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The War Girls

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‘This is such a delightful book to read, that booklovers will all enjoy… I loved it’ NetGalley reviewer, five stars

Can their friendship survive the darkest days of war?

When Abigail arrives for a new start in Bristol in the late 1930s, she knows life won’t be easy – particularly as she is the unmarried mother of three-year-old Emily Grace.

But as the war starts to take over the city and threaten their very existence, will Abigail’s new friends, Carrie and Eileen, be enough to keep herself and her daughter safe?

Fans of Rosie Clarke, Nancy Revell and Elaine Everest will love Rosie James!

Readers love The War Girls!‘If you love war books [and] family saga this book is definitely for you. I felt like I was friends with the characters and didn't want the story to end. Roll on the next one’ NetGalley reviewer, five stars

‘The War Girls by Rosie James is a fabulous historical novel that will entertain from the start’ NetGalley reviewer, five stars

‘Another fabulous book from Rosie’ NetGalley reviewer, five stars

‘War efforts and the relationships she makes along the way help to transport the reader back in time. A really enjoyable, excellent book’ NetGalley reviewer, five stars

‘A great story of friendship and love. Fantastic read that will stay with you long after you finish’ NetGalley reviewer, five stars

‘An uplifting novel of friendship and starting afresh. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this’ NetGalley reviewer

‘A story of friendship, kindness and believing in your self-worth. An easy story to read and lovely characters’ NetGalley reviewer

259 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Rosie James

12 books23 followers

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5 stars
607 (53%)
4 stars
317 (27%)
3 stars
155 (13%)
2 stars
38 (3%)
1 star
19 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Julia.
2,769 reviews83 followers
December 8, 2020
The War Girls by Rosie James is a fabulous historical novel that will entertain from the start.
The novel opens in rural Somerset before moving to Bristol during World War II. It is factually grounded as we hear about the heavy bombing during the Blitz.
There is a much admired bulldog spirit and resolve with characters drinking tea and carrying on no matter what Hitler threw at them.
We witness the value of old and new friendships as characters open their homes and hearts to strangers. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming as people pull together. There is a wonderful community feel.
Unmarried mothers are cast out by some as a dreadful stigma prevails. Children are a gift to be cherished not an embarrassment to be shunned. Fortunately there are kind hearts who realise this.
Rosie James has drawn a delightful set of characters with some cherished close bonds. The leading lady is a blend of vulnerable but with an inner strength that will help her prevail.
The War Girls was a fabulous read for a gloomy, grey afternoon as it injects love and light into hearts.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.


Profile Image for Rachel.
2,260 reviews89 followers
February 2, 2021
The War Girls by Rosie James is an excellent WWII era historical fiction novel that I truly enjoyed.

This is the first book I have read by this author, and I am now most definitely a fan.

I really enjoyed this heartwarming story of resilience, friendship, love, loss, overcoming adversity, and the strength of character. I really enjoyed the full cast of characters within this story. These women were able to find one another, forge strong friendships and relationships, and were able to fight their way through their own adversities together. They found they were stronger, smarter, and could accomplish more then they realized. Seeing such strong bonds between these women was truly heartwarming, touching, and wonderful. I really loved Abigail, Emily, Eileen, Carrie, and the rest of the cast. I enjoyed seeing Abigail blossom into a passionate young woman whom was likable, realistic, and imperfect. I also really, really liked the ending (of which I will not divulge here for fellow readers to discover for themselves). It was truly perfect and fitting.

