Another part of WWII history that I never even knew about! The Red Cross Clubmobile Girls helped raise morale during the war handing out coffee, making doughnuts, pitching in wherever help was needed in order to aid the soldiers.

I loved The Beantown Girls so much! Fiona, Viviana, and Dottie were the three beauties who were friends since college, and decide to enter this next adventure together, to help the soldiers overseas.

The Beantown Girls is an intriguing book about the American Red Cross Clubmobile girls that headed to the frontlines during WW2. I had absolutely no idea that a morale building program during this daunting time of our world history. Essentially, the program selectively interviewed and then trained young American women to send overseas. These women were to make and serve the soldiers fresh coffee and hot donuts, all from the back of a truck. This program was brilliant for the time, but today, there’d be considerable flack regarding sexism and gender roles. Personally, I love coffee and donuts so I’d be thrilled to have them at any time, given to me by any person!

Healey skillfully created a story around three main characters that made me laugh and cry. Her extensive research allowed her to draw characters that were loosely based on the actual women that once served as Clubmobile Girls. Most of the antics, incidents, and daily life came from the these women’s journals, letters and other non-fiction books. Check out the author’s Pinterest page if you want to see photos and information. I’ve attached two of my favorites below.

The scenes that depicted the men on the frontlines were well captured. Their sense of gloom, loss of their comrades, their fragile bravery, homesickness and risking their lives every day undoubtedly took its toll. I could feel their joy at the sight of these girls and the companionship they offered. It proved how a small kindness of a homemade treat and some music could completely change someone’s demeanor. I went to Youtube to look up and listen to Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree by The Andrew Sisters after learning how popular it was during the 1940s.

The writing was quite simplistic and I worried it wouldn’t work in a book about war and relationships. Fortunately, it didn’t matter at all and the plot didn’t suffer. It almost added a charm that brought to life the naivety of these young girls as they adapted to the war. There were some predictable parts as well as a few twists that I didn’t see coming.

This book touches on friendship, romance, war, sacrifice, POWs, courage, guilt, independence, the Red Cross, WW2, love and hope. Most people that don’t like historical fiction tell me its because they’ve never read it or because they assume it’ll be too much history and read like non-fiction. If that’s you, or you know someone like that, I suggest this book. It’s a fast, easy to read story that will hold your interest until the end.

The Red Cross Clubmobile Girls were volunteers chosen for their education, friendliness, and beauty to give out doughnuts, coffee, friendship, and other comforts of home to soldiers fighting in WWII.

When Fiona's fiancee goes missing, she recruits her two best friends as Clubmobile Girls in order to feel useful and try to find some news about her fiancee. It's an intriguing premise based real, little known stories of these girls.

The friendships in the story felt real, both the existing ones between Fiona and her best friends and the ladies they meet along the way. The book doesn't steer too far into heartbreaking territory - sad things happen, but the violence and sex are minimal. There are times when it skewed a little too saccharine for me, but overall it was an easy read that taught me about something new. Your book club will love this one.

Did you know the Red Cross sent young women, known as Clubmobile Girls, to Europe during WWII in trucks with donut makers so that they could pass out doughnuts and coffee to soldiers? I didn't. Fiona's fiancé Danny, an aviator, was shot down and is missing, prompting her to leave her job at City Hall in Boston (hence the Beantown) and join the Red Cross along with two of her friends, Dottie and Viv. They quickly make additional pals once they get to London for training and then onward to the Continent. This is a tale of friendship but also of love- there are love interests and then there's Fi's continued hope that she will find Danny alive. It's not too deep and while there are a few mistakes (women didn't wear "blush" - maybe "rouge" but not blush- or pink lipstick at the time), it's a good read. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Perfect for historical fiction fans.

The story opens with Fiona, Dottie, and Viv on board the Queen Elizabeth heading to England as part of the Red Cross Clubmobile girls in the summer of 1944. You quickly find out why Fiona wanted to volunteer. Her fiancée, Danny is missing in action. She volunteered to try and find out what happened to him. Her two best friends also volunteered because they weren’t going to leave her alone. I had never heard of the Clubmobile during the war and reading this book sent me down a Google rabbit hole. The story itself is engaging and interesting. There are details on the training and inner workings of the Red Cross Clubmobile. You went from England to the front lines and felt that you were with the girls every step of the way. I both laughed and cried during the book. It was well written and even though part of it was hard to read I was sad when the book ended.

Once I started reading The Beantown Girls, I could not put it down. This book is absolutely amazing. I love all of the characters so much, They are all full of fire and life, even amidst the tragedies that war brings. The rollercoaster of emotions that I experienced while reading The Beantown Girls was definitely a ride. One of my favorite historical fiction novels so far!

