"Can this be the safe place they need?"

Kitty learned early on in her marriage that her husband, Bill Dunbar, isn't reliable with money. So when they inherit the Dunbar family hotel at the start of the war, she's hopeful that their financial worries are over… until the bailiffs turn up! With Bill now in the army, it’s up to Kitty to turn things around for her family, or risk ruin.

Lily worked as a chambermaid at Dunbar’s before the war. She met Daniel there, but their relationship was complicated by class differences and the disapproval of Daniel’s mother. Now Lily is pregnant – and with Daniel away at sea, she is all alone. When tragedy strikes, will Kitty and Dunbar’s come to her rescue?

Beatrice is in her forties, unmarried, and working in a job that exposes her to the harsh realities of poverty and sacrifice. She wonders whether the war might give her the opportunity to change lives for the better - including her own. But when she's accused of a crime she didn't commit, the future looks bleak... until Kitty makes a surprising suggestion.

Can the community around Dunbar’s hotel pull together and provide a beacon of hope and resilience, in the dark days of war?

…

This new series looks all set to wonderfully complement others which have already been such a huge success for the author, whether writing, in this instance, as Maisie Thomas, or under one of her alternative aliases. Her trademark strong female characters, impeccable research and sympathetic understanding about domestic life for those left behind, here in the UK during WWII, is second to none in its detail, whilst at the same time highlighting and challenging so many societal norms of the period head on. The knowledge and love she has for the City of Manchester, shines through in her engaging vivid descriptions and immersive qualities, making this the ideal storyline for me, as a confirmed 'armchair traveller'.

The scene is set in the opening few chapters from 1928, well before the outbreak of war. Kitty is newly married to Bill and has just given birth to their first baby, a daughter named Abigail, who is the apple of her father's eye. Kitty's brother Peter had been killed in The Great War, whilst her much older sister Naomi and brother-in-law Derek, have three young sons, so a new granddaughter is something to be celebrated, even though Bill's mother is not quite so enthusiastic. Kitty is under no illusion that Bill is extravagant with money he definitely doesn't earn as a shipping clerk and the lavish gifts with which he now showers herself and Abigail only heightens her suspicions that Bill's life outside of the home, is not as it seems. When Kitty resolves to discover Bill's secret by whatever means necessary, she throws caution to the wind, breaking one of the golden rules of married life, by challenging her husbands authority over the household finances. When she further humiliates him by offering to help him settle his debts, family tensions mount and all trust is lost.

By 1941 the country is once again fully immersed in war, however, although increasingly unreliable with the family finances, Bill has yet to be called up, with his shipping duties having been recognised as a reserved occupation. He also, following the death of his cousin and uncle, finds himself heir apparent to 'Dunbar's Hotel' in the city centre, although he is unable to take up his management responsibilities for fear of immediately receiving his call-up papers. Abigail, now 13, is to be their only child and still doted on by Bill, so when Kitty discovers his latest extravagance, she decides that drastic action is needed to prevent him frittering away his inheritance and bankrupting them, whilst protecting her daughter's admiration for her father. Having suddenly received the dreaded call to arms, Bill does have one final salvo to fire, which almost leaves Kitty and Abbie destitute, were it not for Kitty's heroic show of resilience and determination to succeed, in what is still almost exclusively a man's world, with the assistance of one forward thinking businessman who is willing to embrace the inevitable changes he sees ahead, when war is finally over.

It is now that Lily, Beatrice and Fay enter Kitty's life, each with challenges they must face and overcome to secure their respective futures in the new world order for women. Kitty discovers a fellow female warrior in Fay Brewer, the unexpected, but most welcome 'man from the council', who holds the fate of 'Dunbar's Hotel' in her hands and will move heaven and earth to both help the neighbourhood she serves and those individuals in it who are striving to build a prosperous post-war future.

Beatrice, middle-aged and single, works for the local Welfare Team, delivering incontinence aids to adults who are unable to afford to buy them. Not particularly popular with some of her colleagues, she is always willing to go above and beyond what is required of her and hates to see injustice. Secretly, she longs to be in a position to help the many forgotten child carers she regularly meets, whose education record is almost non-existent and whose childhood has been so cruelly curtailed by domestic duties at home. However, when her honesty and integrity is called into question and both her employers and the local community she serves, turn their backs on her, an unemployed and friendless Beatrice is taken in by Kitty, whilst she strives to prove her innocence and regain her good name and reputation.

