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




The Ops Room Girls


Book Description

Shortlisted for the RNA Romantic Saga of the Year AwardWhen Evie’s dreams come crashing down, she’s determined to still make something of herself in these trying times... It is 1939 and working class Evie Bishop has received a scholarship to study mathematics at Oxford when tragedy turns her life upside down. Evie must seek a new future for herself and, inspired to contribute to the war effort, joins the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force as an Ops Room plotter. Posted to a fighter station on the Sussex Coast, Evie befriends two other WAAFs – shy, awkward May and flirty, glamorous Jess. Faced with earning the approval of strict officers and finding their way in a male dominated world, the three girls band together to overcome challenges, navigate new romances and keep their pilots safe in the skies. But the German bombers seem to know more than they should about the base’s operations, and soon Evie, May and Jess are caught up in a world more dangerous than they ever imagined... This heartwarming, dramatic World War II saga is perfect for fans of Daisy Styles, Kate Thompson and Rosie Clarke. Praise for The Ops Room Girls ‘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 'Full of excitement, energy and romance, this story kept me turning the pages eagerly.' Lesley Eames, author of The Brighton Guest House Girls 'An exceptional historical saga about young women forging new paths in an uncertain world at war... rich with historical detail, and a must read for historical fiction fans.' Andie Newton, author of The Girl I Left Behind 'An utter joy to read, from the first page to the last. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone with a liking for strong characters, a taste for danger, and a deeply romantic soul.' Terri Nixon, author of Penhaligon's Gift ‘Entertaining from beginning to end. I can’t recommend it highly enough.’ Gemma Jackson, bestselling author of the Ivy Rose series




Christmas with the Ops Room Girls


Book Description

When there’s so much to be afraid of, can May help bring festive cheer to the Ops Room? After failing to help evacuee siblings whom she witnesses being separated, May wishes she’d had the confidence to speak up. When Jess suggests a pantomime to boost morale on the station, May is desperate to help – but is held back by her own insecurities. With her low self-esteem also affecting her relationship with Squadron Leader Peter Travis, May is fed up with being her own worst enemy and decides to take charge of her destiny. But the past she ran from, plus a crisis with one of the evacuees, throw May into the midst of a drama that will test all of her newfound confidence. May, Jess and Evie must work together once again to help each other through the challenges of war and of their own hearts. This heartwarming WAAF saga is perfect 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 'This is a wonderful story of hope, love and friendship during the Second World War.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'Another wonderful book in this series, characters that come alive, and a storyline I enjoy following from book to book. Saga lovers this is a series for you.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'This was the most charming, evocative and beautiful book. The friendship between May, Jess and Evie, the ops rooms girls, is joyously written and their characters lovingly drawn and expanded. This is a many layered book, it will leave you wanting more!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review




Soldier Girls


Book Description

“A raw, intimate look at the impact of combat and the healing power of friendship” (People): the lives of three women deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, and the effect of their military service on their personal lives and families—named a best book of the year by Publishers Weekly. “In the tradition of Adrian Nicole LeBlanc, Richard Rhodes, and other masters of literary journalism, Soldier Girls is utterly absorbing, gorgeously written, and unforgettable” (The Boston Globe). Helen Thorpe follows the lives of three women over twelve years on their paths to the military, overseas to combat, and back home…and then overseas again for two of them. These women, who are quite different in every way, become friends, and we watch their interaction and also what happens when they are separated. We see their families, their lovers, their spouses, their children. We see them work extremely hard, deal with the attentions of men on base and in war zones, and struggle to stay connected to their families back home. We see some of them drink too much, have affairs, and react to the deaths of fellow soldiers. And we see what happens to one of them when the truck she is driving hits an explosive in the road, blowing it up. She survives, but her life may never be the same again. Deeply reported, beautifully written, and powerfully moving, Soldier Girls is “a breakthrough work...What Thorpe accomplishes in Soldier Girls is something far greater than describing the experience of women in the military. The book is a solid chunk of American history...Thorpe triumphs” (The New York Times Book Review).




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




The Women's Auxiliary Air Force


Book Description

Lose yourself in these charming tales of sisterhood and sweeping romance. Includes all three books in the heartwarming Ops Room Girls series; The Ops Room Girls, Christmas with the Ops Room Girls and Victory for the Ops Room Girls. The Ops Room Girls: It is 1939 and working class Evie Bishop has received a scholarship to study mathematics at Oxford when war turns her life upside down. Evie must seek a new future for herself and joins the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force as an Ops Room plotter. She soon befriends two other WAAFs, May and Jess. Together they overcome challenges, navigate new romances and keep their pilots safe in the skies. Yet the German bombers seem to know more than they should about the base’s operations, and soon Evie, May and Jess are caught up in a world more dangerous than they ever imagined... Christmas with the Ops Room Girls: When Jess suggests a pantomime to boost morale on the station, May is desperate to help, but is held back by her own insecurities. With her low self-esteem also affecting her relationship with Squadron Leader Peter Travis, May is fed up with being her own worst enemy and decides to take charge of her destiny. But the past she ran from comes back to haunt her, putting her newfound confidence to test. Can May, Jess and Evie work together once again to overcome the challenges of war – and of their own hearts? Victory for the Ops Room Girls: With Jess newly promoted to Filterer Officer at RAF Fighter Command HQ, she is delighted to be reunited with Evie and May in London. However, now that they can enjoy socialising in the city, Jess fears her friends will discover the secret she keeps there. 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? This gripping and emotional wartime saga series is perfect for fans of Daisy Styles, Kate Thompson and Rosie Clarke. Praise for Vicki Beeby ‘Vicki Beeby is a saga author to watch.’ Margaret Dickinson, Sunday Times Top Ten bestselling author ‘An exceptional historical saga about young women forging new paths in an uncertain world at war... rich with historical detail, and a must read for historical fiction fans.’ Andie Newton, author of The Girl I Left Behind ‘I loved this series from start to finish. I shall miss these girls and their wartime experiences... truly delightful and beautifully written.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 ‘I loved, loved, loved this series. The suspense, the mystery, and the chemistry within this narrative is spot on. I loved the ending... perfect fit for a perfect series.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review




Going Solo


Book Description

In Going Solo, the world's favourite storyteller, Roald Dahl, tells of life as a fighter pilot in Africa. 'They did not think for one moment that they would find anything but a burnt-out fuselage and a charred skeleton, and they were astounded when they came upon my still-breathing body lying in the sand nearby.' In 1938 Roald Dahl was fresh out of school and bound for his first job in Africa, hoping to find adventure far from home. However, he got far more excitement than he bargained for when the outbreak of the Second World War led him to join the RAF. His account of his experiences in Africa, crashing a plane in the Western Desert, rescue and recovery from his horrific injuries in Alexandria, flying a Hurricane as Greece fell to the Germans, and many other daring deeds, recreates a world as bizarre and unnerving as any he wrote about in his fiction. 'Very nearly as grotesque as his fiction. The same compulsive blend of wide-eyed innocence and fascination with danger and horror' Evening Standard 'A non-stop demonstration of expert raconteurship' The New York Times Book Review Roald Dahl, the brilliant and worldwide acclaimed author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, and many more classics for children, also wrote scores of short stories for adults. These delightfully disturbing tales have often been filmed and were most recently the inspiration for the West End play, Roald Dahl's Twisted Tales by Jeremy Dyson. Roald Dahl's stories continue to make readers shiver today.




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.




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




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