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The Bryant Sisters #1
The Girls of Victory Street
From Amazon bestseller Pam Howes comes an emotional World War Two saga about three young women whose bravery and friendship will see them through the darkest times.
Liverpool, 1939. Bella Rogers thought her life was just starting; she can’t wait to get married to her childhood sweetheart, Bobby. But when war is declared and Bobby is called up, his letters stop, leaving Bella heartbroken and alone. Then her family is torn apart by tragedy when her angelic five-year-old sister dies from a terrible illness. They can barely afford a funeral, but the church is packed with the entire community, devastated for their loss.
Grieving for her sister and lost love, Bella finds a job at the Bryant and May factory, making matches. As bombs begin to fall, Bella gets the workers singing, keeping spirits high amidst the fear. When she meets a handsome American airman, Earl Franklin Jr, Bella’s heart finally starts to mend. Earl encourages her passion and soon she and her friends are offered the opportunity of a lifetime: to travel the country’s army bases, entertaining the troops and singing for victory. They name themselves The Bryant Sisters.
Just as her life is getting back on track, Bella finds herself pregnant – and Earl reveals a shattering secret that changes everything about their future. Desolate, she flees home to Liverpool, but as an unmarried mother, will her family reject her? And, as she faces a terrible sacrifice, will she ever sing with The Bryant Sisters again?
A heartbreaking historical novel about women in wartime, friendship, family and hope. Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries, Diney Costeloe and Wives of War.
Liverpool, 1939. Bella Rogers thought her life was just starting; she can’t wait to get married to her childhood sweetheart, Bobby. But when war is declared and Bobby is called up, his letters stop, leaving Bella heartbroken and alone. Then her family is torn apart by tragedy when her angelic five-year-old sister dies from a terrible illness. They can barely afford a funeral, but the church is packed with the entire community, devastated for their loss.
Grieving for her sister and lost love, Bella finds a job at the Bryant and May factory, making matches. As bombs begin to fall, Bella gets the workers singing, keeping spirits high amidst the fear. When she meets a handsome American airman, Earl Franklin Jr, Bella’s heart finally starts to mend. Earl encourages her passion and soon she and her friends are offered the opportunity of a lifetime: to travel the country’s army bases, entertaining the troops and singing for victory. They name themselves The Bryant Sisters.
Just as her life is getting back on track, Bella finds herself pregnant – and Earl reveals a shattering secret that changes everything about their future. Desolate, she flees home to Liverpool, but as an unmarried mother, will her family reject her? And, as she faces a terrible sacrifice, will she ever sing with The Bryant Sisters again?
A heartbreaking historical novel about women in wartime, friendship, family and hope. Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries, Diney Costeloe and Wives of War.
218 pages, Paperback
First published July 27, 2020
1916 people are currently reading
2480 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
February 19, 2023
This is a historical Fiction/Romance, and this is the first book in the Bryant Sisters series. The main character in this book is Bella, but we also follow some of her sisters. The characters are very well developed, and the events in the book is very well developed to. There was war, love, lose, lies, and fun. I love that even through war was everywhere the Girls we follow where upbeat and tried to stay happy. I cannot wait to read book 2 in this series. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Bookouture) or author (Pam Howes) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review , and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
July 22, 2020
Working at the Bryant & May matches factory after she finished school, Bella Rogers was joined there by her two friends, Fran and Edie. The three girls had been members of the school choir and sang in their tea breaks to keep the workers’ spirits up with the onset of the war – the boss named them The Bryant Sisters. When the three of them were offered an opportunity to sing for the soldiers in and around England, they jumped at the chance. Bella’s little sister, five-year-old Betty had died the previous Christmas and they were missing her terribly. And Bobby, Bella’s good friend and fellow singer from the choir had transferred to another part of England to prepare for his place in the war. With Bella’s dad also doing his bit, and Molly, her younger sister in the country for safety, only her mam was home. With the bombs falling nightly, the cellar was their safe place. Bella didn’t want to leave her mam home alone while she was off singing…
Their enjoyment of singing to the troops each night felt wrong with the country at war, but they knew it was keeping the spirits of the men up. Basil was in charge of the group – there were others besides The Bryant Sisters – and he kept them moving from one town to the next. When the Americans became involved in the war and arrived in England, Bella and her two girlfriends met some of them, especially the ones who also sang and played in the band. It was a heady time for them. But tragedy was to come and heartache to follow…