Lily, once a chambermaid at Dunbar's Hotel, now a 'fallen woman', with a short, failed marriage behind her and a heart so broken that it may never truly heal, has nowhere else to turn, but to her old employer, not knowing the change of circumstances and fortunes of the Dunbar family. Kitty listens to Lily's traumatic story with a mix of admiration and respect for the young girl who has endured so much emotional turmoil and for whom life might have been so much more comfortable, if she had been willing to leave behind her family roots and the class she had been born into, something she discovers that she is simply unwilling to countenance, when the true cost of betrayal is weighed up.

Although, as a child, Abigail is still kept in the dark about her father's fickle ways and the deception he uses to secure his own ends, she proves herself to be more than a good companion for the four dominant females in her life, made all the more complete when a furious Kitty confronts Bill's mother about her son's lies, finally managing to convince her that not all men, purely by deed of their gender, are to be revered and looked up to without question and that she should make up her own mind about Bill's behaviour and how she wants to treat him in the future, whilst deciding for herself how big a role she wants to play in her granddaughter's future.

Abigail looks as though she is going to follow in her mother's footsteps, when she plays an active and pivotal role in helping Beatrice clear her name, being totally confident enough to hold her own and speak for herself, when the police ask her to explain the evidence she believes she has, which might exonerate Beatrice.

I am looking forward to following this unlikely matched group of forward thinking women, as they continue to challenge the norms of society, which I'm certain won't be a smooth ride when an errant Bill gets wind of their success.

A new saga novel series! I love a saga novel and always enjoy finding new series. Maisie Thomas is a new author to me, and I really enjoyed her style of writing.
Kitty, Lily and Beatrice all have their own goings on in their lives yet come together to help each other when they need it the most. This story covers, loss, bereavement, fighting against those you love, family issues but most of all how important friendship is.
I look forward to book 2 in the series.

Maisie Thomas' 'A New Home at the Wartime Hotel' provides an endearing insight into the lives of the women living in Manchester in WWII. The narrative follows Kitty, who inherits her husband's family-run hotel only to be financially devastated with her husband serving overseas. Together with Lily, a once chaperoning chambermaid who must contend with motherhood without support, and Beatrice, a kind-hearted woman falsely accused, Kitty works to keep the hotel running.

Thomas evokes the strength and resourcefulness of these women as they face wartime adversity and find unlikely friendships. The story highlights their self-sacrifice and determination and depicts an inspiring account of community spirit in the face of adversity. Historical fiction readers interested in stories about female friendships and the resilience of ordinary women during war will enjoy this book.

Lovely easy read. Enjoyed getting to know the characters. My favourite era of story, set in WWII. Would definitely recommend this book

Loved this story about 3 different types of women who became friends during the war..Kitty, who was married to Bill who had a problem with buying things on credit. He had a large debt. Lily, who had been a chambermaid at the Dunbat and Beatrice, who had a crappy job delivering supplies to disabled persons .Kitty was a Dunbar by marriage and Bill inherited it. Just as Bill left to serve, the Baliff's came and took everything because of his debt. Lily married Daniel and came back to the Dunbar for a safe place to live and Beatrice ended jump their to run a room of games etc. for the children. Kitty had a daughter, Abbey. Follow them as you find out all the secrets and sad things that happened. A GREAT READ.

What a great start to a new series. I loved this saga a lot. Such an interesting story set in an era I'm interested in. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

The first in what is to be a series set in the Second World War in Manchester.

Kitty Dunbar, with no thanks to her husband inheriting a hotel. Whilst he is away fighting, she is at home fighting to keep her head above water and to stop the debt that her husband seems to have left her with. Running a hotel in wartime is not necessarily what she was expecting to be doing.

Lily, was a chambermaid at the hotel and fell for Daniel. But with Daniel also away at war and a baby on the way, it seems her fate is already written for her but then tragedy strikes and she suddenly finds herself where she least expects it.

Beatrice, is forging her own path in the world and not to be reliant on anyone. When a misunderstanding turns into being accused of a crime she needs to decide what is worth fighting for.

