Member Reviews
This is the third in the series. I love the characters within this book. The writing is so good.
A great historical fiction saga series
A charming and highly uplfting read that I loved from start to finish. It's a lovely series and I hope to read more in the future.
I was not aware this was the third book in the Bryant Sisters Series so was slightly worried that it would affect the read BUT thankfully the previous 2 books were briefly recapped over a few chapters which helped to get the feel of what had happened beforehand.
This is a real heartwarming read that really comes alive.
Set in 1946, post war, this follows the lives of the sisters after everything they have been through during the war.. relationships, trauma, drama and triumphs.
I so enjoyed this book and have since downloaded the previous two in the series so may come back and reread once I have read them in order.
My only downside was that I felt the ending was too fast.
Huge thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
I love this series, the story of women catch in the turmoil of history and how it affects them and their life.
There's a lot going on, war is over and there's hope for a new beginning. Not everything is fine and there're some darker moment when the book deals with issues like racism.
The characters are fleshed out and likeable as usual, the historical background is vivid, and the plot flows and kept me hooked.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I have read the previous two books in the series so it was good to be able to be involved again with the lives of Bella, Edie and Fran and their extended families and neighbours. The story runs straight on from book 2 but you can read it as a standalone as Pam Howes weaves the back story nicely into the current one, so you feel that you know the characters well. You could feel the vibrancy and energy of Liverpool after the war coming through and you felt happy that everyone seemed to be getting on with their lives and that they were now happy. All three girls had their own stories but were linked together with the main story running through the book. I don't know if we will be joining them again, but hopefully we will to carry on into the 50's in Liverpool.
A heart warming story continues the series featuring the Bryant sisters and their families. Great to read how they are all getting on in the aftermath of the war. Troubles,strife but much happiness.
I couldn’t put this book down! Had me gripped from the start and I couldn’t put the book down! Definitely read the whole series in order as it really pulls at the heartstrings and you form such attachments with the characters it’s amazing!
This book was no different and it was actually really nice to see the girls outside of the war world
My Review
I have read the first book in this series and I was unable to read book two. This is the third and final book in the series and believe me, I was very lost.
I think it was because I missed book two and I read book one last year. Partly my fault, maybe. I was not aware of when the ARC of book two was released.
I had a hard time familiarizing myself with the characters. Luckily for me, brief references were made in the plot from book 1.
I will suggest you get the three books complete before you start reading so you don’t struggle to enjoy this book.
While reading this book, the food mentioned there got me hungry. I love the love and friendship existing between the characters in the book.
The book cover is beautiful and I am looking forward to reading other books by the same author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
This is the third & final book in the Bryant Sisters that follows three friends throughout the second world war. Bella, Fran & Edie worked in Byant & May's match making factory before the war & as keen singers they entertained their workmates at break times by their singing. They spent the war years going around bases entertaining the troops. Now the war is over they are settling down to peacetime life & to marriage & motherhood. Bella had a brief fling with a black American musician & is a devoted mum to five year old Levi. The story covers subjects as diverse as colour prejudice, disability & domestic violence.
I have enjoyed this series & am sorry to say goodbye to the characters I've grown to know & love. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
The Mothers of Victory Street by Pam Howes has readers journeying back in time to 1946 in Wavertree where Bella, Fran, and Edie (aka The Bryant Sisters) are moving on with their lives now that the war is over. The three women are married and live near each other. With the war over, the families can now get on with their postwar lives. We get to join The Bryant Sisters and their families as they experience life’s ups and downs. I thought The Mothers of Victory Street was well-written with steady pacing. The characters are realistic and developed. I like that the author gives us a realistic look at life (it is not all sunshine and rainbows). The Mothers of Victory Street is a full book with romance, tragedy, heartbreak, grief, births, and shocking surprises. The book description does not do this novel justice. That is only one storyline in the book. While The Mothers of Victory Street can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the series in order. I enjoyed reading this delightful story that transports readers back to postwar Liverpool. I stayed up late to find out how The Mothers of Victory Street would end. I did feel a bit of a letdown with one storyline which really did not have a shocking upset. I thought the author captured time and place especially with her timely movie references. The Bryant Sisters is my favorite series by Pam Howes. The Mothers of Victory Street is a charming historical saga with a bouncing baby, a tragic accident, new neighbors, an alienated daughter, a wonderful wedding, and melodic mates.
It’s 1946 and the Bryant sisters have moved on with their lives now that the war has come to an end. The devastating war that took the lives of so many people, including Bella Harrison’s father and sister. The aftermath lives on and the new way of life is much different than how it used to be. Bella wonders how and if they will ever be able to rebuild Victory Street. Bella is happily married to Bobby and they are enjoying their life with five year old Levi. Fran and Frankie have their daughter Lorraine, and Edie and Stevie are expecting their first child. The family dynamics of the sisters is so enthralling and the story is so well portrayed, that you feel as if you are actually part of the family. I always love returning to Victory Street with the Bryant Sisters. The plot twists and turns of this story make it unputdownable and unforgettable. I loved this series from beginning to end.
Thank you Pam Howes for yet another emotional and inspiring story. This unforgettable story is beautifully written and engaging and will definitely be remembered. This must read series is sure to be one of your favorites. The characters were relatable and I highly recommend this entire series, it was absolutely amazing.
The Mothers of Victory Street is another installment in the Bryant Sisters saga. World War II is now over and life is relatively normal. It's been the worst winter in over a hundred years and that has resulted in some problems with food: shortages and transportation. Frankie and Fran have settled in with their baby girl, Edie and Stevie are expecting a baby within a few months, and Bobby Bella are settling into their lives in the big house. Fenella and Basil plan to marry and Bobby and Basil are starting a music booking and recording business. The Bryant Sisters have not performed since their triple weeding but there is talk of a comeback. Bobby has legally adopted Levi and he is in school now. The only fly in the ointment is that woman who stares at them meanly at church. Molly is in teacher training and Mary and Martin are stepping out together. Everything is going smoothly. You know that can't last.
This series is full of people who have personalities and their won problems. They are all friends and that is important after all they have been through. This is a thoroughly enjoyable slice-of-life series, following these same folks as they make their way through life. They are all very likable, and this is a positive series, with a spin that almost makes the reader wonder. Bad things happen, but never permanently. It is really an upbeat and joyous book. I have loved reading about these families in a different time, in a different country. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Mothers of Victory Street by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #themothersofvictorystreet
While it would be ideal to read the other two books in the series before this one, the author has thoughtfully summarised the story at the start of the book, so you can dip into the story immediately.
The war is over and Britain is trying to get back to normal.
Bella, Edie and Fran are now married and while Edie has her baby during the course of this book, Bella has her son and Fran has little girl.
Bella and Bobby, childhood sweethearts, have now settled into marriage and parenthood. Bobby has officially adopted, Levi, Bella’s son by an American pilot, Earl Franklin Junior . Both their families now live under one roof and get on splendidly.
Bobby and the Bryant Sisters’ manager, Basil, are all set to start a studio and a music label and they plan to get the Bryant Sisters performing again.
When Bella hears from Earl that he is planning to relocate with his family to the UK, she starts to worry that he might want to claim Levi. Bobby on his part, is worried that Bella will get back together with Earl, especially as Bobby’s injuries prevent them from having another child.
While being mainly the story of Bella, this has several other stories going on which make the book so engrossing. The characters too are really well etched.
There are quite a few people finding love and there’s one marriage – Fran’s, that ends very badly! I enjoyed the details of the food, the children playing, the music and all sweet romance. The author gives us an insight into the strength of people who having gone through the terrible war years, must now make the best of limited resources and try to rebuild the country.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that there will soon be book #4 of this wonderful series.
The Mothers of Victory Street By Pam Howes #Book3 @Bookouture @PamHowes1 #Blogtour
24/7/20210 Comments
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From Amazon charts bestseller Pam Howes comes a heartbreaking and uplifting historical novel about a young woman trying to snatch her chance at happiness amongst the ruins of World War Two.
