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Our Yanks
"I STILL REMEMBER THE YANKS, ALMOST MORE THAN I DO THE WAR..." -- A Suffolk Woman.
August 1943 . A fighter group of US airmen descends upon the quiet and sleepy village of King's Thorpe in Northamptonshire. The village has never seen the like of them they are glamorous, rich, exciting and full of bravado.
While some of the older residents are dismayed, many of the younger ones cannot help but be won over by their charms.
And for many - including young Sally Barnet from the bakery, Agnes Dawe - the Rector's daughter, and newly-widowed Lady Beauchamp , they will have a long-lasting impact.
It will be a summer many will never forget...
August 1943 . A fighter group of US airmen descends upon the quiet and sleepy village of King's Thorpe in Northamptonshire. The village has never seen the like of them they are glamorous, rich, exciting and full of bravado.
While some of the older residents are dismayed, many of the younger ones cannot help but be won over by their charms.
And for many - including young Sally Barnet from the bakery, Agnes Dawe - the Rector's daughter, and newly-widowed Lady Beauchamp , they will have a long-lasting impact.
It will be a summer many will never forget...
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2001
282 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Mayhew
31 books118 followersMargaret Mayhew was born in London and her earliest childhood memories were of the London Blitz. She began writing in her mid-thirties and had her first novel published in 1976. She is married to American aviation author, Philip Kaplan, and lives in Gloucestershire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 26, 2019
What can I say?! I absolutely love her books. It's been quite a few years since I read this and it was just as enjoyable as the first time.
Great characters, lovely English village setting, lots of angst and of course the war. Fabulous reading.
Great characters, lovely English village setting, lots of angst and of course the war. Fabulous reading.
March 10, 2020
I enjoyed what story there was and I have given it three stars because it just stopped.
August 11, 2009
Great story about a group of American GI's who are billeted in an English village during WWII. The village changes as a result of their influence. It's heartwarming, but also real.
It really did a good job of portraying life in England during the war. There were severe food shortages, and the culture of the Americans was quite different from the English. In the end, the two groups adapt quite well to each other.
It really did a good job of portraying life in England during the war. There were severe food shortages, and the culture of the Americans was quite different from the English. In the end, the two groups adapt quite well to each other.
May 8, 2019
Stand alone story, Iv read this a few times love this book,
June 30, 2020
A lovely story of rural country life during ww2 and how the arrival of Amerucan Service Men turned their lives upside down and parents feared for their daughters.
August 30, 2020
War is tragic. This book grabbed my attention.
I could feel for the American soldiers and I barely could understand why the older British characters in this plot disliked the “Yanks” as the soldiers were termed in the book.
The book cover was what made me to read this book. I wanted to figure out who the “Yanks” were.
Reading this book was like stepping into history. I was thankful the era of World War has been over long before I was born. I am thankful for this present century and period.
The author writes interestingly well. Human feelings and emotions will surge through you as you read this book.
I am a big fan of historical sagas so this book did a very great job in being detailed.
Such a sweet book with awesome characters that I had to be fair in picking favourites.
5 stars rating.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
I could feel for the American soldiers and I barely could understand why the older British characters in this plot disliked the “Yanks” as the soldiers were termed in the book.
The book cover was what made me to read this book. I wanted to figure out who the “Yanks” were.
Reading this book was like stepping into history. I was thankful the era of World War has been over long before I was born. I am thankful for this present century and period.
The author writes interestingly well. Human feelings and emotions will surge through you as you read this book.
I am a big fan of historical sagas so this book did a very great job in being detailed.
Such a sweet book with awesome characters that I had to be fair in picking favourites.
5 stars rating.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
April 4, 2016
Fascinating historical Info About American Soldiers In England During WW II,
I found "Our Yanks" to be fascinating and informative reading about this period that as a child of the'50s I was not aware of.
This is NOT a love story,nor an historical romance as there is almost no development of any of the characters. It is more an historical fiction.
I would have preferred that the occasional incidents of cursing, were totally avoided, but they are not excessive.
A very interesting book that was hard for me to put down.
I enjoyed reading the different feelings that the Brits had about our American soldiers being stationed in their country,and I can totally agree with their feelings both pro and con,and I have no doubt about the incident of arrogance from the American Commander at the Welcoming party that offended many Brits.
Really interesting insights to how the joining of two very different cultures was experienced by all concerned.
I found "Our Yanks" to be fascinating and informative reading about this period that as a child of the'50s I was not aware of.
This is NOT a love story,nor an historical romance as there is almost no development of any of the characters. It is more an historical fiction.
I would have preferred that the occasional incidents of cursing, were totally avoided, but they are not excessive.
A very interesting book that was hard for me to put down.
I enjoyed reading the different feelings that the Brits had about our American soldiers being stationed in their country,and I can totally agree with their feelings both pro and con,and I have no doubt about the incident of arrogance from the American Commander at the Welcoming party that offended many Brits.
Really interesting insights to how the joining of two very different cultures was experienced by all concerned.
August 30, 2020
War is tragic. This book grabbed my attention.
