Margaret Johnson parents are strict and have high expectations and they want her to marry a suitable man and soon. Maggie sneaks out of the family house in North Fitzroy to celebrate the end of the war in the Pacific, she’s in the heart of Melbourne where everyone is singing, dancing and having a great time, and when she feels the need to hug someone.

The recipient is Lil Kelly, she can’t understand why a well-dressed lady would want to spend her time with her, let alone want be her friend and she tries her best to put Maggie off. Lil Kelly lives in the slums of South Fitzroy, she works hard to care for her mother and younger sister Alys. Maggie is extremely determined, she wants to have a real friendship with Lil, she doesn’t care where she lives, and help the Kelly family and others in the same situation. Maggie underestimates her father wrath and anger, he’s controlling and doesn’t care about anyone’s feelings.

Maggie has no choice but to try and find Lil, at first Maggie is shocked by how people live in South Fitzroy, most of the houses are dilapidated and in a terrible state and it breaks her heart to see hungry and barefoot children. Maggie discovers they might be poor but the women stick together and try to help each other, a close-knit community and one she embraces and becomes a part of. Maggie thinks Lil underestimates herself, she encourages her to take a chance, look beyond what she’s known and it will benefit her family.

I received a copy of The Girls from Fitzroy by Jennie Jones from Harlequin Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. The narrative starts in post Second World War Melbourne, Australia on the 15th of August 1945 and on VP-Day, the whole city is celebrating and it’s a day of fun, joy and hope. Maggie adulthood is just starting and yet her mother and grandmother both think she needs to find a husband, with less men to go around and they were worried about her making a beneficial match.

Maggie has a social conscience, she doesn’t care about making a good marriage when she notices the difference between the classes in Fitzroy, she finds it unacceptable and unjust and she wants to change this. Women are employed in factories and cafes and have to juggle work, home duties and looking after children and earn less than men. Migrants are moving their family’s to Australia, introducing different cultures, food and ideas and you can imagine what the majority of snobby and opinionated people like Maggie’s father thought about them.

A heartening and emotional story about Maggie and Lil’s unlikely friendship, and it’s full of wonderful characters and a portrayal of Australia citizens at the time. With Jennie Jones vivid descriptions and it made me feel like I was walking along side Maggie as she discovers what life was like for people living in Melbourne's slums, her brilliant ideas of how to help the women and children, a must read and five stars from me. I highly recommend The Girls from Fitzroy and Ms. Jones previous book, Daughters of the Home Front.

4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

I have long been a fan of Jennie Jones' contemporary romance novels and I was thrilled when she branched out into historical fiction last year, I believe an author should be free to move around the genres and not be pigeonholed into having to write in one genre.

The Girls from Fitzroy was a fabulous read, I was immediately transported back to VP day and could see the celebrations that would be happening in the streets, where rich and poor for that moment could mingle to celebrate the end of the war. And it is this celebration that is the catalyst to changing both Maggie and Lil's lives because as the author put it in her author talk I attended "they would never have had the opportunity to meet, crossing the demarcation line from the rich north side of Fitzroy into the slums of South Fitzroy just wasn't done, especially for two young ladies like Maggie and Lil".

Maggie is the instigator of the friendship that forms between her and Lil, she is feeling stuck in a family she doesn't fit, whose expectations for her to marry rich and produce children don't fit how she wants her life to go. I loved Maggie, she was headstrong to the point of reckless at times but she knew her mind and was determined not to be married off unable to forge her future.

Lil on the other hand has no expectations for her future, her life is about getting by, keeping a roof over her and her family's heads and enough food on the tablet to keep them alive. Her life is very different from Maggie's and she is reluctant to form a friendship with someone from the upper society.

But the whirlwind that is Maggie is also a force to be reckoned with and as their friendship grows they both experience misfortune that changes their lives and forms a bond that helps them survive and eventually flourish.

Learning about life in the slums of Fitzroy made me grateful for what I have today but also showed me how some things continue. The poor, uneducated, or unfortunate people even in today's society often find it hard to rise from their situation and are often blamed for being there in the first place. In The Girls from Fitzroy, we see how people with compassion and heart can bring about change and opportunities for those in need, and that kindness can be a lifeline for others. The world needs more of the kindness given by Maggie and Vasilios, a wonderful side character who had forethought and compassion and taught Maggie so much when she was in need.

I loved the ending of this novel, the changes in some of the characters brought about by Maggie's misfortune, a misfortune she took hold of and twisted into positives. It was a satisfying ending and I was sad to say goodbye to all of the characters I'd grown fond of.

I can't wait to see what Jennie Jones writes next.

In The Girls From Fitzroy, author Jennie Jones showcases the very different lives of the people living and working in the Melbourne suburbs of North and South Fitzroy in the years immediately following WWII. I loved that the main characters, nineteen year-old Maggie and twenty year-old Lil met on 15 August, 1945, in the heart of Melbourne during the massive, spontaneous and joyous celebrations for VP Day. I love how that day showcased the inner characteristics of each girl, both determined to seize happiness from those around them. Maggie is from wealthy North Fitzroy, where her whole purpose in life is to prepare herself for marriage and to ensnare a suitable, wealthy husband in order to cement her parents’ place in society. It’s very clear from the start that this is not the life Maggie envisages for herself and I admired her for pushing back against her parents’ expectations. Lil is from South Fitzroy, a place where impoverished families do their best to eke out a living in the slums. Her father is a drunkard, a gambler and largely absent from the family home, leaving Lil and her mother to do their best to earn enough to cover their rent and some food while also caring for Lil’s teenage sister Alys, who has special needs but who is also an exceptionally talented embroiderer and needlewoman. I loved how Maggie and Lil became firm friends desite their very different lives, and the way that each helped the other in times of dire need. This story is fascinating historically, emotionally engaging and I found it to be utterly riveting reading. The characters, not just Maggie and Lil but also their supporting cast, are beautifully crafted and so believablelive, while the lifestyles depicted are so real that it was easy to picture. For an insight into life during a time in history that is largelyforgotten these days, this book is perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

When Maggie Johnson and Lil Kelly came together unexpectedly on the Melbourne streets in 1945 amidst the Victory Day celebrations, an unlikely friendship developed. Both from Fitzroy, Lil had grown up in the slums, while Maggie was from the elite, posh end of the suburb. They needed to keep their friendship secret because Maggie's family would be horrified to hear she'd befriended a person from the slums. Lil cared for her mother and sister, while their father came and went at will. Meanwhile, Maggie was doing her best not to be roped into a marriage with one of the well-to-do young men her parents wanted her to marry...

Maggie suddenly found herself needing the help of her friend, and as she made her way into the slums, she didn't know what was ahead. She just knew she needed Lil. Maggie's life changed, but not for the worse. After some time, Maggie found a vibrancy and caring within the community; her equilibrium balanced itself out and Maggie knew she'd be alright; knew she could help this community, just as Lil had helped her. What would be the outcome for these two young women from different sides of the track?

The Girls from Fitzroy is an exceptional historical novel by Aussie author Jennie Jones which I really enjoyed. Usually writing contemporary novels, I'm thrilled with the author's venture into historical - this one is a top read. Set in Melbourne, Australia at the end of the war, the characters are well written, likeable and authentic. Highly recommended.

With thanks to HarperCollins AU for my ARC to read.

Maggie comes from an affluent family. When she meets Lil, who comes from the slums, Maggie feels that they are to become firm friends, no matter their social standing.

Maggie meets Lil, unbeknownst to her family regularly and tries to help Lil with little things for them. When she meets Lil’s Mum and sister she is determined to help them even more.

That is until a rumour of a broken marriage proposal by Maggie manages to see her land herself with Lil.

Both Maggie and Lil work to ensure that all will be ok.

The future of what will happen to Maggie and her friends lands in the hands of someone who is close to Maggie.

A fantastic story of how money and the lack of can make or break a person.

Thank you to #netgalley for the free copy of this book for an honest review.

Melbourne 1945 and the war has just ended in the Pacific and two young woman meet in the joy that is happening both from Fitzroy but opposite sides of town, Maggie Johnson born into an affluent family and Lil Kelly who lives in the slums but Maggie feels that Lil could be her friend, could it happen could two woman from such different backgrounds find friendship?

Maggie is determined to become friends with Lil, Lil is very unsure that they can be, she is worried about Maggie mixing with the likes of her class, but there is no stopping outspoken Maggie from making this happen and soon a wonderful friendship is growing but she knows that it must be kept secret from her grandmother, father and mother.

They meet once a week in a park in the middle of North and South Fitzroy and Maggie feels for Lil and is soon bring what she can to help Lil and her mother and sister they support each other and share secrets about their lives but then everything turns sour for Maggie in such a terrible way and Maggie needs her friend Lil more than ever and soon finds herself living in the slums with the Kelly family.

This move shows Maggie more than ever what is happening in the slums and soon Maggie sees what strength and courage these people have and is soon working and organising so much to help these people and herself, she makes so many friendships here more than she ever has, not just Lil, but Jack and Connie, Mrs. Kelly, Alys, Vasilios and then there are the people from her other life Norma, Tommy Gran and her Mum and Alexander. There are so many awesome characters in this story and I have to say this one kept me up really late last night there was no way I was putting this one down till I finished it.

I loved this story it is told in such a beautiful and caring way and opened my eyes to how tough life was for many Australians in this era it also showed me that there are some beautiful people out there who are always there for each other. This one is filled with so many emotions and there were tears and smiles throughout from this reader. The ending is perfect, I loved it and I do highly recommend this one to any reader who loves a story with awesome characters it is sure to keep you turning the pages.

My thanks to the publisher Harlequin Au for my copy to read and review.

