A gripping and uplifting historical saga with romance and friendship

Summer 1940. As bombs fall over London, another battle is raging deep within Britain’s forests. A war few believe women are strong enough to fight.

Fresh from forestry training camp, Keeva O’Connor and her fellow Lumberjills are sent to fell trees vital to the war effort. In the forests, they are watched, men mock their work and danger lurks in the shadows.

In the villages, trust is fragile, doors slam in their faces and suspicion grows. As romance kindles, rumours spread and friendships are tested by secrets, jealousies and forbidden longings.

About the author

Joanna Foat is the author of the Lumberjills historical fiction series, bringing to life the remarkable true stories of Britain's forgotten Women’s Timber Corps – ordinary young women who find extraordinary courage in wartime. Her novels celebrate resilience, camaraderie and the healing power of nature, while shining a light on a hidden chapter of British history.

For more than fifteen years, Joanna has immersed herself in researching the Lumberjills, meeting many of the women who served and their families, exploring the forests where they worked and uncovering the real events that inspired her novels. The result is richly authentic historical fiction that combines meticulous research with unforgettable characters, gripping drama, friendship, romance and hope.

Before becoming an author, Joanna worked as an editor and writer for leading environmental conservation organisations, including the Forestry Commission and The Wildlife Trusts. Her connection with nature and Britain's forests brings an authenticity and sense of place that readers frequently praise. Alongside her novels, Joanna has written two non-fiction books about the Lumberjills, curated exhibitions for Forestry England, delivered more than 200 talks across the UK, and appeared on television, radio and podcasts sharing the extraordinary legacy of the Women's Timber Corps.

If you enjoy emotionally rich World War Two historical fiction featuring strong women, compelling relationships, fascinating historical detail and stories inspired by real events, you'll feel at home in the Lumberjills series. Joanna is currently researching the next novel in the series and remains passionate about ensuring the courage, humour and resilience of the Lumberjills are never forgotten.