The Home Front Nurses by Rachel Brimble takes readers to 1941 in Bath, England where three ladies have finished their nursing training and are ready to work on the wards. Sylvia, Freda, and Veronica quickly become friends. Each character comes from a different background. They have their own struggles and hindrances to overcome plus they are dealing with the war. Planes fly over daily, bombing victims are flooding into the wards, rationing is a reality, and the loss of loved ones to the war is devastating. I found The Home Front Nurses to be easy to read. I liked Sylvia, Freda, and Veronica. I did feel that the story lacked depth. I would have liked more time spent on nursing and less on romance. I was surprised by some of the topics touched upon in The Home Front Nurses (unwanted attentions by men, a woman being violated by a man, a woman attracted to another woman, and an interracial couple). The story does have mild foul language. There were a couple of incorrect details in the story (an example is tights would not have been available for the ladies to wear). I liked the resilience of Sylvia, Freda, and Veronica as well as their strong bond. Overall, I enjoyed The Home Front Nurses, and I am curious to see what happens next.

Thank you for the chance to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion.

I was new to this author and looked forward to a new series in my favourite genre - historical fiction - and in the nursing profession as well. As an ex-nurse trained in the late 70s I felt I knew some of what these young ladies were feeling and going through. the deference to 'Sister' definitely.

I did find the book very slow and their was no depth to the characters. The chapters tended to flit about and as you got into the story about one of the girls suddenly the next chapter moved to another. I found it odd that as Veronica worked on one ward and her mother was a Sister on another that their paths never crossed though as this is a series I suppose that there is chance for this to develop later on.

There was little about Bath itself as well - lots about Bristol and the effect the War had there but little about the history of Bath and places the girls were bound to visit. In fact I have realised there was little about where the hospital was sited at all!

There were inconsistencies in the research - one girl had had her 'tights' ripped off her and tights were not really available in WW2 as I understand it.

And bringing me to the ending - it just stopped. I know one knows when one is towards the end of a book but it just ended - yes there is ample scope for the series to continue but the last chapter was a disappointment.
Would I read more in the series? Probably - but this has not left the impression on me that other books I have read recently have. I would have loved to have given a higher star rate but felt I couldn't.

Absolutely 10/10 amazing storyline and loved the characters and setting, loved how the girls forged a friendship and stuck by each other, can’t wait to read more about these ladies in future books

When three young women start their nursing careers they have at least one thing in common, lack of self-worth. Sylvia Robert’s is down being let down by others , living in her mother’s shadow . Freda Parkes is living a life chosen by her mother when her true passion lies elsewhere. Valerie Campbell is accustomed to living by her mother’s rules, and she does have a secret she’s been trying to erase from her mind.
When they all start work on the wards they vow to keep the friendship going, will they be able to help each other fight their demons?
I loved that Sylvia just spoke her mind, Freda made decisions that didn’t always suit others and when Valerie started work with Mr Martin it was as if she’d been set free!
I really hope the author writes more like this.

Set during WW2 in Bath, three girls qualify as nurses and start work in a hospital taking wounded from Bristol, where the bombing is hitting women and children. Each of them has issues - Sylvia has to overcome her loose-moralled mother and the reputation she picked up by association, Veronica was attacked and fears all men and Freda harbours a desire to write, but her family are not supportive.

The story unfolds and is an interesting read. There are a couple of anachronisms - ladies didn't wear 'tights' in the 1940s (unless maybe they were in the circus) but that aside its an easy and interesting read and sets the reader up for the next in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A book about the strong friendship between female characters. A book about resilience. A book about a strong community. Yes it had all that, but the story did not go into depth , so I felt i just needed more from the story. But still a good start to a series.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

This genre is my absolute favourite to read, but sadly I just couldn’t get into this, it felt so long and drawn out. Sadly it wasn’t for me.

I struggled to get into the book. I found the storyline a bit far fetched at times and didn't like the instant hatred between two of the nurses and felt it did not add to the title. I persevered and enjoyed parts of story and would probably try another book in the series to see if it was more enjoyable.

I couldn't get into this book I'm sorry it just jumped around the characters story's a bit to much. And not enough on the work they where doing

I enjoyed the story and ultimately it left me wanting more. More detail, more depth, more complexity. I believe this is the initial book in a potential series and I anticipate I will read subsequent books even though this one left me wanting more. I hope the characters will continue to develop as their stories continue. 2.,5 stars rounded up.

The Home front Nurses by Rachel Brimble

WW11 historical genre. Freda , Veronica & Sylvia are brought together in this new series and in this book we hear about their individual lives & struggles and there new emerging friendship during hardship & troubling times.
Enjoyed it.

I am a lover of World War II stories and this did not disappoint. Three nurses, Freda, Veronica, and Sylvia forge a new friendship the first day they begin working as nurses in Bath. Each woman has their own demons and struggles but this book illustrates the value and power of true friendship and trust that can help carry you through life.

September 1941, Bath – three friends are about to find that some of the biggest battles are to be found on the home front…
Three cheers for the author because they have done it again… I opened this book and I was lost straight away… brilliant story…

“The Home Front Nurses” is the first in a new series by Rachel Brimble. This WWII historical fiction book, set in England, follows three nurses - Veronica, Sylvia, and Freda - who become fast friends on their first day working together. Each woman has her own separate struggles, but at its heart this book is about the power of friendship, even during difficult times.

Set in 1941 in Bath, this is the story of three plucky nurses, Sylvia, Freda and Veronica who meet on their first day of working together and quickly become fast friends. Each woman has her own set of struggles and obstacles to overcome and the devastation of the war is felt by everyone. But this is a hopeful story about friendship and learning to trust.
I love stories about women who strive for their own goals in life independent of men and who understand the joy and security of close female friendships. I’m looking forward to more books in the series!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing a review copy.

Historical fiction and the medical professionals are two of my favorite subjects. It’s so cool to learn the history of a profession. Don’t skip this book.