Sometimes you get a book where you want to do extra digging, for example, for some reason, I saw the blurb and was intrigued to know whether Hammersmith Palais de Danse existed. It turns out it did, but my point is more that some books have that je-ne-sais-quoi quality that just piques the interest and this is one of those. Turns out it had a rich and varied history and this is what is depicted in the book. Fiona Ford is known for doing research and it turns out she doesn’t just do that well, she also manages to turn it into great fiction.

The book not only charts the varied times and challenges of the music hall, but also the highs and lows of her characters as they face uncertain times with war becoming stronger with the blitz now underway. There’s often something poetic in a way when both characters and something inanimate, in this case the Hammersmith Palais de Danse are facing challenges. Ford has captured this very well and in a way that is compelling and that makes you care.

The characters are strong and get on with the job at hand of trying to keep the Hammersmith Palais de Danse going when the men go off to war. There are, however blossoming friendships through the various turbulent times that war brings, both on the world and personally. It’s a moving book to really get stuck into.

A brilliant read and one I really enjoyed. The characters are loveable and varied, the plot is one that is engaging and medium paced. I found myself completely drawn into the story and enjoyed the writing style.

Thank you to NetGalley for this copy. This is a really good book, kept me entertained throughout and I would thoroughly recommend to all.

This story certainly brings out the feeling of friendship at the beginning of the Second World War in London.

The characters were easy to relate too with the story flowing along nicely, but unfortunately I did feel story was let down at the end with loose ends left for the next in the series.

This book is one of fun, friendship and music. I didn't sense much depth to the writing or characterisation but it is a good easy going holiday read despite being set during a rough time in history.

What more do you need, this book has it all. The war, action, drama, friendship and plenty more. could you ask for, this is a great read and well worth 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

Wonderful WW2 fiction which I absolutely adore! I’ll be looking forward to the next instalment
Thanks so much for the ARC

This is book one of a new series by Fiona Ford. It’s based at the Hammersmith Palais during World War Two. It has a good mix of characters to enjoy following the ups and downs of their journeys through this difficult time. Make sure to have your tissues handy as you quickly become drawn into the characters lives. I loved it and didn’t want to put it down. I look forward to more from the Good Time Girls when the next book comes out in October 22. A five star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Stunning. The magic of music and the dance halls and the strength of friendhip comes alive in this book as a soothing balm against a backdrop of war, suffering, loss and anxiety. Fiona Ford immediately immerses us into the WW11 era of 1940s London and the Hammersmith Palais de Danse. We meet a group of young women: Violet; Renee; Temperance and Nancy and watch their blossoming friendships amidst the Troubles of the times and personal difficulties. They support each other through the highs and turbulence in this historical saga that brings is back in time to the action, drama and romance of the war era. It is beautifully and sensitively written, and woven with mystery and suspense. The book isnthe first in what promises to be a wonderful series. A female centred book, depicting the forging of women holding together the home front as the country is at war. The women work hard, and find respite and relief in moments of dancing and music. A remarkable and moving story. #thegoodtimegirlsatwar #fionaford #netgalley

I really tried to love this book. The market is so saturated with World War books in the historical fiction category, that one has to execute their writing extremely well to compete in this particular genre. This happens to be my all time favorite genre ever, which makes me highly critical and hard to impress unfortunately, as I read copious books in the genre. I found the characters to lack dimension and development and their relationships to lack depth or substance. The plot didn't pull me in or give me an insatiable appetite to keep going with this book. This was my first by Fiona Ford, and I will certainly give her another chance with any future endeavors. However, it is not in my usual practice to leave poor reviews for books that just weren't for me. This book will be a 4-5 star rating for plenty of readers! I dislike the distasteful act of leaving unfavorable reviews for books on public forums as I feel it gives readers a predisposition to the book. I will leave my feedback on this platform solely. Thanks so much for the opportunity to receive this ARC and leave an honest review!

There aren't many books that have me reaching for the tissues, but the Good Time Girls at War had me sobbing so hard I had to stop reading at one point!!

Believable, The characters were likeable, even the rogues of Bill, Larry and George had me tutting and both angry and amused in equal measure.