The Girls of Victory Street is the 1st in The Bryant Sisters series by Pam Howes and I really enjoyed it. I’m afraid it turned predictable – I was hoping it wouldn’t happen – but apart from that, it was entertaining. I found it very similar to Rosie Archer’s The Bluebird Girls Trilogy, which I loved. The days of the second world war for the women left at home while their men fought for their country, were hard. But they were strong and resilient, determined to “keep the home fires burning” while waiting for their men to return. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Their enjoyment of singing to the troops each night felt wrong with the country at war, but they knew it was keeping the spirits of the men up. Basil was in charge of the group – there were others besides The Bryant Sisters – and he kept them moving from one town to the next. When the Americans became involved in the war and arrived in England, Bella and her two girlfriends met some of them, especially the ones who also sang and played in the band. It was a heady time for them. But tragedy was to come and heartache to follow…
The Girls of Victory Street is the 1st in The Bryant Sisters series by Pam Howes and I really enjoyed it. I’m afraid it turned predictable – I was hoping it wouldn’t happen – but apart from that, it was entertaining. I found it very similar to Rosie Archer’s The Bluebird Girls Trilogy, which I loved. The days of the second world war for the women left at home while their men fought for their country, were hard. But they were strong and resilient, determined to “keep the home fires burning” while waiting for their men to return. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2025
An easy 5 shiny stars rating from me ✨✨✨✨✨!!
Such a beautiful and amazing read!! It has lot's of love, friendship and happiness mixed with some sad parts. Lot's of twists and turns and unexpected things happening. It's a fast read and I absolutely loved it!!! It's a story that draws you in from the first page and keeps you turning the pages 📄! The characters are well developed and believable, they become your friends and you deeply care about them.
Thank you for reading this amazing story with me, Elisabeth!! I can't wait for our next reading adventure 😄📖!!
I really highly recommend this emotionally moving book to everyone!! If you love heartwarming stories, don't pass this one up!! It's a story with a lot of heart 💜!!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫💫💞
Such a beautiful and amazing read!! It has lot's of love, friendship and happiness mixed with some sad parts. Lot's of twists and turns and unexpected things happening. It's a fast read and I absolutely loved it!!! It's a story that draws you in from the first page and keeps you turning the pages 📄! The characters are well developed and believable, they become your friends and you deeply care about them.
Thank you for reading this amazing story with me, Elisabeth!! I can't wait for our next reading adventure 😄📖!!
I really highly recommend this emotionally moving book to everyone!! If you love heartwarming stories, don't pass this one up!! It's a story with a lot of heart 💜!!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫💫💞
July 24, 2020
Bryant Sisters Book 1
Set in Liverpool, 1939: Bella Rogers thought her life was just starting; she can't wait to get married to Bobby. War is declared and Bobby is called up. His letters stop leaving Bella heartbroken and lonely. Then her five year old sister dies from a terrible illness. Bella gets a job at the Bryant and May factory. She meets a handsome American airman, Earl Franklin Jr and he encourages Bella and her friends to travel around the country's army bases to entertain the troops.
The story focuses mainly on Bella, but we also learn about her family and friends. It gives us a daily insight into what it was like living through WWII. The main characters are strong and believable. There's romance and drama in this well written book. There were parts of this story that were predictable but that doesn't spoil a book for me. Fans of Historical romance will love this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Pam Howes for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Bryant Sisters Book 1
Set in Liverpool, 1939: Bella Rogers thought her life was just starting; she can't wait to get married to her childhood sweetheart, Bobby. War is declared and Bobby is called up. His letters stop leaving Bella heartbroken and lonely. Then her five year old sister dies from a terrible illness. Bella gets a job at the Bryant and May factory. She meets a handsome American airman, Earl Franklin Jr and he encourages Bella and her friends to travel around the country's army bases to entertain the troops.
The story focuses mainly on Bella, but we also learn about her family and friends. It gives us a daily insight into what it was like living through WWII. The main characters are strong and believable. There's romance and drama in this well written book. There were parts of the story that were predictable but that doesn't spoil a book for me. Fans of Historical romance will love this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Pam Howes for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Set in Liverpool, 1939: Bella Rogers thought her life was just starting; she can't wait to get married to Bobby. War is declared and Bobby is called up. His letters stop leaving Bella heartbroken and lonely. Then her five year old sister dies from a terrible illness. Bella gets a job at the Bryant and May factory. She meets a handsome American airman, Earl Franklin Jr and he encourages Bella and her friends to travel around the country's army bases to entertain the troops.
