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Nightingales #2
The Nightingale Sisters
To the student nurses at The Nightingale hospital, the ward sisters are heartless and frightening, with impossibly high standards. But the sisters have troubles of their own...
Violet
The new night sister is not all that she seems. Who is she and what dark secret is she hiding? As the mystery deepens, Sister Wren is determined to find out the truth.
Dora
The student nurse is struggling with her own secret, and with her heartbreak over Nick, the man who got away. A new arrival on the ward brings the chance to put a smile back on her face. But can she really get over Nick so easily?
Millie
Dora's fellow student is also torn between the two men in her life. But then an unexpected friendship with an elderly patient makes her question where her heart - and her future - really lies.
As the nation mourns the death of King George V, it seems as if nothing is ever going to be the same again, especially for the women at the Nightingale.
Violet
The new night sister is not all that she seems. Who is she and what dark secret is she hiding? As the mystery deepens, Sister Wren is determined to find out the truth.
Dora
The student nurse is struggling with her own secret, and with her heartbreak over Nick, the man who got away. A new arrival on the ward brings the chance to put a smile back on her face. But can she really get over Nick so easily?
Millie
Dora's fellow student is also torn between the two men in her life. But then an unexpected friendship with an elderly patient makes her question where her heart - and her future - really lies.
As the nation mourns the death of King George V, it seems as if nothing is ever going to be the same again, especially for the women at the Nightingale.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2013
165 people are currently reading
575 people want to read
About the author
Donna Douglas
35 books255 followersWelcome to my Goodreads page.
I'm the author of the Nightingale novels, a series of stories set in an East End hospital in the 1930s, published by Arrow.
The first in the series, The Nightingale Girls, follows the lives of three girls from very different backgrounds as they join the Nightingale Hospital as students. The second, The Nightingale Sisters, will be published next spring.
I'm originally from London, but I now live in the beautiful city of York.
I'm the author of the Nightingale novels, a series of stories set in an East End hospital in the 1930s, published by Arrow.
The first in the series, The Nightingale Girls, follows the lives of three girls from very different backgrounds as they join the Nightingale Hospital as students. The second, The Nightingale Sisters, will be published next spring.
I'm originally from London, but I now live in the beautiful city of York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
February 17, 2020
Hat mir sogar noch besser gefallen als der erste Band! Vor allem ab der zweiten Hälfte konnte ich das Buch fast nicht mehr aus der Hand legen, da das Geheimnis das Violet, unsere neue Nachtschwester und somit auch eine unserer neuen Protagonisten, verbirgt so spannend war. Man hat im Laufe des Buches immer wieder neue Anhaltspunkte bekommen und trotzdem war ich am Ende überrascht und fand das echt gut gemacht von der Autorin.
Was ich auch echt klasse fand, war wie die Frauen in diesem Buch aufeinander Acht geben und füreinander einstehen, auch wenn sich nicht alle von Anfang an mochten hielten sie zusammen wenn es darauf ankam! Frauenpower for the win! :)
Schade fand ich, dass wir diesmal recht wenig über Helen zu lesen bekommen haben, allerdings habe ich die Vermutung, dass sie im nächsten Band wieder mehr Platz einnehmen wird.
Weiterhin bin ich ein großer Fan von Millie und auch von Dora. Vor allem Doras Geschichte hat mich hier wieder sehr gerührt. Aber auch der Tot einer Patientin ging mehr sehr ans Herz.
Alles in allem also wieder ein wunderbarer historischer Roman, für alle die die Serie "Call the Midwife" mögen/mochten :)
Was ich auch echt klasse fand, war wie die Frauen in diesem Buch aufeinander Acht geben und füreinander einstehen, auch wenn sich nicht alle von Anfang an mochten hielten sie zusammen wenn es darauf ankam! Frauenpower for the win! :)
Schade fand ich, dass wir diesmal recht wenig über Helen zu lesen bekommen haben, allerdings habe ich die Vermutung, dass sie im nächsten Band wieder mehr Platz einnehmen wird.
Weiterhin bin ich ein großer Fan von Millie und auch von Dora. Vor allem Doras Geschichte hat mich hier wieder sehr gerührt. Aber auch der Tot einer Patientin ging mehr sehr ans Herz.