"THE RED CROSS CLUBMOBILE GIRLS: BRINGING A BIT OF HOME TO THE TROOPS AT THE FRONT."
I am such a big fan of historical fiction because of the many new things I learn from reading it. Beantown Girls is a fantastic novel that fits right in with this scenario. I have never heard of the Red Cross Clubmobile or the Donut Dollies before I picked up this book. What a fascinating read!
Jane Healey has a great way of taking the facts surrounding the history of the Clubmobile and weaving a story around actual events that happened when the Donut Dollies were serving in Europe. She took me right to the middle of the conflict and I experienced "living" with the characters who selflessly put themselves where they "were more than just spectators observing the tragedies of war."
The women voluntarily accepted the challenge of going to the war zones because of their desire to bring a little bit of "good" to the grueling hardships that are part of conflict. These women by no means had it easy. They didn't have the luxuries of a warm, comfortable place to bunk. They were cold and wet quite often. There were challenges beyond belief, tragedy that broke hearts, but there were times that made it more than worth the sacrifices they gave to bring a little comfort from "home" to the fighting men.
The journey with the main characters of Fiona, Dottie, and Viv was one I'm so glad I took. The characters are so real. Going through the process of becoming a Red Cross Clubmobile girl was challenging but also so rewarding. There were acts of courage that came because of dangerous situations, there were times of giving more than they knew they had, there were times of loss that tore my heart out but also there were times of making new friendships, of finding romance and a future.
I love this novel. It's the first one I've read by Jane Healey and I'm hooked! I know I look forward to reading more of her astounding work. I want to thank her and Lake Union for the honor of reading and reviewing this five star book!

This book is the epitome of why I love historical fiction!! I was just thinking that maybe I needed a break from WWII books, and then Jane Healey gives me this gem, and oh my stars, I could not read it fast enough!

Fiona Denning applies to be a Red Cross Clubmobile girl after learning her fiancé has gone missing in the war. Her two best friends, Dottie and Viviana, join her, and they are sent off on an adventure. During WWI the Clubmobile girls served coffee and donuts to the soldiers, befriended them and provided them company while they were at war. Dottie is reserved and shy, but plays the guitar and sings, she just is not comfortable getting up and doing so in front of groups of people. Viviana, or Viv, is known as the outgoing one, and is quite the charmer. Fiona, or Fi, is also very personable, making friends easily, but cannot shake that her purpose is to find her fiancé, even as she begins to unwittingly win over a certain Captain named Peter....

The trio set off on their adventure, hoping to end up in Germany, where Fiona’s fiancé was last seen alive. Along the way they meet many new friends, have wonderful (and not so wonderful) experiences, and each have their own personal struggles that they are forced to deal with. This was truly friendship at its finest, flaws and all, and even though they were in a war, I desperately wanted to be right there with them.

I knew nothing about these girls that served during the war, and was blown away to know these roles existed. Jane Healey paints such a vivid picture – the scenery, interactions of the characters, the war, everything. Loved, loved, loved! I will warn you to have a tissue box nearby, but it’s such a good story, you won’t mind.

A huge thank you to Get Red PR and NetGalley for the electronic ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion. Release date is 2/5/2019, you DO NOT want to miss this one!!

4.5 Stars to Jane Healey’s novel of love, loss and extreme courage in World War II. Fiona Denning’s life is uprooted when she learns her fiancé Danny has gone missing in Germany. Determined to get answers, Fiona and her girlfriends Dottie and Viv sign up to become Red Cross Clubmobile girls and head overseas themselves.

There is so much heart in this story from the friendships to the romance and the family and Healey’s writing really makes these women come alive. From learning how to make donuts to serve the soldiers as well as driving lessons, there are moments where you will burst out laughing and others where you will be fighting back tears. I loved getting to know The Beantown Girls and I’m sure you will, too.

I received an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I loved Jane Healy’s The Beantown Girls! Before reading this book, I knew nothing about te Red Cross Clubmbile Girls wise job was to. Make doughnuts and serve coffee to soldiers stationed in Europe during WWII. I loved how Healey weaved the story. of three friends. from Boston joining the Clubmobile Girls with actual events in WW II. Healey does a masterful job of making the reader feel what Viv, Dottie, and Fiona feel as they Lear lots about themselves while eloping the soldiers. I cannot emphasize enough how much I loved this story. Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Historical fiction is my favorite genre. I have read quite a lot of books in this category, especially WWII books, which makes it a little hard for me to be surprised and intrigued with the content of another book in this genre. “Beantown Girls” was an exception...I’ve actually learned quite a lot about Red Cross Clubmobile Girls (I’ve never heard of them before *gasp*) and their role in WWII. This book was a refreshing and surprising read about friendship, bravery, companionship, and love. Fiona, Viv, Dottie, Blanch, Frankie, and Martha touched my heart, and I felt like I was one of them, sitting in the Clubmobile, making doughnuts, while having some girl talk. The witty conversations and captivating descriptions of Europe’s landscape during WWII made this novel a real treat to read. Yes, I shed few tears and felt a little beaten down by some of the events in the story, but the beautiful writing, engaging characters, and a history lesson (for me!) in this novel made this book very enjoyable read. I would like to read more books from this author soon. And I hope it is another Historical Fiction! :)
Thank you NetGalley, Jane Healey, and Lake Union Publishing for a chance to read this great novel!