The story focuses mainly on Bella, but we also learn about her family and friends. It gives us a daily insight into what it was like living through WWII. The main characters are strong and believable. There's romance and drama in this well written book. There were parts of this story that were predictable but that doesn't spoil a book for me. Fans of Historical romance will love this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Pam Howes for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Bryant Sisters Book 1
Set in Liverpool, 1939: Bella Rogers thought her life was just starting; she can't wait to get married to her childhood sweetheart, Bobby. War is declared and Bobby is called up. His letters stop leaving Bella heartbroken and lonely. Then her five year old sister dies from a terrible illness. Bella gets a job at the Bryant and May factory. She meets a handsome American airman, Earl Franklin Jr and he encourages Bella and her friends to travel around the country's army bases to entertain the troops.
The story focuses mainly on Bella, but we also learn about her family and friends. It gives us a daily insight into what it was like living through WWII. The main characters are strong and believable. There's romance and drama in this well written book. There were parts of the story that were predictable but that doesn't spoil a book for me. Fans of Historical romance will love this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Pam Howes for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2020
I seriously inhaled this book,if that is possible. The book is about family dynamics, , strong friendships, it is about love and hope. It is about prejudice.i it is about loss and making difficult choices. I absolutely loved this book. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this book.
July 9, 2020
The Girls from Victory Street by Pam Howes is the first book in a new series by the author. I loved her previous books, and this is a big hit for me too.
Once again, we are in Liverpool 1939. WW2 is just breaking out. 15-year-old Bella Rodgers is trying to get over her sisters’ death. But she is also starting a new chapter in her life. With her friends Fran and Edie, who are all singers have been asked to go entertain the troops around the country, boosting morale for the soldiers as they go off to war. Including the love of her life Bobby. The group are call The Bryant Sisters. As they grow more popular, they meet some famous people. Even meeting George Formby. But her relationships between Booby falters. So, when she meets Earl a negro from New Orleans she is smitten. But their relationship is not all that it seems, for one person anyway.
This is another beautiful written story that drew you in from the first page. A story of love, friendships and sacrifices and surprises and some good times too. If you love historical fiction like do you will love this. Five stars from me.
Once again, we are in Liverpool 1939. WW2 is just breaking out. 15-year-old Bella Rodgers is trying to get over her sisters’ death. But she is also starting a new chapter in her life. With her friends Fran and Edie, who are all singers have been asked to go entertain the troops around the country, boosting morale for the soldiers as they go off to war. Including the love of her life Bobby. The group are call The Bryant Sisters. As they grow more popular, they meet some famous people. Even meeting George Formby. But her relationships between Booby falters. So, when she meets Earl a negro from New Orleans she is smitten. But their relationship is not all that it seems, for one person anyway.
This is another beautiful written story that drew you in from the first page. A story of love, friendships and sacrifices and surprises and some good times too. If you love historical fiction like do you will love this. Five stars from me.
September 27, 2020
England 1939, Bella Rogers, Edie Potts and Fran Jackson are best friends and about to finish school. They all need to find employment and working at the nearby match factory is an obvious choice. All three girls love to sing and it’s something they enjoy doing together.
Everyone is talking about the threat of another war, this makes Bella extremely anxious, her parents start talking about Anderson shelters or setting up the basement in the house with camping beds and using it to take cover if the Germans start dropping bombs.
Bella has a crush on Bobby Harrison since school but WW II starts Bobby is called up, he promises to write and suddenly his letters stop. The Girls have been singing on the weekends in a club and are shocked when they are offered a job singing for the ENSA or The Entertainments National Service Association. Soon they are touring the country as The Bryant Sisters and entertaining the troops who are in training and preparing to fight for their country. Bella has lost her little sister Betty this combined with Bobby not keeping in contact with her has made her very upset. Singing is her way of coping, she’s still feeling rather down and then she meets the handsome American Earl Franklin. He takes her mind off her troubles but can she trust him, as we know many English girls had their heads turned by smooth talking Americans during the war and is Bella going to be another victim?