An excellent book that I highly recommend.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and HQ for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Bookbub, Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts immediately
. This book was published 1/13/21.
Profile Image for Liz.
528 reviews8 followers
April 13, 2021
I should have read the entire title of this book, as the “heartwarming” would have been a clue. It WAS heartwarming, but with characters that were just too good to be true coupled with an ending that was just too predictable. It lacked the in-depth “historical” aspect I was looking for, and with a few minor changes, could have taken place during any war. It was a pleasant read, and perfect for the legions of readers who crave books that have characters who fall in love, are not too complicated, and everyone is happy at the end.
Profile Image for Booklover BEV.
1,522 reviews27 followers
December 6, 2020
June 1939, Coopers Cottage, Somerset Valley, Abigail Wilson living with her Aunt Edna and her Daughter Emily Grace only nineteen years old, bringing shame onto her aunt she wants to free herself from the stranglehold of Coopers.
The day has come and an adventure begins as they both set off for Bristol with a possibility of war.
making friends with Eileen matthews and Carrie Waters and Janet from Robertson Cafe, she finds partime work in the cafe and also in Blackwells Bookshop, and lodging with Eileen and her mother Gladys.
This is such a delightful book to read, that booklovers will all enjoy, beautifully written in a natural style by the author.
I loved it.
Profile Image for Tanya Hunter-Robinson.
252 reviews3 followers
November 10, 2021
This was my first read of 2021 and my first #booktour of the year! I found this a very easy read which I got through pretty quickly. It was a lovely story of friendship, determination, resilience and love. Abigail and Emily’s bond is so strong and it really is wonderful to read about a female friendship group that are purely there to love and support each other. Through the trying times of war, with the city being bombed, their lives and futures begin to take shape. I really enjoyed the progression of Abigail’s character throughout the story, with each chapter seeming to move her and her life onwards. This title will be released in March 2021, so keep an eye out!
Profile Image for Frankie.
982 reviews74 followers
October 13, 2021
This is my first book by Rosie James, it certainly won’t be the last I thoroughly enjoyed it, I really liked the easy to read and simplistic writing style which brought the overall story and characters to life.

The story follows Abigail, who at the age of nineteen has brought shame to the family name by becoming a single mother to her adorable daughter; Emily Grace. But being the 1930’s this isn’t the thing, this means shame and scandal and embarrassment for everyone. How times have changed!

She is living with her aunt Edna at Cooper Cottage, but life is repressive she is feeling claustrophobic and like she is constantly walking on eggshells, she needs to be free from their strangulating hold over her and her daughter. So she makes the drastic decision to leave, the war has just erupted and she leaves the little village to Bristol she finds herself for the first time in her life free. She finds work in a little cafe and a bookshop and she makes lifelong friends in the form of Eileen and Carrie. But with war ebbing closer to our shores her life could once again be uprooted and change.

I liked the sense of community and that Abigail finally found people who didn’t stigmatise her for being an unmarried young mother, she found genuine friends who she could rely on. The writing is charming, I loved the sense of drama in the background with the murmuring of what is going on in London with the Blitz, but this is all about finding your feet and the power of good strong friendships, it’s heart-warming.

The only negative thing I will say about it was it felt a little slow in parts like certain chapters were being drawn out longer than they by rights should have been. I think perhaps it’s a little longer than it needed to be seeing as it is a pretty short and simple story packed into far more pages than necessary, but other than that it’s an enjoyable novel that will resonate with many.

Overall a charming little story that is all about the strength of friendship and is well worth a read.
Profile Image for Pat Langhelt.
957 reviews12 followers
February 6, 2021
Really enjoyed this book about Abigail and Emily and fate led her to Carrie Eileen and Mrs Glad as she came to be known.
364 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2021
What a story of courage and determination.

Plus, it was beautifully written and edited. This is the story of a young woman who was able to leave the horrible conditions she was raised in and, along with her young daughter, established a much happier and mentally healthier life for them in Bristol just at the beginning of WWII in Bristol, England. The next 5 years of their lives was fascinating reading and the ending perfect. Don’t miss this one!
Profile Image for ReBecca.
733 reviews10 followers
January 6, 2022
When I first picked up The War Girls, I didn't know what to expect. From the title, it was obvious that the story revolved around a war. Goodreads currently doesn't have a synopsis on it, and most reviews talked about the bond of friendship during wartime. With me being a fan of historical fiction and adding in the lighter topic around friendship, I thought I would enjoy this book. Sadly, The War Girls by Rosie James was not my cup of tea!

The book reminded me so much of a Hallmark channel movie or an adult fairy tale. The story was too perfect. Every challenge the characters faced was nicely tied up in a perfect bow. The story was lighthearted and very happy-go-lucky. I felt that everything stayed at surface level and didn't go too deep. Any conflict the characters faced was quickly resolved and the characters magically got along with no drama. The story was very predictable and left no surprises.

If you are looking for an escape from the real world and are a fan of the Hallmark channel or adult fairy tales, then The War Girls is the perfect book for you. If you are looking for something more in-depth and/or a more focused WW2 book, look somewhere else.