Alles in allem also wieder ein wunderbarer historischer Roman, für alle die die Serie "Call the Midwife" mögen/mochten :)
April 15, 2021
Was soll ich sagen....den 2. Band dieser Reihe liebe ich genauso wie den 1. Ich habe es wieder als Hôrbuch gehört und kann diese nur empfehlen. Wieder begleiten wir Millie, Dora und Helen in ihrem Alltag als angehende Krankenschwestern. ( Der 2. Weltkrieg rückt immer näher) Eine neue Protagonistin kommt hinzu, welche ein großes Geheimnis hat und dadurch auch der Spannungsbogen sehr gut aufrecht erhalten wurde. Viel Herz, viel Gefühl, Momente des Lachens aber auch des Weines,einfach ganz großartig.❤️🤗❤️
March 29, 2021
Band 2 hat schon das "Nach Hause Kommen" Gefühl hervorgerufen. Es war schön bekannte Charaktere weiter zu begleiten, aber mit Violet auch einen neue Protagonistin zu erleben, deren "Geheimnis" im Vordergrund stand. Zum Ende hin hatte es so viel Fahrt aufgenommen, dass ich kaum aufhören konnte dem Hörbuch zu lauschen - Wieder toll gesprochen von Tessa Mittelstädt.
Die Schwestern wachsen in diesem Band zu einer richtigen kleinen Familie zusammen, die sich gegenseitig unterstützen, auch wenn es hier und da Zwist gibt. Man bekommt etwas zu lachen, zum trauern und Aufreger, wie auch freudige Momente. Von allem ist etwas dabei und das macht die Reihe bisher für mich sehr lesens bzw. hörenswert.
Ich werde definitiv weiterhören und mag vor allem auch die (zwar wenigen) historischen Aspekte und hoffe da kommt in den Folgebänden, wenn der zweite Weltkrieg ansteht auch noch mehr. Es bahnte sich am Rande schon ein Handlungsstrang in diese Richtung an.
Die Schwestern wachsen in diesem Band zu einer richtigen kleinen Familie zusammen, die sich gegenseitig unterstützen, auch wenn es hier und da Zwist gibt. Man bekommt etwas zu lachen, zum trauern und Aufreger, wie auch freudige Momente. Von allem ist etwas dabei und das macht die Reihe bisher für mich sehr lesens bzw. hörenswert.
Ich werde definitiv weiterhören und mag vor allem auch die (zwar wenigen) historischen Aspekte und hoffe da kommt in den Folgebänden, wenn der zweite Weltkrieg ansteht auch noch mehr. Es bahnte sich am Rande schon ein Handlungsstrang in diese Richtung an.
November 7, 2017
Es war wieder ganz toll 🙂
August 1, 2014
The Nightingale Sisters picks up where The Nightingale Girls left off. The girls are starting their second year of nursing school and the ward sisters are just as difficult as ever. I loved the addition of Violet as the night nurse. Her story was fantastic and her friendship with the matron brought out the matron's more human side. The progression of relationships and personalities was compelling as the sisters rallied around Violet and her difficulties.
Dora and Millie and Helen work through their family issues as they cement their friendship. We see more of their home lives, but also their resilience and dedication. The story is compelling as it also addresses some serious issues of the Blackshirt rising and racism, backstreet abortionists and spousal abuse. I love these characters and I couldn't put the book down. I read it in an evening, much like I did the first, and anticipate doing with the third!
I swear that Britain has the best soap operas. They're not dramas, they're soaps and they're freaking addicting. The Nightingale series has all the makings of a great soap opera and if Call the Midwife wasn't already out there, these books would make a great television show.
Dora and Millie and Helen work through their family issues as they cement their friendship. We see more of their home lives, but also their resilience and dedication. The story is compelling as it also addresses some serious issues of the Blackshirt rising and racism, backstreet abortionists and spousal abuse. I love these characters and I couldn't put the book down. I read it in an evening, much like I did the first, and anticipate doing with the third!
I swear that Britain has the best soap operas. They're not dramas, they're soaps and they're freaking addicting. The Nightingale series has all the makings of a great soap opera and if Call the Midwife wasn't already out there, these books would make a great television show.
March 21, 2022
So froh, daß ich diese Reihe begonnen habe
March 23, 2022
Der erste Teil hatte mich wohl etwas auf dem falschen Fuß erwischt - den fand ich nur so mittelmäßig und hatte mir offen gelassen, ob ich in der Reihe weiterhöre.
Jetzt bin ich froh, dass ich es getan habe, denn ich kann endlich die vielen positiven Stimmen nachvollziehen, die sagen, wie sehr ihnen die Charaktere ans Herz gewachsen sind und wie sie immer mit ihnen mitfiebern. In diesem Band haben es mir vor allem der Handlungsstrang rund um Violet und, wie auch schon im 1. Band, die Geschichte von Dora angetan.
Der dritte Teil ist schon runtergeladen und wird sicher zeitnah gehört werden.
Jetzt bin ich froh, dass ich es getan habe, denn ich kann endlich die vielen positiven Stimmen nachvollziehen, die sagen, wie sehr ihnen die Charaktere ans Herz gewachsen sind und wie sie immer mit ihnen mitfiebern. In diesem Band haben es mir vor allem der Handlungsstrang rund um Violet und, wie auch schon im 1. Band, die Geschichte von Dora angetan.
Der dritte Teil ist schon runtergeladen und wird sicher zeitnah gehört werden.