1946, Liverpool. Bella Harrison cannot believe the devastating war that stole the lives of her father and sister is truly over at last. She wonders how they will ever rebuild Victory Street with the city in ruins, and half their neighbours gone. But for now, she and her childhood sweetheart Bobby are happy newlyweds, doting on Bella’s little son, her child with black American pilot, Earl Franklin Junior.
With the other members of Bella’s wartime singing trio, The Bryant Sisters, busy starting families of their own, Bella focuses on recording and writing songs with her husband. Everything seems to be falling into place until they get a surprising letter: Earl is moving to England and wants to see them.
Earl arrives and is delighted to see that his son is well and happy. He joins them as a singer and together, they start recording songs. But one night as Earl leaves the recording studio, a racist gang brutally attacks him and sets the place alight, leaving Bobby trapped inside. Meanwhile, Bella is at home, waiting to tell Bobby a devastating secret…
With peace in Liverpool at last, Bella had hoped for a brighter future. But as she faces her life being ripped apart once again, can she rediscover the strength that carried her through the war?
A totally unputdownable, heart-wrenching historical novel, packed with family secrets, perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Diney Costeloe and Nancy Revell.
What readers are saying about Pam Howes:
‘Gripped me from the first page… Tearful at times, but equally filled with joy at others… I really enjoyed this book and once started I found it difficult to put it down!… Would definitely recommend!!’ Goodreads reviewer
‘I absolutely adored this book! I could not put it down, probably the fastest I have read a book… If you enjoy historical fiction, you will love this. The perfect book to curl up on the sofa with.’ Raesbookshelf
‘Utterly impossible for me to put down. A heartbreaking story… I really haven’t been able to put this one down and found I had devoured the entire book in just one sitting… I have loved this book so much, I wish I could give it five hundred stars.’ Little Miss Book Lover 87 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘I was hooked… I wiped tears away tears… If you love a really good wartime saga, then this is definitely the book for you!’ Stardust Book Reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘I absolutely loved this book… A heartbreaking story but one that gets you so engaged in it you cannot put it down… Will keep you reading and enjoying right to the very last page… and will desperately want more.’ Vicki, I Love Reading UK ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘I absolutely fell in love… Utterly unputdownable, it will have you hooked from the first page.’ Confessions of a Bookaholic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘I loved every minute of the story… I couldn’t put this down… Five stars from me.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 3, What a superb Family Saga this has turned out to be. I absolutley loved each book in this series and the family and friendships, the bonds that the characters have is first class.
The Bryant sisters are moving on with life after the war. Married Bella and her husband Bobbi seem to have it all, with their beautiful little boy Levi, life finally seems to be going in the right direction for them. Along with Fran and Edie the ladies are still good friends, alough they haven't sang together for a while, the girls are hoping that will change soon.
This is a saga that packs so much into it. Everything you want from an amazing read. Love, life, hurt, happiness its all in here all mixed up in a big bowl and baked into the perfect story.
I felt there was some real raw emotions coming from these pages. Characters have to have downs when they need ups and this was done perfectly. I loved the story behind why Bella and Bobby were staying with a once child family, i felt the emotions for them .
When Levi's biological father decides he wants to return to England and get to know his son, it really got me worrying for the family and how things would work out.
Although Bella and Bobby are the main 'couple in this story, it's brilliant how the lives of their friends and family are all interwoven around this.
I would have loved to have watched this as a drama, I think it would make amazing TV.
I have never yet been disappointed by this authors writing and her books are first class, I have no hessitation in recomending them to anyone who enjoys a great family saga or just a damn good read.
I just absolutely love this series and I’m so thrilled whenever a new one comes out.
Things have changed a lot for The Bryant Sisters by the time this novel comes along. War is over, and all three of them have married.
Bella is married to Bobby, and they’re so happy, but she worries that Levi might never have a sibling, and when Earl says that he’s coming to England, she worries that it might cause problems for her and Bobby.
Fran’s marriage is not what she had hoped for, and she has a lot of difficult decisions to make, and things aren’t going too smoothly for Edie either.
This book was such an enjoyable read from start to finish, I found myself immediately immersed back into the characters’ lives and was totally absorbed by it.
