A historical fiction book which begins in January 1940, during the Second World War. If I have a favourite period for historical fiction, it’s the Second World War. It is such a rich period of time in which all sorts of events happened, ranging from the best to the absolutely horrific. I began to read, just hoping Fenella J Miller’s story would be as great as the synopsis promised.
Lady Joanna Harcourt and her daughter Sarah discover their life of luxury at Goodwill House is over. Because with Lord Harcourt away fighting, the Harcourt girls are facing financial ruin.
Lady Joanna is terrified of losing their home, but for Sarah, this means her dreams of becoming a doctor are over. Headstrong Sarah isn’t one to quit! War or not, she’s determined to find a way to save her home and follow her dreams– whatever it takes!
Dashing RAF officer Angus Trent might just save the day. The new RAF base at Marston will soon be full of young women all hoping to serve their country, and Goodwill House will make the perfect home for them. But can Sarah convince Lady Joanna to agree to her plan?
Angus has never met a woman quite like Sarah – courageous, brave, unwavering. She has a huge task ahead of her, but if anyone can do it, his war girl can.
This book is the beginning of a series, and it is also the first book I have ever read by Fenella J Miller. I sat down to read the opening chapter and found I was still reading an hour later. It is a story that drew me in from the very first chapter.
The setting of Goodwill House is described perfectly. I could see it in my minds eye, so cold and draughty. The area itself was vividly written too. Left with not enough money to sort the house out, Joanna and Sarah Harcourt see a way forward when they receive a call to ask if they could house some WAAFs. This seems to be the perfect solution. As Sarah meets Flight Lieutenant Angus Trent, she isn’t struck with his attitude, but as they begin to spend more time together, she finds herself looking forward to seeing him.
A superbly written story that had me wrapped up in these characters’ lives. I found each and every character well developed and very realistic. That realistic that I almost felt I was with friends as the story unfolded.
The time period is captured brilliantly, I was whisked back to the 1940s so easily. This is one reason I love historical fiction. I love being taken out of my world just the time it takes to read the book. Fenella J Miller has that skill in her storytelling, and that’s an important part of writing.
In conclusion, The War Girls Of Goodwill House is an excellent first book in a series. I am looking forward to seeing what comes next. I recommend this to any historical fiction readers who enjoy an atmospheric and well researched historical fiction novel.
With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the gifted copy of the book.
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Author Bio
Fenella J. Miller is the bestselling writer of eighteen historical sagas. She also has a passion for Regency romantic adventures and has published over fifty to great acclaim. Her father was a Yorkshireman and her mother the daughter of a Rajah. She lives in a small village in Essex with her British Shorthair cat.
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