I really enjoyed Jones’s writing. The book gave me a really good sense of what life was like living in post WW2 Melbourne.
The story itself centred around the unlikely friendship of Maggie and Lil, two young ladies from the opposite side of society.
Maggie is from a higher class family whereas Lil is living amongst poverty within the slums. If I’m honest I wasn’t very keen on Maggie to begin with, she seemed to be stubborn and rather naive and made a point of stirring problems. But, as the story progresses I found the she grew with time and become and more well balanced and likeable character.
Although Lil was the second half of the girls I felt I never really got to know her side of the story. Her character wasn’t as well defined and it felt like she always came second to Maggie.
All in all I found the story a captivating and interesting read and would recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction.

‘What she found on her journey was the bitter taste of poverty.’

‘Death and despair. Stigma and discrimination. They were surrounded by it.’


What a beautiful soul-stirring Australian historical novel by Jennie Jones. The Girls From Fitzroy set in the 1940s is about friendship, family, class, loss and generational expectations. Yet a time when women were branching out and doing extraordinary things, not just getting married. But the challenges were hard and change never came easy. But nonetheless it came.

This story shows us what happens when those rigid lines of tradition are crossed. When someone dares to question the way, things are. It is about two friends from the opposite ends of Fitzroy who come together and defy the class system. The north with the well to do and the south with the poor (slums). An unlikely friendship unfolds and holds like glue through many of the trials and changes that occur over the next few years.

It is 1945 and Maggie Johnson, born of upper society, is not happy with her station. She desires freedom and to make her own choices but her parents, strict in their beliefs, are determined to marry her off to someone of another high position. A list is made and some of the names on it are not very nice men and certainly not ones that Maggie would choose herself. She wants to escape these shackles of expectation and archaic demands. She wants her life to have more meaning and purpose and it seems that this is what leads her to the slums. Her heart aches for those who are destitute and she wants to help. A seed of what is to come starts sprouting in her new friendship with Lil from the poor end of Fitzroy. She offers her little gifts and finds ways to help Lil and her family who struggle to obtain the basics. A very strong bond develops between the two girls but various life events sometimes keeps them apart for periods of time. Their friendship must remain secret as the classes are not allowed to mix. But one day, when Maggie’s highly structured world falls apart, she runs to her friend for help. Many things begin to happen in the plot— some of which are heartbreaking to read. But these challenges expose Maggie’s strengths and prove she is more than kind words. She is an action girl. During this period Maggie flourishes like a rose in the desert: giving selflessly to others and making a difference in so many lives. Her new friends come to appreciate what she is trying to do and pitch in to help alleviate suffering in the slums.

Lil also makes incredible leaps and bounds with Maggie’s encouragement. She tells her to aim higher than she has ever dared before. It was a joy to watch these two friends help each other. They each get to follow their dreams. Courage blossoms in their hearts and good things happen. It was lovely to see love among those who toil together. And how they protected and supported each other through the trying times.

I particularly enjoyed Maggie and Lil’s journey, Maggie’s work at the diner, the creative ideas she put into action in helping so many people who were poor. It was also nice to see the resilience and wisdom of Gran. I chuckled at her feisty dialogue and admired her tough spirit. She was a force to be reckoned with and always got her way (as Maggie noted) but she loved her granddaughter and even learned from her. Maggie’s Mom was abused by her husband so it was nice to see her gain some happiness eventually. Norma, the maid, was an excellent friend and played an important role. The Kelly women, Jack, Vasilios and Connie from the slums were all wonderful characters. Then there were others like Alexander who fell from the lofty heights of prosperity, through no fault of his own. The trials he endured only revealed the person he was: someone Gran took an interest in. And someone Maggie discovered had a caring and honest heart.

This is a story about healing, second chances, starting fresh in new environments, love and forgiveness, equality and real joy. We see the awfulness of class division—the gulf between the rich and poor but also the beauty that is hidden in unlikely places and even in unexpected hearts. This is a marvellous historical novel that has captured the spirit of 1940s Melbourne, Australia—when that world was a very different place. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to HQ Fiction and Netgalley for a review copy.

This was a fascinating read and interesting as far as learning about life in Fitzroy just after WW2. There is so much I don’t know about this time and the author did a great job of setting the scene. While the book is called the “Girls from Fitzroy”, and the friendship is a driving feature of the story, the book focuses mostly on Maggie. I found Lil to be a shadow of a character who doesn’t quite seem to step
out on her own as being someone I could connect with, although I kept hoping this would happen. Lil seems to let herself be bossed around by Maggie including when she feels uncomfortable with a situation. In contrast, Maggie dominates the story and those around her with stubbornness, manipulation and early naivety all of which made her initially unlikeable. Over time her character grew and it was the same stubbornness that improved the lives of those around her and led to Maggie becoming a strong, hard working, courageous and passionate young woman and it was hard to leave her story behind. Several of the side characters including Arthur, Jack, Norma and Gran all helped to keep the book engaging and to bring depth to life in both the slums and society. Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for letting me read an advanced copy in exchange for a review.