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The Docklands Girls
Spring, 1944. Working as a supervisor on a production line for planes, Hildy believes she is doing her part to help with the war effort. But troubles at home, with her dependent and overly-protective mother, make it harder for her to findhappiness as she hides her relationship with an American GI.
Meanwhile, Cora has lost both her parents in the Blitz and is still reeling from the devastating loss. Along with her friend, Belle, the two young women turn to the dark streets of Southampton to work on the game, wishing to raise enough money for a new beginning elsewhere and put their pasts behind them.
For all three women, the war provides challenges and hardships that they will only emerge from by maintaining courage, strength and, above all, hope.
Meanwhile, Cora has lost both her parents in the Blitz and is still reeling from the devastating loss. Along with her friend, Belle, the two young women turn to the dark streets of Southampton to work on the game, wishing to raise enough money for a new beginning elsewhere and put their pasts behind them.
For all three women, the war provides challenges and hardships that they will only emerge from by maintaining courage, strength and, above all, hope.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published April 21, 2016
37 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 20, 2016
I really enjoyed following the lives of friends Cora, Hildy and Belle.
We see how when faced with War the girls muddle through constantly supporting each other.
I liked following the girls lives separately as each has their own challenges and triumphs.
It was certainly an eye opener as to the goings on in an English port City at war time.
A very enjoyable read and I would like to read more by this author.
We see how when faced with War the girls muddle through constantly supporting each other.
I liked following the girls lives separately as each has their own challenges and triumphs.
It was certainly an eye opener as to the goings on in an English port City at war time.
A very enjoyable read and I would like to read more by this author.
October 15, 2018
I really took my time with this book,they felt like friends I didn't want to part with.I loved everything about this WW2 novel.
Two women who have huge hearts with a bigger past to overcome,their fight through the Blitz to survive through prostitution and to fight further more for their future as clean working women,that lead them to a wonderful friendship with a young lady who struggled to have a loving relationship with her overbearing vicious mother.Each had a connection with this that didn't dawn on me until I finished this book,how interesting that something so slight that lead to fuller and further storylines within in the book,something so slight went beyond their pasts that began their future.They were all orphans in their own way and in their own right.
What I enjoyed about this book is you have the heartache and romance of a novel but the pieces of history that was so real and so prominent as a non fictional read.It's very well researched that throws you into that era of life,through the streets of Southampton.It takes you across the pond with glimpses of American life,through letters and through a new life,we hear about the dark history of slavery and how black folk were being treated during and post WW2,even if it was briefly we saw it and we felt it along with these three women.
It really is such a good read. Despite some obvious areas of the book,such a Belle becoming a wife,it of course added for her but with the strong woman she is and the life that she got through, I would of liked to have seen her thrive further with her stance of determination of not becoming a wife.I would of liked to have seen the novel become a little bit more complexed(I would of given it the full stars,I was just slightly under for me)...I have to say regardless of my thoughts,the novel kept me engaged and it was a well worth read.
I'll be reading more of June's books in the future.
Two women who have huge hearts with a bigger past to overcome,their fight through the Blitz to survive through prostitution and to fight further more for their future as clean working women,that lead them to a wonderful friendship with a young lady who struggled to have a loving relationship with her overbearing vicious mother.Each had a connection with this that didn't dawn on me until I finished this book,how interesting that something so slight that lead to fuller and further storylines within in the book,something so slight went beyond their pasts that began their future.They were all orphans in their own way and in their own right.
What I enjoyed about this book is you have the heartache and romance of a novel but the pieces of history that was so real and so prominent as a non fictional read.It's very well researched that throws you into that era of life,through the streets of Southampton.It takes you across the pond with glimpses of American life,through letters and through a new life,we hear about the dark history of slavery and how black folk were being treated during and post WW2,even if it was briefly we saw it and we felt it along with these three women.
It really is such a good read. Despite some obvious areas of the book,such a Belle becoming a wife,it of course added for her but with the strong woman she is and the life that she got through, I would of liked to have seen her thrive further with her stance of determination of not becoming a wife.I would of liked to have seen the novel become a little bit more complexed(I would of given it the full stars,I was just slightly under for me)...I have to say regardless of my thoughts,the novel kept me engaged and it was a well worth read.
I'll be reading more of June's books in the future.
June 17, 2017
Set in Southampton in the 1940's, three strong and independent women form strong bonds and friendship through the hardship of the aftermath of the Second World War, picking up the pieces and trying to overcome the trauma of their past in order to make their lives better for the future.
What I like about June Tate books is that they are not only historically correct and well researched with the facts of the era she sets her books in, but the way the characters and their situations are so real and true to life that you just cannot help but become emotionally involved with the characters. June Tate knows how to tell a good story. I highly recommend any of June Tate's books and there is a large back catalogue to chose from. So that's your summer reading sorted!
What I like about June Tate books is that they are not only historically correct and well researched with the facts of the era she sets her books in, but the way the characters and their situations are so real and true to life that you just cannot help but become emotionally involved with the characters. June Tate knows how to tell a good story. I highly recommend any of June Tate's books and there is a large back catalogue to chose from. So that's your summer reading sorted!
March 5, 2018
I enjoyed this book. I liked the charaçters. It was a comforting read. I liked the reference to specific places in Southampton. It was interesting to consider what it was like during those times, about the troops that were stationed there how the war brought the characters together, their lives intertwined, unlikely friendships formed, and their strength of characters tested to the max, as well as what they were able to achieve.
