The Bletchley Girls was a wonderful way to learn a more about WW2. The story revolves around three ladies, with unique backgrounds, coming to BP (Bletchley Park) at the same time. The author allowed me to gain a better perspective of how women, who had never been away from home, learned to get along and work together.

They all wanted to do their part in the war against the Nazis. Each of the girls had a different job that couldn't talk about, even to each other. They were all connected, and yet separated by the Official Secrets Act.

Steffie had lived in Italy for eight years making her language skills of German and Italian an asset to the SOE. She thought she would be translating, but the men put her on a typewriter. She would soon show her worth.

Fran had worked at Cambridge and was known as a great organizer. Her talents were soon put to good use doing "general organizations work." She created an efficient index from their disastrous attempt at organization to keep track of all the information gained from messages.

Ailsa was a radio operator, that was actually given a job offer over the airwaves while working the radio on a small Scottish island. She left her little island without the support of her family in search of great adventure.

The girls were all put up in different homes surrounding BP. I was shocked by the author's descriptions of their bed stays that I had to research and talk to my mom. I can't believe how rough some of the ladies had it while residents pocketed government money. The story became even more endearing as the girls roomed together in a caravan on a farm. As a reader, I became more invested in the girls and what happened thanks to the stories they shared.

The story becomes a story of thrills and adventure when Steffie and Ailsa take on overseas appointments. Steffie gives the readers a glimpse into the lives of those serving in Egypt and those using it to their advantage. Cairo and other places in Egypt were a breeding ground for spies, parties and secrets.

Ailsa uses her wonderful radio skills on the island of Malta to search out the broadcasts of the Germans and Italians. She is a major asset to the war effort as she risks her life as Malta is attacked by fighters and bombers.

The author's story is not an easy read. I have never found evil to be light reading. But the story is insightful. It had me thinking. It had me wanting to know more, to research. I can't ask for more from a Historical fiction. The Bletchley Girls gave me more. Romance added a balance to the story.

I cheered on the successes of the Bletchley girls in war and romance. I was thrilled as the allies gained land over the Nazis. I became frustrated as knowledge grew of a spy's existence and the damage he was doing.

Fantastic, just the word for this book .This digs deeper than most books about Bletchley and goes further but based on a very true story bringing other countries within WW2. Very well researched and I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys this type of book. Well worth more than 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

New recruits to Bletchley Park, Britain's top-secret code-breaking headquarters, Steffi, Fran and Ailsa form an instant rapport, despite their different backgrounds. Steffi's the socialite daughter of an ambassador, engaged to an Italian who is now on the enemy side; Fran is the daughter of dull academics while Ailsa is a Scottish island girl escaping the stifling and claustrophobic attitude of home.
Their time at Bletchley leads to adventure, danger and the discovery of strong passions, but their friendship never falters and as the war progresses they grow in strength and stature, ready to face whatever will come next.
This was a really good story with three strong lead characters. I felt it gave a real insight into what life must have been like at Bletchley Park - not as rarefied as I had imagined, despite all those official secret acts!
When the narrative takes our heroines out into the field, to Egypt and to Malta, the plot intensifies - there is plenty action and suspense here, as well as a good sprinkling of romance ... and, as it finishes in 1942, the hope of a follow-up book! An ideal read for lovers of wartime romances who enjoy a meticulously researched, well-crafted story. Author Anna Stuart never disappoints.

I love reading books set in WWII and especially the role that women played in the intelligence space as I have a bit of family history in that area.
This book spins a new light from previous Bletchley Park books I have read. There is a national security secret and a traitor sending critical information to the Germans.
The main characters; a group of young women Fran, Stefania and Ailsa are recruited to work at Bletchley after signing the Offical Secrets Act. The three young women all come from different backgrounds but form such a close friendship and we watch as they grow into confident, honourable and capable intelligence officers.
There is a little bit of romance and a lot of detail about codebreaking, radio operators and managing the influx of information that is received at Bletchley Park.
Stefania is sent to Egypt and Ailsa to Malta to assist in the war efforts and we are shown what life is like living in these countries during the war. I found the Malta experience particularly interesting as my mother in law lived through the war and she described the bombings and scarcity of food just as the author has portrayed. I felt the ending was a bit rushed but maybe there will be a second part to this book, fingers crossed. All in all I would recommend this to all historical fiction fans.

Very nicely written and imagined story based upon a lot of evidence about code-breaking, messaging and the like during the second World War.. Three girls from very different backgrounds are brought, initially, to Bletchley Park for their language, radio and organisational skills. They become friends as we see them move through and up the secrets' ladder; they are sent to different parts of the world - Malta, Cairo - but the work at Bletchley keeps them together. A little romance but it felt in keeping and did not detract from the war work. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

Bletchley Park…a top secret mansion in Buckinghamshire that’s full of intellects, linguists, radio operators and efficiency experts. These folks work round the clock to break codes and transcribe intel from the Germans in an effort to win WWII. For Steffie, Fran and Ailsa…it’s so much more. It’s a chance to find themselves, prove that women are just as capable and discover the true bonds of friendship.

Signing an act of secrecy, they never truly know what each other does within the walls of Bletchley but together they are able to decipher enough information to take down a spy and help overturn the supply war in the Mediterranean. Despite their hidden work, Steffie and Ailsa are not hidden from the dangers of war as the two are sent to the Med. They face bombs, starvation and are even arrested for being spies themselves. Fran is back at Bletchley relaying as much information as she can to keep her friends safe and still take down the enemy.

I loved every page of this book. While the characters are fictional the events and locations in which the story takes place are very real and upon reading the authors notes, I gained a bit of a history lesson that I hadn’t learned before. Ms Stuart has created strong, intelligent and determined characters that you immediately become invested in. I was also grateful to return to Bletchley Park, a place that I’ve only just begun to learn about.

Thanks so much to NetGalley, Bookouture and Anna Stuart for an amazing trip to Bletchley and the Mediterranean! I was thrilled to receive an early copy in exchange for my review

This book was so I can't even put into words. I just love all the books this author writes. You read one you have to read all.The things that they go through in their life is so sad you want to cry. This is a must read book to make you appreciate what you have.

After a slow start where I thought the book would be weighted more to the personal problems of the three main characters rather than secret intelligence, this became an absorbing, enjoyable read. It developed the role of radio and morse interceptors really well and tied them into the events of 1940 to 1942. It built a story based on historical fact and then developed some relatable characters around it. I found it informative. My only bugbear, it refers to ‘a streetcar named desire’ incidentally, but I understand that was not published till 1947. This remains however, a thoroughly recommended read

Stefania, Alisa and Fran are working together at Bletchley park. Good novel - friends- betrayal, and love. A start of a great new series.

Very well written story. Not my usual thriller, but it was a nice break to have a story on friendship and heart break. The story lingers after you're finished.

Three young women, each from different backgrounds, meet as they start employment at Bletchley Park. The young women have their own unique skills, valuable to the war effort, from language and translation skills to radio operations.

This was a great, light read while focusing on important aspects of history. Recommended for fans of historical fiction.

This book is amazing and deffinetly Captured my heart… it was so so good and so immersed in the story it was hard to put it down once started it is the best ive ever read.

This book is a feast of information, so beautifully interwoven with fiction.

Arriving at Bletchley are Stefanie who has lived a life of luxury and grandeur in Rome. Ailsa who hails from the Scottish Islands and is a whiz on the radio . And Fran who honed her skills as an organiser while helping at the University library she attended.
Together they draw attention from the powers that be who are looking to recruit for the war effort.

Thrilling, emotional read.

The Bletchley Girls by Anna Stuart is a marvellous historical novel that I just could not put down.
Whilst World War II was undoubtedly absolutely awful, it did provide opportunities for woman. Previously expected to marry and reproduce, now women could have positions of responsibility and really make a difference to the war effort, and even the outcome of the war.
Bletchley Park was a place of brilliant minds and unique skill sets. The reader follows three young women with varying talents, all of whom are heading to Bletchley Park. As they become firm friends their lives go in different directions as the BP girls are sent where they are most needed.
The reader sees the war at home, in Malta and in Egypt. All are fighting the same war. There are some truly terrifying moments.
We witness the skill and bravery of the girls as they adapt to their situations and fight the war using their brains.
The characters are all well drawn, likable and realistic. As Anna Stuart led them through the war, the reader can ‘see’ the situations through their eyes.
Love is important. Whatever else we may lose is replaceable but family and friends aren’t. We need to tell those we love that we love them through actions and words.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Bletchley Girls. It was an exciting, powerful read. I always enjoy Anna Stuart’s novels and look forward to reading much more by her.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. .. of course it is a.ww2 fiction, with all the disasters , bombing , dying, suffering. But this book has also the strong friendship between female characters, that i really like in books. . You can see the growth in the female Main characters throughout rhe book. From shy til sassy. From a little bit of a snob to a relaterte person. It also has a little sprinkle of lgbt. What I did not like in this book , was the ending. It felt rushed. But I still highly recommend this book.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