Will the girls get together and sing again, and will this be the last in this wonderful series? I really hope we hear more from the girls of Victory Street, as I just love this series. A gorgeous addition to the collection, this is a captivating read about family, friendship and love.
Full of hope and heart, Pam Howes’ The Mothers of Victory Street is an emotional and engrossing saga that is a joy to get lost in.
It’s 1946 and the war is over at last. Although the devastating effects of this wretched conflict are still being felt all over England, Bella Harrison and her childhood sweetheart Bobby are the happiest they’ve been in a long time. The two of them are looking to the future and are busy building a new life for themselves with Bella’s little son, the child she had with black American pilot, Earl Franklin Junior. With the other members of the Bryant Singing Trio starting families of their own, Bella is keeping busy writing and recording songs with Bobby, however, the newlyweds have the rug well and truly pulled out from under their feet when they receive a letter from Earl explaining that he is moving to England and wants to see his son and become a part of his life.
Earl is happy to reconnect with his son and to see him thriving under Bella and Bobby’s care. However, some of the people in the neighbourhood do not exactly lay out the red carpet for him and one night, racist thugs brutally attack him and set fire to the studio where Bobby is trapped inside! Meanwhile, Bella is anxiously waiting for her husband back home about to reveal a devastating secret to him. Peace has at long last come to Liverpool and Victory Street, but as Bella finds herself forced to fight for the ones she loves all over again, she finds herself needing all of the strength and courage that had seen her through the war for the family that means the world to her.
Saga fans will thoroughly enjoy being back in Victory Street and catching up with Bella and her family and her friends. In The Mothers of Victory Street, Pam Howes has once again written a heart-wrenching and dramatic saga that kept me on the edge of my seat and she plays a blinder by writing so brilliantly about love, loyalty and the resilience needed to keep on fighting for the ones you love, even when the situation seems hopeless and desperate. Pam Howes never shies away from describing the harsh realities of life after the war, but never resorts to melodrama or sentimentality, but writes from the heart and leaves readers spellbound from start to finish.
Gritty, gripping and hard to put down, Pam Howes is on top form with her latest saga, The Mothers of Victory Street.
The Mothers of Victory Street is the third in the Byrant Sisters series by Pam Howes. A quick recap on the previous two books is given in several paragraphs close to the beginning of the story but to get a true sense of Bella, our main character and all the various ongoing storylines I would suggest reading from the beginning if you haven’t previously done so. It’s been an enjoyable series so far. These books are very much quick and easy reads that are ideal for when you want a read that is not too taxing but yet provides interesting plots to keep the reader guessing as to what could happen to characters you easily come to care for.
It’s December 1946 and Bella, her family and friends are slowly becoming used to life post war. There are still plenty of struggles and angst to endure particularly as the first few months of 1947 prove to be very cold with some of the worst weather ever recorded. I felt the book picked up perfectly from where the previous story had left off and it was like returning to old friends. Bella is now married to Bobby and they are raising her son Levi whom she had with American GI, Earl. He is now back home in America and life for Bella is starting to return to normal and she is beginning to move forward with her life although the fact the injuries Bobby sustained during the war has prevented them from having children together still eats away at her. But still Bella is a great character who has really grown since we were first introduced to her. She has been through so much and has emerged out the other side far stronger and better equipped to deal with what life may throw at her.
Although Bella is the main character in this series I was delighted to see that at last her fellow friends and singers Edie and Fran, who help Bella make up the Byrant Sisters, finally get to feature more heavily in the story. I have wanted this to happen for ages as I have always felt they were left on the side-lines and would have interesting stories to share. Now that Bella has been through the ringer and is finding some happiness in her life I was glad to see the other girls step into the spotlight as did some other members of Bella’s family. That’s not to say Bella was forgotten about completely, we see how she is coping with married life and how young Levi is starting to see how the world views a mixed race child. The issue of racial prejudice and bullying is explored here but even more detail would have been welcome. I found that happened several times overall. Something would happen and it would before it had been explored in any significant detail. The pace of things happening was almost frantic at times and a little more in-depth detail and a slower pace would have allowed the reader to digest things more before the next event occurred.