The Girls of Victory Street is the first book in The Bryant Sisters series, this book is about Bella Rogers, her personal challenges, her feelings for both Bobby and Earl, and how she copes with loss of her little sister, being away from her family while touring and the Second World War. Pam Howes has done an excellent job of describing the beginning of WW II in England, the uncertainty, fear and changes it caused. I enjoyed the book, I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series and I assume it follows one of Bella’s friends Edie or Fran? https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Everyone is talking about the threat of another war, this makes Bella extremely anxious, her parents start talking about Anderson shelters or setting up the basement in the house with camping beds and using it to take cover if the Germans start dropping bombs.
Bella has a crush on Bobby Harrison since school but WW II starts Bobby is called up, he promises to write and suddenly his letters stop. The Girls have been singing on the weekends in a club and are shocked when they are offered a job singing for the ENSA or The Entertainments National Service Association. Soon they are touring the country as The Bryant Sisters and entertaining the troops who are in training and preparing to fight for their country. Bella has lost her little sister Betty this combined with Bobby not keeping in contact with her has made her very upset. Singing is her way of coping, she’s still feeling rather down and then she meets the handsome American Earl Franklin. He takes her mind off her troubles but can she trust him, as we know many English girls had their heads turned by smooth talking Americans during the war and is Bella going to be another victim?
The Girls of Victory Street is the first book in The Bryant Sisters series, this book is about Bella Rogers, her personal challenges, her feelings for both Bobby and Earl, and how she copes with loss of her little sister, being away from her family while touring and the Second World War. Pam Howes has done an excellent job of describing the beginning of WW II in England, the uncertainty, fear and changes it caused. I enjoyed the book, I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series and I assume it follows one of Bella’s friends Edie or Fran? https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
June 20, 2020
I have to say that i have loved reading of three young girls from Victory Street coming to the end of their school days and going to work at the Bryant & May factory.1939 and war is declared so to keep their workmates happy the three girls sing and bring us a truly wonderful emotional story of loss,love and of course anger as they embark on a life they only dreamed of.I was sorry to finish this book as i felt i was there with them i do love a story that draws you into the pages.Excellent story can't wait for next book.5*
March 10, 2023
Wonderful read
Pam Howes writes a wonderful warm book. Whilst this story is set in challenging times, it is heartwarming and the author died a fantastic job of pulling you into the character's lives.
The bond the women share is beautiful and the way everyone pulls together to support and love each other.
One of my favourite eras for fashion and music, thus a great read for me.
I will read the sequel as I am itching to know if Bobby and Bella will eventually marry.
Lots of heart rendering and tender scenarios but overall a fantastic read and cosy.
Kerry Kennedy Author
Pam Howes writes a wonderful warm book. Whilst this story is set in challenging times, it is heartwarming and the author died a fantastic job of pulling you into the character's lives.
The bond the women share is beautiful and the way everyone pulls together to support and love each other.
One of my favourite eras for fashion and music, thus a great read for me.
I will read the sequel as I am itching to know if Bobby and Bella will eventually marry.
Lots of heart rendering and tender scenarios but overall a fantastic read and cosy.
Kerry Kennedy Author
August 6, 2020
What a delight this was, I enjoyed every moment of it and was sad when it came to an end.
Bella Rogers, Fran Jackson and Edith (Edie) Potts are three likeable and believable characters and I felt like their invisible friend. We follow their lives: from their final year in school, into work, and then, as they do their bit for the war effort, which is fortunately for them, something that they enjoy doing.
Pam Howes' writing is superb; completely flawless, and her descriptions made me feel that I was there every step of the way, it was so clear in my mind and not only that, I felt every emotion that her characters felt.
I loved the storyline and not knowing how it would end and it had a lot to hold my attention - I didn't want to put it down!
I found this story: sad, heartwarming and very emotional. How people lived compared to today and how people managed during the terrible war and yet they still went about their daily business, keeping the country going in taking some of the men's jobs, rallying round and helping each other, and all this with the worry of whether their loved ones would ever come back to them. Each and every one of them has my respect.
This is the first book in The Bryant Sisters series and to say that I can't wait for the next one is an understatement! I loved the surprises in this book and I know that there will be more to come in the next book.
Thank you very much to the author, for writing such a wonderful story.