First I’d like to thank NetGalley and Bookoture for providing this ARC version of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have to say I believe I am now an Anna Stuart fan. This novel was my introduction to this author and her style of writing. It is difficult to tell a story from one POV and this book has 3. Ms. Stuart weaved their stories together seamlessly and I enjoyed it. We have Fran, Steffie, and Alisa all very different women who forge a beautiful friendship and become a family. While there is some romance it does not overwhelm the story, though with one couple I am not very sure how I feel about how their relationship ends up.

I enjoyed the fact that we were not limited to only Bletchley Park, but we were taken to Egypt and Malta as well. Being historical fiction I was pleasantly surprised to learn a little more about WWII instead of the same basic facts we were taught in school. The book starts off a little on the slow side but when the action comes in as each girl is facing the horrors of war, it really makes you feel like you were there with them. In a way I was sad to see the ‘action’ end. These parts with the code breaking, bombings, etc really had me glued to the page.

My main complaint is that I feel the ending was kind of rushed and I would have liked more. The author could have also left out the entire last chapter. Ending it at chapter 39 I think would have made it feel more like a conclusion. Chapter 40 as I said before just makes it all seem so rushed.

All in all I enjoyed reading this novel and I look forward to finding another Anna Stuart book to read.

Loved it. It was interesting to see how much the woman were treated tan the men, even though they were doing the same job. My favorite part was the relationship Ailsa, Fran and Steffie formed with each other. They became their own little family and were there for each other. Ailsa changed the most through out the book. It took guts for her to join the WAAFS, go against her family and leave her island. She became more independent and finally came out of her shell. I hated how her mom treated her. Of course, it takes a near death tragedy for people to realize what they could lose. Fran always knew what she wanted to do and didn't allow her parents to force her into the medical field. Although, her family always downplayed Fran's role at Bletchley Park. Would people be so OK with Fran's life choices during this time? It seemed like everyone just accepted it and it wasn't a big deal. Steffie was the rich girl who lived a charmed life. She told everyone who would listen that she had an Italian fiancé. Not sure how Steffie could still love Matteo after the encounter in the hospital. His response just showed that he didn't love her and I doubt he would change his thinking. Would he really just be able to show up like he did? That part didn't seem believable.

Really enjoyed the book. The Intelligence Officers really aren't that smart for how they tried to accuse the girls of being spies. These women were working to help them and even alerted them that the Germans were getting information from someone, but no one listened. All because of a farm. Loved reading about the work the girls were doing in Malta and Cairo.

Definitely recommend the book. Loved the characters, story and writing style. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Oh my goodness but this is a good book, I devoured it and felt an immediate connection with Steffie Ailsa and Fran. Three strong women, I was totally committed to from the get go.

#NoSpoilers but I worried about them all equally. The quality of the author's story telling made me forget the characters were fictional at times. They are worthy representatives of the real women who showed such bravery and actually went through experiences very similar to Steffie, Ailsa and Fran..

I was hooked into each of their stories and the bond they retained with each other whatever the war threw at them. Without giving away any of the plot, the location and settings were fabulous. The author so cleverly transported me to worlds the women were inhabiting and their experiences.

An absolute cracker of a story, so well told. I loved it.

Highly recommend.

A very entertaining novel based on a true story! I enjoyed it a lot! The plot was suspenseful all way through and the historical background extremely interesting. I learned a lot about WWII in Mediterranean areas as well as their intelligence work. I loved the friendship between the three lively women and many of their dialogues were funny! Romance plays a big role, but did not overwhelm the storyline.
I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

Firstly I would like to thank netgalley, and Bookoutune and the author Anna stuart for an early copy of this book to read.

Ive read Anna stuart book The Midwife of Auschwitz which was a fantastic read,This is her second book ive read. My rating is 3.5 for this read rounded to 4..it was a great read loved the characters and there friendships and strong bond.Stefenia is Italian her skills are vital shes engaged to Matteo will he survive the war as he on the German side,her friends Alisia and Fran all share a caravan and one goes to Egypt and other to Malta...wasnt fully engaged at times with the decoding and war intel found it abit much, wanted more of the girls storyline.

This book will be reviewed on goodreads and Amazon uk.