June 6, 2014
Continuing the stories of the trainee nurses from The Nightingale Girls along with the Sisters - and patients - who teach them, this gives a great picture of hospital life as it used to be.
This book is set against the Blackshirt uprising (the British Union of Fascists), revealing how deep the hatred and racism cut even with people who'd grown up together, but the protests and fear caused by the Blackshirts are not the focus. The focus is, rightly, on the Sisters, high-ranking nurses, who not only maintain a ward but are almost its lifeblood for decades; the Night Sisters who stay on night duty rather than rotating round; and the nurses who scrub and spruce wards and patients alike before the doctors and Matron make their rounds.
It also reveals more of life for the student nurses, as the probationers end up bathing in cold water (no hot left by the time the bathroom is theirs) and the more senior nurses learn what it really means to the patients to be "made comfortable" on some wards.
We see optimism and despair in the patients, some of whom fear their fate and others who have given up on life, but through it all there is surprising kindness and compassion.
But that's not all. These nurses are people too, and we see more of their home lives and how their family have shaped their characters, creating resolve and determination or hiding secrets. There are the usual conflicts and squabbles, pride and stubbornness, and some jealousy appears in different forms, but there is also a sense of community in both the East End and in the hospital, a sense of family, and that's what makes it worthwhile.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is set against the Blackshirt uprising (the British Union of Fascists), revealing how deep the hatred and racism cut even with people who'd grown up together, but the protests and fear caused by the Blackshirts are not the focus. The focus is, rightly, on the Sisters, high-ranking nurses, who not only maintain a ward but are almost its lifeblood for decades; the Night Sisters who stay on night duty rather than rotating round; and the nurses who scrub and spruce wards and patients alike before the doctors and Matron make their rounds.
It also reveals more of life for the student nurses, as the probationers end up bathing in cold water (no hot left by the time the bathroom is theirs) and the more senior nurses learn what it really means to the patients to be "made comfortable" on some wards.
We see optimism and despair in the patients, some of whom fear their fate and others who have given up on life, but through it all there is surprising kindness and compassion.
But that's not all. These nurses are people too, and we see more of their home lives and how their family have shaped their characters, creating resolve and determination or hiding secrets. There are the usual conflicts and squabbles, pride and stubbornness, and some jealousy appears in different forms, but there is also a sense of community in both the East End and in the hospital, a sense of family, and that's what makes it worthwhile.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2013
The Nightingale Sisters by Donna Douglas was published this week by Arrow Books at Random House and is the second in the series. The first, The Nightingale Girls was released in Autumn 2012
The Nightingale Sisters takes up the story of the three student nurses that readers met in the first book; Dora, Millie and Helen, although Helen does not seem to feature quite so much in this one. Also featuring heavily is the new night sister Violet Tanner - a woman with a secret past that she does everything she can to hide.
Set once again at the Florence Nightingale Teaching Hospital in the east end of London, the three girls are now in their second year of training. Dora comes from a tough east end family and times are hard at home. When her step father up and left the family, only Dora was relieved, but she can't tell anyone why. As her mother and siblings struggle to cope at home, Dora struggles to cope with her own personal heartbreaks.
Millie is the daughter of a wealthy family and engaged to Seb. She also has feelings for Helen's doctor brother William and feels torn between them. Her inner struggles begin to impact on her work at the Hospital and she begins to question all that she had believed in.
Once again, Donna Douglas has written a warm and engaging story with characters that are so easy to care for. There are some really serious themes running throughout the novel, from domestic violence to the effects of poverty, and the harsh realities of working class life are portrayed excellently. Each character has their own story, and each story interweave to create a compelling, compassionate, sometimes funny and often heart-breaking read. It is clear that once again Donna Douglas has meticulously researched her subject, creating an authentic account of life on the wards of a large teaching hospital.
A completely satisfying read, I enjoyed it even more than the first book. There is plenty of scope to continue the series and I'm looking forward to the next one already.
The Nightingale Sisters takes up the story of the three student nurses that readers met in the first book; Dora, Millie and Helen, although Helen does not seem to feature quite so much in this one. Also featuring heavily is the new night sister Violet Tanner - a woman with a secret past that she does everything she can to hide.
Set once again at the Florence Nightingale Teaching Hospital in the east end of London, the three girls are now in their second year of training. Dora comes from a tough east end family and times are hard at home. When her step father up and left the family, only Dora was relieved, but she can't tell anyone why. As her mother and siblings struggle to cope at home, Dora struggles to cope with her own personal heartbreaks.
Millie is the daughter of a wealthy family and engaged to Seb. She also has feelings for Helen's doctor brother William and feels torn between them. Her inner struggles begin to impact on her work at the Hospital and she begins to question all that she had believed in.
