Member Reviews

3.75 stars. I like the story for the most part, but there were some flaws for me about the characters. I didn't like Ava until she gained some character development, and it was terrible that Olivia who is the most likable main character has experienced cases of tragedy.

Was this review helpful?

Another great historical fiction book. I have loved every book I have read by Soraya M. Lane and cannot wait to read more of her books. I would highly recommend this book to any historical fiction lovers.

Was this review helpful?

This was the third book I've read by Soraya Lane and she hasn't disappointed yet. I had not read about women motorcycle drivers during WWII previously so I found it quite interesting to read about these little known women. A lovely and tragic story. Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy.

Was this review helpful?

A story of love, loss, friendship, resilience against the backdrop London during WWII. Three brave young women from various backgrounds building a family from the ashes of their lives.

Was this review helpful?

I am all about this author and her books!!! I have been into historical fiction for around 3 years now and definitely have developed my favorite list of authors! Ms Lane is high up on that list. The storyline and the character development is always on. I know when I see her name it is going to be a must read.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

London during the Blitz and three brave women determined to make a difference. Although these characters are the work of this author's imagination, they were formed on research and actual history. It was easy to love each one of them. What a courageous bunch with two of them riding motorcycles through war-torn London to get important messages into the hands of the British. The other became an ambulance driver and took risks I think most wouldn't to try to save people. To think of the children they saved and preserving generations to come. They deserved to be acknowledged and I think Soraya did it in the best possible way. I truly hope this book landed in the lap of one of the Wrens or even a family member. Great read! Netgalley gifted me with an ARC and I'm happy to post a review.

Was this review helpful?

The London Girls yet again another fantastic historical fiction set in WW2 by the excellent Soraya M Lane. I did not know much the motorcycle dispatchers and how they used women to free up the men but I can assure you that I am going to research this more throughly. I absolutely loved this book by the characters and the storyline. You know you are reading a great book when it makes you laugh one minute than cry in sadness the next.

Was this review helpful?

I love Soraya Lane, and even though her novels are formulaic, this one was fantastic! She always writes from the perspective of three women, each usually with love interest, set in World War 2. I know it, and I’m still here for every single one of her books. This one was really great. I highly recommend if you like WW2 historical fiction.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed reading this book it is a strong historical fiction. I loved it because it was so different from other books I have read. The occupation that the women choose is full of danger and I for one found it exhilarating.

Was this review helpful?

I received early access to The London Girls by Soraya M. Lane through NetGalley, however I did not finish it until after publication. This is my second novel by Lane and I think she has become a new favorite author for me and automatic purchase. Her goal in novels is to highlight the heoric women of WWII and their contributions to the war effort. In The London Girls, Ava, Olivia, and Florence are wrens who become the first female motorcycle dispatch riders and ambulance driver. I loved the friendship these women developed. Lane takes us on their nightly adventures during numerous bombings of London including the night of the blitz. There was even a little romance mixed into the story line as well. This is a must read historical fiction novel!

Was this review helpful?

Once again, another fabulous book based on real people and events which I find so interesting and informative. This type of historical fiction always draws me in. 3 women who didn’t know each other before they joined the WRENS .

The Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS), also known as the Wrens, was formed in 1917 during the First World War, as a branch of the Royal Navy.

The initial intention behind the Wrens was that the service would free up men for frontline action by serving in roles such as cooks, dispatch riders and sail-makers.

Olivia, Ava, and Florence come from different backgrounds and home lives but after joining the WRENS they wanted to do all they could for their country and signed up to be motorcycle dispatch riders. Navy dispatch riders, all women who deliver urgent orders and messages between headquarters and military units. These women performed bravely and heroically in London. The women willingly risk life and limb for their country.

Pub Date 08 Nov 2022

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.

All opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Soraya M Lane does it again. I was lucky enough to get a ARC of this book from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing. I am never disappointed by any book I’ve read by Ms Lane, and this book was no different. Anyone who asks me for historical fiction recommendations hears her name.

The London Girls is about motorcycle dispatch riders. Three women, Olivia, Ava and Florence meet when they try out to ride. As the bombs fall in London, we follow these three courageous women through their experiences. Death surrounds them at every turn, like in any instance of war, but you see the strength of their friendship and relationships with others withstand all the ugliness.

Another spectacular WWII book.

Was this review helpful?

Such a great books about women in London during WWII who risked their lives to deliver important was documents and drive ambulances. Bombs killed some of them, but yet there were people who didn't think it was a women's place to be involved. Lots of respect for them from me. An exciting story.

Was this review helpful?

FANTASTIC READ! An Historical Fiction set during WWII. We come to know the main characters very early on. Ava, Olivia and Florence. Each keeping secrets from the others about their personal lives. Ava and Olivia find what a home should feel like living with Florence and her grandmother’s home. The girls go from being WRENS. Once they have been on the jobs for six months , they see a flyer recruiting motorcycle riding dispatchers. Avery dangerous job, currently performed by men that are needed on the front lines. Tol opihe girls made the cut both Ava and Olivia. Florence was reassigned to Ambulance driver. Another necessary job to perform. I can’t find enough words to praise this book and highly recommend.. Special thanks to the following for allowing me to read. All opinions are totally my own. My first book by Soraya M. Lane but it won’t be my last. Looking forward to the next.
#NetGalley
#LakeUnionPublishing
#SorayaM.Lane
#TheLondonGirls
Pub Date: 08 Nov 2022
Go out now and get a copy for your treasure of a weekend read.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this.

I really enjoyed reading this and found myself crying at the end.

Based during WWII, three women, Olivia, Ava, and Florence all respond to a notice for motorcycle dispatch drivers, and upon meeting each other, they become fast friends. However, only Olivia and Ava pass the test, and Florence, showing her driving skills and not her motorcycle skills becomes an ambulance driver instead.

Each woman has their own reasons for joining up, and you learn more about them from their point of view in each chapter.

A gripping and touching story that will leave you in tears.

Was this review helpful?

I love books set around the Second World War, especially in my home town of London so I was excited to read this book.
From the start the characters came across as credible, relatable and as a reader I quickly became invested in their stories.
The book was fast paced and exciting with many emotional moments. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it gave me an insight into as aspect of the war that I knew nothing about.

Was this review helpful?

Many thanx to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for allowing me to read and review this book.

A story about WW2 and a wonderful new look at the brave women who risked all to help win the war!! Great characters and down to earth scenarios. Very brave young girls who volunteer to be motorcycle messengers in London.
Enjoyed this story as I have this author's other books.

Was this review helpful?

Based on historical fact it is a heart warming and gripping story about WRENs who risked their lives as motorcycle dispatch riders in WWII. All the horrors of war are honestly described, as are the attitudes towards women and their ‘proper’ roles, which had to be challenged and defeated by brave and determined women.

Was this review helpful?

A most enjoyable and emotional story and my first taste of this author. I look forward to any further titkes.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for the chance to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Soraya M. Lane is one of my favorite historical fiction writers, so I was very happy when I was approved to read and review this book. This is the story of three brave women who became motorcycle dispatch riders during the Great War (1941). This job was very dangerous because they were delivering highly classified orders throughout the city. They had to be very careful and use their wits so they would not get caught. This story takes place in London, so the title is perfect! I really liked this book! The young women were very likable, and they all had their own back story. I admire the strength and courage it took to do this incredible job. Highly recommend to all historical fiction fans!

Was this review helpful?