As the scene is set, you get to learn more about these three main women who have all found themselves thrown together at the hotel and trying to make the best of the circumstances. I cannot wait to see where the next book takes us, as this is a fascinating premise for a wartime saga.

A story of strength and friendship between women in WWII. As they work together to keep a hotel running, we enjoy their adventures. Such a strong story.

An engaging tale of three Manchester woman as the do their best through very trying times. War, poverty, rationing, deprivation, debt all play a bug part but so does compassion, grit, a sense of justice and friendship.

A great book to cosy up with and lose you self in. I hope there are more.

An entertaining story of three women finding life very difficult during the war: Beatrice who works as an 'inco' lady, delivering incontinence pads to women looking after family members, but also offering practical support above and beyond her role and yearning for more from her life; Lily who has married in haste out of her class and is expecting her first child, and Kitty who has a spendthrift husband, totally unable to live within his means, who struggles to keep the household together but who has a much loved daughter Abbie.

The War moves along and their lives change as different circumstances affect them, drawing them to the Dunbar Hotel - Kitty because her husband's family owns it, Lily because she worked there before marriage and Beatrice when she is offered space to run a children's club for those young ones forced to look after family members.

Its heartwarming, and while I find the nasty, judgemental gossip so prevalent at that time to be beyond irritating, the book was very true to life and each of the characters were easy to relate to. A nice picture of wartime Britain and some interesting situations portrayed.

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

Times are changing, as Manchester's ladies try to survive during WWII.

I love an educational WWII novel, and I've read many over the years. The ones where you learn more about the atrocities of the prison camps and the tenacity of the people who were held there. But I equally love a more lighthearted story, which is exactly what A New Home at the Wartime Hotel by Maisie Thomas is. It's the first in a new series, and although there is one heartbreaking topic (check the trigger warnings), this was a winner for me.

This time we are in Manchester as WWII continues, men are off fighting and the women are left to hold the fort - or the hotel! The characters are resilient and resourceful, and Kitty in particular was amazing as she fought to keep her home, and reconfigure the business to provide for her teenage daughter. Lily, Beatrice and Kitty (and Abbie) all became firm friends by the end of the story and I can't wait to hear what's in store for them next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review A New Home at the Wartime Hotel by Maisie Thomas.

What an absolutely engrossing WWII saga. Set in Manchester, readers are introduced to Kitty, Lily and Beatrice, whose lives will insect in the most beautiful way.

So many details of the time period and setting are beautifully incorporated in this story that I felt I was right there next to these three women.

This is historical fiction at its finest with an emphasis on just how strong women can be, as well as a celebration of the friendship and support between women.

This was my first book by Maisie, and I’ll certainly be looking for more. I grabbed this on audio from my library’s Hoopla collection and it was a treat for my ears. So well done!

A New Home at the Wartime Hotel is a compelling story of women supporting women on the home front during WWII.

Kitty learns early in her marriage that her husband, Bill, isn’t reliable with money. When they inherit the family hotel, Kitty feels hopeful. However, while Bill is away fighting in the war, the bailiffs turn up and repossess most of the hotel’s furniture to pay Bill’s debts. Kitty must get creative to save the hotel.

In addition to Katie, the hotel’s owner, we are introduced to two other strong and well-written characters: Lily, who worked at the hotel as a chambermaid before the war and has a baby, and Beatrice, an unmarried woman who loses her job because of an unfair accusation. These three women join forces to save the hotel, make do in times of war, and overcome personal challenges. Each woman’s story was compelling, and the support and encouragement they offered each other was uplifting.

Each woman’s story is interesting, and we are quickly invested in their complicated lives. We cheer for these three likable and determined ladies as they form a partnership to tackle some difficult challenges on the home front. A multi-layered plot makes this an engaging and riveting read.

Thoughtful themes include women supporting women, friendship, partnership, trust, secrets, compassion, overcoming challenges, resourcefulness, determination, and managing life in wartime England.

Fans of home front WWII histfic and strong, resourceful women will find a lot to appreciate in this story. This is the first installment in a series. However, A New Home at the Wartime Hotel can be read as a stand-alone.

Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #ANewHomeAtTheWartimeHotel upon my request. All opinions are my own.

For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.

