A New Start for the Wrens


Book Description

**Winner of the RNA Saga Award 2023**Are these newly trained Wrens ready to protect Britain’s coastline? Following a humiliating experience involving the man she thought she’d marry, Iris Tredwick signs up to the Wrens in order to escape and find ‘the right sort’ of man to please her mother. After a bumpy start, Iris manages to befriend outspoken Mary and dreamer Sally as they are sent to their first posting – in Orkney. There she meets mechanic Rob, whose flirtatious nature both charms and confounds straight-laced Iris. Much more appropriate for her is local doctor Stewart, if only she felt the same spark for him as she does for Rob... As Iris, Mary and Sally work to interpret signals from incoming ships, they realise the enemy is somehow one step ahead of their manoeuvres, dropping sea mines under the cover of darkness. Could there be a spy on the island? And can the Wrens prevent disaster striking before it’s too late? A thrilling and lively Second World War saga for fans of Kate Thompson and Daisy Styles. Praise for A New Start for the Wrens'This book is absolutely brilliant. I felt like I was one of the girls and was joining them in their adventure. I really cant wait to read more in this series' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'This book entertained and warmed the cockles of your heart. Being on duty with the Wrens and contributing to the war effort was a great way to spend the afternoon reading and I seriously loved it!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'Loved this book! I binge read it as I wanted to know what would happen. The three main female characters Iris, Mary and Sally are all so easy to relate to and care about. Love the glimpses of Orkney and the poignant history.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'A really thoughtful look at the work of the wrens in WWII and a brilliant new trio of girls to get to know. I cannot wait for the next one.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'Another number one for Vicki Beeby. Loved this WWII story, highly recommended read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review




Auggie Wren's Christmas Story


Book Description

A timeless, utterly charming Christmas fable, beautifully illustrated and destined to become a classic When Paul Auster was asked by The New York Times to write a Christmas story for the Op-Ed page, the result, "Auggie Wren's Christmas Story," led to Auster's collaboration on a film adaptation, Smoke. Now the story has found yet another life in this enchanting illustrated edition with Argentine artist Isol. It begins with a writer's dilemma: he's been asked by The New York Times to write a story that will appear in the paper on Christmas morning. The writer agrees, but he has a problem: How to write an unsentimental Christmas story? He unburdens himself to his friend at his local cigar shop, a colorful character named Auggie Wren. "A Christmas story? Is that all?" Auggie counters. "If you buy me lunch, my friend, I'll tell you the best Christmas story you ever heard. And I guarantee every word of it is true." And an unconventional story it is, involving a lost wallet, a blind woman, and a Christmas dinner. Everything gets turned upside down. What's stealing? What's giving? What's a lie? What's the truth? It's vintage Auster, and pure pleasure: a truly unsentimental but completely affecting tale.




Baby Wren and the Great Gift


Book Description

Celebrate the amazing world that’s waiting for you each and every day! Discover the special and unique talents waiting inside of you to share with each and every person you meet! From the mind of beloved author Sally Lloyd-Jones comes this beautifully illustrated picture book with a much-needed and inspiring message to any child who wonders, "What can I do?" Follow along as tiny wren marvels at the incredible wildlife around her—from fish to eagles, insects to plants—all the while wishing she had a special gift of her own to share. As she takes in the beauty of the world, she discovers a unique talent that’s been inside her all along. Baby Wren and the Great Gift combines the sweet and gentle words of bestselling author Sally Lloyd-Jones with the beautiful illustrations of Jen Corace. This rich and colorful picture book encourages each and every little boy and girl to discover the amazing gifts within them to share with this wonderful world. Baby Wren and the Great Gift: Is written by Sally Lloyd-Jones, bestselling author of the beloved Jesus Storybook Bible, which has sold over one million copies Contains inspirational text that inspires children to recognize and bask in the wonders of the world while encouraging them to discover and share the unique wonders within themselves Features the work of Jen Corace, the illustrator of many books for children




Wren's War


Book Description

When wicked King Andreus declares war on the royal families of Meldrith, Wren and her friends, Princess Teressa, Prince Connor, and chief magic maker Tyron, determine to defeat him.




