A Sister’s War

Ronnie is the youngest of three sisters and the only one still at home with her Maman, Suzy is traveling with the ENSA (Entertainments National Service Association), and Raine is flying with the women's Air Forces. At first, Ronnie wanted to be part of the Land Army, working on a farm, but she was too young. When she saw a newsreel at the movie theater that described the boat girls who moved cargo up and down the canals and found that she was closer to the minimum age to be part of the program. She wasn't quite old enough to enlist in the program, but with Raine's help, she gets accepted.

In many ways this book reminded me of a book I read last year--The Boat Girls (reviewed here). While the plots are not the same, the description of the life of the boat girls or boat wenches, as some call them, is pretty much the same in detail. The training was tough and took only the hardiest girls to complete the training. The training boatwoman, Deadly Dora, is hard as nails and exacting in her expectations of the girls' performance on the boats. The girls training with Ronnie were quite the assortment and added color to the plot of the book. Among the other characters are Will Drake, a young local man who follows the boats up and down the cut; and Michael Scott, a constable for the Grand Union Canals.

What I like about how Molly Green wrote her characterizations is that she gave Deadly Dora a sympathetic back-story that makes her more than just a taskmaster, but gives her likability. Molly is quickly becoming one of my favorite World War II era authors. Her books are well-researched, her settings are completely believable, and her characters are wholly fleshed-out.

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a trip up the cut on a narrow boat.

Avon Books UK and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

1943 Downe near Bromley in Kent and war is still on going.
Ronnie Linfoot seventeen years old applied for the women's land army and was turned down because she is too young. After applying to the ministry of transport for a position on the canal boats to haul cargo she didn't mention her age and didn't get turned down. It would be backbreaking work but she was healthy and strong. Her journey begins. A heart warming story that drew me in like I was there with Ronnie right till war ends with a celebration street party. Beautiful written by a unique story teller. Loved it.

Prior to reading this, my knowledge of those working on canals transporting important cargo during WWII Britain was miniscule and, in fact, I didn't know that women were involved. Such an interesting perspective from these courageous young women which makes for excellent reading. Though based on the war, the book's focus is on the duties and relationships of these women as they trained very hard for what they did. It required intense physical work as well as mental strain. Space on the narrowboats was very tight for the two or three women who shared quarters. Even mundane tasks were difficult, more difficult than I realized.

Ronnie's mother and sisters are also prominent in the book. We see relationships evolve over time. Both of Ronnie's sisters are involved in the war effort so when her third daughter wishes to join, her mother is aghast and terrified at being left alone. But she realizes her daughter is determined so finally relents, reluctantly.

Ronnie (or Veronique) is so smitten with the idea of working with the Grand Union Canal Co. that she signs up and lies about her age. Her mother is aghast and at first strongly resists. However, determined Ronnie follows through with her plan, finally with her mother's blessing. Training is incredibly difficult under super strict Dora. The girls must also grow accustomed to being a team in tandem, at work and rest (which was rare). This book takes us on the journey of Ronnie, her friends and colleagues as well as romantic interests. Along with the descriptions of the training (so well done I could visualize myself on the boat!) there are mysteries and many secrets which emerge. Things are not always as they first appear. There is heartache but also beautiful hope.

Fans of Historical Fiction, Mystery and Women's Fiction ought to read this adventurous book. This is only my third by this author but I am remedying that! The author's notes at the back moved me very much.

My sincere thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this intriguing and unique book in exchange or an honest review. Much appreciated.

Ronnie Linfoot wants to do her but for the war effort but at 16 she's too young to join the land girls. During the trailers at the cinema she she's a calling for the Grand Union Canal Company to work the narrowboats. After lying about her age she gets recruited.

I enjoyed this historical fiction book about the life on the canals by the women. The hardwork, the long hours and the endurance needed to ship things around he country was amazing. I loved the friendships that were formed by people who wouldn't normally be together. It was so sweet to watch her grow up from the sweet child to the amazing woman she grew into. From her first days on the canals, her first love and beyond. This is the third book in the saga but can easily be read as a standalone.

I love Molly Greens books they draw you in and take you on a journey along side the characters excellent book loved it 5*

A Sister’s War by Molly Green is a great WWII era historical fiction that is the third in a trilogy: The Victory Sisters. Each book focuses on one of the Linfoot sisters: Lorraine (Raine), Suzanne (Suzy) and the youngest (Ronnie). Raine found her calling flying planes with the Air Transport Auxiliary and Suzy found hers singing overseas with ENSA (Entertainment National Service Association). Ronnie wants more then anything to find her calling and to do her part for her King and Country as well.

