A Sister's Wish

Yorkshire Blitz #2

by Donna Douglas

*FROM SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE NIGHTINGALE GIRLS , DONNA DOUGLAS*

Spring, 1941 . The families of Jubilee Row are still reeling from the loss of one of their own, and as the Blitz on Hull intensifies, it seems as if there will be more tragedies to come.

As the street braces itself, Iris Fletcher returns home from the hospital, where she has been recovering after the death of her best friend and youngest child. But Iris has no time to mourn - devastated by the loss of their little sister, Archie and Kitty desperately need their mother.

Meanwhile, Edie Copeland is besotted with her infant son. Being a single mother is hard, but Edie finds support in the form of Jack Maguire who, like Edie, is raising his boys alone. As the pair grow closer, Edie begins to wonder whether they could ever be anything more than friends.

Capable mum, Ruby Maguire takes charge as usual, bolstering spirits and lending a hand, as well as trying to keep her flighty sister Pearl on the straight and narrow. But the unexpected appearance of a face from her past threatens Ruby's future far more than Hitler's bombs.

For fans of Dilly Court, Rosie Goodwin and Katie Flynn this is the second book in the Yorkshire Blitz Trilogy from the bestselling author of The Nightingale Girls.

Genres: Historical Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

Published December 28, 2021

About the author

Welcome to my Goodreads page.

I'm the author of the Nightingale novels, a series of stories set in an East End hospital in the 1930s, published by Arrow.
The first in the series, The Nightingale Girls, follows the lives of three girls from very different backgrounds as they join the Nightingale Hospital as students. The second, The Nightingale Sisters, will be published next spring.
I'm originally from London, but I now live in the beautiful city of York.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sister’s Wish is a wonderful historical story set in Hull, Yorkshire in the 1940s in the midst of World War II. We follow a small community of family and friends living on Jubilee Row, with an engaging storyline exploring love, friendship and courage. This was such a lovely touching read, the author immediately drew me into the story with her easy and captivating writing style. It is the second book in the Yorkshire Blitz trilogy, I haven’t read the first one, but this comes across perfectly well as a standalone novel.

The narrative flits between different characters’ points of view alternating between chapters but the story focuses upon Iris and her struggle coming to terms with the death of her daughter and best friend who lost their lives in a bomb blast. This is a character driven novel each one beautifully portrayed and brought to life by the author. They felt so real and it was wonderful getting to know all of them. Even Lucky the dog developed his own wonderful little personality and it tugged at my heart strings reading about how terrified he was during the air raids.

The author’s descriptions of war torn England are so vivid and authentic and she portrays the struggles and impact of war so well. The detail is superb and the atmosphere created is brilliant, particularly in the aftermath of the bombings and the havoc and destruction caused. You also get a sense of the tension and terror in the scenes in the air raid shelters, while bombs are dropping all around them.

A thought-provoking novel in which I imagined how incredibly tough life must have been living in these difficult times and the importance of close friends and family pulling you through. It is beautifully written and really well researched and the war years are brought the life in a vivid and colourful way. It only covers about a 4 month time span but such a lot happens during this time. There is such wonderful attention to detail, from the clothes worn, the recipes created from rationed food supplies and the war ravaged setting. I’m looking forward to the final book in this trilogy and in the meantime I might back-track and read book 1. Highly recommended to anyone who loves a family saga in a World War II setting with some light romance woven in.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy of this book to review and for inviting me on the blog tour.

[Tiffany Johnstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved iris character from beginning to end. She is engulfed by grief due to loses in the blitz. All the women have developed a sisterhood. It’s a brilliant book.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yorkshire blitz trilogy book two
Iris Fletcher is on her way home after spending three months in a convalescent home.
It's the year 1941, well recovered from the bomb blast, returning to Jubilee Row its been too long and she was looking forward to seeing her children Archie and kitty. After losing her husband and her daughter Lucy and best friend Dolly, her guilt is going to take a long time to go away especially as this awful war is still happening, she blaims herself for everything but she needs to be there now for her two children and be there for them, how they both will feel about her is going to be hard work for them to trust her again, they are only still little but they need their mother more that ever. women are now having to register for war work, and there are lots of ups and downs from all the characters in this book, such an enchanting read, I enjoyed every single chapter, a beautiful story.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't wait to read this book as i wanted to catch up with the residents of Jubilee Row and how they were coping after losing one of their own.Iris Fletcher is finally coming home from hospital where she has been since losing her little girl and best friend but how will she cope.The Maguires are are a tight Knit family with many different characters among them.Edie is so happy looking after her little baby and helping Jack with the boys since their mom had gone.I have loved reading this book it has a brilliant story and fabulous characters that go so well together it also has a lot of emotions throughout.Excellent book loved it.5*

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Donna’s work for a while now. I have read every book that she has released to date. I read the first book in the ‘Yorkshire Blitz’ trilogy last year and since then I have patiently ben waiting for the second book to be released. Well ladies and gents, the wait is over because the second book in the trilogy, called ‘A Sister’s Wish’, has just been released in paperback. It is another corker of a read and I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Sister’s Wish’ but more about that in a bit.
As soon as I read the synopsis of ‘A Sister’s Wish’ that was it. I just couldn’t wait to start reading. So as soon as my copy of the book popped through my letterbox, I began reading it. To say that reading ‘A Sister’s Wish’ proved to be addictive is like saying that I like chocolate- i. e: a huge understatement. I just could not put this book down at all. It wasn’t glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. ‘A Sister’s Wish’ was one of those books that I was able to read in one long reading binge. I felt torn over the book in the sense that I was desperate to find out how the story ended but I didn’t want to finish the book because I was enjoying it so much.
‘A Sister’s Wish’ is superbly written but then that is certainly true of all of Donna’s books. She certainly knows how to create characters that the readers take into their hearts. That’s how I felt at any rate. Donna has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Donna’s books is more like having a chat between friends than reading an actual book. I hope that makes sense. Donna really brings the characters to life and they seem just as real as you and I. Donna tackles some difficult subjects but she writes about them with great compassion and sensitivity. I think that ‘A Sister’s Wish’ is the true definition of an unputdownable page turner of a read.
In short, I absolutely adored reading ‘A Sister’s Wish’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Donna’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Patricia O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book that I really enjoyed reading, I now am looking forward to the third book in the trilogy, brilliant writer.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to a new series from DD.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with any series especially a mini series or trilogy I spent the first 50 or so pages trying to remember who everyone is and how they fit into the story. By about halfway I felt confident about this because my memory sucks. The story picks up as Iris is returning home from the infirmary. Having recovered physically from the air raid that took the life of her best friend Dolly and baby girl Lucy, mentally she's got a long way to go. Adding to the troubles her son Archie feels like he was responsible and that his mother hates him. Things dont improve when a new man enters Iris' life and threatens to tear them even further apart. Ruby is faced with someone she hoped to never see again when her long lost mother is bombed out and shows up at the WVS looking for a new home. She proceeds to drive a wedge between Ruby and younger sister Pearl that might never be mended. Overall this was quite a good book, once my memory kicked in and I remembered the previous book. There's a reason I try to read trilogies back to back and not a year apart. There was a lot of frustration as several characters make horrible life choices throughout the book and you want to scream at them for being so stupid. I guess that's a good book because you actually care about what happens to the characters. It was a touching read, had a few bits of humour in it, including a n exchange between Ruby and Pearl that had me laughing out loud. I'll be interested to see what happens next. Providing I can remember who everyone is a year from now.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Donna’s new book a Mother’s journey last year the start of her Yorkshire blitz series and was happy to catch up with all the characters again in A Sisters Wish. The Maguire family and their friends were struggling to cope after the loss of Dolly and little Lucy. There is a rollercoaster ride of emotions as they carry on with life in the middle of World War Two. I think I went through every emotion possible as I read of all the ups and downs they went through on a daily basis. Sometimes I wanted to shake the characters and then I’d just want to give them a big cuddle. Donna writes in such a believable way, it’s hard to think that things like this happened to real people during this awful time. I look forward to catching up with them all again in the next book in the series.

[Jo Marlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Donna Douglas

Another fantastic read, couldn’t put my kindle down for the past 3 days, love that there is so many avenues left open to hear if new relationships blossom with with Jack & Eddie as well as Sam & Iris. What a hero Charlie Scuttle turned out to be , it would be lovely to hear that Charlie’s heroism lends him to recover his speech

[Lynda Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting book.certainly made you think about how people coped during the blitz.I learnt a lot about this tough time.was lovely to see how people helped each other out even if they didn't have much themselves.Its a shame we don't have the same community spirit nowadays.

[Marilyn Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I've read all of Donnas' books and they have all been amazing. The detail is wonderful, I hope there is a follow up to this one

[Mrs P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Excellent story, full of fun tears drama,
Couldnt put it down had to keep reading
Have read all nightingale books
Would highly recommend this one

[Chris Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book worthy of 5 ***** and more hope theres more x

[KeRRy BECK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

A really good touching story of love and heartache I couldn't put it down just wanted to keep reading to find out what happens next. Would recommend this story.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book, good characters and an interesting story.

[Lisa Rackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Donna Douglas writes characters that you just fall in love with, I need the next book because I need to know what happens to these wonderful people.

[Sandra Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow excellent read

[Lynn Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tale of the war at home in Hull. The characters experience death and heartache but love eventually blossoms for some.

[MRS L I JENKINS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Read

As always never fails to deliver.
The story is so believable and so are the characters.
Well done, can't wait to read the 3rd book.

[Prcs Rambharose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoy all her books she is a excellent writer.
Book 2 in a series of 3

[Sister Marika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best read this straight after the first book, A Mother's Wish as it's a direct sequel. I enjoyed this more as I got into it. Definitely worth reading.

[HM Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice read.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in a trilogy, good family story during the Blitz on Hull, England during Spring 1941 ~

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good entertaining read. The characters I simply loved. I am now looking forward to the next one.

[Layla · Rating 3 out of 5]

good book. But I didnt enjoy this one as much as the first in the series. But still a good read. as a 3 part set. this is BOOK NUMBER 2. UPDATE......Didn’t like this book as much tried YET AGAIN. To try get into this couldn’t don’t know why I wasted my time when I could have been reading something else. I felt this book wasn’t needed as a part*** I don’t know it just didn’t seem right when book one could have been a whole story. 1&3 are best. I think this was PUT in as an after thought. To extend the series.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hull in the spring of 1941 was a dangerous place to be, and in this novel by the experienced writer Donna Douglas no one knows that better than Iris. She has lost her three year old daughter Lucy and the best friend who had been caring for her, Dolly. As she returns to Jubilee Row from hospital after a long stay she is terrified of returning home, not because of the heavy bombing but because of the memories that will be all around her. As she is greeted by her extended family and neighbours she is unable to cope, unable to meet with their expectations. This rich and multi-layered story of a complex family trying to survive amid the horrors of total war is full of characters who all have their own challenges and fears. While they mainly live very close to each other, there are details of other parts of Hull that were damaged, streets that almost disappeared and landmarks that were affected. Besides the impressive cast of characters, Douglas has completed a lot of research into conditions in Hull and the main raids that scarred the area, but the research is never allowed to slow the narrative. The characters are vibrant and seem real, each one having their own part to play. This is a novel that I enjoyed reading very much, and found engaging throughout. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this compelling book.
As Iris’ family prepare for her arrival at home, there is a subtle introduction to the people who have been waiting for her return. This includes her two remaining children, a baby Kitty, and nine year old Archie who has strong memories of his younger sister and Dolly, the friend who was looking after them. He feels guilty for not looking after her more, and will be challenged by someone who criticizes him for his reaction to the trauma. Edie has been the subject of a previous novel, but her story in this book is self explanatory.Left alone by the man she loved, she is now concentrating on Bobby as the focus of her love, even though a good friend would welcome the company of another single parent. It is Ruby, capable and happy to support anyone, that has to cope with horrible memories of her past when her most difficult relationship is challenged. As Big May Maguire tries to hold her family together in the face of the most destructive bombing Hull has faced, real shelter is difficult to find.
This is a deeply absorbing book which is difficult to put down, as the relationships in a complex group of family, friends and neighbours is severely challenged. As relationships are affected by loss, everyone must reassess what they truly feel, as the most surprising people show a determination and courage previously unsuspected. One of the main stories, of Ruby and her younger sister Pearl is very involving, as loyalties, love and a life-long role of caring is shaken. Douglas has tremendous confidence in her characters, and places them in settings which prove testing in so many ways. Her understanding of their feelings for a place transformed by bombers is touching, as it is not only the physical injuries they must cope with in this emotionally realistic novel. This a wartime story set in a place which suffered sustained bombing is different from other sagas in its handling of a true community of characters in a relatively small place. I recommend it for its understanding not only of adult reactions to a nearly impossible time, but also a sensitive handling of the trauma suffered by children.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best-selling author Donna Douglas continues her heartrending and emotional Yorkshire Blitz series with the second dramatic and uplifting instalment, A Sister’s Wish.