Hopeful Hearts for the Wrens


Book Description

During war, nothing is ever at it seems... Sally Hartley is a hopeless romantic. Her father died when she was a baby but she has lived off stories from her mother of what a wonderful man he was. Now, all she wants is a love like theirs. And she thinks she’s found it in Adam, the brother of a friend from home. When Adam is posted to Orkney, it’s like Sally’s dreams have all come true. After Italy changes sides in the war, the Italian POWs are granted more freedom on the islands, meaning Sally can spend more time with her friend, Aldo, and the two grow ever closer. But when a family secret is revealed, Sally's trust might be forever broken. Sally, Iris and Mary must continue their duties even as life changes drastically around them, including an attack on one of their fellow Wrens from an unknown assailant. Now the friends face danger not just from the enemy, but also someone much closer to home. An uplifting and dramatic WWII saga for fans of Kate Thompson, Margaret Dickinson and Daisy Styles. Praise for Hopeful Hearts for the Wrens ‘Vicki Beeby carried me along yet again with her skilful story weaving. The book has it all with romance and friendship, danger and intrigue. I didn’t want this series to end and I finished this book with a tear in my eye.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘Absolutely brilliant! I love how the books follow on and if you love family saga based in wartime please read these books. Feel like I have gone through all the emotions with the girls.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘I really enjoyed reading this and highly recommend this series.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘Brilliant... There was drama (and plenty of it), romance, and humour too. I love Vicki’s style of writing.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘A truly great series! I do love a good wartime book and this hit all the marks. The friendship, the strength in the face of adversity and the romance throughout such different times. The ending was amazing and so satisfying.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘Wow what an emotional end to the girls! I loved following the adventures of Sally, Mary and Iris now sad that it’s over... Vicki has written this series perfectly.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review




Victory for the Ops Room Girls


Book Description

Jess is about to face her biggest battle just as the war nears its end With Jess newly promoted to Filterer Officer at RAF Fighter Command HQ, she is delighted to be reunited with Evie and May. However, now that they can enjoy socialising in London, Jess fears her friends will discover the secret she keeps there. When Jess bumps into Milan unexpectedly, sparks are reignited - did she make a mistake, finishing with him in Amberton? But matters are complicated when a film company arrives at Bentley Priory to make a morale-boosting movie about the RAF. The lead actor is none other than Leonard Steele, a man from Jess’s past who could ruin everything she has worked so hard to build... As her past and present collide, will Jess find the strength to fight for her future? A gripping and emotional wartime saga ideal for fans of Daisy Styles, Kate Thompson and Rosie Clarke. Praise for Vicki Beeby 'A fabulous tale of courage, comradeship and romance.' Glynis Peters, author of The Secret Orphan 'A lovely book. Vicki Beeby is a saga author to watch.' Margaret Dickinson, Sunday Times Top Ten bestselling author 'Entertaining from beginning to end. I can't recommend it highly enough.' Gemma Jackson, bestselling author of the Ivy Rose series 'I love the author's style - the writing is very descriptive and creates an atmosphere, and the characters come alive. I am sad to think this is the end of the series' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'This was the third and final book of the series which I loved from start to finish. I shall miss these girls and their wartime experiences. A truly delightful and beautifully written novel.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'Vicki really brings her characters to life in such a way that I'm actually feeling a little sad now that the series has ended. I can't wait to read whatever Vicki writes next.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'This book is brilliant! More than brilliant, amazing!!! Absolutely gripping, addictive and captivating' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'I loved, loved, loved this series. The suspense, the mystery, and the chemistry within this narrative is spot on. I loved the ending and could not think of anything better. A perfect fit for a perfect series.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review




A Wedding for the Bomber Girls


Book Description

As wedding bells ring out, joy will be found amidst the tensions of war... At RAF Fenthorpe, instrument repairer Thea is helping her sister, Pearl, plan her wedding alongside fellow WAAF and maid of honour Jenny. A misfit amongst the women on the base, though, Thea is struggling to get others onboard. When Flight Sergeant Fitz makes a point of befriending and standing by her, sparks fly between the two. And when Fitz’s crew member, Jack, faces being stripped of his rank due to cowardice, Thea throws herself into seeking justice and support for him. Just as she begins to be accepted by her fellow WAAFs, a shadowy figure from her past has returned and is determined to ruin not just Thea, but also Pearl’s wedding. Will Thea's reputation be marred once more? And will she face this struggle alone...? A page-turning and feel-good Second World War saga, for fans of Johanna Bell, Daisy Styles and Kate Thompson. Praise for A Wedding for the Bomber Girls ‘A great read and very well-written’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘I absolutely loved this book! It felt like reuniting with old friends... This was Beeby at her best’ Johanna Bell ‘The second in this series and it is as good as the first one. Great to be back with them all and can’t wait for the next book’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘Thea, Pearl and Jenny are a fab little trio and seeing them develop from the first book was great. It was a great and compelling story and had me flicking through the pages in frustration and excitement...’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘I enjoyed reading this book... it felt like catching up with old friends’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘A feel-good novel that is well-written and well-researched... thoughtful and enjoyable’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘Another great read in this wonderful series. The characters are so interesting and funny’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘Thoroughly enjoyed catching up with the ladies once again, was gripped from the start and really couldn’t put the book down until I got to the end’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘Vicki Beeby has such a lovely way of writing that reading is effortless and flowing. I will admit to not wanting to stop at the end of the chapters and to often sneaking off to read when I should have been doing other things’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘I loved it... so atmospheric, the story and the girls bring this book alive’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review