I love Ronnie. I think she is my favorite. She has a natural attraction, interest, and talent for helping animals. Through her job as a vet-tech assistant (not yet certified as a graduate vet-tech), she thought she had found her purpose, but now questions if she really has the fortitude to follow through with some of the emotionally difficult aspects. Due to the fact that the book starts out at Ronnie being 2 months shy of 17, she is not permitted to participate in The Land Army, and therefore with limited options, stumbles upon the unique occupation of working on a boat as part of the Grand Union Canal Company. She and Suzy fib on her paperwork stating she is 17, and somehow talk their extremely conservative French mother, Simone, into agreeing. What the reader then gets to see is Ronnie experiencing life, as in actual life. She learns on the job, finds friends, a romantic interest, and finally her path and purpose in life. Despite several obstacles, Ronnie is finally able to feel as if she was able to contribute to the cause and by war’s end, is able to decide on her true career path and calling as a VT. I loved seeing Ronnie grow up, mature, and find happiness. I think she is smart, feisty, determined, heartwarming, and a great young woman. I learned so much about this unique profession.

I loved the overarching theme of the sisters’ stories and bonds. I loved each one visiting and being a part of each separate story. The three books came together flawlessly.

I also enjoyed the sub story with Simone and Pierre and I am so glad they found their happiness as well.

I love this series and wish it could continue. I recommend this one for anyone that loves a great family story as well as WWII era novels taking place in England.

5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/18/21.

Loved this book spent my weekend curled upon the couch reading it.The setting the characters surround the reader draw you I. To their world.An author a book I will be recommending sharing with friends.# netgalley#avonboojsuj

The third book in the series, but you can read it as a standalone. I haven’t read the other books but was able to follow the story without problems.

The story is about Ronniw who goes to work on the Canal Board and it follows her journey from the first training days. The story is mostly about Ronnie's own personal journey, she really grows up during the training and her relationship with the other trainees and her first love.

There wasn’t as much story or details about the actual canal boats as I hoped for, but nevertheless I enjoyed the story.

Great book as with the rest in the series. Am only sorry it seems that it is the end of the series as the three girls are great characters (unless there is one on Susie in the Far East?). I'd hoped there would be another book that brought together all the girls for the final years of the war as I did feel the later war years were rushed over.

I have read several books set on the canals during the war and this was as good as any I have read. Reading the notes at the end of the book by the author I now would like to visit the museum in London about the waterways (when lockdown ends and life finally returns to normal!)

If this is the end of the series I hope Molly writes another set in the war years. Her style of writing is great and the books are easy to read and enjoyable.

"A Sister's War" by Molly Green
Release Date: 3.18.2021

Ronnie joins the Grand Union Canal Company, where she will work on a narrowboat, bringing supplies between London and Birmingham. She has never been on a boat, and she faces bad weather, long working days, physical labor, and tough conditions. Will she succeed? Follow Ronnie as she matures, grows, and finds her happiness.

I was not aware this was part of a trilogy; "A Sister's War" is the third book, focusing on friendship, determination, and following dreams. It was a sweet, feel-good read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read in exchange for my review.

#netgalley #netgalleyreads #netgalleyreview #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #historicalfiction #readersofinstagram #historicalfiction2021 #2021bookreleases #booknerd #instabook #asisterswar #mollygreen #victorysisters #avonbooksuk

This was a cute little Historical Fiction! The writing was easy to fall into and the main character, Ronnie, was a joy to read about. The whole thing felt well researched and explained, especially considering my knowledge on this particular point in history isn’t perfect. The supporting cast of characters were also fun to read about and provided a lovely array of personalities. Overall, this was a good book, one that kept my entertained throughout!

Brilliant book , another good one in the series you definitely need to read if you love Family saga based in wartime. So many emotions

I love this series of books and was not disappointed again .There was a good story to follow and very interesting characters. There was sadness but this did not stop me enjoying this book and do recommend that you read this book.

The third and final installment of the Victory Sisters series finds Ronnie (Veronique), the youngest sister, longing to do her bit for the war effort. Not yet 17, Ronnie is too young to be a Land Girl. By chance, she learns of the need for women to pilot canal boats along England’s waterways. Eager to prove she is able to do something important, will Ronnie be able to withstand the rigors of the job? The author masterfully portrays the demands placed on the “boat women” as they performed a vital service during the challenging years of World War 2. This would be a worthy addition to any young adult fiction collection.

#bookreview

🌟🌟🌟💫/🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

A Sister's War - book 3 in the Victory Series.

Against her mother’s wishes, she signs up to join the Grand Union Canal Company, where she’ll be working on a narrowboat taking critical supplies from London to Birmingham and back again. 

But without an ounce of experience on the waterways, she must learn the ropes quickly, and the job doesn’t come without its challenges: dreadful weather, long days and rough living conditions. 

I enjoyed this book about Ronnie, without having read book 1 or 2 it was not hard to follow. I never knew about the work these brave women did on the canals, the long hours and strenuous jobs would have been a very strenuous life for most of these women, these are the women that helped push change for the female sex.

The friendships and commeradite that were formed were heart felt and the best parts of the book. I felt the book dragged on in places and I struggled with keeping my interest for a bit in the middle.

Would recommend this book, especially to anyone interested in learning what life was like for the women in the war. I will be going back to read the first two books about the other victory sisters.

Fantastic book, it’s like one of those winter reads where it’s ideal to be wrapped up in a blanket and keep the world locked away whilst you become tangled with the novel. It’s very charming, would be great to see this as a tv series.