Rosie is a brilliant author -this book does not disappoint. It is set in the war years in Bristol. Abigail the main character has a hard start in life, but survives through shear grit and determination. War efforts and the relationships she makes along the way help to transport the reader back in time. A really enjoyable, excellent book.

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 yourself worth. An easy story to read and lovely characters .

Rosie James writes beautifully and this book is initially set in rural Somerset before moving to Bristol during World War II. As this is my home town I am well aware of the heavy bombing during the Blitz, with all the various locations I am familiar with.

However, the story is really about friendship, and there is a sort of happy ending.

Perfect for a TV show - keep it up Rosie!

Thanks to Net Galley and HQ Digital for the chance to read and review.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

Another fabulous book from Rosie.

It’s now June 1939 and at Coopers Cottage, Somerset Valley, Abigail Wilson lives with her Aunt Edna and her Daughter Emily Grace, she’s only nineteen years old, and as her aunt has said to her on occasions - she’s brought shame on her aunt. Now she wants to free herself from the stranglehold of Coopers and her aunt.

Finally, that day has come, she leaves Coopers with her daughter and begins an adventure setting off for Bristol, along with a possibility of war.

Soon she makes friends with Eileen matthews and Carrie Waters and Janet from Robertson Cafe.

Then, finding work part time work in a cafe and a bookshop along with finding lodges with her friend Eileen and her mother Gladys.

I loved it. Recommend it.

An uplifting novel of friendship and starting afresh.
Abigail decides it’s time to leave Coopers with her daughter Emily to start a very different life in Bristol. Having led a rural life before, Bristol is a different way of life for them both.
Knowing she needs to find somewhere for them both to live and find a job as the money she brought won’t last long she sets out to do this, making long lasting friendships along the way.
Although set during world war 2 this story is more about friendship, believing in yourself and starting a new life. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, the first novel I have read by this author but would definitely pick another of her books up.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.

Abigails parent's had died so she was living with her aunt and was barely allowed out of the house due to all the work that needed sound. Abigail met Luke at school and she would sneak off to see him. They fell in love and he promised once he had finished his further education he would come back for her. The day she realised she was pregnant she went to tell him but they had moved out! The letter he wrote didn't reach her. So she and her young daughter moved to Bristol in the hopes that he would attend university there like his father did.

I enjoyed reading this story about Abigail and little Emma. It's a slow paced idyllic story about being brave to face the unknown but always has her daughter's best interest at heart. She finds strength from her dead father's words and also from Luke and holds on to the hope that they will meet again. It's quite a touching read and you can't help but hope she does find Luke. Loved the happy ending.

Abigail Wilson leaves her home at Coopers Cottage in Somerset for a new start in Bristol and soon makes some friends and then finds work.Can she have the life she wants or will her Aunts parting words come true.A pleasent book to read although i did struggle to get into it at first.

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.

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.

If you love war books, 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. Rill in the next one