What an entertaining read!
It's set after World War l, when a group of independent women decide to form a motorcycle club. I especially liked how the author wove the history of a war-torn location and, masterfully, combined it with the freethinking, unconventional characters of the time.
I was completely captivated by the diverse personalities of the characters which were reflective of the morals and constraints women encountered way back then. The writing was compelling, and I found myself so intertwined with what was going to happen and what did happen in their lives.

"The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club" by Helen Simonson is a captivating novel that blends humor, adventure, and the theme of female empowerment in a distinctly British setting. Simonson, celebrated for her sharp observations and lively character portrayals, presents a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, highlighting the strength and resilience of women in a post-war era.

Set in the 1920s, the story follows a group of women who challenge societal norms by forming a motorcycle and flying club. Simonson introduces a diverse cast of characters, each with their unique backgrounds and motivations. The camaraderie among these women is invigorating, showcasing their determination to break free from traditional gender roles. As they embark on exciting adventures, they forge bonds that transcend their differences, underscoring the power of friendship and solidarity.

The novel's character development is one of its most remarkable aspects. Simonson meticulously crafts each character, allowing readers to explore their individual stories and aspirations. From the daring aviator to the spirited mechanic, each woman adds her flair to the group, making their collective journey even more engaging. The evolution of their relationships throughout the story highlights the importance of support and understanding in overcoming challenges.

Simonson's writing is both warm and witty, skillfully blending humor with poignant moments that resonate with readers. The narrative's pacing is well-balanced, featuring plenty of action and adventure interspersed with moments of reflection and emotional depth. The author's vivid descriptions of the English countryside and the thrill of motorcycle rides and flights create an immersive reading experience that transports readers to the era.

Themes of independence, courage, and the pursuit of dreams are intricately woven throughout the narrative. Simonson beautifully illustrates how these women defy societal expectations and carve out their paths, reminding readers that it is never too late to pursue one's passions. The novel also addresses the lingering effects of war and the quest for personal identity in a changing world, adding depth to the story.

"The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club" is a delightful and uplifting novel that showcases Helen Simonson’s storytelling prowess. With its engaging characters, humorous dialogue, and empowering themes, this book is a delightful read for anyone seeking an inspiring tale of friendship and adventure. Simonson has crafted a narrative that celebrates the spirit of women who dare to dream and challenge the status quo, making it a memorable addition to contemporary fiction. This novel is sure to leave readers with a sense of joy and the belief that with courage and camaraderie, anything is possible.

Set in the aftermath World War I Simonson is able to weave together a delightful comedy of manners that reflects the mood of England during this period. Women are chafing from having to return to traditional roles after running industry during the war. Men are chafing from the women not wanting things to revert to the old order. Soldiers injured during the war are not easily reintegrated into society. In the midst of this is class conflict,, continuing shortages and even an ugly American. This book is an absolute delight!

It's hard to believe that in 1919 in Britain that women were treated as 2nd class citizens. I love the women involved and their rebel spirit.
It is the summer of 1919 and Constance Haverhill is without prospects. Now that all the men have returned from the front, she has been asked to give up her cottage and her job at the estate she helped run during the war. While she looks for a position as a bookkeeper or—horror—a governess, she’s sent as a lady’s companion to an old family friend who is convalescing at a seaside hotel. Despite having only weeks to find a permanent home, Constance is swept up in the social whirl of Hazelbourne-on-Sea after she rescues the local baronet’s daughter, Poppy Wirrall, from a social faux pas.
Poppy wears trousers, operates a taxi and delivery service to employ local women, and runs a ladies’ motorcycle club (to which she plans to add flying lessons). She and her friends enthusiastically welcome Constance into their circle. And then there is Harris, Poppy’s recalcitrant but handsome brother—a fighter pilot recently wounded in battle—who warms in Constance’s presence. But things are more complicated than they seem in this sunny pocket of English high society. As the country prepares to celebrate its hard-won peace, Constance and the women of the club are forced to confront the fact that the freedoms they gained during the war are being revoked.

The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle And Flying Club by Helen Simonson in an enjoyable read with lots of heart, but I did have trouble with the pacing and suffered being so muddled in the middle. I thought it could have been a little stronger, but I did enjoy the strong female characters and the setting. Overall, I did like the time period, the characters, and the premise, but I thought it could have been a little shorter.

The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club by Helen Simpson is a heartwarming and inspiring story that celebrates the strength and resilience of women. It's a strong work of historical fiction, and I will look forward to reading more from this author.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

I LOVED Helen Simonson’s first novel, Major Pettigrew’s last stand. While this novel had a different feel to it, I enjoyed the historical and feminist elements of it. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC.

Simonson does it again with another 5 star historical fiction. Full of several storylines that highlight the restrictive morals and expectations of post-WWI England, this novel keeps the reader engaged with a diverse cast of interesting characters. Not quite the charm of Major Pettigrew but close.

Set in a small seaside town in England, The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club is an interesting look at life right after the end of World War II and what that means for the women that were left behind to run the country. When Constance accompanied Mrs. Fog on her summer vacation, she never imagined she would be riding on motorcycles and flying in planes. She meets an eclectic cast of women that are independent and thrifty who become wonderful friends. Interesting, fun, and heartfelt!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing company for this Advanced Readers Copy of The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle & Flying Club!

