The Nurses of Lark Lane

Lark Lane #3

by Pam Howes

Can she follow her dreams – against all the odds? Liverpool, 1955. With her abusive husband drinking all her wages, Alice faces a daily struggle to provide for her family. Her eldest daughter Cathy has always longed to be a nurse, but when the family’s poverty means she’s forced to leave school and get a job – without the qualifications she needs – it looks like her dreams are over. But Cathy isn’t willing to give up without a fight, and with the support of old friend – and new love – Gianni, she manages to secure a place as a cadet nurse, learning as she works. Cathy knows that without her around, her mam must stand up to her violent husband alone – and that with less money coming in, Alice will be in danger of losing everything. What’s more, since nursing students must be unmarried, and Gianni is desperate to settle down, it’s not just her mam who hopes that Cathy will come home… Can Cathy find a way to have it all, or will becoming a nurse mean leaving her family – and love – behind her? The Nurses of Lark Lane is a heart-breaking saga about a family’s battle to survive. If you love Nadine Dorries, Diney Costeloe and Donna Douglas, you won’t want to miss Pam Howes! An earlier version of this book was previously published as Cathy’s Clown. This edition contains significant editorial revisions. Readers love The Nurses of Lark Lane! ‘I cannot recommend this book or this series highly enough. I have loved each and every one… May I just say that a pack of tissues would be advisable… A first class read, taken back in time with fantastic characters. Written beautifully.’ I Love Reading, 5 stars ‘From the first page right up until the final page I was glued to this book. A massive massive five star read for me.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘Had me hooked from the first page… Pam Howes has put her life and soul into this and I recommend that everyone reads this, you won’t want it to end.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars ‘An engaging, page-turner… loved Cathy’s journey and didn’t want it to end… So compelling, it leaves me desperate for more. Highly recommended.’ By The Letter Book Reviews, 5 stars ‘Gripped me from the first page… a heartwarming story and there were some tearful moments thrown in. The book moved at a great pace… emotional, touching and filled with love, loss, family and friendships!... Definitely recommend.’ Stardust Book Reviews ‘Absolutely lovely read. The type of saga that draws me right in to the characters and their lives in their hometown. Will be grabbing all the books by this author.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Nursing

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2019

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I read is Lark Lane 3 not what Goodreads lists for the book. Was unable to add this book to Goodreads for some reason.
This is a story of District Nurses of Lark Lane in 1955 Liverpool. We follow two cadet nurses: Cathy who is worried about her mother who is abused by her alcoholic husband and Gianni who wants to get married, but nursing students of the 1950 were not allowed to be married.

The book is well written and is a fast-easy read. We follow the lives of the nurses. Howes does a good job in building the characters. I started on book 3 in the series but had no problem following what was going on. This makes a good get-away-from-it-all book.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is nine hours and thirty- three minutes. Georgia McGuire does a good job narrating the book. McGuire is an actress, voice artist and audiobook narrator. She was a finalist for a 2018 Audie Award for Best Narration.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Readers of the Lark Lane series, set in 1940s and 1950s Liverpool, have had the touching experience of following Alice through the years. Alice is now the mother of teen-aged Cathy and two younger girls. She is married to Jack now and has recently returned home due to being injured. Jack, was trouble through and through. Either it was womanizing or alcohol. What is worse was his abuse towards Alice, and that fact presented danger to Cathy. All of this played a role in his not living in the household.

Cathy wants to become a nurse. Doing so will not make things easy for Alice, as Alice is suffering horribly. But Cathy has a chance, and it is a chance she feels she must take. Meanwhile, she is drawn to Gianni, the son of Alice's friend Sadie. They grew up together, and now she is sensing something different about him. To be such a young man, Gianni has a lot to offer Cathy and I hoped from the very beginning that he would be good for her.

I love Cathy's story. Her love for Gianni - and nursing - allowed her to rise above some extreme difficulties. Because Jack was never far away, however, I sometimes worried that Cathy might not be okay. This book was so good, so engrossing, that I read it in two sittings, in just a few hours. The drama was all-encompassing as the story went from incredible sadness to such wonderful hope. There were some disturbing moments in this book when it came to Jack. He was a despicable man and reading of his actions caused much pain.

There is a lot of story here. I found it to be well-paced, and quite fluid. I read the first in the series, The Factory Girls of Lark Lane, about a year ago and I adored it. I had to go back and read the second in the series, The Shop Girls of Lark Lane. The way Pam Howes draws readers into the lives of all of these women is nothing short of exceptional. As this is primarily Cathy's story, it could do quite well as a standalone, but I felt that I needed that sense of continuity that I have become so accustomed to in order to get the full effect. No worries; these were hours very well spent. I definitely look forward to reading more by this wonderful author, and certainly hope that there will be at least one more Lark Lane story to come. I am sure the expectation will be well worth it.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a family drama starting in July 1955 and featuring teenager Cathy, her family, friends and neighbours. Cathy’s father died when she was young and her Mum, Alice, remarried Jack who is an abusive, adulterer as well as the father to Cathy’s two half-siblings. It is a story which explores attitudes and expectations from the era, when nursing students had to be unmarried and husbands expected to be masters in their own home whilst their wives were expected to smile and put up with their lot in life. It is a story of friendship, romance, dreams and betrayal, blackmail and more.

I found it an intriguing story, one where you’re not really sure just how everything will work out in the end. It is part of the Lark Lane series but works well as a standalone as I haven’t read any of the earlier books and still enjoyed reading this one.

If you enjoy historic family dramas, exploring relationships and the era, or romances, you’ll probably enjoy this one as much as I did. It has well developed characters, surprise events and is a heartwarming page turner.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alice, lost her first husband when she was young mum and she made a big mistake marrying Jack Lawson. He’s abusive, dishonest, drinks and has been unfaithful. Alice struggles to feed her family, Jack wastes his pension and she has three daughters. Cathy from her first marriage and Sandra and Rosie and three girls are scared of Jack.

Cathy dreams of being a nurse, but she’s forced to finish school and starts working at Lewis’s department store. Living in Liverpool during the 1950’s Cathy and her friend Debbie enjoy dancing, going out and the fifties music. Cathy has always been close to her mother Alice, things get worse and she's forced to leave home due to Jack's behavior.

With the support of her friend Debbie, Granny Lomax and boyfriend Gianni Romano she applies to study nursing at the Royal Liverpool Hospital. Cathy’s now a cadet nurse, she makes friends with Ellie, Karen and Jean and they all live in the nurse’s quarters. Alice struggles on at home, Jacks out of control and he finally leaves. Gianni want's to get married, Cathy doesn’t want to marry young and especially after seeing what happened to her mum.

The Nurses of Lark Lane is a story about Cathy being a teenager and training to be a nurse during the 1950’s, her mother Alice’s over coming her own struggles, and Jack finally gets what he deserves, and mother and daughter can live in peace. Thanks to NetGalley for my copy and I look forward to reading the next book in the series, The Midwives of Lark Lane.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Nurses of Lark Lane catches up with the characters that are in The Shop Girls of Lark Lane. This book focuses more on Cathy though, Alice’s daughter, and reads well as a stand alone.

It was great to catch up with the characters again and I loved the young lady that Cathy has become. I loved her strength and determination in not giving up on her dreams. She has an old head on young shoulders and she doesn’t take fools gladly.

The author really brings to life the era the book is set in with mention of different style clothes and the hair styles. I also loved the new and old friendships that Cathy strikes up. It was great to gain a bit more knowledge as Cathy embarks on her dream of becoming a nurse. It really makes for some addictive reading.

The Nurses of Lark Lane is an engaging, page turner of a read. There are characters you love and some you definitely love to hate. I loved the familiarity of the characters whilst getting to know some better as well as some new ones also. I loved Cathy’s journey and didn’t want it to end. The down side to this authors books is as they are so compelling, it leaves me desperate for more. Highly recommended.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANOTHER SMASHER I love reading this trilogy and as soon as I started nurses of lark lane the third book I did not want it to end. The year is 1955 in Liverpool, Cathy Dawson's dreams of been a nurse, but due to her families lack of money and her brutal step father she is forced to leave school and get a job leaving her with no qualifications. Cathy joins the nurse cadets, she and Gianni Romano are still a couple. I loved Cathys story and following her dreams for the future. Amazing book that will capture your heart the only thing I was sorry to see was the end, I could just have kept on reading, and cannot wait for another lark lane.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved reading this book as i feel as though i am alongside the characters,Alice has had a hard life but her daughter Cathy has a dream to be a nurse.and has been working hard at school.The shadow of Jack is still lingering but life goes on.i don't want to spoil the book for readers but will say i loved it and didn't want it to end 5* well done to Pam Howes.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nurses of Lark Lane is the third book in Lark Lane series. This is a series that is best read in order. It was nice to catch up with Alice, Cathy, Millie, Brian and Granny Lomax. I enjoyed reading Cathy’s story. I admire her for having the goal of becoming a nurse that would allow her to have a different life. Cathy has had a rough time since her father, Terry passed away and Alice (her mother) married Jack Dawson. Alice made a mistake marrying the cheating louse and everyone in the family is having to pay for bad judgement. Cathy was lucky to have Granny Lomax living nearby to give her encouragement and provide a safe haven. The Nurses of Lark Lane is well-written with steady pacing. Once I started reading it, I stayed up late because I wanted to see how the book would end. It is a dramatic and emotional story featuring family drama, friendships, work life and romance. The author captured the era with the clothing, hair styles, make up, movies, slang, and attitudes. The characters are realistic and developed. There are characters that readers will love and those we will dislike intensely (like Jack). I hope that this is not the last book in the series (if it is then I wish the author had provided an epilogue). The Nurses of Lark Lane is a compelling novel with the Romeo Gianni, a gentle granny, a sympathetic sibling, the smashed scoundrel, and a motivated young woman.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this series and this book is no exception, a great insight into the post-war years where money was still scarce for Alice as her no good husband has managed to wheedle his way back into the family. Cathy, Alice's oldest daughter has no intention of falling into the same trap as her mother and she is determined to train as a nurse but her stepfather has different ideas. He wants her to leave school at fifteen and start earning a wage to give him a bit more beer money. She hates him with a vengeance especially when he starts to give her unwanted attention. Will, she ever realise her dream?.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is one of my favourite authors and I just love when she has a new book out . This one like all her previous ones was brilliant . An easy reading book but with an excellent storyline . We catch up with characters we met before in the series . From the first page right up until the final page I was glued to this book . Whilst it can be read as a stand-alone I would recommend reading the other books in the series to get familiar with the characters and the background for this book . A massive massive 5 star read for me .

[Emma Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nurses of Lark Lane is the concluding part in The Lark Lane trilogy by Pam Howes and as with the previous two books I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. It was a deeply satisfying finale to what has been a brilliant series. I was very pleased with the eventual outcome as I feel I have become so invested in what happens to the characters given I have been with them on an incredible journey right from the very beginning. As with most books that form part of a series The Nurses of Lark Lane can be read as a standalone story but honestly I think to truly appreciate every character and what they go through and to understand and comprehend all the various plots and how they interconnect I would say start with book one The Factory Girls of Lark Lane.

I would definitely class this series as a multi generational saga which began following the conclusion of World War Two with a focus on Alice and her friend Millie and now we have come full circle bringing us up to the late 1950's as Alice's oldest daughter Cathy steps into the spotlight. She faces many challenges and obstacles but always remains true to her beliefs and goals. Those being to fight for and retain her independence and to make something of herself with a good solid career.

I thought book two left us very much on a cliffhanger as Alice was experiencing so much emotional turmoil in her marriage to the despicable monster that was Jack. I felt every bit of her anguish, worry and distress at the situation she found herself and really wanted her to buck up and finally see the light. She clearly needed to remove herself from the desperate situation she found herself in but there seemed to be a reluctance on her part as well as many other things going against her. When we return to Alice and her family I thought everything remained the same, in fact the situation had probably gotten worse. I wondered where was the woman who previously had picked herself up off the ground and made something of herself following the death of her first husband?

