Jane feels she is too emotionally damaged by her father and ends it.
Luckily they meet again, at a pivotal time. I don’t write spoilers, but will say that despite all odds, these two get their HEA ending.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
July 15, 2021
The Girls in Blue
This book takes place during WWII in England. The story is about a gal who lived a horrid life with an abusive father, so as soon as she could she ran away to join the WAAF, special operations. She is fortunate to meet some wonderful friends, and also a terrific boyfriend who notices how frightened she was of men, due to her father’s abuse. She meets a man who is a pilot and the son of a vicar, and truly a kind and loving person. Due to her nervousness she gets into a few mishaps, and at one point her father kidnaps her. Her RAF boyfriend rescues her, but due to a RAF mission he goes missing. This story keeps you wondering what will happen next. A very tumultuous and exciting book. I give this book a 5 star.
This book takes place during WWII in England. The story is about a gal who lived a horrid life with an abusive father, so as soon as she could she ran away to join the WAAF, special operations. She is fortunate to meet some wonderful friends, and also a terrific boyfriend who notices how frightened she was of men, due to her father’s abuse. She meets a man who is a pilot and the son of a vicar, and truly a kind and loving person. Due to her nervousness she gets into a few mishaps, and at one point her father kidnaps her. Her RAF boyfriend rescues her, but due to a RAF mission he goes missing. This story keeps you wondering what will happen next. A very tumultuous and exciting book. I give this book a 5 star.
August 13, 2021
I would like to thank Aria and the Netgalley website for allowing me to read this book.
It is about Jane Hadley who, with nothing to lose, joins the Wommen's Auxiliary Air Force. She finds herself in London where London is destroyed by war. It is no worse than if she stayed at home with her father.
London is not what she imagined, she goes from base to base to continue her top secret training.
She meets a lot of people and gains confidence. Except that her father will find her.
I read this book in one sitting and was immediately hooked on the story, which was so gripping, captivating, addictive, full of intrigue, suspense and twists and turns with very endearing characters. I can't wait to read the whole series.
It is about Jane Hadley who, with nothing to lose, joins the Wommen's Auxiliary Air Force. She finds herself in London where London is destroyed by war. It is no worse than if she stayed at home with her father.
London is not what she imagined, she goes from base to base to continue her top secret training.
She meets a lot of people and gains confidence. Except that her father will find her.
I read this book in one sitting and was immediately hooked on the story, which was so gripping, captivating, addictive, full of intrigue, suspense and twists and turns with very endearing characters. I can't wait to read the whole series.
October 22, 2021
Jane Hadley wants to help Britain fight Hitler; she also wants to escape an abusive father. Joining the Women's Auxiliary Air Force gives her the chance to accomplish both goals. While serving her country, she makes new friends and grows in confidence and independence. She also meets some challenges she didn't expect, when handsome Officer Oscar Stanton crosses her path, finds her attractive, and decides to pursue a relationship with her. This brings a difficult challenge to Jane that she does not know how to handle. Fenella J. Miller is an experienced writer of historical romance fiction, and THE GIRLS IN BLUE is a compelling, touching example of her work. It's also the first of a series about the women of the WAAF during WWII.
May 31, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was another way of writing about the war, and I felt like I learned loads. I think the storyline was amazing as we got to see Jane develop throughout the course of the novel. She went from being a timid, innocent and frightened child to a mature, brave young lady. I liked how she was separated from her friends but still kept in contact with them. The various coincidences of Oscar and Jane meeting up was also very well planned. The ending I think was also really good, as Jane thought Oscar died 3 times, and then he wasn't even dead. I think my favourite part was when Jane's dad died but she thought it was Oscar that was dead. Overall, a good read, would reccomend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2020
Wow what a wonderful story by Fenella Miller,i have read all her spitfire girls books and was so looking forward to this one.Jane is a young girl who has lived with a nasty brute of a father but one day while in church an announcement is made that war has been declared.Jane decides she will not go home and is taken to the safety of the vicarage and the next day she leaves to enlist in the WAAF.I have to say i have had all the emotions running as i read this book as Jane has gone through so much.Thank you to Fenella Miller for a Brilliant book is there going to be a follow on book as i want to know how Jane gets through the war.5*
January 29, 2023
Jane’s naivety became more & more grating as the book wore on, the storyline neither dealing with it or going into quite enough detail to justify it. The storyline itself was ok, though the speed at which one of the characters totally & hopelessly in love with another when they know next to nothing about each other, was frustrating. I absolutely understand that emotions run at a different pace when your life & liberty are on the line, but elements of this made what could have been a great story, just an ok one. I like the premise of the next two books telling the stories of the side characters from this one though, so I’ll probably give them a go.
September 12, 2020
NetGalley
Member Review
Cover Image: The Girls in Blue
The Girls in Blue
by Fenella J. Miller
Pub Date: 3 Dec 2020
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 12 Sep 2020
My Recommendation
With thanks to netgalley and fenella j Miller for an early copy in return for an honest review.
First time reading this Author and what a book, outstandingly captivating from beginning to end what a journey it flowed perfectly great strong characters I really can't praise this book enough
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 3 Dec 2020, to post to these retailers.
Member Review
Cover Image: The Girls in Blue
The Girls in Blue
by Fenella J. Miller
Pub Date: 3 Dec 2020
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 12 Sep 2020
My Recommendation
With thanks to netgalley and fenella j Miller for an early copy in return for an honest review.
First time reading this Author and what a book, outstandingly captivating from beginning to end what a journey it flowed perfectly great strong characters I really can't praise this book enough
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 3 Dec 2020, to post to these retailers.
November 10, 2020
Fenella J. Miller has an impressive back catalogue of titles that I highly recommend you read. This author has a knack for capturing the feminist spirit in trying times.
The peacefulness of a Sunday morning is shattered by the announcement of war. For many people war is an end but to some girls, like jane, it is a new beginning. Her Pastor and his wife help her sign up to be one of the girls in blue.
There is romance, Jane's undying spirit, an abusive father, and raging war. A splendid tale told by a master historical novelist.
The peacefulness of a Sunday morning is shattered by the announcement of war. For many people war is an end but to some girls, like jane, it is a new beginning. Her Pastor and his wife help her sign up to be one of the girls in blue.
There is romance, Jane's undying spirit, an abusive father, and raging war. A splendid tale told by a master historical novelist.
December 3, 2020
Jane has been badly abused by her father and so when she is 18 running away to join the WAAF in war torn London is definitely preferable to staying with her father. She is soon enjoying the life of freedom and especially the young pilot, Oscar, that she keeps bumping into...... but can she overcome the damage done by her father to start a relationship?
Another lovely book by this author, you get drawn into the characters right from the start and are rooting for a happy ending for Jane after the torment she has been through
Another lovely book by this author, you get drawn into the characters right from the start and are rooting for a happy ending for Jane after the torment she has been through
December 14, 2020
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
a well respected business man who brutalized his daughter
when war was announced in their church jane made the mistake of speaking out and knew if she went back home her father would punish her, the vicar and his wife came to her rescue and took her in for the night, as the very next day she was going off to join the WAAF now that was declared
and this is janes story, and what a story it is...kept me glued right to the end...
will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works
a well respected business man who brutalized his daughter
when war was announced in their church jane made the mistake of speaking out and knew if she went back home her father would punish her, the vicar and his wife came to her rescue and took her in for the night, as the very next day she was going off to join the WAAF now that was declared
and this is janes story, and what a story it is...kept me glued right to the end...
will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews