Christmas with the East End Angels

East End Angels #3

by Rosie Hendry

It's the most wonderful time of the year - and the East End Angels are working hard to keep Londoners safe. Frankie is trying hard to keep everything together. She can count on the support of the East End Angels, even in the face of family trouble. Winnie's beloved husband, Mac, is putting himself at risk every day in the bomb disposal unit and she's finding it hard while he's away. Bella is growing in confidence and happiness. Her friendship with Winnie's brother, James, is getting closer all the time. Christmas on the Home Front is a hard time with loved ones far away - but the women of the Auxiliary Ambulance service are making do and mending. A gorgeously uplifting saga for fans of Ellie Dean and Donna Douglas

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christmas, Fiction, World War II, Historical

432 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2018

About the author

Award winning author Rosie Hendry lives by the sea in Norfolk with her husband and two children. East End Angels is the first book in her uplifting and heart-warming saga series that follows the lives and loves of Winnie, Frankie and Bella, who all work for the London Auxiliary Ambulance Service (LAAS) during the Blitz. Listening to her father's tales of life during the Second World War sparked Rosie's interest in this period and she loves researching further, searching out gems of real life events which inspire her writing.

Reviews

[Shirley Revill · Rating 5 out of 5]

While loved ones bravely marched to war.
On some far and distant foreign shore
The women from the ambulance crew
Bravely fought each day anew
Where bombs had fallen and some lives lost
They where there what ere the cost
Always there for each other
To rally on and save another
Till men return from a foreign shore
And cries of war will be no more.
Shirley.
This is a story set in wartime England about the women who worked for the ambulance service. It wasn't an easy task with the air raids and the blackouts. Every call must have been a challenge for the crew never knowing what faced them. It was certainly the case for ambulance station 57.
We share the lives of the ambulance crew in this story. The hardships faced and friendships formed. Through sadness and joy they are there for each other every step of the way.

This is the first time I have read anything by Rosie Hendry and it won't be the last. Even though this story is part of a series it works perfectly fine as a standalone. Thank you to Netgalley, Little Brown Books and the author Rosie Hendry for giving me the opportunity to review this book. This in no way biases my opinion of this book. I can't wait to read other books by Rosie Hendry in the future because I enjoyed this one so much.

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ A Rich, Authentic Uplifting Read.... I couldn't put down!

Christmas with the East End Angels is a warm, uplifting story of Friendship, war, love, family and survival all wrapped up with the festive season.

This is my first book I have read in the East End Angels Series. But it is also the third book in the series but can be read as a standalone perfectly fine.

It didn't take me long at all to fall in love with the East End Angels.
I adored the Comradery Spirit and Close Friendships.
War can bring communities closer together as much as it separates people and loved ones. Which was very apparent within this book.

One of my favourite reads is about WW2, I have spent many a day listening to stories from my Nan, Grandad and Aunt (who was one of the first lady firefighters)
Rosie made me feel like I was listening to those treasured stories again.
I must say I learnt alot reading this book, like the POW boxes and the refugees of war. I appreciated all the intricate details and extensive research it simply shined through.

The plot was seamless and mesmerising, full of authentic details, Rosie Instantly transported me right into the heart of the story.
The Characters were compassionate, engaging, believable but best of all I felt like they were friends.

Christmas with the East End Angels is a vivid rich tale that has absolutely stolen my heart, it's a Moving, Uplifting and inspiring warm read, with a festive feel good sparkle.

I am definitely looking forward to reading the other books in the series. I'm gutted I am only just discovering them now!

If you love reading WW2 Sagas then you will adore this wonderful read..
Would I recommend reading this Gorgeous Book...... 100%..... YES!!


Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

My Review is also on my Blog Website :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/1...