June 3, 2020
The Dockland Girls
This is a war time novel that goes beyond wartime and follows the lives of three girlfriends. They see the tragedy of war, the struggles of making it on their own and finally finding love. The three girls find their husbands and finally have families. But there are many struggles along the way. Very good wartime and afterward book.
This is a war time novel that goes beyond wartime and follows the lives of three girlfriends. They see the tragedy of war, the struggles of making it on their own and finally finding love. The three girls find their husbands and finally have families. But there are many struggles along the way. Very good wartime and afterward book.
August 19, 2017
Loved it!
This is the first book I've read of June Tate's, there were many twists and turns that I never anticipated such a happy ending, I will definitely be reading more of this authors books, highly recommended read!
This is the first book I've read of June Tate's, there were many twists and turns that I never anticipated such a happy ending, I will definitely be reading more of this authors books, highly recommended read!
May 18, 2020
The story of three women
This takes place in England just at the end of WWII. One of the women does move to the USA. It follows their work and social lives. The story is okay but not memorable.
This takes place in England just at the end of WWII. One of the women does move to the USA. It follows their work and social lives. The story is okay but not memorable.
May 27, 2020
I have never read June Tate before and will definitely read books by this author again. I was hooked from page one hearing about the three main characters Hilda Cora and Belle. The story follows theirs ups and downs of life and slowly the characters are woven together and strong friendships made. Really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend.
July 21, 2017
Book
What a fantastic book June I really enjoyed reading it 3 very strong women faced with different turmoil well worth 5 stars people who like books about the war its a must read
What a fantastic book June I really enjoyed reading it 3 very strong women faced with different turmoil well worth 5 stars people who like books about the war its a must read
March 3, 2018
Great read.
Excellent story telling and and excellent read. Living in Southampton and knowledge of
The areas being featured in the story added to the enjoyment.
Excellent story telling and and excellent read. Living in Southampton and knowledge of
The areas being featured in the story added to the enjoyment.
February 14, 2020
A little predictable but enjoyable
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2020
Excellent
Superb !! Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I laughed and cried while reading it. Would highly recommend it to my friends!
Superb !! Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I laughed and cried while reading it. Would highly recommend it to my friends!
August 27, 2020
Never read this author before but I will in future I loved this book I read it in a day I couldn’t put it down thank you june Tate
December 22, 2021
Another great read from June Tate
September 19, 2023
Another good wartime tale by June Tate . Following the lives of several woman from the docks of Southampton, their struggles and their success.
January 16, 2024
Really enjoyed this book set in war time
July 7, 2025
excellent
June 9, 2020
Loved this book. Well written.
August 8, 2016
This is an easy to read book. The characters and story bring war time Britain to life. The heroines are strong women, each with their own concerns and worries but all interlinked and all goes well for each of them in the end. We read about the snobbish societies and the troubles of loneliness and despair and the love from friends which helps each woman survive and overcome. I am happy to recommend this book.
December 31, 2016
Wonderful Book
The Docklands Girls is the first of June Tate's books that l have read and l loved it.l didn't want to put it down or for it to finish,so l have downloaded another two books by June and l know that l'm going to love them as well.
The Docklands Girls is the first of June Tate's books that l have read and l loved it.l didn't want to put it down or for it to finish,so l have downloaded another two books by June and l know that l'm going to love them as well.
July 20, 2016
Another great book.
November 4, 2018
I really took my time with this book,they felt like friends I didn't want to part with.I loved everything about this WW2 novel.
Two women who have huge hearts with a bigger past to overcome,their fight through the Blitz to survive through prostitution and to fight further more for their future as clean working women,that lead them to a wonderful friendship with a young lady who struggled to have a loving relationship with her overbearing vicious mother.Each had a connection with this that didn't dawn on me until I finished this book,how interesting,something so slight that lead to fuller and further storylines within in the book.
What I enjoyed about this book is you have the heartache and romance of a novel but the pieces of history that was so real and so prominent as a non fictional read.It's very well researched that throws you into that era of life,through the streets of Southampton.It takes you across the pond with glimpses of American life,through letters and through a new life,we hear about the dark history of slavery and how black folk were being treated during and post WW2,even if it was briefly we saw it and we felt it along with these three women.
It really is such a good read. Despite some obvious areas of the book,such a Belle becoming a wife,i'm ever so happy that she got through so much in her life however I would of liked to have seen her thrive further with her stance of determination of not becoming a wife,I would of liked to see the novel become a little more complexed.I have to say regardless of my photos the novel kept me engaged and it was a well worth read.
I'll be reading more of June's books in the future.
Two women who have huge hearts with a bigger past to overcome,their fight through the Blitz to survive through prostitution and to fight further more for their future as clean working women,that lead them to a wonderful friendship with a young lady who struggled to have a loving relationship with her overbearing vicious mother.Each had a connection with this that didn't dawn on me until I finished this book,how interesting,something so slight that lead to fuller and further storylines within in the book.
What I enjoyed about this book is you have the heartache and romance of a novel but the pieces of history that was so real and so prominent as a non fictional read.It's very well researched that throws you into that era of life,through the streets of Southampton.It takes you across the pond with glimpses of American life,through letters and through a new life,we hear about the dark history of slavery and how black folk were being treated during and post WW2,even if it was briefly we saw it and we felt it along with these three women.
It really is such a good read. Despite some obvious areas of the book,such a Belle becoming a wife,i'm ever so happy that she got through so much in her life however I would of liked to have seen her thrive further with her stance of determination of not becoming a wife,I would of liked to see the novel become a little more complexed.I have to say regardless of my photos the novel kept me engaged and it was a well worth read.
I'll be reading more of June's books in the future.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews