Alice, lost her first husband when she was young mum and she made a big mistake marrying Jack Lawson. He’s abusive, dishonest, drinks and has been unfaithful. Alice struggles to feed her family, Jack wastes his pension and she has three daughters. Cathy from her first marriage and Sandra and Rosie and three girls are scared of Jack.

Cathy dreams of being a nurse, but she’s forced to finish school and starts working at Lewis’s department store. Living in Liverpool during the 1950’s Cathy and her friend Debbie enjoy dancing, going out and the fifties music. Cathy has always been close to her mother Alice, things get worse and she's forced to leave home due to Jack's behavior.

With the support of her friend Debbie, Granny Lomax and boyfriend Gianni Romano she applies to study nursing at the Royal Liverpool Hospital. Cathy’s now a cadet nurse, she makes friends with Ellie, Karen and Jean and they all live in the nurse’s quarters. Alice struggles on at home, Jacks out of control and he finally leaves. Gianni want's to get married, Cathy doesn’t want to marry young and especially after seeing what happened to her mum.

The Nurses of Lark Lane is a story about Cathy being a teenager and training to be a nurse during the 1950’s, her mother Alice’s over coming her struggles, and Jack finally gets what he deserves, and mother and daughter can live in peace. Thanks to NetGalley for my copy and I look forward to reading the next book in the series, The Midwives of Lark Lane.

I've loved every book in this Lark Lane series so could not wait to catch up with the relatable and now familiar characters. The Nurses of Lark Lane is set in Liverpool in the 1950's and features Cathy who dreams of becoming a nurse. Pam Howes is an expert at writing compelling historical fiction which is well researched with multi dimensional characters.

The Nurses of Lark Lane is the third book in Lark Lane series. This is a family drama starting in July 1955 and featuring teenager Cathy, her family, friends and neighbours. It was great to catch up with the characters again. It is a delightful historical fiction.

I really enjoyed this book! A great story line that kept me hooked and excellent main characters. I would highly recommend this book.

The Nurses of Lark Lane is the third book in Lark Lane series. This is a series that is best read in order. It was nice to catch up with Alice, Cathy, Millie, Brian and Granny Lomax. I enjoyed reading Cathy’s story. I admire her for having the goal of becoming a nurse that would allow her to have a different life. Cathy has had a rough time since her father, Terry passed away and Alice (her mother) married Jack Dawson. Alice made a mistake marrying the cheating louse and everyone in the family is having to pay for bad judgement. Cathy was lucky to have Granny Lomax living nearby to give her encouragement and provide a safe haven. The Nurses of Lark Lane is well-written with steady pacing. Once I started reading it, I stayed up late because I wanted to see how the book would end. It is a dramatic and emotional story featuring family drama, friendships, work life and romance. The author captured the era with the clothing, hair styles, make up, movies, slang, and attitudes. The characters are realistic and developed. There are characters that readers will love and those we will dislike intensely (like Jack). I hope that this is not the last book in the series (if it is then I wish the author had provided an epilogue). The Nurses of Lark Lane is a compelling novel with a gentle granny, a sympathetic sibling, the smashed scoundrel, and a motivated young woman.

A lovely well written tale of hope and determination. The author really brought the characters to life. I believe this book is part of a saga but can be read as a stand-alone.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced read copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

I loved this book so much. Pam Howe’s is a favourite of mine and this book just proved why. I love her writing style. She is a fantastic storyteller....I will be waiting for her next book.

This is a fantastic family saga. Set in the fifties, when things are beginning to improve after the war, this story is all about real life; love, loss, heartbreak and joy.

The characters are superb, I was so drawn in and felt as if I knew them all. I particularly liked Cathy. She’s a strong woman, wanting her career, which wasn’t easy for women then.

Cathy’s journey to her nursing career isn’t straightforward, but it makes for fascinating reading. In an era where things were changing for women, but where it was still expected that they would settle down and have families rather than careers, it was challenging.

I read this as a standalone, but I wish I had read the previous novels in the series, not because it’s necessary, but because I enjoyed this one so much. I think I might go back and read the others, and I really hope that there’ll be further instalments.

It’s got all the elements of a really enjoyable and relatable novel. Highly recommended.

Loved the story of Cathy and her quest against all odds to become a nurse. Evidently this is the 3rd book in the series. It is definitely a book that can stand alone, but now I wish I had read the others. I would have liked to have the knowledge of what life was like for Cathy's mother, Alice and her struggle to be the provider for her family. Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to read the advance copy.

This was an interesting read for me. While I enjoyed the story, the writing left much to be desired. There was such a flood of information right at the beginning and, to me, it felt as though there should have been some editing down of the writing. It was quite long winded and excessive commentary that just didn't need to be there to make the story shine. I loved the mother/daughter duo and the sacrifices they made to support each other during terrible times.