Once again, Donna Douglas has written a warm and engaging story with characters that are so easy to care for. There are some really serious themes running throughout the novel, from domestic violence to the effects of poverty, and the harsh realities of working class life are portrayed excellently. Each character has their own story, and each story interweave to create a compelling, compassionate, sometimes funny and often heart-breaking read. It is clear that once again Donna Douglas has meticulously researched her subject, creating an authentic account of life on the wards of a large teaching hospital.
A completely satisfying read, I enjoyed it even more than the first book. There is plenty of scope to continue the series and I'm looking forward to the next one already.
March 20, 2015
This is the second book in the Nightgale series and in some ways I enjoyed it even more than the first. By the second book we already know the characters and their pasts, secrets, fears, family situations etc so this book could carry on at full speed.
We don't hear as much from Helen this time, instead her spot is "replaced" (although she is still there) with Night Nurse Violet Tanner; a woman with a secret past ready to catch her out and catapult her and her son into danger.
As with book one, book two's story is gripping and moves quickly. The way the chapters switch POV with each main character really works here and kept me interested, much like a TV series keeps you loading the next episode even after your eyes are bugged out. You just have to know what happens next.
I'm looking forward to book three: "The Nightingale Nurses".
*I received an ebook from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion
CONTENT:
SEX: There are some racy scenes and off screen sex.
VIOLENCE: Domestic abuse (the violence is not shown to reader but the results are)
PROFANITY: B, D, H, J
MY RATING: PG-13
We don't hear as much from Helen this time, instead her spot is "replaced" (although she is still there) with Night Nurse Violet Tanner; a woman with a secret past ready to catch her out and catapult her and her son into danger.
As with book one, book two's story is gripping and moves quickly. The way the chapters switch POV with each main character really works here and kept me interested, much like a TV series keeps you loading the next episode even after your eyes are bugged out. You just have to know what happens next.
I'm looking forward to book three: "The Nightingale Nurses".
*I received an ebook from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion
CONTENT:
SEX: There are some racy scenes and off screen sex.
VIOLENCE: Domestic abuse (the violence is not shown to reader but the results are)
PROFANITY: B, D, H, J
MY RATING: PG-13
February 2, 2015
After reading book 1 I was looking forward to reading book 2.
I have to say, although this did hold my interest to a degree it was Violet who stood out for me in this book. Violet has a secret and I was looking forward to see what is was.
We see how the nurses and staff are with each other and how this affects the sisters in this book.
There is a bit of a love story.
I must say how Donna Douglas made the training hospital stand out though, she really did her homework here.
Overall, it didn't hold my enthusiasm as much as book 1.
Now onto book 3 :)
I would like to thank Random House UK - North America via Net Galley for allowing me my copy to read and review and of course, my thanks to the author
August 13, 2022
Das Cover ist wieder sehr gut gelungen. Es zeigt wieder ( vermute ich mal) unsere drei Hauptcharaktere. Es zeigt noch das Nightingale Hospital. Es ist freundlich gestaltet.
Der Schreibstil, ist wie auch im letzten Band sehr abwechslungsreich und lässt sich flüssig lesen. Es ist durchweg in roter Faden vorhanden, dem man gut folgen kann. Insofern man den ersten Band gelesen hat.
Das Buch besticht mit lustigen Passagen, zeigt aber auch den ernst eines Krankenhauses auf. Besonders lustig beschrieben war die Szene mit dem unfreiwilligen Haare färben einer Patientin.
Zudem überzeugt das Buch mit überraschenden Wendungen, es wird nie langweilig, da stehts das Überraschungsmoment zuschlägt. Und das immer dann wenn man es nicht erwartet.
Bestimmte Szenen( ich will hier ja nicht zu viel verraten) haben mich wirklich getroffen. und was ich besonders schade fand, war die Beziehung zwischen Nick und Dora. Aber vielleicht wird das ja noch was.
Die Charaktere sind wieder gut gelungen, und wenn man den ersten Teil gelesen hat.kannte man ja den Großteil schon. Besonders nervig fand ich Ruby und Letti. Die beiden waren mir schon von Anfang an unsympathisch, aber in diesem Band machen sie sich richtig unbeliebt. Sympathisch aber suspekt war mir Violet. Da sie allen etwas vorgemacht hat, stand sie anfangs nicht ganz so weit oben auf meiner Liste. Aber durch ihre Art und Weise machte sie sich schnell sympathisch.
Besonders toll fand ich auch den Zusammenhalt der Schwesternschaft bei Problemen. Das sieht man heutzutage sehr selten.
Man kann sich gut einfühlen in die Geschichte und das Buch lädt zum Lachen und Weinen ein.
Fazit
Eine klare 5 Sterne Bewertung bekommt das Buch. Der Autorin ist die Fortsetzung sehr gelungen und man darf gespannt sein wie es mit unseren drei Lernschwestern weitergeht.
Der Schreibstil, ist wie auch im letzten Band sehr abwechslungsreich und lässt sich flüssig lesen. Es ist durchweg in roter Faden vorhanden, dem man gut folgen kann. Insofern man den ersten Band gelesen hat.
Das Buch besticht mit lustigen Passagen, zeigt aber auch den ernst eines Krankenhauses auf. Besonders lustig beschrieben war die Szene mit dem unfreiwilligen Haare färben einer Patientin.
Zudem überzeugt das Buch mit überraschenden Wendungen, es wird nie langweilig, da stehts das Überraschungsmoment zuschlägt. Und das immer dann wenn man es nicht erwartet.
Bestimmte Szenen( ich will hier ja nicht zu viel verraten) haben mich wirklich getroffen. und was ich besonders schade fand, war die Beziehung zwischen Nick und Dora. Aber vielleicht wird das ja noch was.
Die Charaktere sind wieder gut gelungen, und wenn man den ersten Teil gelesen hat.kannte man ja den Großteil schon. Besonders nervig fand ich Ruby und Letti. Die beiden waren mir schon von Anfang an unsympathisch, aber in diesem Band machen sie sich richtig unbeliebt. Sympathisch aber suspekt war mir Violet. Da sie allen etwas vorgemacht hat, stand sie anfangs nicht ganz so weit oben auf meiner Liste. Aber durch ihre Art und Weise machte sie sich schnell sympathisch.
Besonders toll fand ich auch den Zusammenhalt der Schwesternschaft bei Problemen. Das sieht man heutzutage sehr selten.
Man kann sich gut einfühlen in die Geschichte und das Buch lädt zum Lachen und Weinen ein.
Fazit
Eine klare 5 Sterne Bewertung bekommt das Buch. Der Autorin ist die Fortsetzung sehr gelungen und man darf gespannt sein wie es mit unseren drei Lernschwestern weitergeht.
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September 25, 2018
Band 2 und ebenso toll.. Wir kennen die Protagonisten nun schon aus Band 1 und es war schön zu sehen, wie alle ihr Leben weiter leben und das ein oder andere Drama entsteht. Auch haben wir neue Charaktere kennengelernt. Ich bin gespannt, wie es in Band 3 weitergehen wird.
January 19, 2017
Ich liebe diese Reihe.
April 6, 2021
Auch das zweite Buch der Nightingale Schwestern konnte mich wieder voll und ganz überzeugen.
May 16, 2022
3,5 🌟
July 7, 2018
Thank you very much to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
#2 in the Nightingales series
I very much enjoyed the first in this series, and this one followed right along from there. It was like picking up a good soap opera right from where you left off and settling right into the stories again. The setting of a 1930's London hospital offers a lot of variety for interesting situations, and the characters are well-built and also provide some good stories. Dora is from the wrong side of the tracks, but she's proud and strong and is growing in her nursing skills. Millie is just the opposite--an aristocratic debutante, but she tries hard in her chosen career, wanting to do something with her life. We don't meet Helen as much this time, although she's still dating Charlie, a former patient. This time we get to know Violet, the night nurse, as she deals with her complicated and mysterious life. It's been a while since I read Book #1, but it was easy to get right back into the thick of things, probably because the characters are well-established, and the writing just draws you right in. It was fascinating to see the different values of the day, such as single motherhood (totally unacceptable), the aristocracy (lives of leisure) vs. the lower classes (never-ending hardship), and life as a nurse/patient (simple procedures, backbreaking work, few niceties). Very good series, and I look forward to continuing sooner rather than later.
#2 in the Nightingales series
I very much enjoyed the first in this series, and this one followed right along from there. It was like picking up a good soap opera right from where you left off and settling right into the stories again. The setting of a 1930's London hospital offers a lot of variety for interesting situations, and the characters are well-built and also provide some good stories. Dora is from the wrong side of the tracks, but she's proud and strong and is growing in her nursing skills. Millie is just the opposite--an aristocratic debutante, but she tries hard in her chosen career, wanting to do something with her life. We don't meet Helen as much this time, although she's still dating Charlie, a former patient. This time we get to know Violet, the night nurse, as she deals with her complicated and mysterious life. It's been a while since I read Book #1, but it was easy to get right back into the thick of things, probably because the characters are well-established, and the writing just draws you right in. It was fascinating to see the different values of the day, such as single motherhood (totally unacceptable), the aristocracy (lives of leisure) vs. the lower classes (never-ending hardship), and life as a nurse/patient (simple procedures, backbreaking work, few niceties). Very good series, and I look forward to continuing sooner rather than later.
March 15, 2014
I really enjoyed The Nightingale Sisters by Donna Douglas.
“To the student nurses at the Nightingale hospital the ward sisters are heartless and frightening with impossibly high standards. But the sisters have troubles of their own…”
The Nightingale Sisters, which is set in 1935 at an imaginary hospital in Bethnal Green, has an interesting cast of characters. Sisters in charge of different wards are responsible for training student nurses. Two of the nurses are Dora, who grew up near the hospital, whose family still live close by, and Lady Amelia Charlotte Benedict, nick-named Millie. There is also “the new night sister who is not all that she seems. Who is she and what dark secret is she hiding? Sister Wren is determined to find out the truth.”