Spring, 1941 and the Blitz on Hull continues to accelerate warning of further danger and tragedies to come. The families on Jubilee Row are still coming to terms with the sad loss of one of their own, but with the future uncertain and the looming threat of further attacks on their city on the horizon, they know that the only way they will get through this horrific ordeal ahead is by sticking together and supporting one another through thick and thin. Support and friendship are certainly what Iris Fletcher needs at the moment. Back from the hospital and recovering from the death of her best friend and youngest child, Iris needs to be strong – not just for herself, but for Archie and Kitty who are missing their little sister and are desperate for their mother.

Being a single mother has always been tough – and especially so in the 1940s. Edie Copeland is well aware of the gossip and the outrage her decision to bring up her son by herself has caused, but she doesn’t care. She absolutely cannot imagine her life without her beautiful baby boy. Life is hard, but she wouldn’t have it any other way – especially as she strikes up a friendship with fellow single parent Jack Maguire, who is bringing his boys up alone. As the two of them start getting closer and closer, Edie realizes that she has fallen in love with Jack. But can the two of them ever be more than friends?

Ruby Maguire is the mother hen of Jubilee Row. Capable, no-nonsense and with a heart of gold, Ruby is the one who brings a smile to her neighbours’ faces and offers them help when they need it. Ruby’s sister Pearl is certainly proving to be quite a handful, but when a face from the past turns up unexpectedly, she realizes that she’s got more than her sibling and Hitler’s bombs to worry about…

There are challenging times ahead for the residents of Jubilee Row, but will they manage to keep their spirits up when everything is stacked against them?

Donna Douglas’ Jubilee Row series is just perfect for curling up with and in A Sister’s Wish, she has penned a captivating tale about love, loss and friendship where the pages will just turn themselves. Donna Douglas has a wonderful gift for characterization and her protagonists are beautifully sketched and nuanced and will have readers eagerly awaiting the next installment in this fantastic series.

Perfect for fans of Rosie Clarke and Nancy Revell, A Sister’s Wish is a compelling and dramatic tale saga fans will not want to miss!

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring, 1941.The families of Jubilee Row are still reeling from the loss of one of their own, and as the Blitz on Hull intensifies, it seems as if there will be more tragedies to come.As the street braces itself, Iris Fletcher returns home from the hospital, where she has been recovering after the death of her best friend and youngest child. But Iris has no time to mourn - devastated by the loss of their little sister, Archie and Kitty desperately need their mother.Meanwhile, Edie Copeland is besotted with her infant son. Being a single mother is hard, but Edie finds support in the form of Jack Maguire who, like Edie, is raising his boys alone. As the pair grow closer, Edie begins to wonder whether they could ever be anything more than friends.Capable mum, Ruby Maguire takes charge as usual, bolstering spirits and lending a hand, as well as trying to keep her flighty sister Pearl on the straight and narrow. But the unexpected appearance of a face from her past threatens Ruby's future far more than Hitler's bombs.The Port of Hull is a port at the confluence of the River Hull and the Humber Estuary in Kingston upon Hull,in the East Riding of Yorkshire,England.Immingham is a town,civil parish and ward situated on the south west bank of the Humber Estuary.Immingham Docks is a major port on the east coast of England,located on the south west bank of the Humber Estuary west of Grimsby,near the town of Immingham.During WWII,the port was used as a naval base,and was the Royal Navy's headquarters for the Humber.Anti-aircraft batteries were located around the dock.Large scale attacks on Hull took place on several nights throughout March 1941,with the most concentrated attacks being in early May 1941.St Andrew's Dock was attacked, a public shelter in Bean Street nearby was hit by a parachute or naval mine.The bombings resulted in the deaths of over 200 people.First aid posts were intended to care for the victims of air raids,but blackout accident cases were also treated.They worked in air raid shelters and underground stations,providing basic health care to the people who spent many hours under cover.