She seemed to be a totally different character from the ambitious young girl we had first been introduced to but I suppose when one is in a position of being constantly worn down and being told you are not good enough you begin to think maybe these things could be true. Jack remained an absolute horror of a character and now that he is physically incapacitated his temper, anger and cruel streak seem to rear their head more often. It was obvious he detested Alice and the children he had with her and as for Cathy she was like a thorn in his side. Time and time again as with the previous books I thought why on earth can't Alice just kick him to the curb? Surely she must realise the true extent of his character and what he gets up to when he thinks she is not fully clued in to what is going on.

Although Cathy is just a teenager at aged 15 she can clearly see what is going on and uses every available opportunity to escape to her Granny Lomax where comfort, solace and support is always on offer. I always felt when reading this story that Cathy was much older than she was simply because she was so mature and wise although that's not to say she didn't waver over what was the right decision or not. That's natural for anybody but I thought she was a stand out character throughout and I enjoyed how the book shifted its attention to focus more on her and the developing relationship she has with childhood friend Gianni whose mother Sadie was a firm friend of both Alice and Millie.

Saying that given how the majority of the series had so far focused on Alice I thought she kind of disappeared midway through the book and then reappeared towards the end. Of course there were mentions of her but I would have loved even more chapters from her point of view. I understand that the author has been taking us on a journey following one family and she has done this so successfully but given how crucial Alice was to everything and how she formed the backbone to the series I just wanted her to feature that little bit more in this book. If I couldn't have that, I had the next best thing in Cathy because I really felt she stepped up to the plate when it mattered the most.

Cathy really took an awful lot on her shoulders and she deserves nothing but admiration for that. One questions whether she had to grow up too soon but really she had no choice as she could see what was happening to her family. That Alice was being broken down piece by piece and that if Cathy didn't help out financially and with the care of the children then God knows what would have happened. Throughout it all her love for Gianni deepens and I thought the development of their relationship was just perfect. It was like he was the antidote and total opposite to her home life and she could seek comfort, reassurance, support and love from him whenever she needed that time away from her daily struggles. Cathy was an ambitious person and she knew what direction she wished her life to go in. Her dreams of becoming a nurse could have been halted due to Jack and the family situation instead she sought alternative routes and she enrols on a course for cadet nurses. I loved the scenes set in the college as Cathy learns new skills but also at the same time tries to maintain a balanced relationship with Gianni. It showed that if you want something badly enough you will persist at it.

I thought the various things that went on to happen with the Gianni and Cathy storyline were brilliant and they kept the reader on their toes guessing what would happen. In the background there was always her own family situation lurking and I thought how everything came together so dramatically was brilliant. I loved how Cathy was so dogged in her opinions and stance, she wanted to be a nurse at whatever cost. Some people may view her as being very one sided and that she wasn't willing to give or take at all, but I think she had no other choice and was right to be like that. She was looking to the future for security and independence and being reliant on someone else wasn't going to help her achieve this. As for Gianni I think he was just very muddled in his heart and mind and there were things he needed to get out of his system and explore before he could even really focus on what Cathy was trying to get across to him. So much happened between them towards the end that I wondered could a sensible and satisfactory resolution ever be found or would stubbornness and being obstinate rule the day.

I would definitely recommend The Nurses of Lark Lane as a book to read during the summer. In fact if you haven't read anything by Pam Howes everything she has written in the historical fiction genre has been brilliant and this book proved to be no different. I am gutted to leave such incredible characters behind but I think the time is right and their journey is complete. I'm already looking forward to where Pam Howes will take us next in future books.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book, i so much enjoyed Pam's other books leading up to this one, the last one being the shop girls of Lark Lane.

Here we meet Alice a mum of 3 children 2 little ones from her current husband Jack and Cathy from her 1st husband who was killed in a motorbike accident. Jack hates Cathy and likewise, he's violent, cruel keeps money from Alice and doesn't work. He is also showing an interest in Cathy.

Cathy dreams of going to college to train to become a nurse when she leaves school but Jack puts a stop to that and demands she start work straight away, she is devastated. With her friend, she starts working at the local department store where her mum works.

Gianni lives across the road from the family with his mum Sadie, his father owns and runs a fairground, Sadie didn't want that life for her and her son so has protected him from it by taking him on holiday when the fair comes to town, meaning Gianni has never met his father.

Sadie and Alice so much would like Cathy and Gianni to fall in love, will this happen?

I loved this book it was a real page turner, with some wonderfully warm likable characters, it also had it's fair share of drama. I couldn't wait to pick it up again to see how Alice and Cathy were coping with their hard lives and what would be thrown at them next.
5 worthy stars.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Lark Lane series. It can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend read the other books to understand the story fully. This latest instalment focuses on Cathy, the daughter of Alice who was the main character in the previous two books. Cathy is now growing up into a young woman and wants to follow her heart and train to be a nurse. Forced with the choice of helping her mother with her young siblings or begin her training, Cathy has help from her new love and old friend, Gianni to secure her place at the nurse cadet hospital. Will Cathy fulfil her dream to become a nurse?

I’ve read the previous two books in this series, and have really enjoyed following the story of Alice. Alice has certainly had her share of bad luck over the past few years, and with her husband Jack still treating her badly and seeing other women, it doesn’t look like that luck is going to change. Her eldest daughter from her first marriage, Cathy is working on a make-up counter at a Liverpool Department Store just to stop her family from going hungry. Cathy loves her family, but hates her step-father, Jack, and to be honest who can blame her after everything he has done. I was keeping all fingers and toes crossed that Cathy managed to get a placement to train as a nurse, but you just know that things never go as planned.

I loved Cathy’s character and whilst she was quite strong willed and knew what she wanted, she did sometimes let her heart rule her mind. I did initially think that Gianni was going to be a bit of a womaniser, but he turned out to be quite good boyfriend material!! Some of the characters from the previous books return and it’s great to catch up on their stories again. It’s also great to welcome new characters, particularly some of the nurses whom Cathy trains with and Gianni’s infamous Romano family!

This instalment is based well into the 1950’s in Liverpool. The war is well and truly over and the country is just starting to recover from this. Rationing is over, and people begin to have a little bit more money to enjoy some of the nicer things in life. It was fun to read about Cathy’s evenings out, the fashions of the time and of course, some of the music which was just starting to emerge. The story gripped me from the first page and before I knew it I was caught up in the tale of Cathy’s life! It was a heart-warming story and there were some tearful moments thrown in. The book moved at a great pace and throughout you are kept wondering whether Cathy will manage to get the happy ever after that she deserves!

This was a lovely read. It was emotional, touching and filled with love, loss, family and friendships! The story is left with some unresolved issues, so I’m really hoping there is a fourth book in the series to continue the story! Would definitely recommend.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Nurses of Lark Lane: A heartbreaking Liverpool saga by [Howes, Pam]I was given this book by Bookouture and NetGalley. The review and opinions are my honest words.

This book is part of a series by Pam Howes. I had not read the previous ones but I still enjoyed this book.

This book is set in 1955 in Liverpool, England. Alice has an abusive alcoholic for a husband who uses all of her wages to drink. Cathy is her eldest daughter. Cathy's desire is to be a nurse but the family budget does not allow it. She leaves school to find and work at a job, without qualification.

The characters in this book are very interesting and easy to relate with. Cathy is created with amazing determination and inner strength.

The time period was reflected well throughout the story, also as well as friendships which are built.

I feel that this book is a book that can draw the reader in easily. I didn't want to put it down, once I began it. It definitely left me wanting to know more about the other ladies.

I recommend this book highly.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, we're back in Lark Lane but this time it's Cathy's story. Don't worry if you haven't read the earlier installments in this family saga- the issues will be well apparent from the start. Things are not going well in the post War period for Alice, Cathy's mom, as she's still being abused by her husband Jack. She's determined to help Cathy fulfill her dream of being a nurse. Cathy's a hard worker and she finds a way - and she's got a love in Gianni. There are ups and downs but mostly this is a story of optimism and love. Thanks to net galley for the ARC. This is old fashioned story telling and a good read.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the type of book that my mum read and I now and again read too when I miss her the most. It's the third in the series and I do hope that there is more to follow. It's a story of no matter what life throws at you if you are determined to succeed then you will. I would definitely recommend reading all the Lark Lane books.

[Vicki - I Love Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, emotional at times and a truly fantastic read.
Review t follow.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nurses of Lark Lane by Pam Howes is a delightful historical fiction novel set post-war and follows several characters: Alice (mom to Other main character Cathy), friend to Millie and Sadie, and wife to alcoholic and somewhat loser Jack. Cathy is Alice’s eldest from her first marriage and is trying to realize her dream to become a nurse.

Adversities abound as Cathy has to overcome a lot at home to follow through with her dreams.
There are moments of happiness, however still moments of frustration and sadness at all of the trials that happen in an imperfect life. A compliment to the author in being able to create characters that one can cheer for and also that one can dislike so much as well.

A nice end to a light and fast read.

4/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Lark Lane series, and continues the story of Alice and her hard life, but also tells the story of her daughter Cathy. Although I enjoyed the story I was a bit let down by the ending as it is more like the end of the chapter, rather than the end of the book. (I have a feeling the other books also end this way) Of course this leaves it open for another book, which I shall look forward to reading

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story that still is mostly focused on Cathy and her mum Alice: it’s been quiet in their little house with Alice’s husband in hospital after his foot injury during the war resulted in amputation. They aren’t quite living in clover, but without Jack and his abusive behavior and slovenly ways, things are ‘settled’ and everyone is happy. Cathy is getting ready to enter her O Level year – a critical step on her way to becoming a nurse. But, as things happen, Jack is released from the hospital and comes home to cause disruption and discord, sneaking in his girlfriend when Alice is at work and generally terrorizing the household.

Cathy is determined to go to nursing school, and with support and often firm talk from her Granny Lomax, her father’s mother, she’s torn between helping out the family and making her own way in the world. She’d given up her O Level plans already, working in cosmetics with her best friend in the large department store in town: and Jack is constantly harassing her for her pay, demanding that she pay her fair share of the expenses, while he uses his money for himself. With a new baby, Alice is not only depressed but she is beaten down, and nothing seems to bring a smile. Cathy is almost at the end of her rope, the only thing keeping her sane is Gianni and their new relationship, until she is accepted into a nurse’s training program at the hospital. She’s soon off for the first of the three years of courses, leaving the home mess behind.

Oh this was so typical Hawes in style and form – instantly you have people to cheer or jeer for, to empathize with, and are soon as close to them and their changing fortunes as if you are a neighbor over the garden wall. Post war Britain is still a struggle, although things have improved in the years since the last book ended: and there are plenty of pop-culture references, attitudes and even the dress to feel as if times are changing – and perhaps more quickly than some would like. I’ve loved the two books I’ve read in this series: the characters, their situations and even their struggles are clearly defined and easy to visualize, and caring about them is just like one would for friends. I’m determined to gather all of this author’s books and read them all when I want to get ‘away’ from the world and enter the one she’s created and borrowed from.

I received an eArc 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.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

The focus of this, the third book in the series, is mostly Cathy although Alice is still featured throughout as well.

Cathy has always wanted to be a nurse, but because of her stepfather's drinking, she has to leave school and start work instead. Things are not all bad though, Gianni is a friend from when they were small children, but is he starting to feel more for her than just a friend would?

This was a heck of a rollercoaster of a book, in many ways. Jack is an appalling human being and I spent most of the book holding my breath, wondering what horrible thing he was going to do next and hoping that he would get his comeuppance. Alice seems to have completely lost her confidence in this book, the courage that got her through WWII as a single mum, and it was sad to see, but it also speaks to the skill of the author that I got so emotionally involved as well.

All I can say is that I am very happy that birth control is much more reliable these days and that society as a whole is more supportive of women who need help. Having said that, the community that Alice and Cathy lived in was incredibly caring towards them and they were surrounded by family and friends. None of them had much money but they made do and helped each other out when needed.

Loving this series, looking forward to the next one!

4.5 stars from me.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series, but this worked well as a standalone. It is 1955. Cathy is a bright teenager who has always wanted to be a nurse. She lives with her mum, two stepsisters & her vile stepfather Jack. After a blissful while of Jack being away he returns. He mother is once again being abused & Cathy is having to escape his advances. WHen Jack insists she gets a job, she thinks her nursing dreams are gone but chance shows her another way she can reach her goal.

This was a nice story of a girl growing up in the 50's. On the whole I enjoyed it, although the last quarter was way too predictable. I have rounded the score up to 4, but for me it was really a 3 1/2. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

[Marilyn Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright but no real depth to it

I have read the other two books in this series and although the story line is good I felt that there was no real depth to it.
Cathy at only sixteen seemed much older I the way she talked and behaved.
I started my training as a nurse in 1966 and couldn't start until I was eighteen and it was three years training finishing at twenty one.
There is no way we would have been allowed to behave the way those girls did. At that age (16) all one wanted to do was listen to records and hang out with friends, maybe have a boyfriend but not r behave like that.
And Debbie seemed much older than seventeen when she got married by the way she talked. I found it all a bit odd.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Lark Lane series. It’s like catching up with old friends. The way Pam writes draws you into the book so you feel part of it. Cathy is growing up fast, Alice wants a nicer life for her them to be tied down with young children in a loveless marriage like her. Her friend Sadie is the same about her son Gianni. Bringing him up on her own she dreads the fair’s arrival each year in case he bumps into his Dad. Cathy wants to be a nurse, but falls for Gianni. Gianni finally meets his Dad Luca. Will the draw of the fair win Gianni over. I hope there will be more Lark Lane to come.

[Sally Hanan · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you enjoy the writing style that tells more than shows, this is the book (and series) for you. You're invited into the story as a watcher rather than a feeler, so you get to watch a woman being abused, her eldest daughter's break for freedom, and relationships that develop and fail around that.

Quite a lot happens in the book, so you won't feel any lags anywhere. I did feel as if I could never stop and let my senses roll with smells, colors, noises, etc., but overall it was a decent read.

This works well as a standalone book.

[Christina J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good sequel

This was a good sequel. The continuation of Alice and Cathy had its ups and downs, and Jack back in the picture definitely made for some difficult scenarios. I will say the characters in this book are super young to have gone through so much and be mature about it all. It seemed they should be in their upper 20s instead of their teens. And who starts nursing school at 17? I guess in England they did/do. Gianni's hormones got him into a bit of a pickle, but all of that worked out for the best.

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Lark Lane series, I found this one more enjoyable than the other two. Don't get me wrong but the the first two were also very good reads and I recommend that you read them in the order that there written in so that you can keep up with the characters Alice, Maisie, Sadie, Mrs. Lomax, Cathy, Gianni and not to forget the villain Jack. I have given all three five stars amd recommend them.

[Jady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engrossed as always

I always get engrossed in these family sagas, and was relieved all came good in the end. The language seemed to be modern not 1958 ish , the physical descriptions especially., compared to the previous books . I also felt the hospital rules were very lax , but obviously this was necessary to the book . I look forward to more in the series.

[Karen Kepner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice and Cathy’s story continues

Hope, despair, love, have, jealousy and evil all combine to form a well developed story with great characters and an accurate history of the mid to late 1950’s. Wish there was a follow up!

[gaynor rawlings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I have enjoyed reading about Alice and her family the terrible life they had when Alice married Jack, then Alice's eldest daughter got together with the love of her life. If you like Pam Weaver then you will enjoy Pam Howes