This story of the women who volunteered to serve with the American Red Cross during World War II is a can’t-put-down emotional roller-coaster. Fiona, Viviana and Dottie are three Boston college friends who sign up to serve in the Red Cross Clubmobiles. Brought on board to bring a touch of home to the soldiers serving overseas, the women find themselves close to the front lines of the war. Three women and hundreds of soldiers; this is a romance novel at heart, even though many of those men, and some of the women wouldn’t come home.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I read Jane Healey’s first book THE SATURDAY EVENING GIRLS CLUB and really enjoyed it – gave it a 4-star rating. But THE BEANTOWN GIRLS I absolutely LOVED – 5-star review (and more if I could). I was torn between wanting to know how things turned out for each of the girls and not wanting to leave their world. These girls were my friends for a few days – and today had to let them go.

This is a compelling read that takes the reader to the European Theatre of Operations in the last days of WWII. And for those who do not like alternating times and/or perspectives, you will like this one – straight timeline (1944) and one perspective (Fiona’s).

Healey tells the story of Fiona Denning whose life is running smoothly until her fiancé is reported missing after having been shot down in Germany. She can’t just accept not knowing his fate so she, along with her friends Viv and Dottie, volunteer overseas as a Red Cross Clubmobile girl. Viv is outgoing, beautiful, and a talented artist. Dottie is a very shy music teacher and astonishes everyone with her beautiful singing voice. Healey takes the reader through the training and deployment of these young women. Fascinating read!

These charming girls never imagined what their deployment would really be like. They make new friends, they lose friends. There is romance, there is heartbreak. Celebration, devastation. They learn their own strengths and the value of friendship. None of them will go unchanged by their experiences.

I had never heard of the Red Cross Clubmobile girls. Jane Healey did extensive research of these little known heroines of WWII. How had we never heard of them! I loved the story even though it was somewhat predictable. But while reading it, I felt the emotions the characters were feeling. I rejoiced with them and cried with them. A beautifully written page-turning read.

I loved this book!! Honestly, I never heard of the Red Cross Clubmobiles before reading this book. I found it so interesting. What an adventure these women had serving coffee and doughnuts to the soldiers. I loved the Historical Note section at the end explaining which parts were based on facts. Much of what happened to Fiona, Dottie and Viv happened in real life. Hopefully, Unsolved Mysteries helped the German boy find the soldiers.

The book centers around Fiona, Viv and Dottie. Fiona's fiancé is declared missing in action after being shot down over Germany. Fiona wants to find out what happen to him. She volunteers to be a Red Cross Clubmobile girl, along with her best friends, Viv and Dottie. The girls do more than just serve coffee and doughnuts. They make new friendships, find themselves close to the front lines and even fall in love.

I loved the characters, story and writing style. Who knew doughnut making could be so hard? I'm surprised more of the doughnut makers didn't explode. I loved Jimmy English and his cat Vera Lynn. Then there was Mrs. Tibbetts and all her animals roaming the house. I loved getting to know all the girls and the reasons that brought them to volunteer. I was sad the book was over and wanted to keep reading about the girls.

I definitely recommend the book, especially if you are a fan of historical fiction. I look forward to reading more books by the author.

Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author, Jane Healey, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.

I read a lot of historical fiction and had never heard of the Red Cross Clubmobile. The Beantown Girls is a heartbreaking yet inspiring glimpse into World War Two and those who served. Jane Healey's beautiful and descriptive writing made me feel as if I was there with the girls. Be prepared when you read though...a box of tissues close by and a book hangover when finished! I highly recommend The Beantown Girls!

Three young women from Boston, Massachusetts volunteer to serve their country in World War 2 and find themselves changed by the experiences they have. Set in London, France, and Germany during WWII, this book is a creative look at the women who served our country during the war. I had no idea that the Red Cross Clubmobile existed before I read this book. I've read a lot of historical fiction books set during WWII, and this was perhaps one of the more entertaining, as well as educational, ones I've read.

Jane Healey does an incredible job of making the characters - and the story - come alive with her words. I could FEEL the emotions they felt, I could SEE the things they saw, it's almost as if I was watching a movie play right before my eyes. I love when an author can paint pictures in such vivid detail that it's almost as if you're looking at a painting rather than reading words, and Healey does just that in The Beantown Girls.

I enjoyed this book quite a lot. Jane Healey's meticulous research impressed me and I feel as though in addition to reading a good story, I learned a lot.