Donna Douglas drew me into the lives and loves of her main characters and made me care about each of them. I also cared about the struggles Dora’s family endure.
Her description of a large teaching hospital and the patients treated in it is convincing.
I continued reading The Nightingale Sisters until midnight unable to put it down because I wanted to know what happened next
“To the student nurses at the Nightingale hospital the ward sisters are heartless and frightening with impossibly high standards. But the sisters have troubles of their own…”
The Nightingale Sisters, which is set in 1935 at an imaginary hospital in Bethnal Green, has an interesting cast of characters. Sisters in charge of different wards are responsible for training student nurses. Two of the nurses are Dora, who grew up near the hospital, whose family still live close by, and Lady Amelia Charlotte Benedict, nick-named Millie. There is also “the new night sister who is not all that she seems. Who is she and what dark secret is she hiding? Sister Wren is determined to find out the truth.”
Donna Douglas drew me into the lives and loves of her main characters and made me care about each of them. I also cared about the struggles Dora’s family endure.
Her description of a large teaching hospital and the patients treated in it is convincing.
I continued reading The Nightingale Sisters until midnight unable to put it down because I wanted to know what happened next
September 7, 2020
Set in the Florence Nightingale Training Hospital in London in 1936, The Nightingale Sisters tells the story of 3 student nurses - Violet, Dora, and Millie. The characters were really well-developed with distict personalities, histories, problems, and dreams. I really liked that the book was set in 1936 - it is a very interesting year in British history and the author wove elements of the time period naturally into the story. There were times when the story felt a little soap-opera-ish and a couple of the conflicts were resolved too easily but I really liked the story overall and am already reading the next book in the series.
March 30, 2024
Einfach wieder schön. Ein Buch wie eine warme Umarmung. Es war sehr nett zu lesen, wie es mit Millie, Dora und Helene weitergeht. Auch die Geschichte rund um Jennie, Joe und Violet war sehr spannend. Von Helen hätte ich gerne noch etwas mehr erfahren und auch von ihrem Bruder William, aber es kommen ja noch ein paar Bände.
August 10, 2014
The second installment in a series that carries (for me) the feeling of Call The Midwife and Downton Abbey, both BBC productions. We have met the ladies in the first book, the three young women from various levels of society: Dora, Millie and Helen, although Helen does take a bit of a backseat to a new Night Nurse with issues and secrets of her own.
If you are familiar with the first book, Nightingale Girls, you will know that Dora’s family life is a struggle. Little money, less possibility for upward mobility, Dora is the most determined of the three, and she also has the most difficulty in processing and prioritizing her own needs when her family is in such dire straits.
Millie is the aristo, and while I expected a touch more of her ‘devil may care’ approach to her studies and the challenges, she is far more grown up: as clearly delineated by her questioning all she had been raised to believe, and worrying if her engagement is the best choice. Helen is still about, although more emphasis is spent in dissection and discussion about William from Millie, who still holds a crush on her friend’s brother despite an engagement.
Conflict and societal change is brought forward in this book with the Blackshirt Uprisings, a group of British Fascists who bring their own brand of hatreds, racism and societal inequities to light in a time when Britain is already facing wholesale changes. While not specifically delving into the fascist movement, the shockwaves of the protests are sure to effect the hospital and these 3 student nurses.
Douglas delves deeper into the hospital hierarchy and the girls’ reliance, avoidance or complaints about various Sisters (those of higher ranking) who are both teaching, supervising and training them as they learn to become fully-fledged nursing sisters. While the medical processes and procedures are not paramount, the insets and accuracy with which Douglas presents the information makes it an interesting side note, and adds to the feel of the time and, when considered with modern sensibilities, primitive approaches and tools.
We get to meet a Night Sister, Violet, who has a secret to keep and the lives, fears, hopes and despairs of the characters: all the characters are clearly presented in a way that keeps you reading on. Narrative voices change to present points of view from each character, and it feels very natural while adding to your own knowledge and insight into each character. While there are some elusions to sex and domestic violence, the actual action is “off screen” and we are simply treated to the aftermath, both in description and outcome.
Part romance, part adventure, and wholly engaging, this is a series not to be missed, and is best read in series order.
I received an eBook copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
If you are familiar with the first book, Nightingale Girls, you will know that Dora’s family life is a struggle. Little money, less possibility for upward mobility, Dora is the most determined of the three, and she also has the most difficulty in processing and prioritizing her own needs when her family is in such dire straits.