I could feel for the American soldiers and I barely could understand why the older British characters in this plot disliked the “Yanks” as the soldiers were termed in the book.
The book cover was what made me to read this book. I wanted to figure out who the “Yanks” were.
Reading this book was like stepping into history. I was thankful the era of World War has been over long before I was born. I am thankful for this present century and period.
The author writes interestingly well. Human feelings and emotions will surge through you as you read this book.
I am a big fan of historical sagas so this book did a very great job in being detailed.
Such a sweet book with awesome characters that I had to be fair in picking favourites.
5 stars rating.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
I could feel for the American soldiers and I barely could understand why the older British characters in this plot disliked the “Yanks” as the soldiers were termed in the book.
The book cover was what made me to read this book. I wanted to figure out who the “Yanks” were.
Reading this book was like stepping into history. I was thankful the era of World War has been over long before I was born. I am thankful for this present century and period.
The author writes interestingly well. Human feelings and emotions will surge through you as you read this book.
I am a big fan of historical sagas so this book did a very great job in being detailed.
Such a sweet book with awesome characters that I had to be fair in picking favourites.
5 stars rating.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.
November 15, 2020
I really wanted to like this book but it just sort of stopped! Is that because there’s another book coming?
January 5, 2021
Fantastic book, I really enjoyed reading this and I do hope the author writes more about the people in this book. Well worth reading 5 stars!!
September 19, 2020
It is 1943, and the little village of Kings Thorpe have, up to now had no bombs or been overtaken by Yanks. They have, however, obviously been affected by rationing and young men going of to war.We are introduced to some villagers and we follow their lives for a while. Then it is announced the Yanks are taking over the old RAF Aerodrome and the villagers begin to co.plain, no one wants them here.The older villagers exclaiming "They will be trouble!" Off course, when they arrive, these lads are just that, young Americans and we see clashes between them and the villagers. There are dances, socials as well as everything possible created to attempt to reduce the clashes and to help these young lads fit into the village...and for the villagers to allow them to become part of the community too.
The Yanks begin to slowly blend in and as the story develops we see budding romances and hopes shattered at the same time. A Yank, Joe Bilsky gets taken under the lonely Miss Cutteridge's wing and he becomes like a son to her. The American's that can't resist the ladies but are already married. All the things I have heard about from my Grandparents about the Yanks is all here in one book, for me to learn and also entertain myself with!
Again, another Maragaret Mayhew story that I could not put down. I am a sucker for a historical fiction story from the war and this is the second one that i have got lost in and loved the characters and the time period. So good to read and learn as well I feel.
Thank you to Random Things Tours, netgalley and the publisher for both books to take part in this double blog tour today. I really loved them both.
The Yanks begin to slowly blend in and as the story develops we see budding romances and hopes shattered at the same time. A Yank, Joe Bilsky gets taken under the lonely Miss Cutteridge's wing and he becomes like a son to her. The American's that can't resist the ladies but are already married. All the things I have heard about from my Grandparents about the Yanks is all here in one book, for me to learn and also entertain myself with!
Again, another Maragaret Mayhew story that I could not put down. I am a sucker for a historical fiction story from the war and this is the second one that i have got lost in and loved the characters and the time period. So good to read and learn as well I feel.
Thank you to Random Things Tours, netgalley and the publisher for both books to take part in this double blog tour today. I really loved them both.
September 21, 2020
This is a gently paced WW2 historical saga novel set in 1943 in Northamptonshire England. This story captures the ethos of an English village during the second world war. The rationing, the loss of loved ones, the loneliness and the realistic mix of community spirit and village gossip.
The American airmen's impact on the cosy villagers is perfectly pitched in this novel. The villagers are worried about their daughters and how they airmen will alter the village's ambience. The American airmen are lonely, scared of war and dismayed with the lack of facilities and the villagers' reluctant acceptance of them.
There's animosity, friendship and romance in this historical saga with poignancy, humour and some happy endings.
I received a copy of this book from Transworld Publishers via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The American airmen's impact on the cosy villagers is perfectly pitched in this novel. The villagers are worried about their daughters and how they airmen will alter the village's ambience. The American airmen are lonely, scared of war and dismayed with the lack of facilities and the villagers' reluctant acceptance of them.
There's animosity, friendship and romance in this historical saga with poignancy, humour and some happy endings.
I received a copy of this book from Transworld Publishers via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
January 13, 2026
Yes this book can be called saccharine but it was given to me by a dear friend old enough to have seen WWII through the eyes of a child who by her nature was old enough to know what it did to people's hopes, dreams, characters, morals, etc. I read it at her behest as she gifted me her and her beloved late husband's copy.
I think their love of this book was colored by there own deep love for each other which lasted until he drew his last breath. Also, I had a relative who survived the blitz, met a US Army officer and ending up marrying him. So some of the book rings true and it did bring up some very thorny issues that people faced as a result of falling in love during war time.
It was a quick read and the description of the landscape did bring back pleasant memories of my trips to rural England. All in all, it was worth the time for me.
I think their love of this book was colored by there own deep love for each other which lasted until he drew his last breath. Also, I had a relative who survived the blitz, met a US Army officer and ending up marrying him. So some of the book rings true and it did bring up some very thorny issues that people faced as a result of falling in love during war time.
It was a quick read and the description of the landscape did bring back pleasant memories of my trips to rural England. All in all, it was worth the time for me.
October 4, 2025
I grabbed this book off of my local library shelf years ago. It was a newly published arrival at the time. It intrigued me, so I borrowed it. I remember loving it at the time. I downloaded it this past week to see if I still loved it, and yes, I still love it. I would discourage readers from listening to the audio version, however. The british voice actress reading it contrives a terrible American accent. It kills the sentiment and romance. It really bothered me that she thinks all American men sound like slimy mobsters or something.
June 26, 2020
A story about a small rural English village during WWII and how their world gets turned upside down when the Americans come to stay at the nearby airbase.
What I enjoyed about this book is how it portrayed the daily life of the British during this time. While the country wasn’t invaded, they suffered as well. Not only the loss of loved ones, but the rations and bombings as well.
I did feel the book ended a bit abruptly.
What I enjoyed about this book is how it portrayed the daily life of the British during this time. While the country wasn’t invaded, they suffered as well. Not only the loss of loved ones, but the rations and bombings as well.
I did feel the book ended a bit abruptly.
June 26, 2020
A story about a small rural English village during WWII and how their world gets turned upside down when the Americans come to stay at the nearby airbase.
What I enjoyed about this book is how it portrayed the daily life of the British during this time. While the country wasn’t invaded, they suffered as well. Not only the loss of loved ones, but the rations and bombings as well.
I did feel the book ended a bit abruptly.
What I enjoyed about this book is how it portrayed the daily life of the British during this time. While the country wasn’t invaded, they suffered as well. Not only the loss of loved ones, but the rations and bombings as well.
I did feel the book ended a bit abruptly.
June 9, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read this Arc.
Another beautiful World War 2 story from Margaret Mayhew.
It tells of the Americans landing in a small English country village.
The opposition of the locals in the beginning and then the subsequent acceptance.
I would highly recommend it.
Another beautiful World War 2 story from Margaret Mayhew.
It tells of the Americans landing in a small English country village.
The opposition of the locals in the beginning and then the subsequent acceptance.
I would highly recommend it.
September 20, 2020
Excellent read !
Thank you Margaret Mathew for a delightful story, filled with the day to day occurrences of a country at war! We often read stories about the hardships brought on by war, but not always the difficulties and the human side. I'll definitely be reading more of your stories
Thank you Margaret Mathew for a delightful story, filled with the day to day occurrences of a country at war! We often read stories about the hardships brought on by war, but not always the difficulties and the human side. I'll definitely be reading more of your stories
May 16, 2021
Excellent
This is a very good portrayal l of the first Americans arriving in a small English town. The wariness at first by both sides and the gradual acceptance by both. There are several very emotional passage. An excellent book for those who are readers of WW2 stories. I enjoyed Our Yanks and recommend it
This is a very good portrayal l of the first Americans arriving in a small English town. The wariness at first by both sides and the gradual acceptance by both. There are several very emotional passage. An excellent book for those who are readers of WW2 stories. I enjoyed Our Yanks and recommend it
November 21, 2020
This is a great book about WWII in a small English village with next to a RAF airfield with a US Air Force group in temporary residence. The characters and plot are outstanding. There is lots of action and romance. A Very rewarding read. Highly recommended.
January 31, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In my estimation it is well written, researched and covers one of my favorite time periods i.e. England during WW2. All in all a pleasant surprise from an unmown author in the "Kindle" economy library.
March 7, 2021
Our yanks
A feel Good story of the English in a small village and how the establishing of an airbase for the American air force during the second world war affected the villagers and airmen
A feel Good story of the English in a small village and how the establishing of an airbase for the American air force during the second world war affected the villagers and airmen
June 13, 2021
Those Tanks..became Our Tanks!
Margaret Mayhew quickly gets to the Heart and Soul of this little village..And we quickly Fall in Love with the village people...Tom..Alfie..The Baker and his family..as well as the Tanks..
Margaret Mayhew quickly gets to the Heart and Soul of this little village..And we quickly Fall in Love with the village people...Tom..Alfie..The Baker and his family..as well as the Tanks..
May 2, 2018
Excellent
Enjoyed this book, very informative about when the Americans were here during the war, nice little English village, and some element s of romance, which I really like
Enjoyed this book, very informative about when the Americans were here during the war, nice little English village, and some element s of romance, which I really like
March 30, 2020
a touching wartime story with a different twist to it well worth reading and a good book
November 14, 2020
good read
December 10, 2020
Hard to get into.
It took a few chapters to get into this book. I wasn't crazy about the ending either. But I did finish it and it turned out OK.
It took a few chapters to get into this book. I wasn't crazy about the ending either. But I did finish it and it turned out OK.
January 27, 2021
Fast paced
February 9, 2021
Exceptional book. Great storyline. Loved it from start to finish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews