A great read. Heart warming and emotional but lovely to read. Looking forward to reading more from the author.

Goodnight Sweetheart by Pam Weaver is a heartbreaking novel set in WWII. It’s my favorite time period to read about.
Frankie’s mother dies and she is sent to live with an aunt. When war breaks out, she signs up with the women’s branch of the British Army. She meets Romare, a young doctor from the United States. He has been a victim of racism in his own country and it is not much better in the UK. Actually anyone of color serving in the military is segregated from the white servicemen.
Romare and Frankie start a romance and ultimately marry. Sadly, the racism that was and is prevalent caught up with the couple. At times this book brought me to tears. Ms. Weaver tells a good story in this novel and in others that she has written.

★★★★★ 4.5 stars (rounded up)

I've not read Pam Weaver before, despite having several of her books in my TBR pile, so I had no preconceptions upon reading GOODNIGHT SWEETHEART. But if references to other wartime fiction was anything to go by I knew I wouldn't be disappointed...and I wasn't. It is just the type of book I love to escape into with stories surrounding several characters during wartime without it being bogged down by history and wartime conflict. An easy read with the war as a backdrop without it being the main story.

Worthing 1933: The story opens with Frankie Sherwood celebrating her 10th birthday with friends Doreen and Jenny and their respective mothers on a picnic before returning to their terraced house. Her mother gave her a beautiful doll with a beautiful handmade dress made from scraps of expensive material offcuts her mother had been saving over the years. To Frankie, it was the most beautiful doll she had ever seen. Moira Sherwood was a seamstress by trade and made ends meet by taking in alterations and making clothing for which she charged a minimal sum.

Frankie adored her mother, having been raised single-handedly by her after the death of her father when she was just a baby. Her father had never recovered from the injuries he had sustained in the Great War and in the end, he succumbed to them after contracting pneumonia. As a child, Frankie's favourite story her mother told her was of the Russian princess Alexendrina who came into the dress shop where her mother trained before the Great War conflict, and how they had hidden her in a clothing trolley from a Russian "bad man".

The day after Frankie's birthday, she went off to school as normal whilst her mother went about her day. Little did Frankie know that when she waved her mother goodbye that morning that it would be the last time she saw her. Upon returning from school, Frankie was greeted by the St John ambulance outside her house and her neighbour informing her that her mother had died. Although it was thought to be her heart, her neighbour did hear some awful banging going on some time before discovering Moira's body at the kitchen table. Did someone have a hand in Moira's demise? Their sleazy landlord, for example, who was always trying to take advantage of a single mother with a child to raise?

After the death of her beloved mother, Frankie was sent to her aunt's farm a few miles away to live with them. She said so little to begin with as she tried to deal with her grief but soon found a common interest in dirt bikes alongside her two cousins, Alan and Ronald. Before long, Frankie had settled in and was stripping engines and putting them back together.

During her coming of age, Frankie takes up work at a florist where she reconnects with her childhood friend Doreen and despite her friend's strict religious upbringing, Frankie becomes a real support for her particularly after the death of Doreen's mother. And then there is her friendship with the more worldly Barbara who has a keen eye on Frankie's cousin Alan...much to aunt Bet's concern.

Then in 1939 war came to Britain. By this time she had lived at North Farm for six years and it now felt like home. The boys were like brothers and aunt Bet and uncle Lorry were like parents to her. Now on the brink of adulthood and not quite 18, Frankie so wanted to do her bit for the war effort and signed up to the ATS (Auxiliary Transport Service) whilst adding an extra year to her age. After several months of being called the Phoney War or the Boring War, a year after it being declared, the true horror then became real when the Luftwaffe began the Blitz on London and other major British cities. It is then that Frankie is thrust into the thick of the action as an ATS volunteer.

While most of the story is focused on the home front, we do get a glimpse into one of the most horrific conflicts of WW2 with the battle at Dunkirk. It is this conflict that her cousin Alan is in caught up in with his comrade Ginger. Despite it being just a small part of the story, the horror is felt within the pages, changing men who had once been happy go lucky into shells of their former selves. Frankie and her family were shocked at the change in Alan and despite all efforts, nothing could bring the old Alan back...until Frankie had an idea.

Then after an incident in which Frankie found herself in hospital, she meets gorgeous Romare Delaney, a black Amercian doctor in Britain to help with casualties as well as bringing much-needed plasma for transfusions. The couple were immediately attracted to each other and found ways to share leave as well as write to one another at their respective posts. As their love blossoms, so to does the rise of white supremacy and racism and the couple find themselves up against the bigotry that had followed black servicemen from their country. Some of the scenes are quite shocking and brutal, though not heavy in detail but just enough to give you the general picture serving to highlight the long shadow of racism and the horrific violence that followed it.

Interwoven with Frankie's story and those of her family and friends is that of Sidney Knight, Frankie and her mother's former landlord who had since moved into Frankie's former home she shared with her mother all those years ago. There are several hints to something untoward having taken place though the reader can only guess as to what it may be at this point. But one thing is clear, Sidney has a big secret to hide and will stop at nothing to ensure it remains that way. And the mystery surrounding Frankie's mother will eventually come to light...

A brilliantly written tale, GOODNIGHT SWEETHEART transports the reader back in time to 1930's and 1940's Britain. It was a beautiful easy read that once started could not be put down. Pam Weaver's style is such an easy one to slip into and enjoy, despite it's horrific subject matters. But the heart of the story is something more than that...it is gentle, it is sweet and it is pure escapism.

Although there were parts of the story that made me both sad and angry at the cruelty and injustice, there were also many parts that made me smile and made me cry with happiness. No matter how many wartime novels I read, I always find myself in tears at the announcement of the end of the war.

What a truly amazing read GOODNIGHT SWEETHEART is. I read it in two sittings - before bed and as soon as I got up - as I was so immersed within the story I was desperate to discover how it would all end up.

This certainly won't be my last Pam Weaver and I look forward to delving into many more in the future.

Perfect for fans of historical wartime sagas like Nadine Dorries and Pam Howes.

I would like to thank #PamWeaver, #NetGalley and #AvonBooksUK for an ARC of #GoodnightSweetheart in exchange for an honest review.

One of my favourite authors has yet again written a fabulous book about family during war times, I just loved the story and the characters,

Frankie is such a strong female character, making her way through loss and war, finding friendships in her work as a dispatch rider in WWII England. A bit of romance and fine writing make this an enjoyable read.

When two people bond over the the injustices of war and society, they find love and hope.
Set during WWII, Goodnight Sweetheart layers the heartbreak of loss and the positivity of those who worked to make the world a better place.


*I appreciate my ARC from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

What a lovely book "Goodnight Sweetheart" by Pam Weaver. It caught me from the very first page and then I couldn't put it down. Loved how Frankie fit in immediately with her "new family" and was made to feel loved, cared for and understood all of her life. It was so entertaining to read about Frankie growing up. She was so responsible, caring and just the person a good story should be about. I enjoyed all of her friends while she was growing up and then was still friends after they were older. I don't want to give anything away about the book, but it was just a really good read, I had no trouble getting through with it and then, when it was over, I was sad, I wanted it to continue, but I knew the story was finished. Looks like I will need to read some more books by Ms. Weaver., I loved the ending. I must admit, there are some sad parts, but what would a good book be if there weren't any conflicts. Enjoy the book and it was so kind of NetGalley to let me read it before anyone else. Thanks so much.

I have a little confession to make. Although I have several of Pam's books on my ever increasing 'to be read' mountain, I haven't actually got around to reading any of them......until now that is. My lovely Mam loves Pam's books and as we like similar sorts of wartime sagas, I just knew that I would love Pam's books just as much as Mam does. I read the synopsis for 'Goodnight Sweetheart' and it certainly sounded like just my kind of read. I wasn't wrong either because I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Goodnight Sweetheart' but more about that in a bit.
I took to the character of Frankie Sherwood from the very first time I met her. By the end of the book, I felt as though Frankie had become a friend of mine and I felt naturally protective of her. When the story opens, we meet Frankie, who is at that point is a ten year old girl. She lives with her Mam. However tragedy strikes and Frankie ends up being sent to live with her Aunt and family. She settles into family life and makes a life for herself. Then war breaks out and Frankie is going to be challenged as she has never been challenged before. Frankie is kind, considerate, compassionate, sensitive, caring, hard working, determined and stubborn. I kept everything crossed for her that she would find the happy ever after ending that she so deserved. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
Oh my goodness, 'Goodnight Sweetheart' was a truly amazing read. I must admit that the title was the thing that attracted me to the book at first. It shares the same name as a BBC television series and I loved that series. As soon as I started to read, I was transported to another time. I literally felt as though I had borrowed the Tardis from Doctor Who and travelled back to Thirties and Forties Britain. 'Goodnight Sweetheart' was a real unputdownable, page turner of a read. I found it impossible to put the book to one side even for just a nanosecond. I became so wrapped up in Frankie's story that I became desperate to discover what fate had in store for her. The pages turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out what happened just grew and grew. I managed to binge read the 'Goodnight Sweetheart' over the course of a single day. The story was beautifully told and had me on the edge of my seat throughout.
'Goodnight Sweetheart' is brilliantly written. Pam has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact, reading this book felt more like a chat between friends and not as though you were actually reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Pam certainly knows how to create characters who will tug on even the hardest of heartstrings. I was so convinced by the story that I tried to interact with the book as if it were real life. I kept wanting to jump inside the pages of the book to give a slap to anybody who upset Frankie. I actually felt as though I was part of the story myself and that's thanks to Pam's very realistic and vivid storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Goodnight Sweetheart' and I would recommend it to other readers. 'Goodnight Sweetheart' is an amazing story, which gripped me from start to finish. I will definitely be reading more of Pam's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

I’d never heard of the author before but wanted to read something a little outside my usual forte. This is very different than the books I usually read so I was feeling a bit nervous. I needn’t have worried. I really enjoyed this. Weaver creates a fantastic, strong female character in Frankie. I loved her a lot. I liked being lost in her life and her world. The book also explores the idea of loving fiercely without fear which tugged at my heart. There is so much tragedy and loss in Frankie’s life but hope as well. Goodnight Sweetheart ticks all the boxes of a great read. I cried a few times while reading this. Completely surpassed my expectations.

This is a great read the story has everything in it. Love, family, friendship, greed and unfortunately racism which still exists in many ways today. Frankie lives with her Mum and has a happy life until at the age of ten she returns from school to find out her Mum has died. Taken in by her Aunt Bet and Uncle Lorry things settle down for Frankie until WW2 starts. Becoming a dispatch rider Frankie makes new friends and falls in love. This book takes you on the emotional journey of Frankie’s life.

I would like to thank Avon Books UK for asking me to review this book and be apart of the blog tour.
Goodnight Sweetheart is a lovely story. We follow a few different characters stories but the main story being Frankie's. Frankie's mother passes away and she moves to live with her Aunt Bet on her farm. Once WW2 breaks out everything changes for the family and once again Frankie's world is turned upside down. To do her bit for the country she joins the Army and through this she meets Romare a lovely doctor from America. Racism is massive over in America and Romare has worked hard to change his life but trouble is never far away. Frankie must use all her strength and training from the army to help support the man she loves.
A well written story that draws you in to a different topic that featured during the war. These characters face racism at its worst and it was great to read a story that highlighted it. I found that Pam Weaver's knowledge and personally background to the story shown through the pages. The characters were well thought out and I loved Frankie and seeing her grow and develop into a strong women despite all the hardship of war and racism.
A great read that was so hard to put down.

A rather beautiful love story lies at the heart of Goodnight Sweetheart but this engaging wartime drama explores so much more than just the touching romance between Frankie and Romare.
The book opens in 1933 as ten-year-old Frankie Sherwood celebrates her birthday. It's not an idyllic childhood as her father died when she was little over a year old but it's obvious that she and her mother, Moira have a lovely, close relationship. The scenes after Moira dies and the little girl holds on to her grief are heartbreaking but the warmth that envelops so much of the story is already evident here as her Aunt Bet, Uncle Lorry and cousins, Alan and Ronald give her a loving home on their farm. The novel skips forward a few years to Frankie's teenage years and it's here that her feisty, resolute character really begins to take shape. She takes risks and stands up for what she believes in, even if it gets her into trouble.
As Frankie grows up, the coming-of-age chapters focus on her female friendships and first forays into work. She becomes a real support to her friend, Doreen who had had a particularly strict upbringing whilst Barbara is far more worldly - much to Aunt Bet's concern. When war is declared, Frankie is on the brink of adulthood and it's really from here that the book begins to take on a much darker tone. After the months of the Phoney War, the true horror of what it was like to be in the thick of action is never sugar-coated and there are scenes which really emphasise both the physical and mental toll of war. Most of the storyline focuses on the home front, however, and Goodnight Sweetheart has an engaging mix of domestic drama regarding various secrets and problems which come to light during the course of the novel, and scenes which are a fascinating look at some of the roles women performed during the war.
It's the love which blossoms between Frankie and Romare, a black American doctor which proves to be the most engrossing, emotive part of the book. I was moved to tears by their story which is both a rather sweet and innocent romance and a horrific reminder of the racism which followed black US servicemen serving their country. Despite being in England, Jim Crow laws are still enforced by the white supremacists in the military and there are some genuinely shocking and upsetting scenes which serve to highlight the terrible violence cast by the long shadow of racism.
The final chapters take place after the war and as well as richly capturing post-war life, there is also a clever drawing together of the various sub-plots, particularly regarding the mystery of the circumstances surrounding Frankie's mother's death and her link to a Russian princess. There were parts of this novel which made me cry at the cruelty and injustice which takes place, and further emotional scenes brought a lump to my throat but the ending left me smiling - and then Pam Weaver spoiled me further with a few recipes taken from the book and a really enjoyable short story set in 1977 but featuring a few very welcome cameos!
Although the bleak reality of the tragic results of America's segregationist policies is highlighted to devastating effect, Pam Weaver ensures the story never becomes too dispiriting. Even during the darkest times, the pages are infused with hope, courage and love. Goodnight Sweetheart celebrates the different forms that families may take and is heartwarming, honest and thought-provoking from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