A story that still is mostly focused on Cathy and her mum Alice: it’s been quiet in their little house with Alice’s husband in hospital after his foot injury during the war resulted in amputation. They aren’t quite living in clover, but without Jack and his abusive behavior and slovenly ways, things are ‘settled’ and everyone is happy. Cathy is getting ready to enter her O Level year – a critical step on her way to becoming a nurse. But, as things happen, Jack is released from the hospital and comes home to cause disruption and discord, sneaking in his girlfriend when Alice is at work and generally terrorizing the household.

Cathy is determined to go to nursing school, and with support and often firm talk from her Granny Lomax, her father’s mother, she’s torn between helping out the family and making her own way in the world. She’d given up her O Level plans already, working in cosmetics with her best friend in the large department store in town: and Jack is constantly harassing her for her pay, demanding that she pay her fair share of the expenses, while he uses his money for himself. With a new baby, Alice is not only depressed but she is beaten down, and nothing seems to bring a smile. Cathy is almost at the end of her rope, the only thing keeping her sane is Gianni and their new relationship, until she is accepted into a nurse’s training program at the hospital. She’s soon off for the first of the three years of courses, leaving the home mess behind.

Oh this was so typical Hawes in style and form – instantly you have people to cheer or jeer for, to empathize with, and are soon as close to them and their changing fortunes as if you are a neighbor over the garden wall. Post war Britain is still a struggle, although things have improved in the years since the last book ended: and there are plenty of pop-culture references, attitudes and even the dress to feel as if times are changing – and perhaps more quickly than some would like. I’ve loved the two books I’ve read in this series: the characters, their situations and even their struggles are clearly defined and easy to visualize, and caring about them is just like one would for friends. I’m determined to gather all of this author’s books and read them all when I want to get ‘away’ from the world and enter the one she’s created and borrowed from.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” /” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read this Arc.
Pam Howes is a truly brilliant author. Her books are emotional and witty. They always make you feel part of the story. I would highly recommend it.

I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series, but this worked well as a standalone. It is 1955. Cathy is a bright teenager who has always wanted to be a nurse. She lives with her mum, two stepsisters & her vile stepfather Jack. After a blissful while of Jack being away he returns. He mother is once again being abused & Cathy is having to escape his advances. WHen Jack insists she gets a job, she thinks her nursing dreams are gone but chance shows her another way she can reach her goal.

This was a nice story of a girl growing up in the 50's. On the whole I enjoyed it, although the last quarter was way too predictable. I have rounded the score up to 4, but for me it was really a 3 1/2. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

I loved this book so much I went out and got the rest of the series. Such a heartwarming sweet story. If you love the show, Call the Midwife, this is an excellent read.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I loved this novel with it’s irresistible setting. It is a story with unforgettable characters, and heartfelt exploration of love, family and hearts desire. This is a great series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the third book in the Lark Lane series. It’s like catching up with old friends. The way Pam writes draws you into the book so you feel part of it. Cathy is growing up fast, Alice wants a nicer life for her them to be tied down with young children in a loveless marriage like her. Her friend Sadie is the same about her son Gianni. Bringing him up on her own she dreads the fair’s arrival each year in case he bumps into his Dad. Cathy wants to be a nurse, but falls for Gianni. Gianni finally meets his Dad Luca. Will the draw of the fair win Gianni over. I hope there will be more Lark Lane to come.

I alwYs pick books of a medical nature so this was right up my street- I found myself self wanting to shout at Cathy’s mum to get a grip and get rid of the husband. I admired the girls courage to go after what they wanted in life.
Look forward to the next book in the series if there is one- a easy read.😀😀👍👍

The author did a brilliant job of capturing the time period in this novel. The characters and plot were also well written. This was a great piece of historical fiction!

The Nurses of Lark Lane is the concluding part in The Lark Lane trilogy by Pam Howes and as with the previous two books I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. It was a deeply satisfying finale to what has been a brilliant series. I was very pleased with the eventual outcome as I feel I have become so invested in what happens to the characters given I have been with them on an incredible journey right from the very beginning. As with most books that form part of a series The Nurses of Lark Lane can be read as a standalone story but honestly I think to truly appreciate every character and what they go through and to understand and comprehend all the various plots and how they interconnect I would say start with book one The Factory Girls of Lark Lane.

I would definitely class this series as a multi generational saga which began following the conclusion of World War Two with a focus on Alice and her friend Millie and now we have come full circle bringing us up to the late 1950's as Alice's oldest daughter Cathy steps into the spotlight. She faces many challenges and obstacles but always remains true to her beliefs and goals. Those being to fight for and retain her independence and to make something of herself with a good solid career.

