Member Reviews

Three young women meet at a WREN recruitment drive to find motorcycle couriers. WW2 is still in its early stages and women were deemed the last choice.
The story highlights the commitment these women had in their role in delivering messages to various establishments.
Through the pages we see plenty of love, friendship, loss and heartbreak.
Do these women and their love ones survive the war?

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The thing that I love most about reading is learning something new. This is especially true for historical fiction and even more so when it’s with authors like Soraya who are so passionate and meticulous. In all my years of reading about WWII I had never heard of female motorcycle dispatch drivers (Soraya admits this as well in her author notes) so when I saw this novel was about such an intriguing topic I couldn’t resist! This is my first by her but it absolutely won’t be my last!

During the time of the London Blitz, Olivia, Ava, and Florence all respond to a notice for motorcycle dispatch drivers at the head office where they all work as Wrens for the Women’s Royal Navy Service (WRNS). Women were needed to free up men to go to the front. Each of the women has their own unique reason why they want to sign up for such a dangerous task, each compelling in their own way. Olivia and Ava pass the test and Florence has the driving skills but not the motorcycle skills so she becomes an ambulance driver instead.

This gripping story is told in alternating narratives, each from a different woman’s perspective. The heart, bravery, grit, and friendship are solid throughout. Although it would seem that it would be constant sadness there are funny moments and of course poignant times as well. But, yes, keep the tissues handy.

The speed at which I added the rest of Soraya’s historical fiction catalog to my TBR list could rival Ava’s around a track.

Note: there are a few historical inaccuracies but the author explains these in her notes with good reason.

Thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK, and Lake Union for an early review copy!

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This is a book that doesn’t deserve to be put down! Joining the Wrens for various reasons, Ava for the freedom away from her controlling father, Florence to get away from her memories after losing her family in the blitz and Olivia to honour her brothers who are away fighting in the war. The girls soon become friends, meeting up when they get the chance. They even share family, notably Grandma Ivy who made me think of my own.
I read this book late into the night as I worried about the girls going about the city doing dangerous war work.
It’s the first book I’ve read about despatch riders. I had never thought about people during this time feeling guilty about being happy for birthdays, weddings etc when there was so much destruction and lose of life going on round about them.

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3 Wrens all are tempted by the offer to swap their admin roles at Norfolk House to become dispatch riders based from London releasing the men to the front line where they are needed for the War effort

Yes it's the 2nd World and its set in 1941 any things are changing it may of seemed strange at the time its a very different era! Ava a confident and beautiful lady (the authors descption not me being sexist she is described as a head turner and she loves it. Her new friends Olivia and Florence (Flo) are aot calmer and all prove more than able in the roles they take on and are a vital cog in the war machine that gave us victory. Hope that's not a plot spoiler but think most people know we won the war (the Allies) and its the men and women of the time that gave their lives and so much that we can have the life we have today. Times were a lot harder than they are today but think that's well established despite Covid and Putin.

Anyhow back to this wonderful novel that highlights just how valuable the women were as well as the men and the often forgotten but vital role they played. This plot has a lot of veriity a that I loved a touch of romance (not my favourite but this was really week done) lots of action in truth as it was at that time. I really enjoyed the characters the back stories how well it all was quilted together. There was a lot of loss family friends all loved one unfortunately that's what happened. I never realised the skill and bravery that these Ladies had to ride motorbikes at night with their lights of much of the time to avoid being seen in the blitz. If I see others driving or riding without lights at night now I can honestly say I don't have respect. Our heroines and the many others that actually did this wow no matter who they were it tooks guts. Bombs also created obstacles as well as killed.

Obviously that was all a big part of this great Novel but there was also the relationships the friendship as well as the lovers and family. This as I said had it all and it is a great read if your still wondering whether to get it or not my advice is YES absolutely. This is a five star read its yes informative it's entertaining and let's you escape into another time to zone out and we'll beat see for yourself.

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I loved this book! The story was an intriguing look at female motorcycle riders, and their contributions to the war efforts. The characters were so relatable I couldn't put the book down. A must read for historical fiction fans.

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Thank you to NetGalley for the ebook version. I enjoyed this book based on WWII. I have read several historical fiction books but never one about women being couriers on motorcycles. I loved the way the author had several different stories all intertwined into one amazing book. If your looking for a different take on a historical fiction book read this.

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I have read many WWII historical novels, but this one was especially well done. I had not read about the motorcycle dispatch riders. These three women were determined to help their country, though societal norms in the time were that women stayed out of the work place, and made a home for their husbands and children. They were brave and passionate and real heroes. Definitely worth reading! Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read the ARC.

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Thanks to Net Gallery for the ARC copy.
An unforgottable novel, with unforgottable charachers. Three woman (Olivia, Ava and Florence, all different but all determined) in serch of their identy during the WWII, between friendship, love and death. The story of the Wren and the motorcycle dispatch riders during the Blitz is thrilling and moving, but also shows the strenght and the will to protect the Country even in the worse adversity (such as wartime) from who is (well... was, at that time) supposed to stay home just waiting for things to happen and for man to came home. These woman, instead, fight for their country and for their life in spite of bombs, blackouts and infinite dangers.

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I loved this WW11 book that follows the lives of three very brave girls who volunteer to be motorbike dispatch riders.
The blitz in London was a very scary & dangerous place to be, but these girls faced danger everyday, to deliver important top secret messages that must be delivered at all costs.
It could cost them there lives & for so many It did as they put there country before their own safety.
Three women Olivia, Florence & Ava joined the Wrens when war broke out & are all feeling they could do more than they are.
When they see an opening for dispatch riders they all apply, not realising they will be laying their life on the line & it could be the death of them should they get through the training.
Although fictional the author has done their work well researching all the facts about dispatch riders during the blitz.
This one drew me in slowly as the brilliant storyline enfolded with its heartwarming, emotional & heartbreaking content.
This is a multilayered story where these girls sacrificed everything to do their bit for their country.
Strong friendships are made & will last a lifetime.
Brilliantly told story that although slower at start developed & grew throughout into a powerful captivating read.

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During the 1941 Blitz in London, three brave women sign up to do their best as motorcycle dispatch riders and ambulance drivers, braving the dangerous streets and roads over England. Staying alive and doing their part for their country takes all they have to keep going. Well written historical fiction.

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Soraya Lane has written another WWII book that portrays courageous, strong women stepping up to do their part in the war. Ava, Florence and Olivia each have reasons motivating them to become ambulance drivers or motorcycle dispatch riders in London, 1940. They quickly bond and bravely face their wartime jobs and lives.

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The London Girls is a great read that grips you right from the very start.

It's set in London during the Blitz in WW2 and follows three brave, courageous young women who volunteer their services for the war effort. Ava and Olivia train to become motorcycle dispatch riders, while their newfound friend Florence heads off to drive an ambulance, taking casualties from the nightly bombings to the hospital.

Faced with opposition on all sides, the trio band together to find the strength they need to continue their dangerous jobs night after night. They know that if all else fails, they will always have each other, and it's this strong bond that unites them despite their vastly different backgrounds and circumstances. Indeed, although this is primarily a story about the war, it's as much about the power of friendship as it is about fighting the enemy and joining the war effort.

All three of these women are inspirational, both in the context of the book and also today. It's incredible to think that this is based on a true story - while Ava, Olivia, and Florence may be fictional characters, many of the tasks they complete in the story were really carried out by real women during the war. These women stood their ground, determined to do their bit for the country despite facing massive adversity. It's great that The London Girls highlights their sacrifices, and brings their story into the light again today.

An immersive read with family at its heart, The London Girls is another great historical fiction novel from author Soraya M. Lane.

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My second Soraya M. Lane book and I highly enjoyed it! I just love her style of writing. Very engaging and free flowing.

It's a story about WW II and the time of the Blitz in London. It focuses on three ladies. Ava, Florence, and Olivia. The women are part of the WREN (Women's Royal Naval Service) who were established in 1940. As many more men were needed to fight the enemy front lines the Navy made a call out for current WRENS to apply to become, "Motorcycle dispatch riders." These riders were very important as they would be delivering top secret messages all across the country and into Scotland when needed...day or night. The story focuses on Ava and Olivia who become one of these riders and Florence who becomes an Ambulance driver.

Each of the three stories are very engaging. I felt many different emotions while reading this book and I loved how the focus was on the women and their courageous efforts. It was nice to read in the Author's notes at the end that parts of the story were based on factual people and events.