Bobby himself is grappling with the fact that he can’t provide what Bella would so wish for and that’s something he will have to learn to live with. Earl does make a reappearance in this book and it’s like he is sent to upset the apple cart and the bliss Bella is finding in her life. But I loved how this strand of the story eventually worked out even though the romance element regarding Earl, it felt a bit strange given the various connections. Still if love comes calling you don’t refuse to answer it especially if you have been through such difficult and challenging times. I really did enjoy seeing how the family unit worked as Bella and Bobby live with his mother Fenella and Bella’s mother Mary and sister Molly. It was so lovely to see given how during the war people had been separated and torn apart for so long.
But what held my attention the most was the storylines involving Fran and Edie. Both girls are now married to Frankie and Stevie respectively having had a triple wedding celebration with Bella. Edie is expecting a baby and has just moved into Victory Street where Rita and Charlie are their new neighbours. They themselves had an interesting story and one which I suspect was all too common during those times especially post war. Edie is the more sensible of the pair as I felt Fran had such bitterness eating away at her for quite some time in the book. There was a bit of drama surrounding Edie which resolved itself quickly. This being a prime example as I have mentioned up above of things needing a bit more fleshing out at certain points.
Fran had the more dominant storyline. She soon discovered that for her married life wasn’t a bed of roses and that a lot of men weren’t particularly happy that women were going to continue to work outside the home post war. Singing with the girls gave Fran such joy and she liked having some money of her own. But Frankie was a character who had done a complete 360 since she had first met him. Life working at the docks was not for him and endless jibes from his workmates regrarding Fran’s work situation didn’t help either. Descent into drink made him a brute and all the sweet talking and promises that had made Fran fall in love with him just disappeared down the drain. He was a nasty piece of work that at a pivotal point in the story I feared what the repercussions of his actions would be for all involved. Fran was treated more like a skivvy than a wife and I think it influenced other areas in her life and started to affect her relationship with her friends. She certainly jumped the gun at one stage which would have had the most disastrous of consequences if she had pursued it.
All in all The Mothers of Victory Street is another enjoyable read from Pam Howes and is perfect for family saga readers who like something a little on the lighter end of the spectrum. I felt the ending was a little abrupt with things wrapping up to quickly but that only made me think is there room for one more book to finish off the series and have things come full circle for all involved?
This is the third book of the Bryant Sisters of Victory Street saga. It’s now 1946 the war is over and Bella, Fran and Edie are settling down to lives as wives and mothers. Bella is so happy to be back with her true love Bobby, the only thing spoiling things is that after Bobby’s plane crash he’s unable to give the baby brother or sister she so badly wants for Levi. An unexpected turn of events sees Earl Levi’s biological father move to England to be in his young son’s life. He comes with his daughter too worrying Bella that he’s giving Levi something that her and Bobby can’t. I really enjoyed catching up with all the girls and their families. I am hoping that Pam is busy writing book four now so I don’t have too long before catching up with them all again. A well deserved five stars.
This is another of the wartime singers, The Bryant Sisters, this is just as great as the first two books in this series. After the troubles that came with the war and the loss of so much and so many they hope to build on their lives and singing but things don't always go to plan. Read to find out what happens. This is another 5 star book and I recommend it to you.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC
Oh, once again Pam has enthralled us with her wonderful stories.
In this book 3 of the sisters, we are revisiting The Bryant sisters, Bella who is married to Bobby, Edie who is married to Stevie and Fran who is married to Frankie.
The war is over and families are trying to put their lives back in order. Bellas' little boy Levi is now 5 years old and a ray of sunshine in the family household. He is Bella's child by an American soldier Earl, who went back to his wife, so Bobby adopted him. Up until now, they have been so happy. Then from out of the blue, Bella receives a letter from Earl that after losing his wife he is bringing his sister and daughter to Liverpool to live. He wants to see his son grow up but not take him away from Bella and Bobby's care.
What follows is love, heartbreak, turmoil and drama.
This was another great book in the series, Pam really knows how to reach her readers. I have loved and followed all of her books whether it is about Victory Street, Lark lane or the Rock and roll years her books are a pleasure to read.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this excellent book. xxx