Millie is the aristo, and while I expected a touch more of her ‘devil may care’ approach to her studies and the challenges, she is far more grown up: as clearly delineated by her questioning all she had been raised to believe, and worrying if her engagement is the best choice. Helen is still about, although more emphasis is spent in dissection and discussion about William from Millie, who still holds a crush on her friend’s brother despite an engagement.
Conflict and societal change is brought forward in this book with the Blackshirt Uprisings, a group of British Fascists who bring their own brand of hatreds, racism and societal inequities to light in a time when Britain is already facing wholesale changes. While not specifically delving into the fascist movement, the shockwaves of the protests are sure to effect the hospital and these 3 student nurses.
Douglas delves deeper into the hospital hierarchy and the girls’ reliance, avoidance or complaints about various Sisters (those of higher ranking) who are both teaching, supervising and training them as they learn to become fully-fledged nursing sisters. While the medical processes and procedures are not paramount, the insets and accuracy with which Douglas presents the information makes it an interesting side note, and adds to the feel of the time and, when considered with modern sensibilities, primitive approaches and tools.
We get to meet a Night Sister, Violet, who has a secret to keep and the lives, fears, hopes and despairs of the characters: all the characters are clearly presented in a way that keeps you reading on. Narrative voices change to present points of view from each character, and it feels very natural while adding to your own knowledge and insight into each character. While there are some elusions to sex and domestic violence, the actual action is “off screen” and we are simply treated to the aftermath, both in description and outcome.
Part romance, part adventure, and wholly engaging, this is a series not to be missed, and is best read in series order.
I received an eBook copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
February 22, 2016
The story begins in late 1935, and we are introduced to a brand new character to the series. Night Sister Tanner, Violet. A young mother who appears to have a life full of darkness and secrets and a son who is quite ill. Besides Violet the three main characters from the previous book are also featured in this one, though Helen takes on more of a secondary role. In this segment we see Millie grow a great deal more mature and watch the fortunes of Dora and her family waver from bad, to awful to maybe not so bad. Then there are the secondary characters, Matron, Sister Sutton and her fearsome dog, Dora's sharp tongued nanna (my favourite), Dr. Tremayne, Nick Riley, and many others. Despite being secondary in the story, all have a critical role to play in the story itself and each has a part to play in the outcome of the main character's stories. While I really enjoyed the first of this series, I think the second book is my favourite so far. Unlike the first book I found this one more relatable as some of the story takes place on a ward called Female Chronics, which is sort of like long term care or a nursing home, only for women, and I have worked in long term care for twelve years. I was amazed at how different things are run now compared to how they were run then. A doctor was shocked when a patient asked to be given certain medications, and appeared shaken that she wanted to be involved in her own care. Today that's a right of any one living in a nursing home at least in Ontario. I loved watching the nurses interact with the women on this ward, from "Messy Bessie" to Maud Mortimer, I could almost picture some of the people I have and currently take care of. Millie's storyline brought me to tears and I don't cry at fictional books. The scene with Violet and Sister Hyde at the beside of a dying woman hit home for me as well. Once again I was drawn in to the story, at times I got so lost in the story I would look up and forget where I was or be shocked by how much time had passed. I feel a bit sad now that I'm finished, but there are still other Nightingale books to look forward to, so I be sad for long.
May 18, 2014
Book two of The Nightingale Girls series picks up with Helen astonishingly being able to stay at the hospital instead of being shipped off. Ms. Douglas upped the ante with this one as we are treated to so much more insight into not only the students lives, but we are given a rare in depth look into the stately sisters lives. Unlike modern nurses, back in the 1930's women, who enter into the nursing profession either dedicated their lives to the exclusion of having a family or, married and left the life. The author's skillful writing transports one back in time, as if she had actually lived through that period. Helen has found love, but will she be allowed to experience it's full potential..not if her mother has her say. Dora, who has experienced more than most anyone knows struggles with seeing the man she's loved with someone else, can she let go or will fate have more than she knows in store for her and her courageous family. Millie, dear sweet accident-prone young woman grows the most in this second installment. She discovers she has more to offer than even she knows, will she follow the sage advise of a patient or will she finally fall in line with her Grandmother's wishes. So many ins and outs, up and down. This book gives us a more in-depth look into the stately sisters of the Nightingale Hospital, as one of their own faces her ultimate nightmare, they show the real strength of what it means to be one of their nurses. A truly scintillating read, what one would call a true sleeper as you might think it's one of the many hospital reads. You would be incorrect. All the old gang from book one is back with some lovely additions and well-developed story-lines. I had to forcibly stop from diving into the third book in order to write this review. A definite addition to any avid readers library. Reviews found on facebook at www.facebook.com/rainbowreade, Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.
