I really enjoyed Vicki Beeby previous books and when this book came up I had to read it!. I have to say Pearls attitude with her sister really bothered me at first maybe because I'm an oder sister and identified with her a bit too strongly. I'm glad Thea stood up for her self and really told Pearl off for mothering her. The investigation part of the book I really enjoyed and like Greg and Pearls ability to work together. Hope we get to see them again soon!

This is the first in a new series from this author. Moving away from the Navy, we are now with as the title suggests, the girls of Bomber Command.

After not being allowed to be a serious journalist, Pearl joins the WAAF and finds herself in thick of Bomber command as a telephone operator. It also means she can still support her grandmother and eventually keep an eye on her wayward sister, also in the WAAF. When she meets Greg, her life takes a different turn.

However always having a nose for a good story, she wants to get to the bottom of thefts at the base and it gives her a chance to be a real investigative journalist. A great start to a series of books and I am looking forward to returning to their exploits.

I enjoyed this one. I love reading these types of books and this one delivered. A great one for a winters day. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

I live a saga novel. Another new saga author for me! This story has fantastic characters, alongside a great storyline it really kept me captivated. I look forward to reading more from Pearl, Greg, Thea and Jenny as this series continues.

I really enjoyed this historical elements to this novel, I enjoyed going on this journey with the characters and how their story flowed. Everything worked in this story and I enjoyed how strong the characters worked in the time-period. Vicki Beeby has a great writing style and it left me wanting to read more.

2.5

I think because I loved the Ops Girls series so much I'd very high hopes for this, but I was left disappointed. Don't get me wrong, it's well written and I can see that so much research went into it but it just didn't really do it for me. Pearl was a great character and to see her rise above the I equality she faced as regards her gender at the start of the book was admirable and Jenny's constant mispronounciatuon of words was amusing. Your eyes are opened to the extreme dangers these brave people faced everyday and knowing that they might not make it back is heartbreaking. Unfortunately The Girls of Bomber Command just isn't the most memorable historical fiction book I've read.

As usual in my reviews I won't rehash the plot - plenty of other reviews like that out there if that is what you are looking for...

Having previously read several books by Vicki Beeby, I was delighted to be invited to read this latest book.

I love the author's style - she obviously does a LOT of research into the history behind her stories, as you can tell by the details she puts into her characters and settings. The writing is very descriptive and creates an authentic atmosphere, and the characters come alive - so much so that I was genuinely sad at some of the events (I won't say more as I don't want to give away the plot).

I liked the multiple plot lines, which added extra layers of interest to the book. This is a nice easy read, a mix of friendship, romance and history, with very believable characters.

I'm looking forward to reading more of Vicki's novels, and hope that this one was the start of a new series??

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

I recently finished reading The Girls of Bomber Command, my first book by author Vicki Beeby. After finishing, I am confident that it won't be my last, especially since it's the first in a new series.

One of the standout features of the book was the likable characters, which made the story all the more enjoyable. I also appreciated that the story was centered around Bomber Command, offering a unique and refreshing change of pace.
It
Surprisingly, it was my first time reading a fiction novel focused on Bomber Command, despite living in Lincolnshire. Overall, I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

Anybody who knows me well, knows that not only am I a book geek but I am also a historical fiction nerd, with a particular interest in stories set during either of the World Wars. Put the two together and you have a very happy Ginger Book Geek. So imagine my excitement when I read the synopsis of 'The Girls Of Bomber Command'. Let's just say it wasn't pretty and was thankfully only witnessed by my two Labradors. I couldn't wait to dive in and so without further ado, I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my copy of the book and settled down for what proved to be an interesting afternoon of reading. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Girls Of Bomber Command' but more about that in a bit.

I had initially picked the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I became so absorbed and wrapped up in the story that I was still sat there reading seven chapters and an hour or so later. It's safe to say that reading 'The Girls Of Bomber Command' became rather addictive to say the least. It was one of those books that got under my skin somewhat and was constantly on my mind whether I had the book in my hand or not. My copy of the book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. Part of the reason why I enjoyed reading 'The Girls Of Bomber Command' has to do with the fact that I really warmed to the two main characters of Pearl and Jenny, whose friendship becomes very strong. I loved the fact that Pearl stuck up for Jenny and made a point of befriending her when others wanted to ignore her. Pearl and Jenny ended up feeling more like friends of mine than characters in a book. I was so wrapped up in the story that I didn't realise just how quickly the pages were turning and the time was passing. All too quickly I reached the end of 'The Girls Of Bomber Command' and I had to say goodbye to Pearl and Jenny. I found 'The Girls Of Bomber Command' to be a gripping and ultimately heartwarming story.

'The Girls Of Bomber Command' is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Vicki Beeby. Vicki has an easy going writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Vicki's books often feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Vicki clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters seem just as real as you and I. As I mentioned above Pearl and Jenny ended up feeling more like friends rather than characters in a book. Vicki has obviously carried out a lot of research into the period in which the story is set and this helps to make the story seem that bit more authentic. I always find that the sign of a good book is when I find myself become far too involved in the story and 'interact' with the characters as if they can hear me. Well that's exactly what happened with 'The Girls Of Bomber Command'.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Girls Of Bomber Command' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I look forward to reading more of Vicki's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

I loved this book so much. It is so beautifully written, amazingly researched with an author's note, and absolutely delightful. This book is based on the fictional Bomber Command Station in Lincolnshire.

Just after Pearl Cooper left school at the age of 18 and her Job as a Journalist at Shrewsbury Mirror to earn for her grandmother and keep a watch on her sister Thea. Pearl Joins the Air Force as a WAAF Corporal radio telephony operator communicating with pilots of aircraft from the watch office at Bomber Command Station. Her selflessness, bravery, determination, strength of character, and patriotism can't be ignored by the reader which brings excitement. I couldn't put down some chapters as they had thought-provoking research about what happened at there as a huge expansion of bombing operations after 1942.

The novel has wonderful characters, a fabulous story, a clean romance, adventure, and terrifying realities of life during WW2. When Pearl meets Jenny they become instant friends, she gets close to Met WAAF Jenny as well as Australian pilot Greg and she starts her own newspaper that she always was excited about. It was very interesting to read about how they fought in the skies with bombs falling and taking the risk of any time when anyone could get killed.

Thanks to Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for an advance copy for my honest review.
Novel Nerd Blog: https://smithareading.blogspot.com/

The first book in a brand new historical saga series that I am so excited for as I know it's going to be brilliant. Pearl is the main character who is a journalist well that is what she has always dreamt of being. Pearl ends up in the bomber command and there she meets a friend Jenny and also a pilot Greg. Her sister Thea is also in the bomber command and after a incident Pearl is determined to clear her sisters name. The characters in this are written so that they portray the parts that they play in the story magnificently. I really enjoyed learning about The Bomber Command as it is something that I have never read about in a book and it was intriguing content that has been extensively researched. I loved the characters and the story has plenty of drama that kept me flying through the pages.

This is the first book in the new Bomber Command series and I already want to read the rest. I loved the book so much. It felt like Vicki took a lot of time to properly research the time and the story.

I loved Pearl she was a bit like me always trying to take care of people even if the others didn't really want or need the care she was giving. I loved Greg he brought the perfect balance for Pearl. I absolutely loved Jenny and her mispronunciations. The romance part of the story felt very natural and it flowed really well in the book.

I did not know much about the bomber command girls so reading about their life on the base was really interesting and I learned a lot.

Thank you to NetGalley, Vicki Beeby and the publisher for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

This is the first book in a brand new historical saga series by Vicki Beeby. I loved everything about this book from the excellent writing and the superb characters . From the writing and descriptions it’s not hard to tell that this author has put a lot of work into the story and getting the historical facts correct . This is such an interesting read learning all about the work involved at bomber command during the Second World War . Then of course we have the friendship and romance element both which were a lovely addition to this read . After finishing this book I have absolutely no doubt this is going to be a fantastic new series .

The Girls Of Bomber Command by Vicki Beeby is a powerful historical novel that I loved. It is set during the middle of World War II mainly on an airbase in Lincolnshire.
As we follow the lives of the men and women of bomber command, we see the fragility of life. “If I have tomorrow” is a phrase a young pilot utters. Whenever the men flew their missions, they never knew if they would return to base – whether it was a leaflet or bomb drop. They lived hard and they played hard. Daredevil antics on the base were a way to unwind and cope with the enormous responsibility that was on young shoulders.
We witness the devastating effects of an aircraft not returning to base. “The crew are like family.” All members hurt if one of their own is lost.
Life is hard for the girls on base. They are friends with the airmen and worry each time bomber command teams take to the air. Even in the middle of the night, they wait for the planes to return, greeting each man with a smile, a mug of tea and a ‘welcome home’. Life was lived on a knife edge for all.
We follow a character whose ambitions had been squashed just because she was a woman. Her dreams and hard work to become a reporter were passed over in favour of a younger, less qualified male. Within the air force, her dreams can begin as she sets about setting up a newspaper for the base. She has a drive and the tenacity to succeed.
Life has dealt two characters bitter blows. Two sisters were orphaned at a young age, being brought up by a grandmother. The older sister became a surrogate mother to the younger one and finds it hard to let go that role, even though both girls are now in their twenties.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Girls Of Bomber Command. It was a powerful read. I was able to learn and appreciate just how fragile life was for the aircrews and the devastating effects for all the serving members when aircrafts did not return. Ground crew worried until all the planes were safely counted in. It was a marvellous read.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

he novel "The Girls from Bombers Command" takes place during World War II in the 1940s. The story is well-written and meticulously researched, making it enjoyable to read. The historical details in the book are fascinating and enlightening, particularly the impact that serving in Bomber Command had on those involved. As my grandfather was a navigator in Bomber Command during the war, this aspect of the story was exciting to me. It's a great start to a new series!

Pearl Cooper joins the WAAF after telling her sexist boss at the Shrewsbury Mirror what to do with his job when he promotes Philip Meadows just because of his gender. After completing her training, Pearl becomes a radio telephone operator in Bomber Command, which she loves. She slowly learns to be herself and not to worry so much about others, as she was used to having always watched out for her younger sister Thea, who is also with the WAAF.

Pearl becomes friends with her roommate Jenny and Greg, who is a pilot that she got to know over the radio when he was in difficulty. Greg suggests they start a newspaper for the base, so they ask for volunteers. The idea for the paper brings out all of Pearl's old skills from working in the trade. When they introduce themselves to Mr Haughton, he can see all the enthusiasm Pearl has for the paper. Will he help them get off the ground?

As the story progresses, Pearl learns that Thea has much more to her than she gave her credit for. Thea actually teaches Pearl from her own life experiences. I enjoyed Jenny's funny way with words and was surprised how death could be described so beautifully by Max Turner. Greg was portrayed as a flawed yet likeable hero and the characterization of Pearl helped me understand her better. Jenny and Thea were intriguing secondary characters, and I hope to see more of them in future books. Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys wholesome World War II romances.

The Girls of Bomber Command is written by Vicki Beeby. This is my first book that I have read by this author - and it will not be my last. I loved Pearl. She had such big dreams of becoming a journalist - however when she is passed over for a promotion just because she is female she quits. Worried about bills, she signs up with the WAAF. Her grandmother is worried that she just wants to keep an eye on her younger sister, Thea. However, it's greater then that.

Pearl becomes a radio telephone operator in the Bomber Command. She befriends Jenny. The forge a nice friendship. She also gets to know Greg. Greg is an Australian pilot. However, valuables start to go missing so the group starts to investigate. Pearl is not going to let her investigative skills go to waste. What is shocking is her sister seems to be the prime suspect. Can Pearl prove her innocence?

While I have read my fair share of WWII stories - I have not read one that focused on the Bomber Command. I was not familiar so I read a little bit about their story. The author has done careful research to bring her story to life. I really hope to read more from this author.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Rachel's Random Resources for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

I LOVED this book! It was both deeply moving and yet humorous in many ways. Vicki always writes fantastic books and she clearly researches her subject well. This book is no exception and I can't wait for the next one in the series. I have a feeling there is a deeper story regarding Mr Haughton and, if I'm right, I can't wait for it to unfold.
I really loved all of the characters in this book and can't wait to hear more about Pearl, Jenny and Thea.
If you've not read anything by Vicki before - I recommend you get hold of her books as soon as you can!

✨My Thoughts✨

Thanks so much for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have a few books by this author on my TBR pile but this is the first one I’ve actually read and wow I’ll be reading more as soon as I can, this is WW2 historical fiction at it’s very best.

This was such a heartwarming read and it was so well researched regarding the plight of women in WW2 and how they was pushed aside in favour of men even though they could do the job equally as well if not better.

The three women stole my heart straight away and the relationships had me smiling so much.

We also got a little mystery and intrigue happening which I enjoyed, I won’t say too much as I don’t want to give too much away.

I love Saga books and reading this story has reminded me why.

This is a great read by Vicki Beeby.I was drawn in from the very first page about Pearl Cooper and her want to be a journalist.It tells you what life is like in Bomber Command,the ups and down of life.Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo help for letting me read this great book.

Impeccably researched and beautifully written, this was a book I very much enjoyed. Pearl joins the WAAF when the newspaper reporter’s job that should have been hers is given to a male colleague who’s far less able, just because he has a wife and family to support – an opportunity to support the war effort, but also to keep an eye on her troublesome younger sister at a nearby base. She’s disappointed to find that the same attitudes prevail at Bomber Command, female radio telephone operators being made less than welcome by some – until she proves her capability by talking in Australian pilot Greg, his crew having jettisoned and an engine of his Manchester bomber on fire. And yes, of course, a relationship develops between them – but it’s not the easiest journey, with particular (and very understandable) obstacles along the way.

But this book is far more than a wartime romance. There’s a particular focus on family that sometimes makes Pearl a less sympathetic character than I might have wanted her to be – but the way she interferes in her sister’s life becomes more acceptable as we learn more about the background and get to know them both better. I very much enjoyed the story about setting up a newspaper on the base, and the enthusiasm of everyone involved – and the way Pearl becomes able to use her investigative training to help shed light on the perpetrator of a series of callous thefts, with more than a little real drama along the way. And I really loved the female friendships – especially bookish Jenny, and the moments of gentle humour – although I did think all the characterisation, even of relatively minor characters, was superbly done. The book’s sense of place is excellent too – life on the bases, but also taking in the landscape and the streets of Lincoln.

But perhaps the main thing that struck me about this book was the immense amount of research that must have been needed to bring the settings so vividly to life – and the author uses every bit of the detail quite wonderfully, making you entirely present in the moment as the radio telephone operators gather on the runways to watch the departures for the next bombing raid, feeling the tension as they count the planes back in again safely. The life of a pilot was so well captured too, both on base and when we join Greg on his bombing raids and experience every moment – and I loved the excitement caused by of the first delivery of Lancasters, finally giving them the right equipment to do their jobs. It’s not a book that shies away from the realities either – the author’s note tells us that RAF Bomber Command had one of the highest casualty rates of any Allied unit during WW2, and there are times when those planes don’t return. And the emotional aspects of their lives are superbly handled – air crew not wanting to become personally involved because of their uncertain future, but equally wanting to take risks and party just to celebrate the joy of still being alive.

If all sagas were as good as this, I’d read them far more often – I learned so much about the wartime experiences of these brave individuals, and was entirely immersed in the story throughout by the author’s well-paced storytelling. This is a series I’d really like to stay with – I’m invested in the characters and their lives, and they feel like friends – and I’ll look forward to seeing what comes next. I loved it, and – even if sagas aren’t something you usually read either – would very much recommend it to others.

(Review also copied to Amazon UK, but link not yet available)