Book Description:
From Amazon bestseller Pam Howes comes an emotional World War Two saga about three young women whose bravery and friendship will see them through the darkest times.
Liverpool, 1939. Bella Rogers thought her life was just starting; she can’t wait to get married to her childhood sweetheart, Bobby. But when war is declared and Bobby is called up, his letters stop, leaving Bella heartbroken and alone. Then her family is torn apart by tragedy when her angelic five-year-old sister dies from a terrible illness. They can barely afford a funeral, but the church is packed with the entire community, devastated for their loss.
Grieving for her sister and lost love, Bella finds a job at the Bryant and May factory, making matches. As bombs begin to fall, Bella gets the workers singing, keeping spirits high amidst the fear. When she meets a handsome American airman, Earl Franklin Jr, Bella’s heart finally starts to mend. Earl encourages her passion and soon she and her friends are offered the opportunity of a lifetime: to travel the country’s army bases, entertaining the troops and singing for victory. They name themselves The Bryant Sisters.
Just as her life is getting back on track, Bella finds herself pregnant – and Earl reveals a shattering secret that changes everything about their future. Devastated, she flees home to Liverpool, but as an unmarried mother, will her family reject her? And, as she faces a terrible sacrifice, will she ever sing with The Bryant Sisters again?
A heartbreaking historical novel about women in wartime, friendship, family and hope. Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries, Diney Costeloe and Wives of War.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Girls Of Victory Street' by Pam Howes
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
This is the first book that I have read by this author. This is the first book in the 'Bryant Sisters' series. I am looking forward to reading more by the author and of this series.
I was originally drawn to this book by the fact that it is a historical novel and its intriguing blurb. I am normally quite set in which genres I read but wanted to expand my horizons and being a history fan it seemed like a good book opportunity to do so. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 26 chapters which are a nice length so that you can read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
The story is presented from several points of views but mainly from Bella's perspectives and is set in the UK during the war.
I am very glad that I tried a different genre as I really enjoyed reading a book of fiction written during the war. Although it is fiction it gives of a good sense of what life during the war would have been like for many with so much uncertainty.
The family dynamics and friendships are lovely to read about and even though it is set during dark times and there was much going on I still felt like it was a more light hearted read to my usual crime books. I loved the friendships between the Bryant sisters and how they always pulled through for one another.
Although I said this is a more light hearted read than my usual genre there are still some heart wrenching and touching moments throughout the story and my heart really went out to Bella. There were moments where I was happy, sad as well as worried for her and what she was going through.
Each of the characters had their own unique personalities and were all very strong. The descriptions throughout were excellent and it was very well written with a smooth flowing storyline even with the time jumps between chapters.
I flew through the pages wanting to know what happened with each of the characters as they all had their own little storylines and lives going on outside of the Bryant sisters.
I really enjoyed the touch of realism Pam Howes beings into this book as well as the drama, romance, friendships, deceit, heart break, love and lies mixed all into one.
I am looking forward to reading more about the Bryant sisters as well as hearing about their family members in the next book in what promises to be a riveting series.
Genres covered include Historical fiction, Family saga, Romance
I would highly recommend this book to fans of the above and also to fans of Nicholas Sparks as it felt slightly similar to some of his storylines
251 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon. I think this is an excellent price for this book.
Rated 4/5 (I enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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Author Bio:
Pam is a retired interior designer, mum to three daughters, grandma to seven assorted grandchildren and roadie to her musician partner.
The inspiration for Pam’s first novel came from her teenage years, working in a record store, and hanging around with musicians who frequented the business. The first novel evolved into a series about a fictional band The Raiders. She is a fan of sixties music and it’s this love that compelled her to begin writing.
https://www.facebook.com/Pam-Howes-Books-260328010709267/ https://twitter.com/PamHowes1
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://bit.ly/2WC2BnY
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