Maisie Thomas release of the first book in the series has characters that I know everyone will love. Kitty is married to a spendthrift, Lily 's whirlwind love and marriage is filled with heartache and Beatrice's is hoping the war will change the circumstances of her life. They start out as strangers but become family.

I love each of these characters, but I think Beatrice is my favorite. Her heart is so large and all she wants to do is be of help not only to her fellow man, but to the children who grew up just like her. I found myself rooting for all of these woman and was so glad that this book is not the end to their stories.

This is a great book to read on a rainy day, cause you can just snuggle into this story.

A New Home at the Wartime Hotel marks a brand new series by best-selling author, Maisie Thomas, and what an entrance it is!

Kitty has discovered that while her husband is giving her, their daughter and their home everything, all is not as it seems. Kitty is delighted to move the family to Dunbar’s Hotel but things take a turn for the worse. Can Kitty turn it around?

I have loved every novel by Maisie and this one is no exception. Kitty is a strong, determined woman who is willing to learn and will go far. With her new friends Lily and Beatrice, I’m sure Kitty is goi g to succeed and I'm excited to go on the journey with them.

Grab your copy today.

A New Home at the Wartime Hotel by Maisie Thomas

I loved this a start to a new series , a great addition to books on this genre.
It was the story of three women . We meet three women because of the The Dunbar hotel.
Kitty the wife of Bill , Beatrice who works there and Lily .
All of their individual stories were interesting , and I enjoyed how they were getting to know each other all whilst under the common denominator of the hotel .
Looking forward to finding out more.

- [ ] This is the first book in a brand new series by Maisie Thomas and I really enjoyed it. It didn’t take me long to settle into the story and I quickly became immersed in this book.
Set in Manchester during the 1940’s, life isn’t easy for everyone as the menfolk are away working and It’s left to the women to keep everything together back home.

The three main characters; Lily, Beatrice and Kitty were all strong women and they soon formed a very close knit friendship with each other. I really admired them all.

This was an emotional read at times and also a wonderful start to a new series . I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction saga .

I find myself drawn to WWI or WWII historical books. My mother and my maternal relatives are from England. My mother lived in England during WW II.

All the main characters are very much aware of the danger of having a bad reputation and being the source of gossip. Each woman had to face this gossip and continue on.

Kitty, Lily and Beatrice became sources of strength for each other. Their friendship was unique and beautiful to read. It is so rare to see in today's world.

I did enjoy watching Kitty taking charge and doing what she needed to do to keep her home. Survival. Her daughter and eventually her friends depended on her.

I loved it!

A New Home at the Wartime Hotel by Maisie Thomas is an inspiring and heartwarming story. We are taken back to Manchester in 1941. I found the book to be easy to read. The characters are developed and realistic. The story is told from Kitty, Lily, and Beatrice’s point of view. I liked each of the ladies as well as some of the secondary ladies (I especially liked the lady with the hat with the large plume). Each of the main characters has gone through difficulties in their lives. I felt for each one of them. While the war is terrible, it may be a time for these ladies to shine. The author described the long queues the women had to wait in at each shop to get food (you had to go to the butcher, bakery, etc.). There was no guarantee that what they wanted would be available and food rationing regulations changed often (sometimes month to month). I cannot imagine having to endure the frequent bombings. You could return from the bomb shelter to find your home a pile of rubble. This is an emotional story. What I liked most of all was the friendships that developed between the women and how they supported each other. I am eager to read the next book in the Dunbar’s Hotel series.

Oh my goodness what a brilliant book and a wonderful start of a series.

Kitty is married to Bill but unfortunately he does not know how to not spend money and he has inherited the Dunbar Hotel he is away helping in the War when the bailiffs take all the furniture from the hotel. She decides to turn the hotel into a storage facility for the people who have lost their homes. Lily is married to Daniel she is expecting a baby and he is away in the Merchant Navy he is upper class while she is working class and through tragic circumstances she ends up living with Lily and her daughter Abbie. Beatrice works for the corporation where she sees the poverty of all the people she wants to help people, she ends up living in the Dunbar Hotel as well.

The book ebbed and flowed it was happy and sad in places. I really liked all three woman and they all worked well together their characters clicked.

The book was well written and interesting.

I would recommend this book and look forward to reading the next book in the series.