I thought book two left us very much on a cliffhanger as Alice was experiencing so much emotional turmoil in her marriage to the despicable monster that was Jack. I felt every bit of her anguish, worry and distress at the situation she found herself and really wanted her to buck up and finally see the light. She clearly needed to remove herself from the desperate situation she found herself in but there seemed to be a reluctance on her part as well as many other things going against her. When we return to Alice and her family I thought everything remained the same, in fact the situation had probably gotten worse. I wondered where was the woman who previously had picked herself up off the ground and made something of herself following the death of her first husband?

She seemed to be a totally different character from the ambitious young girl we had first been introduced to but I suppose when one is in a position of being constantly worn down and being told you are not good enough you begin to think maybe these things could be true. Jack remained an absolute horror of a character and now that he is physically incapacitated his temper, anger and cruel streak seem to rear their head more often. It was obvious he detested Alice and the children he had with her and as for Cathy she was like a thorn in his side. Time and time again as with the previous books I thought why on earth can't Alice just kick him to the curb? Surely she must realise the true extent of his character and what he gets up to when he thinks she is not fully clued in to what is going on.

Although Cathy is just a teenager at aged 15 she can clearly see what is going on and uses every available opportunity to escape to her Granny Lomax where comfort, solace and support is always on offer. I always felt when reading this story that Cathy was much older than she was simply because she was so mature and wise although that's not to say she didn't waver over what was the right decision or not. That's natural for anybody but I thought she was a stand out character throughout and I enjoyed how the book shifted its attention to focus more on her and the developing relationship she has with childhood friend Gianni whose mother Sadie was a firm friend of both Alice and Millie.

Saying that given how the majority of the series had so far focused on Alice I thought she kind of disappeared midway through the book and then reappeared towards the end. Of course there were mentions of her but I would have loved even more chapters from her point of view. I understand that the author has been taking us on a journey following one family and she has done this so successfully but given how crucial Alice was to everything and how she formed the backbone to the series I just wanted her to feature that little bit more in this book. If I couldn't have that, I had the next best thing in Cathy because I really felt she stepped up to the plate when it mattered the most.

Cathy really took an awful lot on her shoulders and she deserves nothing but admiration for that. One questions whether she had to grow up too soon but really she had no choice as she could see what was happening to her family. That Alice was being broken down piece by piece and that if Cathy didn't help out financially and with the care of the children then God knows what would have happened. Throughout it all her love for Gianni deepens and I thought the development of their relationship was just perfect. It was like he was the antidote and total opposite to her home life and she could seek comfort, reassurance, support and love from him whenever she needed that time away from her daily struggles. Cathy was an ambitious person and she knew what direction she wished her life to go in. Her dreams of becoming a nurse could have been halted due to Jack and the family situation instead she sought alternative routes and she enrols on a course for cadet nurses. I loved the scenes set in the college as Cathy learns new skills but also at the same time tries to maintain a balanced relationship with Gianni. It showed that if you want something badly enough you will persist at it.

I thought the various things that went on to happen with the Gianni and Cathy storyline were brilliant and they kept the reader on their toes guessing what would happen. In the background there was always her own family situation lurking and I thought how everything came together so dramatically was brilliant. I loved how Cathy was so dogged in her opinions and stance, she wanted to be a nurse at whatever cost. Some people may view her as being very one sided and that she wasn't willing to give or take at all, but I think she had no other choice and was right to be like that. She was looking to the future for security and independence and being reliant on someone else wasn't going to help her achieve this. As for Gianni I think he was just very muddled in his heart and mind and there were things he needed to get out of his system and explore before he could even really focus on what Cathy was trying to get across to him. So much happened between them towards the end that I wondered could a sensible and satisfactory resolution ever be found or would stubbornness and being obstinate rule the day.

I would definitely recommend The Nurses of Lark Lane as a book to read during the summer. In fact if you haven't read anything by Pam Howes everything she has written in the historical fiction genre has been brilliant and this book proved to be no different. I am gutted to leave such incredible characters behind but I think the time is right and their journey is complete. I'm already looking forward to where Pam Howes will take us next in future books.

This is a family drama starting in July 1955 and featuring teenager Cathy, her family, friends and neighbours. Cathy’s father died when she was young and her Mum, Alice, remarried Jack who is an abusive, adulterer as well as the father to Cathy’s two half-siblings. It is a story which explores attitudes and expectations from the era, when nursing students had to be unmarried and husbands expected to be masters in their own home whilst their wives were expected to smile and put up with their lot in life. It is a story of friendship, romance, dreams and betrayal, blackmail and more.

I found it an intriguing story, one where you’re not really sure just how everything will work out in the end. It is part of the Lark Lane series but works well as a standalone as I haven’t read any of the earlier books and still enjoyed reading this one.

If you enjoy historic family dramas, exploring relationships and the era, or romances, you’ll probably enjoy this one as much as I did. It has well developed characters, surprise events and is a heartwarming page turner.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.