This is my first Helen Simonson book and I enjoyed it! I thought the story was interesting and I enjoyed the characters. Thank you NetGalley and The Dial Press for this ARC!

The author does a good job of portraying the turmoil of post-war England, as well as the class and racial prejudice that persisted in the early 20th century. It was fine for Indians to serve in the military and die for the Empire. However, the surviving servicemen were still not welcome in places frequented by members of British society or allowed to associate with young society ladies. That same racism was prevalent among higher class Americans as well, with Percival Allerton being openly racist. And being involved with someone of mixed race was scandalous, bringing shame on the entire family and harming the prospects of other women in the family. A problem that Mrs. Fog has faced for decades but is finally rebelling against, having wasted too many years without Simon de Champney.

Soldiers who came home maimed and disfigured were caught in a sort of limbo. British high society appreciated their service, especially if they were officers and came from society families. However, they also wanted and expected these soldiers to be hidden away, so society did not have to be confronted with visual reminders of the horrors of war. Harris Wirrall really struggles with this. Having lost a leg (replaced with a wooden leg), he is depressed and surly, as well as embarrassed by his limitations. This is made more difficult by family friends deeming him not capable of being a civilian pilot and by a bank official, whose career had benefited greatly from Harris’ father, deeming Harris not suitable for a bank position because of his handicap, despite his mind remaining as sharp as ever.

Life is also difficult for young English women who aspire to be more than just wives or content themselves with “female” jobs. Having taken over men’s jobs while the men were off fighting, some of the women want to keep doing these jobs, as displayed by Poppy, Iris and Tilly and the other young women operating a motorcycle taxi service (with Tilly also serving as the primary mechanic), a service that is appreciated by some but denigrated by many, and at risk of being forcibly shutdown by pending labor laws that require men resume such jobs.

Caught up in the turmoil is Constance, who is spending the summer in Hazelbourne as the companion of Mrs. Fog, the mother of Lady Mercer, the childhood friend of Constance’s mother. Because of the family friendship, Lady Mercer looks out for Constance. But her respect for and appreciation of Constance is dependent on Constance fulfilling the role that Lady Mercer deems appropriate. Constance is already chaffing at this. Having spent the war years handling the bookkeeping for the Mercer estate (Clivehill), she is not looking forward to taking on a governess position, as Lady Mercer deems appropriate, once her services as companion to Mrs. Fog are no longer needed. Her new friendship with Poppy, Iris and Tilly and participation in the Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle Club, along with new revelations about Mrs. Fog, and her involvement in helping Harris regain a sense of purpose will cause Constance to rethink her role and her future. Her experiences over the summer will also highlight how different she is, as a member of the working class, from society women, even those like Poppy who defy convention.

The story has a colorful and eclectic cast, some of whom you will love and admire, some of whom you will despise, and some of whom you might pity.

Constance Haverhill has spent World War I helping run an estate. But it’s 1919 and she is being asked to leave her cottage and job. She’s searching for a position as a bookkeeper or, less appealing to her, a governess. In the meantime, she’s sent to a seaside resort as a lady’s companion to a family friend recuperating at Hazelbourne-on-Sea. Constance helps out Poppy, a local baronet’s daughter.

Poppy is very modern: she runs a local taxi and delivery service employing women, wears trousers and has a ladies’ motorcycle club and plans to add flying lessons. Constance also meets Poppy’s brother Harris, a pilot wounded in battle and trying to rebuild his life and future.

Are the freedoms the women gained from 1914 to the present start to erode as peace comes to the land?

Ms. Simonson has a wonderful talent for bringing the early twentieth century to life. The reader is drawn into the social structure and morals of the time period. In this novel, she has created a community with characters who grow in strength, confidence, ability and solidarity as they navigate the changing society that emerges out of the end of World War I.

Taking place after the First World War, Constance Haverhill is trying to find out what her next steps are & where she belongs. She find herself on a vacation in Hazelbourne for a few weeks as an aide to an older woman, who was previously ill. A few-week vacation turns into a whole summer full of friendships, love, & adventure. Very well written, tad drawn out especially in the beginning but as it went on, I didn’t feel that way anymore. The characters were so well done too! I enjoyed this one!

As a fan of historical fiction books, I should know better than to try to read one that is set during WWI. That is my least favorite period of time when reading a book. There were several aspects about the story that did not appeal to me. A lot of characters … way too many … and that makes it difficult to do much character development. I also could not get invested in the story. I struggled to make myself read to the very end. I was excited to read about a group of women who create a motorcycle and flying club, but even experiencing their friendship and personal struggles, it just did not appeal to me. However, there are plenty of positive reviews, so I would encourage you to consider reading it for yourself and deciding it this is one you enjoy.

Thank you to NetGalley and The Dial Press for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Adult
Adult Fiction
British Literature
Fiction
Historical
Historical Fiction
Romance
Women’s Fiction
WWI

I normally don't read historical fiction, but I am glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and read this book. I loved the multiple perspectives and the characters. It was such a wonderful and delightful read. Highly recommend for those that don't normally read this genre, and a great addition to any library!

Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

I absolutely loved this book! It was told from multiple points of view, which is one of my favorite ways to read a book. The main character is Constance, and she is the companion for the Summer of a family friend, Mrs. Fog. They meet new friends, and Constance goes outside her comfort zone multiple times during this book. It was greatly inspiring and truly a gem of a book. If you like historical fiction with a little romance, but the whole plot line isn't the romance, you'll enjoy this book.

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!