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved following the lives of the crew at Ambulance Station 75 the different backgrounds that they all come from.Frankie is still coming to terms with the loss of her dear grandfather but with Winnie,Bella,Connie and all their crews she is coping.That truly obnoxious woman Ivy is still being nasty and vindictive but frankie can cope with her now.A new crew member joins them Erika Rosenberg but known as Rose and soon becomes friends with the gang,and then later moves into Frankies house as a lodger.As time moves on the crews don't have the same amount of calls to go to as they did during the blitz.They decide to go to the hospital on christmas eve to sing carols for the patients and staff which they really enjoy.Then their boss thinks it would be a good idea to put a concert on,bella and the station officer organise it and it goes very well.I will stop here and recommend you read the book.well worth 5*

[Jena Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad that World War II stories continue to be important to today’s writers and readers. Author Rosee Hendry has chosen to spotlight a fascinating and underreported part of the war- the stories of an Auxiliary Ambulance Service in London. Christmas with the East End Angels is the third book in the series.

This is the first time I’ve met the self-proclaimed three musketeers of the series- young women Winnie, Bella and Frankie. For readers who have followed this likable series, I’m sure they are delighted to be back with these capable civilians again. Trixie the dog is still an important and energetic part of the crew. They are joined by a fourth new friend, Rosa. Rosa has an interesting and tragic past- she was sent on the kindertransport from Austria to England in 1 937.

Station #75 continues to do their best during the “beastly war.” Frankie, Winnie and Bella know they are living through extraordinary times, and the women continue to face challenges to their homes and hearts. Although the ghastly nightly air raid blitz is over, the women still have plenty to do to serve their country. Many other familiar characters are back in action, too.

The station crew organizes a caroling performance at a hospital, which leads them to put on a bigger production. Bella uses her writing skills in a different way and Winnie learns something new as she helps prepare the crew for their part in a Civil Defence Parade before the King and Queen.

I commend the author for her careful research and her dedication to sharing this story. As this is the third book in the story, there is quite a bit of backstory, which slows down the pace. Readers who love this series will be glad to continue this saga.

“None of us can know the way it will twist and turn and sometimes the things that happen are hard to fathom out…”

Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and the publisher for an ARC. This is my honest review.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

A VERY SPECIAL BOOK FOR CHRISTMAS. this book begins in december 1941 and we are back with the ambulance girls in east end london. going about their duties to the build up to christmas during war time is hard enough. i loved the way the girls look out for each other throughout this book even if they have troubles of their own. work has to keep going at station 75 under the watchful eye of station officer violet steele. erika rosenberg [rose] becomes their new member. a remarkable young woman from austria, and becomes frankies new lodger in matlock street. then we head into 1942 with a new baby a wedding and engagment, also the start of a new system for the workers taking on voluntary work, daytime nursery, typing course , leather and glove making all to keep them busy. finishing christmas 1942. what a roller coaster read this book is, loved every bit of it, all the east end angels books are a pleasure to read.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is the third book in the series and I haven't read the others, I found it fairly easy to follow as the backstory is referred to just enough to fill the reader in. Now that I've finished it though, I enjoyed it so much that I wish I could go back and read them all in order! At the moment historical books set against WW2 are popular and in this case rightly so. In this book, we follow the journey of the trio, Winnie, Frankie and Bella who are all working for the Auxiliary Ambulance Service. The story just flowed, hardly surprising with the brilliant characters especially Erika and Ivy. Horrible Ivy really deserved to get her comeuppance even if she is Frankie's step-granny. Wonderful saga.

[Leona · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book we are back with Frankie , Bella, Winnie and the rest of the east end ambulance crew. Another great read but I didn’t seem to enjoy this one as much as the previous two.

[Ruth Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Brilliant story

[Novelle Novels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great third book in the series. Now desperate to read the last in the series. It’s very emotional though

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas is in the title, and there are two mentioned, but this book deals with the entire year in between as well. It is a very exciting year, with the three main characters, Winnie, Bella and Frankie, experiencing romance, family pressures and new challenges, all while working in a busy auxiliary ambulance station in London. Wartime pressures as well as the excitement and bustle of the lives of three young women, their friends, families and loved ones, keep this novel moving along well, drawing the reader in much as the previous volumes have done. As the war continues, separation and bleak realities jostle with the happiness and excitement of projects which motivate and inspire the women of Station 75.
As the book opens, Frankie is struggling with the nastiest character in the novel, the awkward, selfish and lazy Ivy, who she has promised to keep an eye on against her better judgement. Winnie is at a railway station, saying goodbye to Mac, fearful of his role in the Unexploded Bomb Disposal Unit in Colchester. While she is grateful that he is only in Colchester while other husbands are sent far away, she is under no illusions about the dangers he is facing on a daily basis. Bella has been doing some writing for a national journal, “The War Illustrated” but this is soon not going to be enough, and while she is secure in the house she shares with Winnie and her godmother Connie, she is aware that everything in wartime is not easy. Her relationship with James is developing well, even if he is mysterious about the paperwork he does at Bletchley Park. It is evident that nothing is secure as even the proudly determined and private Station Officer Steele faces a crisis concerning her family, and her reactions will have repercussions for everyone at the Station. As a new character, Rose, is introduced, the women discover that while the blitz in London was dangerous and life changing, the lives of others have been heart breaking in other ways. While the bombs are no longer falling on a nightly basis, there are still dangers underlying the communities in which they serve. Social events relieve some of the tension and focus on the positives of people working together,but the ambulance drivers are still only a call away from disaster and some sadness. Despite that, there is hope and happiness in this very human book which covers so much and maintains a pace which keeps the reader involved.
I really enjoyed this book and I am pleased to be asked to review it. This latest episode is a good read and is a worthy addition to the series. The characters seem effortlessly human, a great tribute to the quality of Hendry’s writing. It is easy to read and enjoy this book, whether in the Christmas season or at any point in the year, and I recommend it as an engaging saga of wartime lives.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am well known for loving the wartime based novels. So of course I leapt upon Christmas with the East End Angels as soon as it was available because I have been waiting patiently for it.

As soon as I started reading I felt as though I was back where I wanted to be, surrounded by the warmth and friendliness of the gang. While London during and after the blitz was not a great place to be, the girls simply got on with life. It’s so refreshing seeing how they make the most of what little they have and in the main take care of each other.

Some are still having to kiss their husbands goodbye as they head off back to service either locally to bomb disposal units or further afield. There is secrecy which is linked to some paperwork, for others it’s having to tolerate a spiteful, vindictive old woman as a result of a death bed promise.

Life is busy, none of the mod-cons of today and I enjoyed reading to find out how the girls dealt with day to day living. Even though they were slowly sliding back into routines they were never far away from an ambulance call out from Station 75. So there is the fascinating aspect of following the girls in that guise as well.

Having Christmas with the East End Angels as the title of the book kind of insinuates the angels will be doing something charitable, they focus on providing some entertainment at the local hospital. No matter how busy their individual lives were, I admire the inner sense of pulling together in times of need, especially when it’s for the benefit of making others happy.

While this is the third story in this particular series it is so well written you can join in straightaway but why miss out on the previous two which are just as charming? I thoroughly enjoyed this book as much as I knew I would. By the time I was back in that era surrounded by ‘friends’ I was oblivious to this ‘real’ world and could easily have read it all in one sitting if the calls of nature didn’t have the audacity to interrupt!

I can’t praise Rosie’s books enough I would read any of hers in a heartbeat without needing to look at the cover or blurb and that is quite a confession from someone who reads hundreds of books a year!