The war has just ended and it’s the summer of 1919 and Constance Haverhill is a a stand still with love. No love interests in site but she is still trying her best to make it a good life. She has just given up her cottage and her job and is now in Hazelbpurne-on-Sea, trying to secure a new life. Hazelbourne is a town filled with gossip and intrigue. The first person she meets, is Poppy and baronet’s daughter from a social faux pas. Poppy is not your ordinary socialite, she wears trousers and operates a woman’s taxi club. They also ride motorcycles and she hopes to add flying. Constance fits right in with the ladies and friendships begin. Constance also meets and falls for Harris, Poppy’s brother. It seems that she could live and work here and be very happy. Things seem very easy going and happy but things aren’t as they seem. The country is getting ready to celebrate, winning the war, but so much else is going on. This story has love, loss, secrets and deception. The end of the war also means that the women will lose some of the freedoms they gained while at war. I really enjoyed reading this book. I like the characters and the writing. It also ended the way it should, even though I didn’t see it coming. I want to thank Netgalley, Helen Simonson & Random House Publishing Group for my copy of The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club, for an honest review. I love historical fiction and this was a delight to read. Helen Simonson wrote an excellent book, it was a 4 star read for me.

What a pleasant and interesting read. Set in England just after WWI, it’s about life at a time when men have returned from war, and women are expected to return to their old roles. Colorful, engaging characters. Enjoyed this read.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I enjoyed reading about the after period of WWI and all the social changes that were taking place. I wanted to cheer for poppy and constance in this novel!

The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club is a refreshing and adventurous romp that celebrates friendship, empowerment, and the thrill of breaking boundaries. The novel follows a group of spirited women who defy societal norms by embracing their passions for both motorcycling and flying, forming a tight-knit community that supports each other through challenges and triumphs. The author’s lively writing style and engaging characters draw you in, creating a vivid picture of the club's escapades and the strong bonds that form among its members.

What sets this story apart is its heartfelt exploration of each woman’s journey toward self-discovery and independence. The balance of humor and heartfelt moments keeps the narrative engaging, though some subplots could benefit from a bit more depth. Overall, The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club is an empowering and enjoyable read that inspires readers to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles, making it a delightful addition to the genre.

The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club came across my email one day as a "If you liked this book and this book, you'll enjoy this new book!" I'm easily persuaded by new books, so I requested it.

In Hazelbourne, WW1 has just ended and the women in the novel are at rather loose ends. Constance is accompanying an elderly lady to the seaside as a personal assistant while trying to figure out what is next for her. While there, she meets Poppy, a wealthy young woman with a penchant for motorcycles and flying, and very little interest in the manners of upper class British society. As Constance tries to find her way, Poppy embraces her as a member of her circle, while Harris, Poppy's brother who has been injured in the war, begins to open up to her.

This is such a sweet, enjoyable novel. The characters just come to life and are refreshingly honest. The women are aware of their place, yet constantly ready to challenge it, especially after a war that allowed them to aspire to more than just marriage and motherhood. Poppy is actually a favorite character with her "not giving a darn" attitude about what anyone says about the roles of women. The author chose an interesting time period as well, just following WW1, but before the Great Depression and the lead-in to WW2.

I had read and enjoyed the author's previous novel, Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, and I was disappointed in this one. Part of the problem was that I had just finished four really excellent novels (The Women, The Song of Achilles, Forgotten on Sunday, and The God of the Woods), so this one felt like a let-down. There were so many characters and the story seemed to get bogged down in the middle. It took me forever to get through it, and I only finished it because I started skimming. Not the author's best effort.

I absolutely loved this historical fiction book!!! The time period (1919), setting in England, characters and storyline were all so engaging and well written. The setting descriptions were so well written that I could see them so clearly in my mind. This was my first book by this author, but definitely not the last!

Lovely book! Anyone who enjoyed Major Pettigrew's Last Stand will definitely enjoy this one. Takes place in post WWI England and is about can-do women and the world they live in.

Constance is trying to figure out how to support herself as an unmarried woman post WWI. Now that men are returning from war, women are losing their freedom to work. As she is working as a companion to Mrs. Fog, who is staying at a hotel in Hazelbourne, Constance meets Poppy, who runs a motorcycle taxi service that is run by women. She also meets Poppy's brother, Harris, who is fighting his own battles.

Overall, I enjoyed this one. I loved The Summer Before the War, so was really excited for this one. While I enjoyed it, I didn't love it like I did with The Summer Before the War. Part of it was that there was overall very little motorcycle and flying club. Yes, there were motorcycles, and yes, there was a plane and various plot points with it. However, there was not really this women's club aspect that I was expecting from the title, especially with the flying club. I did love Constance as a protagonist - she was so determined and such an easy character to cheer for!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley & The Dial Press/Random House for a digital advance reader copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

When I saw Helen Simonson was the author, I knew I had to read this, and I was not disappointed. I have loved her other two books, and this one is just as good. All are standalones and I urge you to seek these out after reading "Hazelbourne": "Major Pettigrew's Last Stand" and "The Summer Before the War."

Although it took a little while for this story to get going for me, much like a motorcycle or airplane engine, once it finally “caught” I couldn’t put it down. It takes place in the summer of 1919, just after WWI when the men return from the front and the women are expected to go back to the kitchen or drawing room.

Constance Haverhill is a wonderful main character whose friendship with Poppy Wirral, founder of the Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club, helps her to emerge from the grief of losing her mother. She must work to support herself, unlike Poppy and several of her other new friends. The need for employment after Constance’s job as a companion to elderly Mrs. Fog is soon to end, is one of the plot threads of this charming story. The writing is beautiful, and I loved the story with all its subplots and historical aspects that bring this time period to life.

Cleverly written with witty banter and subtle double meaning, themes of feminism and women’s independence are woven throughout this delightful historical novel. It is both a coming-of-age story and a tender romance. But more importantly, it is also a commentary on the period’s classism and racism and the emerging struggle for women’s rights. Not to be missed!