The Girls of Bomber Command


Book Description

With an enemy in their midst, can they still protect their fighters in the skies? Pearl has given up on her dreams of being a journalist after being denied a promotion because of her gender. Joining the WAAF as a radio telephone operator for Bomber Command, Pearl's new job at RAF Fenthorpe serves two purposes – providing an income for her grandmother, and keeping a close eye on her younger sister, Thea, an instrument repairer at another Lincolnshire bomber station. Pearl befriends Met WAAF Jenny as well as Australian pilot Greg, who she guides home safely during an emergency. Pearl's journalism background doesn't go to waste, however – a series of thefts from pilots rekindles her investigative fire and she is soon caught up in the mystery. But when all signs point to the perpetrator being her sister, she finds herself up against the clock to prove her sister’s innocence... A captivating and heartwarming WWII saga for fans of Daisy Styles and Johanna Bell. Praise for The Girls of Bomber Command ‘I absolutely adored The Girls of Bomber Command. It's a real page-turner and a wonderful mix of love, loss, friendship, action and romance. There were parts of the book that had me on the edge of my seat for all kinds of reasons!’ Johanna Bell ‘What a read! Fast-paced, exciting and superbly researched, this story brings World War II to life’ Lesley Eames ‘When I was asked to read Vicki Beeby’s new book, I jumped at the chance! The Girls of Bomber Command is an exceptional tale that had me on the first page. Readers will delight in period details, a tight and pacy plot, and beautifully flawed characters. I couldn’t stop reading!’ Andie Newton, USA Today bestseller ‘Another brilliant WW2 saga from the queen herself. Loved this book and hoping for more from the Bomber Girls. Fantastic read.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘Vicki Beeby has done it again! An enthralling read. The author’s notes on the research undertaken to inspire and also to make this story authentic were fascinating. I can’t wait for the next book.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘There’s a couple of wartime authors that I always read as soon as they have a new book out and Vicki Beeby is one of them! She writes the most perfect wartime stories.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘A well-researched and well-written book... All in all a thoroughly good read – which actually brought me to tears at one point – a sign of a good book.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘What a great start to a new series!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review




Christmas for the Bomber Girls


Book Description

With the men missing in action, can the Bomber Girls find a way to bring them home? Pearl, Thea and Jenny fling themselves into making Fenthorpe as festive as it can be, looking forward to the Christmas dance. Disaster strikes when Pearl’s husband, Greg, crashes behind enemy lines and is reported missing. Pearl and Thea’s grandmother, Deedee, immediately travels to Lincoln to support her granddaughter. But Deedee has a surprising - and troublesome - connection to Fenthorpe. Can the girls uncover her secrets to help their grandmother find new romance? And can Greg evade capture and survive in enemy-occupied Holland to make it home for Christmas? It’s never too late to fall in love in this heartwarming Second World War saga, perfect for fans of Soraya Lane, Kate Thompson and Lizzie Page.




Violets Are Blue


Book Description

From the author of the acclaimed My Life in the Fish Tank and Maybe He Just Likes You comes a moving and relatable middle grade novel about secrets, family, and the power of forgiveness. Twelve-year-old Wren loves makeup—special effect makeup, to be exact. When she is experimenting with new looks, Wren can create a different version of herself. A girl who isn’t in a sort-of-best friendship with someone who seems like she hates her. A girl whose parents aren’t divorced and doesn’t have to learn to like her new stepmom. So, when Wren and her mom move to a new town for a fresh start, she is cautiously optimistic. And things seem to fall into place when Wren meets potential friends and gets selected as the makeup artist for her school’s upcoming production of Wicked. Only, Wren’s mom isn’t doing so well. She’s taking a lot of naps, starts snapping at Wren for no reason, and always seems to be sick. And what’s worse, Wren keeps getting hints that things aren’t going well at her new job at the hospital, where her mom is a nurse. And after an opening night disaster leads to a heartbreaking discovery, Wren realizes that her mother has a serious problem—a problem that can’t be wiped away or covered up. After all the progress she’s made, can Wren start over again with her devastating new normal? And will she ever be able to heal the broken trust with her mom?