Thanks to the author, publisher, netgalley & Rachel from Random Resources. I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the most wonderful time of the year - but can the East End Angels keep London safe?Meet The East End Angels, the newest members of Station Seventy-Five's ambulance crew.Frankie is trying hard to keep everything together. She can count on the support of the East End Angels, even in the face of family trouble.Winnie's beloved husband, Mac, is putting himself at risk every day in the bomb disposal unit and she's finding it hard while he's away.Bella is growing in confidence and happiness. Her friendship with Winnie's brother, James, is getting closer all the time.Christmas on the Home Front is a hard time with loved ones far away - but the women of the Auxiliary Ambulance service are making do and mending.Women working in ambulances and other vehicles had to be extremely flexible and to cover a wide range of skills in order to be efficient in their crucial work.They had to be vigilant and careful when following the convoy which was performed mainly at night, adding to the danger involved in the operations. They had to withstand the trauma of war while servicing and caring for others in unsafe conditions surrounded by wounded and dead. Also, as preserving life was often a matter of speed of transport, they had to display high competence in driving.Unexploded ordnance (UXO),or bombs (UXBs),or explosive remnants of war (ERW) are explosive weapons (bombs,shells,grenades, land and naval mines, cluster ammunition, and other munitions) that did not explode when they were employed,but still pose a risk of detonation, sometimes many decades after they were used or discarded.Blitz Bomb Disposal Unit were made up of men whose job required daily acts of incredible heroism, ingenuity and technical achievement in seriously adverse circumstances.Conscientious objectors who refused to join the armed forces became members of the Non-Combatant Corps (NCC). It consisted of 14 companies totaling 6,766 men and took part in all aspects of the war effort,apart from those that required the handling of weapons.The bomb-disposal unit had the skilled and dangerous task of removing the device of making it safe.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've followed this war-time series from the beginning, so I was delighted to be approached to spend Christmas with the East End Angels in this lovely continuation of the saga. As the story opens, the crew members of Ambulance Station 75 are facing a quieter period, as the German bombs have stopped falling, for a time, in London. However, as always, the lives of crew members, Winnie, Frankie and Bella come under scrutiny as they each face the troubles that life throws at them. It's all done, of course, under the watchful eye of Station Officer Steele, who continues to both support and cajole, always expecting a high standard of commitment from her crew and herself.

There's a real warmth to this saga and, as it continues, there is such an emotional connection with the characters, that by now, this third book in the series, they have all become as dear as friends. I really care what happens to them all, wondering how Winnie copes with her husband, Mac, working in bomb disposal, how Frankie continues to deal with her viperous step-grandmother, Ivy, who still lives with her in Mafeking Terrace, and of course, the lovely Bella, with her passion for writing and her growing attachment to Winnie's brother, James.

The author captures time and place so perfectly that as soon as the story appears on the page, I am transported back to war-time London in 1941, travelling the bumpy streets in the ambulance alongside Winnie, with Trixie, the rescue dog, curled on my lap, quite settled in the knowledge that the story will take me on a wonderful journey.

The friendship and camaraderie of all the crew will be needed more than ever in what will prove to be a difficult year for them all, and yet, with laughter, and tears, both happy and sad, what's guaranteed is that there's never a dull moment for the crew of London Ambulance Station 75, and I can't wait to see what adventures befall them all next time.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has seemed very appropriate to be reading Christmas with the East End Angels, this week, in the run-up to Armistice Day on November 11th. This book concentrates on life in the middle years of the Second World War. The days of the London Blitz have passed and, in this story, we see the day to day grind of a city at war. It is full of the detail of the girls' routine and the relentless timetable of the Auxiliary Ambulance service. It is striking how the girls have to 'make do and mend' and carry on with their daily work, even though the danger their friends and relatives are facing is always in the background.

You can sense that a lot of research has gone into the preparation of the book. I particularly liked the sections where they harvested the allotments at the Tower of London. In a week when the moat there is being lit, nightly, with thousands of lights to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War, these sections seemed especially poignant.

Bella, Winnie and Frankie are all bound together through their friendship and understand each other's concerns and anguish at being separated. I especially liked the feisty Frankie and her run-ins with her step-grandmother, the awful Ivy. It gives you a glimpse into her mettle and how she is managing to deal with the difficult situations. You also get to see something of the girls' aspirations for after the war. This is a gently paced and uplifting novel, with interesting backstories, well drawn characters and a great deal of period detail.

In short: The Home Front shows its strength through the lives of everyday people.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.

[AnnMarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas with the East End Angels is the third book in the East End Angels series by Rosie Hendry. Although part of a series this book can easily be read as a standalone. Having said that though, I think if I had read the previous books I would have had more insight to just how special a friendship the characters had with each other.

Frankie, Winnie and Bella are firm friends who work for the Auxiliary Ambulance service during the war. The blitz is over and the women are getting used to a much quieter time in the service.

I enjoyed learning about each woman and getting an idea of just what life would have been like during the war. It was heartbreaking when I read about the women seeing their men off at the station when they were going back to fight after having leave from service. I also found myself reaching for the tissues on a couple of occasions when the women were called out to various incidents. There weren't only sad times, but happy times too, such as when Station 75 put on a show to raise spirits and much-needed funds.

I have read a few wartime novels that take place during the blitz at the height of the bombing and the excitement levels were through the roof. This book was an eye opener in as much as the war is still going, lives are still very much affected, people are still struggling with rationing, but it's all happening at a much more sedate pace. I will admit that I missed the excitement, but I think that all aspects of wartime should be written about, and enjoyed this new insight.

[Misfits farm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very different read for me as I don’t usually do “historical” novels. Something about it grabbed my attention. A cheerful cover, a feeling of that togetherness amongst friends and perhaps to learn a little history along the way. The three women- Frankie, Winnie and Bella work for the London ambulance service and although the Blitz has finished, they are on standby for anything that might now happen.Winnie has just seen her husband off as he is in the bomb disposal squad. This is the third in the series but happily stands alone. This was my first read of the series and so didn’t know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. A story of the war and all that it brings. For a town, a city, a country. A man , a woman a community. A very different way of life and pulling together against the enemy in whatever form that may mean. A concert to raise funds for the POW parcels, carol singing at the hospital. parcel packing, mending and making do, rationing and the worries of war. An entertaining read. I think this will appeal to readers of all ages. The older ones who remember those time to those of us who don’t and find a read like this interesting. Perhaps the perfect Christmas gift?
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series but the first one I have read. It worked fine as a standalone but I will be catching up on the other books because I enjoyed this one so much.

The story centres around Frankie, Winnie, and Bella who make up the Ambulance crew of Station 75. The nighttime bombing Blitz has stopped but the girls find plenty to do both at work and at home, including carol singing and organising a concert to help the community.

This time they are joined by a fourth crew member Rose who originates from Austria, she soon becomes friends with the other girls and shares her harrowing backstory.

We find out how the war has affected the girls. Loved ones are still away fighting, food is rationed and there is always the threat of more loss of life. No matter what, the girls are there for each other, the overriding feeling of friendship is truly heartwarming.

Anyone who loves a World War II saga will really enjoy this East End story. It is just what’s needed during the busy run-up to Christmas. So, put the kettle on, choose a comfy chair and let yourself melt into the world of these brave, warm and funny women.

[Jodie Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by 3 Degrees Of Fiction Book Blog

Christmas with the east end angels


I have always always loved stories about past years in the UK. I find our history very interesting to say the least! This was a perfectly written book set in an era which I have read a lot about an thoroughly enjoyed every word of it.

Although time has been short for me the last few weeks I made sure I had the time to read this and it was worth every single moment I spent with the book!

This book is part of a series and although it could be read as a stand alone I feel I would have known everyone much better if I had have read the rest of the stories first. That saying it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of this festive book.

The book is very well written with fabulous descriptions given throughout. I really enjoyed this authors writing and will be seeking out more of her work!

Definitely worth a read over this Christmas period!

4 stars from me!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is the third book in this series, I read it as a stand alone.
For anyone who enjoys Land Girls or Call The Midwives, this is the story of the strong women who man Station Seventy-Five. We learn about their life situations, how the war has changed each of them, made having personal relationships difficult, and caused family separations through death, imprisonment, and as a means to staying safe. Learning how to reinvent themselves and build friendships that stand the test of time and very trying circumstances, we follow these young women as they make the best of the worst.

The writing is very well done, the characters developed and visionable.
The story about choices and decisions having to be made will tug at your heart strings.
Overall there is a feeling that some good will come at the end.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I loved this story, I have been having a bit of a binge on historical fiction books based during World War II and this one was a brilliant story to read!

I loved the characters, they were really well developed and the author’s ability to set the scene was great and at times I felt like I was completely transported back in time.

Frankie, Bella and Winnie are all great characters who bring so much to the story. They really work well together and I think this was a brilliant saga for this time of year and will be a perfect read over the run up to upcoming festive period.

This will be a treat for any lover of historical fiction like myself, or even those who just enjoy a very well written story- it was a pleasure to read!

Definitely five stars from me for this one and very highly recommended, it is well written and thoroughly enjoyable

[alexis ☀️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

I just thrifted this book and didn’t know that this was part of a series 😭 But it’s okay though.

I’m really happy because Frankie, Bella, and Winnie are trio for life. They showcased how a true friendship really is.

I don’t like how Ivy mistreats Rose 😓 I’m really glad Frankie lets her stay in her house. I thought Station Officer Steele is a cold-hearted woman at first but in reality, she is also an individual who misses and yearns for her family.

My heart broke when James died, I mean Bella just met up with him a few days ago and he DIED?!

Overall: This is a good book, must read especially when it’s Christmas time.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this on the kindle

This is the 3rd in the series about the people of the Ambulance Station 75 who are serving in WW2 while this is a fictional series it gives you a sense of what it must have been like at the time with the Call outs bombings rationing
I am really enjoying the series, that said would rather the ending of this book been a bit different can't say why as it would spoil it but it makes you so that you can't wait for the next book as we are only at the end of 1942 so still a long way until the end of the War
You do need to read these books in order

[Susanne Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been looking forward to reading this as part of my Christmas reading challenge as I enjoyed the first two books from this enthralling series set in London during the Second World War. It has the perfect mix of historical information with some romance and endearing characters that you find yourself caring about throughout. It’s a heartwarming story and there are plenty of twists and emotional moments too.
It was interesting to see how Station 75 came together to celebrate Christmas and make the most of the festive season.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was lovely catching up with Station 75 again. It is nearly Christmas in this book and as well as catching up with old friends we also meet Rose who comes to join Station 75. We follow the girls through every emotion going. I don’t want to put in any spoilers but you will laugh and cry as you follow their journey. This is a fantastic series of books that I highly recommend you reading.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having enjoyed Rosie's previous east end angels books I was looking forward to catching up with Frankie,Winnie and Bella again.

This book is a great mix of laughter and sadness, and as always it is very well written. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to another installment in the lives of these fabulous ambulance girls!

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The continuing story of the crew in the 75th station and another great read from Rosie Hendry where we meet Rose the latest recruit to the station and more heartbreak for some of the characters. I was torn between not wanting to leave the book down until the story was finished and not wanting it to finish.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking Tragedy.

With thanks to Rosie for yet again an outstandingly warm caring tale from the 75th ambulance group much has happened in the past year engagements deaths new found friendships sisters meeting up trips to the country again all wrapped up with an abundance love from the fabulous East end angels.

[Helen campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angels

Another great stoty tinged with sadness and true life facts and feelings cant wait for the next instalment hope frankie gets some happy events in her life book so good makes you think the characters are real

[Heather Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book which is the third book in the series about The East End Angels, who are the ambulance crew during WW2. I loved this book as much as the previous two books and if you love saga books you will love this series of books and won't be disappointed.

[Jo Marlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Read

Love this series of books, had all emotions going, can’t wait for read what Winnie, Bella & Frankie have installed for them in the next book.
Rosie please keep these books going, now have to find something to read until the next release.