I'd like to Kindly thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK, and Lake Union Publishing for granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.

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Soraya Lane has become one of those authors that I want to read absolutely everything that she writes. Each book draws the reader into a particular time and place and makes them feel like they are a part of the story. I love this book.

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Another beautifully told story about women in World War 2, as Soraya M Lane does so well showing the strength and courage that they had, this one follows three woman who sign up for the navy to become motorcycle dispatch riders, they become true friends as they journey through the blitz bombings in 1941, come along and meet Ava, Olivia and Florence and do make sure you have tissues ready.

Ava is loving her job as a WREN, her life at home with her father is not the best and this job gives her some freedom, but when she sees the advertisement about the motorcycle riders she sees this as more adventure and freedom for her, and once Ava sets her mind to something nothing stands in her way.

Olivia also a WREN has driven motorcycles since she was a young girl and can’t wait to get back on one, and do more for the war effort transporting important documents around England in very dangerous times, she is engaged to Leo who is away fighting with her brothers.

Florence knows what it is like to lose loved ones having lost her family in one of the first bombings she wants to do more and help, she had been training as a nurse before the war and is now living with her beloved grandmother.

When these three girls meet the friendship is instant even though they are all different people from different lives but friends are friends and we see them grow up change through such dangerous times, becoming closer as the bombs tear London apart and riding motorcycles through bombings is not easy, Florence is now driving ambulances and rescuing as many people as she can.

These girls call themselves The London Girls and stand firm friends, as they find love and themselves, their hearts will be broken as well in these very hard times, I loved all three of these girls especially Ava to see her change so much through her journey, this is a fabulous story that I would highly recommend, beautiful and emotional.

My thanks to Netgalley for my copy to read and review.

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I loved this book as I have done with all of the books written by the author.

I was captivated from beginning to the end, crying at times, laughing and smiling also as I was swept along with the strong and brave characters in the book. The

Mixing historical fact with fiction, bringing together this time in history to explain the bravery and dedication of these (mostly) female motorcycle riders, delivering important and secret messages during the war. The story tells of lives lost and the strong friendships made between Olivia, Ava and Florence all from very different backgrounds.

A wonderful read.

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Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing!

I love the woman empowerment, the sisterhood and the friendships found within this book.
Despite a few sad parts this was a very light, easy and simple read.

The perfect pallet cleanser!

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Starts off with a bang, literally… a WWII drama based on the WREN’s who took on the dangerous role of courier bikers and ambulance drivers in London for the war effort.
A book about The Flying Wrens: All-female British dispatch riders of WWII which has not been widely written about.
Fictional but fact based with particular blitz dates used.
Strong female characters, with very different backgrounds with initially, being a part of the Women’s Royal Naval Service the only thing they had in common.
Well written, easy to read with three stories that cross paths due to the work Florence, Olivia and Ava do for their country. The unfolding of their stories is heartwarming, and heartbreaking with multiple layers.
Just all round fabulous storytelling. The emotion that rolls off the pages in the final part is brilliant writing hands down.
Highly recommend, this is my second book by this author and I’m already eyeing up the others already written!

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“You deliver those documents, even if it kills you.”

Thats the words that The Flying Wrens - motorcycle dispatch riders in WWII were told when they signed up to deliver important messages via motorbike.

A true historical novel where these events happened during WWII.

This is a story of three brave women who decide to take on a challenge which could cost their lives. A story about friendship, loss, family and i was captivated right from the very beginning.

I felt like I was there within the pages watching everything happen. I felt like I was a friend of all 3 of these brave women. I will be looking for the rest of Soraya Lane's historical fiction books as im now a fan of this author.

I would recommend this novel to anyone interested in WWII.

All of my of my opinions are my own and aren't influenced by anyone else.

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A beautiful story about friendship, love and loss.
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We meet Florence, Olivia and Ava when they try out to be motorcycle dispatch riders during the war.
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Olivia grew up riding motorcycles with her brothers and feels she is perfect for the job. Ava is vivacious and a charmer and she is drawn into the excitement of the job. Florence has lost her family and vows to help in the war effort. Florence ends up driving ambulances and works with a man who has also had a tremendous loss.
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Lane always draws me in with her characters. I adored this novel and the women and their stories.

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