****

The War Girls by Rosie James explores the bonds of friendship and takes place over five years during WW2. Abigail and her daughter Emily, leave their home in hopes of a better life in Bristol. Soon after arriving in Bristol, they meet Eileen and Carrie and the four quickly become close friends. Their friendship grows stronger with each new challenge that they face.
Profile Image for Linda.
224 reviews3 followers
May 19, 2022
Abigail has spent her entire life on a farm in a small village in Somerset where she is forced to work from a young age. She has only one friend, Luke Jordon, the son of a London barrister. When she is forced to leave school, Abigail finds ways to sneak away from the farm to see Luke. The two of them declare their undying love for one another, as Luke tells Abigail that she is in control of her fate. At 16, Abigail becomes pregnant but before she can tell Luke, his family moves back to London. Abigail is forced to hide her condition from the village and no one can know about the illegitimate baby out at Coopers.
When Emily Grace is two and a half, Abigail finally makes the decision to leave. She takes their few possessions and the money left by her father and goes to Bristol, just before the beginning of WWII. Bristol is a whole different world and on her first night there, Abigail encounters the judgement that others have for unwed mothers. Finding a curtain ring in the restroom, she decides that to protect herself and Emily she will tell people that she is married.
In Bristol, she meets Carrie and Eileen and the three of them become The War Girls. This moving book shows both the ugliness of the judgement of other and the kindness of strangers. It tells the story of three young women from different circumstances who bond together to face the horrors of war. It always tells a story of what it means to be family.
60 reviews
April 25, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and HQ Digital for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
War Girls follows the story of a young unwed mother who makes her way from the England countryside to the city of Bristol with her young daughter in tow at the start of WW2. Her journey seems to be blessed by luck and good fortune. She quickly finds a place to board as well as employment, and fortuitously meets two other young women, who remain close companions throughout the story. Their friendship was probably my favorite part of the book.
The book was a relatively quick and engaging read, but I would ultimately characterize it as WW2-era historical fiction light. I read many many books in this genre, andI found that this one sort of glossed over the many many hardships that people faced during wartime. I think it would be a very appropriate YA introduction to this period in history as it doesn't dive too deeply into the darker sides of what people experienced at that time, but for me it lacked some of the depth I was hoping for.


#TheWarGirls #NetGalley
936 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2022
Shortly before the start of WWII Abigal takes her daughter and leaves her Aunt Edna's farm where her life consisted of hard work. Her daughter Emily has never been anywhere but the farm as Aunt Edna considers her a disgrace. They head for Bristol. In Bristol Abigail finds work and friends. On the very first day she meets Eileen and Carrie. Abigail is wearing an old curtain ring as a wedding band, she feels she is living a lie. The three are The War Girls and quickly become close. So close they work in a munitions factory together for eighteen months. So close Abigail and Emily move in with Eileen and her mother. Emily is a spark for Eileen's mother, Gladys. Will Abigail ever find her true love once more and introduce him to their daughter? Will she ever see the farm and her aunt again? Rosie James gives you a look at real friendship and the bonds women can form. See also gives you a feel for everyday life on the home front and surviving the bombing of a city.
364 reviews13 followers
January 21, 2021
Really enjoyable book about Abigail and how she finds her life a bit hard working on her Aunt’s farm.

She goes to school but has no friends and has to work as soon as she finishes at school she has to come straight home to begin work on the farm.

Abigail makes friends with Luke and once she leaves school sees him usually once a week when her Aunt is away from the farm. One day she goes to see him one day but him and his family have moved away she wonders why he never told her.

Abigail decides to move to Bristol just before War breaks out as she wants a better life for herself. She makes friends with Eileen & Carrie who help her. The girls decide to help the war effort by volunteering to do work.

Will Abigail have a better life and will there be a happy ending.

It was a very enjoyable book to read.
209 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2021
Definitely a feel good read.