I loved how the story both combined the love and loss experienced throughout the war with the difficulties of racial discrimination and mixed race relationships. It will have you reflecting on your own views today, and how social history has both moved on in some respects but sadly has stood still in others.

I highly recommend this book.

Another great WW2 saga, highly enjoyable, I loved it and read it very quickly. All the characters were warm and interesting even the miserable ones. A great read. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

The Good Time Girls at War by Fiona Ford takes us back to 1940 in London to the Hammersmith Palais de Danse. We get to meet Renee, Nancy, Violet, Maisie, and Temperance who work at the esteemed Palais. The Good Time Girls as they are called are a diverse group with each woman having a different job at the Palais. They all work together to entertain the people who visit the beautiful dance hall. There is drama, romance, action, a touch of suspense, and a wee mystery or two in The Good Time Girls at War. There is quite a bit going on in this historical novel. Each character has their own backstory and storyline. We also get to meet family members and other workers at the Palais. I like the diverse cast of characters in this story. We get to see how the attitudes of people and the war affect each one of them. I like all the strong female characters in the book. We get to see how the friendships at the Palais help each one of them and bind the group together as a family. Of course, there are a few bad eggs (what family does not have a black sheep or two). I thought the author captured the time period and the location. It was interesting learning about the Palais. I would have loved to have seen in its heyday. I did find the pacing to be a little slow because there were so many characters and storylines. The Good Time Girls at War is a good book, but a little fine tuning would have made it a great tale. I liked seeing the employees at the Palais come together as friends and a makeshift family. It was great the way they were there for each other. The ladies had each other’s backs. I thought The Good Time Girls at War was an emotional story with grief, fear, joy, kindness, anger, frustration, and love. The Good Times Girls at War is a charming historical novel with shocking secrets, dazzling dancers, bombs bursting, a bungling buffoon, a churlish MC, a meddlesome mother-in-law, and forever friends.

The Good Time Girls at War is a great read about an area of WW2 I've never read about before, the dance halls, theatres and the girls who helped keep them going.
Fiona Ford also brings into her story other problems of the day, some of which are still causing difficulties in the present day. The characters are mostly likeable, but a few being rather unsavoury!! All very plausible and scenarios they find themselves in are very understandable considering the threats the country lived with.
I've read a few of Fiona Ford and always found her books to be easily read and very enjoyable, this new book doesn't disappoint!

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for the advance copy of this title.
My first read by Fiona Ford and I LOVED it!!
Brilliant start to a new series
Roll on book 2

What a great book! It all centres round the Hammersmith Palais where life is never dull.
Sisters Violet and Maisie apply for jobs which they are thrilled to get even although their mother Betty says they will be no better than they should be working in “that place”. The girls quickly blend in, being known collectively as “The Good Time Girls” along with Nancy, Renee and Temperance. It’s a lovely story of family, friendship, love & rivals.
The only downside was that it finished. Worthy of way more than ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a joy! Set during the Blitz at the Hammersmith Palais de Danse, ( I remember it simply as the Hammersmith Palais during the 80's.)
Violet try's to begin a new life and in meeting up with Nancy they throw themselves into dancing and fun but life doesn't always goes to plan.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy in return for my honest review.

A good first installment in a new series by Fiona Ford, The Good Time Girls At War introduces us to the staff of the Palais in Hammersmith. The dance hall is determined to continue to entertain and serve the public through the Nazi threat, and this book introduces us to the owners, dancers and other staff who help keep the dance hall running.

I really enjoyed the introduction to Nancy, Temperance, Violet, Maisie and their friends and family. The story evoked a multitude of emotions - grief, anger, fear, happiness - and was an enjoyable read. It provides a very solid foundation for the series to run and run, and I'll definitely be looking out for the next book to see what happens to them all!

Firstly thank you Netgalley for this ARC. Lovecthe author love her books. This was a brilliant read loved it so much couldn't put it down. Felt like I was one of the girls

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the stories of the girls who worked at the dance hall during the war. A story of love, loyalty and friendship which was both touching and sad with its ups and downs. Very well written. I loved all the characters. I was captivated from the beginning. I look forward to reading more from this series.