March 27, 2016
The Nightingale Sisters by Donna Douglas is the second book in The Nightingales series. It picks up where the first book left off. The Nightingale Teaching Hospital has a new night sister named Violet Tanner. She seems to have a secret, though, so tries not to mingle with the other staff. Secrets, though, have a way of coming out. Dora, Millie, and Helen are busy with their lessons and working on the wards. Millie is engaged, but she is not sure he is the right man for her (shouldn’t she have thought of this before accepting his proposal). Dora is upset of losing Nick to another woman. Helen has her nose to the grindstone determined to do well in her studies (because of her tyrant of a mother). Life is busy for everyone at the hospital. Come check out life for the nurses and students in the 1930s at The Nightingale!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Nightingale Sisters. It fascinating to read about life and nursing in the 1930s in England. I liked getting to revisit these characters and see how they are going. The author does a wonderful job bringing these characters to life. The book is well-written, engaging, and easy to read. I would recommend reading the first book in the series prior to enjoying The Nightingale Sisters. My only complaint is that the book ended too soon. Thankfully, there are more books in the series to read. I give The Nightingale Sisters 5 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of The Nightingale Sisters from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Nightingale Sisters. It fascinating to read about life and nursing in the 1930s in England. I liked getting to revisit these characters and see how they are going. The author does a wonderful job bringing these characters to life. The book is well-written, engaging, and easy to read. I would recommend reading the first book in the series prior to enjoying The Nightingale Sisters. My only complaint is that the book ended too soon. Thankfully, there are more books in the series to read. I give The Nightingale Sisters 5 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of The Nightingale Sisters from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2014
I was gifted this book by NetGalley in lieu of an honest review. That has no way affected my opinion of this book.
I can honestly say, that I enjoyed book 2 just as much, if not more, then book 1 in this series. Often times the sequels are never as good as the original book, but not in this case. I finished it in 2 days and am about to start on book 3.
Book 2 follows the lives of three nursing students- Dora, Millie, and Helen, that we met in book 1. We are also introduced to Violet Tanner, a night nurse. She has a young son, Oliver, which is her entire world. However, she is very withdrawn, and has her own secrets and fears. Will she ever feel at home at the Nightingale? Will she ever learn to trust?
The girls are in their second year of nursing school, and we learn more of their love lives, and what their aspirations and dreams are in the real world outside of school. The nurses also become close to a few patients, and learn some good real-life advice.
It is so easy to fall in love with these young girls, and want nothing but the best for them. I found myself laughing and crying along with the characters and the patients. Kudos to Donna Douglas for writing a wonderful sequel!
I can honestly say, that I enjoyed book 2 just as much, if not more, then book 1 in this series. Often times the sequels are never as good as the original book, but not in this case. I finished it in 2 days and am about to start on book 3.
Book 2 follows the lives of three nursing students- Dora, Millie, and Helen, that we met in book 1. We are also introduced to Violet Tanner, a night nurse. She has a young son, Oliver, which is her entire world. However, she is very withdrawn, and has her own secrets and fears. Will she ever feel at home at the Nightingale? Will she ever learn to trust?
The girls are in their second year of nursing school, and we learn more of their love lives, and what their aspirations and dreams are in the real world outside of school. The nurses also become close to a few patients, and learn some good real-life advice.
It is so easy to fall in love with these young girls, and want nothing but the best for them. I found myself laughing and crying along with the characters and the patients. Kudos to Donna Douglas for writing a wonderful sequel!
February 2, 2015
This is the second book in the series and I find I didn't like it as much as the first.
I'm not sure if it was the darker tone - it takes on attempted rape, anti Semitism, and other issues of the day - or the sheer bloody-mindedness if some of the characters.
There is also a lot of soap - they could have put Proctor & Gamble on a global stage. And perhaps this is another reason I didn't enjoy to as much. While most of the same characters are here, they are sadder, not necessarily wiser, and seemingly heading into dark times.
I recommend this book with reservations. While the writing is good as are the characterizations, unless you're looking for a serial soap opera, you may not want to go down this path.
I'm not sure if it was the darker tone - it takes on attempted rape, anti Semitism, and other issues of the day - or the sheer bloody-mindedness if some of the characters.
There is also a lot of soap - they could have put Proctor & Gamble on a global stage. And perhaps this is another reason I didn't enjoy to as much. While most of the same characters are here, they are sadder, not necessarily wiser, and seemingly heading into dark times.
I recommend this book with reservations. While the writing is good as are the characterizations, unless you're looking for a serial soap opera, you may not want to go down this path.
January 2, 2020
Next book in the series... is it going to be as easy reading as the first. The answer, of course, is YES!! Just finished the second book and have got book number 3 ready to read. Can't put these books down!
July 18, 2014
The drama continues around Dora, Helen, and Millie. You must read on to discover what happens to them as they continue their nurses training at the Nightingale Hospital in London. Will Millie stay on, will Dora overcome her insecurities, and does Helen ever get a break from her mother? A new person of interest is added in this book and she increases the suspense at the hospital. This is a great series that keeps getting better with each book. I highly recommend the whole series!
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