When Frankie's mum dies she is sent to live with Aunt and Uncle and two cousins on the farm. Life’s struggles make Frankie a stringent person and able to help others in similar situations. Full of love and sometimes hate the story takes you through the war years. How will it unfold for Frankie? Like any other Pam Weaver books I have read, you get into it straight away and can’t wait to get to the end.

My second read from Pam Weaver and I was not disappointed. To be honest, I was not surprised either: this is exactly what I had expected from a Pam Weaver novel: a wartime drama, set over the course of many years, focusing on the trials and tribulations of a central female character.

Following Frankie, a girl who sadly and unexpectedly lost her mother when she was just ten years old, the novel charts her growth as she moves in with her Aunt and Uncle. As Frankie establishes a close relationship with her adopted family, farm life takes a turn for the more sombre note when the Second World War breaks out.

As Frankie grows up, she starts off as a florist’s assistant to eventually finding her role in the war effort. Meeting Romare in hospital, Weaver introduces a key theme to her story – racism during the war. This was something I had not seriously considered before and I was appalled by the reactions surrounding Frankie and Romare’s relationship. I am certain the Weaver has undertaken plenty of research in writing this novel and know that this is a true reflection of what happened. This makes it all the more shocking, particularly as we live in such a free society now.

What I really enjoyed about this story was the way that all the characters kept returning to the farm. It is a central location in the novel, representing love, hope and support. Even as times change and the circumstances of Frankie’s friends alter, it is always her Aunt and Uncle’s farm where everyone can get back together and reconvene.

Despite being set during the war, this wasn’t too “war heavy”. It was more about the social element around it and how Frankie and others overcame so many challenges. this made it a refreshing wartime story and, when the plot moves to America, added an even further dimension to the plot.

It was easy to relax into this narrative. I warmed to certain characters quite quickly – like Alan and Frankie; happily despised others – like Mr Knight; and rooted for many to survive. The mystery surrounding Frankie’s mother is gradually revealed in the story and I enjoyed how this showed the love she had for her daughter. Whilst the book as a whole is not too harrowing, the implied stories reflect a sadness that goes beyond the obvious loss of life during the conflict.

This is a novel that will delight any wartime, saga fans. It is a drama set over many years to show character growth and change. It was interesting, warming and sad all at the same time. I enjoyed it from start to finish and found Weaver’s narrative style inviting and compelling.

With thanks to Avon books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Hen Frankie's mother dies. She is sent to live with her aunt Bet in Worthing who has a farm. Frankie has a happy life there until WWII breaks out and she joins the women's army. She meets Romane, an American doctor who had faced racism back home. But trouble is stirring in Britain, can Frankie protect him?

The story takes us through Frankie's childhood. Her life with her uncle Lorry, aunt Bet and her cousins Alan and Ronald, and through to the war years where she is a dispatch rider in the women's army. She soon meets Ramone. He's faced some terrible racial abuse and it's starting again in Britain. Can Frankie protect him? This is a heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking read. I enjoyed following Frankie's journey. I will read more from the author in future.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Pam Weaver for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was another excellent read by Pam Weaver. I’ve read a lot of this authors books and have always enjoyed them and this one was no exception. From the first page I was hooked on this story and it held my interest all the way through. An easy but compelling read which I highly recommend.

As usual from this author a great family saga. Love the emotional twists and turns in this book. A great curl up and lose yourself book and will as always await another great story to be written .
Great read.

A lovely book to read, I was interested as soon as I started it. It was a genre I love and I have read Pam Weaver’s books before so I knew what to expect. What I love about her books is that you can count on them to make you feel so much better when times are tough as they are for all of us at the moment. Although most of her books centre around the war it always seems to have a lighter side to her stories which is just what I want. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this Arc.
Absolutely beautiful story. Lots of shocks and tears. Nevertheless this was a story beautifully told. Full of compassion. Thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.

***Warning: this book contains upsetting detail about the prejudice against African people by Americans during WW2.***
What a brilliant and enthralling read. Pam Weaver’s new book is extremely well written and sympathetically told. I have read all her books and this is by far the best one. It was a real pleasure to review it. She has researched the subject well, and is not afraid to provide graphic detail about the hatred and contempt for black people during the last war. A must read.