The Beantown Girls has a combination of friendship, love, humor and the realities of war is both heart-warming and heart-wrenching.

Fiona Denning and her two best friends, Dottie and Viv, volunteer for the Red Cross to become Clubmobile girls and help in the war effort during WWII. Fiona’s reason for willingly entering a war zone to serve donuts, coffee to help lighten the hearts of the soldiers is different than the other Clubmobile volunteers. Nearly a year before volunteering Fiona’s fiancée, Danny, disappeared when he was shot down in battle. There is no indication whether he is alive or dead and living in a state of limbo is tearing Fiona apart. She hopes that being closer to the action she’ll be able to discover his fate and move forward one way or another. While she holds onto the hope that he’ll return to her there are times when she is overcome with the reality that he may already be gone. Dottie and Viv understand why Fiona chose to volunteer and decided to accompany her in support of their friend, but they each have their own reasons for joining the frontlines as well. Viv isn’t appreciated at work and wants to do something that matters to her while Dottie wants to push herself past the shyness that at times paralyzes her and holds her back.

The girls arrive in London for training and learn that being a Clubmobile girl is more complicated than just serving coffee and donuts. They have to learn to make donuts using a potentially dangerous machine if not used properly, drive a massive Clubmobile vehicle which is more than difficult for city girls who have never driven in their lives, and find ways to lighten the soldiers moods when they are being faced with the shocking realities of war themselves. The trio find themselves overwhelmed and struggling to impress the field director who will determine whether they can move to the frontlines and allow Fiona to a reach her ultimate goal of finding Danny.

This book was intriguing from the start. I hadn’t heard of the Red Cross Clubmobile Girls before reading the description for this story and was fascinated by the idea of women volunteering to go to a war zone to serve coffee and donuts to soldiers so they could provide hope during the devastation of war. It was amazing to read about how these woman put themselves in danger to help in even the smallest of ways which ultimately had a large impact.

Jane Healey created characters who were real, relatable and made me want to know them more. I felt for Fiona and her struggles. I love how she grew throughout the story. She had an inner strength and determination that is commendable. Viv and Dottie were different in how they handled the emotions of war and it was interesting to read how they each dealt with the stress. It was also wonderful to read a story that was so focused on the friendships of these women. The interactions felt believable and these are girls I would love to spend some time with.

I honestly tend to avoid historical fiction that takes place during WWII because many of the stories I’ve read in the past tend to be difficult for me to read given the heavy subject matter. However, while this story dealt with the terror of war in a way that felt realistic and respectful it also had a lightness to it and was filled with enough humor that I really enjoyed this story. I am rarely moved to tears by a book but this story had me choked up on multiple occasions as well as laughing out loud more than a few times.

If you’re looking for a story that takes you on an emotional roller-coaster, is filled with love and friendship, and shares a unique look of women in history then I’d highly recommend The Beantown Girls.

This is a really good book. The author says it is a work of fiction based on true stories of the Red Cross Clubmobile girls. These young ladies served in the European Theater of Operations in WWII. in this story Fiona, Vivian and Dottie were three friends from Boston that signed up together to be Clubmobile girls. The story is about how hard it was at that time being a female overseas and yet how much the soldiers came to depend on them. I laughed and cried with these women. Parts of the book were difficult to read but it was a good story. I will recommend this book to family and friends. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union for allowing me to read an advance copy for my honest review of this book.

Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “The Beantown Girls” by Jane Healey, Lake Union Publishing, February 5, 2019

Jane Healey, Author of “The Beantown Girls” has written an intriguing, intense, heart-breaking, emotional, enthralling and captivating novel. The Genres are a marriage between Fiction and History of World War Two, and the role of the Red Cross Clubmobile Girls. Kudos to Jane Healey for the hours of research, interviews, and authentication of the time period and the Red Cross ClubMobile Girls. The author vividly captures through her amazing writing skills and descriptions the destruction of the War and morale of the soldiers, and the hard task and danger of the women from the Red Cross bringing some comfort, donuts, coffee and conversation.

When Fionna Denning learns that are fiancee is missing when his plane is shot down in Germany, she is determined to find out what happened. Fiona and her two friends Viviana, and Dottie leave Boston and volunteer with the RedCross ClubMobile Girls, in Europe to bring comfort to the soldiers at the frontline of the war. The girls would make donuts, coffee, and have candy for the men. I don’t think I will ever think of a donut in the same way after reading this book. It was dangerous and difficult work.

I appreciate that Jane Healey discusses the importance of sisterhood and friendship. I learned how courageous and brave these women were. Music, dancing, singing, and entertainment were important to cheer everyone up at this devastating time. Be warned, keep your Kleenex close at hand. This is also a story of love and hope. I would highly recommend this amazing novel to those readers who look forward to reading about World War Two. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.