I enjoyed this book as a entertaining story, s/w surround by WW II in England. There was enough history that it would fall in historical novel section and was mostly marginally believable but not much sitting on the edge of your sit stuff happening. The story flowed pretty well, if at time a bit I believable.
The book keep my interest well enough that I looked forward to reading more in my free evenings. The romance parts were quite ‘clean’. The friendships seemed pretty genuine. Thea aunt was the least believable part of the story. And I never understood why the christening was not done sooner. And other than the aunt I liked the characters in the book.
Would I recommend it? Not for a book club. Not for serious history fans. But yes for someone looking for a light read or a complete change from heavier reading. Yes I would recommend it.
Profile Image for Anne Mackle.
181 reviews7 followers
April 7, 2021
This story takes place from just before the war until its end. Abigail lives in a country village with her aunt who runs a small holding called Coopers. Her aunt is not in the least loving to her and makes her life unbearable. Eventually Abigail can't cope with her aunts displeasure and leaves to start a new life in Bristol.
Abigail meets Carrie and Eileen and they become her family throughout the war years.
No more spoilers but much more to the story. A story of friendship, kindness and believing in self worth. An easy story to read and lovely characters .
Profile Image for Janae.
29 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2021
Honestly, it's too perfect - the characters, their war experiences, and every conflict is tied up in a tidy bow at the end in a very predictable ending. Such perfection is boring - and spoiler alert - none of the characters died during the Bristol Blitz, when nearly 1300 people died, another 1300+ were injured, and nearly 700 people were dug out from the rubble of bombed out buildings. The lack of loss contributes to the story feeling less real and that it could take place in any war if the mentions of Dunkirk and bombings were removed.

59 reviews
February 16, 2023
A Coming of Age Drama During WWII

This novel features the story of a young woman who falls in love and gains independence with a child in tow. The story is set to the background of World War II, although the title might suggest to some that the primary characters have more to be involved with the war effort than is lead on. This is not a resistance or spy story. It is more about making the most of harsh times and growing up.
Profile Image for Maria.
123 reviews
June 30, 2023
This definitely wasn’t my cup of tea at all. It felt like it was written as a children’s book, the language was so simplistic and repetitive. Life through rose coloured glasses for sure, so sickly sweet that I was continually rolling my eyes at the ridiculousness of it. I don’t seem capable of abandoning a book I’ve started but I definitely should have set this aside.

Many people love it but it wasn’t for me.
Profile Image for Bri C.
331 reviews
February 26, 2021
Gently written with characters that are just too wonderful and nice against the backdrop of ww2 in Bristol. Women coming together to make tuner way through the dangers and trials of the war forge a strong bond. Past social indiscretions are no longer quite the issue they used to be, and past trials are worked through with love and friendship. I wish I knew people like these,...
Profile Image for Wanda Kitchen.
15 reviews
June 8, 2021
A book that draws you I

I loved that Abigail found her independence from a life of hardship. She found 2 of the best friends and all 3 of the ladies felt like my best friends as well. Emily was so respectful and I loved that she brought out Gladys from her self imposed physical illness. I surely recommend this book!
Profile Image for barbara a cullen.
13 reviews6 followers
March 3, 2021
Love always wins

Beautiful story of a young woman struggling to find independence during WWII. Inspired by the young man she dearly loved, she marched forward toward independence and everlasting love!
33 reviews
March 12, 2021
Perseverance and Hope

Cleverly crafted novel with believable characters and a great storyline. Set in early WWII, one can only imagine the fear of bombings, and the deprivation of rationing. Hope and friendships emerge.
Profile Image for Wendy.
70 reviews
March 27, 2021
This book was great at telling the story about Abigail life before the start of WWII and her escape from the dreary life at the family farm to more experience in Bristol, England during the war. She brings her young daughter with her and finds friends along the way.
349 reviews3 followers
April 12, 2021
My Review

This was an exciting read. I found it most interesting to read of the adventures of a single mom with a beautiful daughter making her way in war torn Bristol, England during WWII.
June 15, 2021
A beautifully constructed and written ‘light’ read. The ending was contrived and so I felt unable to give it 5 stars, but it was ‘heartwarming’ (as described and I’ve already downloaded two more of Rosie’s books.
Profile Image for Esse.
49 reviews6 followers
August 8, 2021
It's an enjoyable read but it meets no expectations of war drama, plot twists, or anything remotely similar. It didn't warm my heart.
It's a simple story recounted with a simple (maybe too simple sometimes) writing style. Luckily I didn't buy it, but borrowed it at the library.
Profile Image for Paula.
104 reviews4 followers
April 10, 2023
a lovely ww2 story

I absolutely loved this book it was such a lovely happy read following the lives of Abigail and Emily I’m now looking forward to reading another one of this very talented author Rosie james
March 8, 2021
It was wonderful

Gripping, historical romance with a beautiful story of courage and love. The ladies were interesting and the mother a person I would like to know.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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