I highly recommend this book and it is worth far more than 5 stars!!!
Bella Rogers, Fran Jackson and Edith (Edie) Potts are three likeable and believable characters and I felt like their invisible friend. We follow their lives: from their final year in school, into work, and then, as they do their bit for the war effort, which is fortunately for them, something that they enjoy doing.
Pam Howes' writing is superb; completely flawless, and her descriptions made me feel that I was there every step of the way, it was so clear in my mind and not only that, I felt every emotion that her characters felt.
I loved the storyline and not knowing how it would end and it had a lot to hold my attention - I didn't want to put it down!
I found this story: sad, heartwarming and very emotional. How people lived compared to today and how people managed during the terrible war and yet they still went about their daily business, keeping the country going in taking some of the men's jobs, rallying round and helping each other, and all this with the worry of whether their loved ones would ever come back to them. Each and every one of them has my respect.
This is the first book in The Bryant Sisters series and to say that I can't wait for the next one is an understatement! I loved the surprises in this book and I know that there will be more to come in the next book.
Thank you very much to the author, for writing such a wonderful story.
I highly recommend this book and it is worth far more than 5 stars!!!
June 20, 2020
This is book one in the new trilogy
Tells us Bella Rogers story
Wavertree liverpool 1939
This book from the author has well and truly got to me, as we get to know all new characters along the way.
Filled with love and compassion.
Along with Bella, Edie and Fran we get to know the Bryant Sister's travelling around the country singing for the troops during WW2.
Bellas heart will always belong to Bobby Jackson but nothing goes to plan in the story. You will definitely be in for a few surprises as you read.
And I simply couldn't fault any of this book. Lets hope that there's more to come as we get to know more about all the characters.
I can see a best seller in this book and I've giving well worth stars.
Its a book that's unique all on it's own.
Tells us Bella Rogers story
Wavertree liverpool 1939
This book from the author has well and truly got to me, as we get to know all new characters along the way.
Filled with love and compassion.
Along with Bella, Edie and Fran we get to know the Bryant Sister's travelling around the country singing for the troops during WW2.
Bellas heart will always belong to Bobby Jackson but nothing goes to plan in the story. You will definitely be in for a few surprises as you read.
And I simply couldn't fault any of this book. Lets hope that there's more to come as we get to know more about all the characters.
I can see a best seller in this book and I've giving well worth stars.
Its a book that's unique all on it's own.
June 27, 2020
The book starts just before the outbreak of World War 2, it is set in the back streets of Liverpool where poverty is the norm but also comradeship and friendship is in abundance. Three young girls are preparing to leave school and although they would love to find glamorous jobs the only ones that are available are in the packing department of the match factory. One of the things that the girls have in common is their love of singing and in time this opens up a whole new world to them along with one of the boys in their class. I love the descriptions of the family life of the time, the happy times but also the very sad and tragic times, of love but also deep-seated jealousy. I am really pleased that this is the first in a new series because I can't wait to read more
July 24, 2020
This is the first book in hopefully a long series about the Bryant Sisters. Bella, Fran and Edie are best friends who love to sing. They are all in the school choir together. This first book tells us Bella’s story. It is just before the start of the war and as they leave school, start work at Bryant and May and the war starts it goes through the emotional rollercoaster of Bella’s young life. With the death of her young sister and then the war tearing her family apart Bella has some difficult things to face. Unfortunately this is only the start of all terrible things Bella will have to face before this war is over. Pam writes in a way that draws you into the book so that you feel you are right there with poor Bella. I look forward to reading more of this series to see where it takes these three best friends.
July 27, 2020
★★★★ 4.5 stars
I am excited to be part of the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for the first in what promises to be an exciting new series.
The first in a new series by Pam Howes, THE GIRLS OF VICTORY STREET is set in Liverpool and begins just prior to the outbreak of World War 2. It is an engaging tale that is a lighthearted and quick read, but thoroughly enjoyable.
Liverpool 1939: Bella Rogers is preparing to leave school upon turning 15 to find work and bring in the much-needed extra wage for her family when she and her childhood sweetheart Bobby Harrison are both invited to train with the Maia choir with a promising career ahead of them. In the meantime, Bella finds work in the packing department of the Bryant and May match factory, alongside her friends Fran Jackson and Edit Potts, whilst training two nights a week with the choir.
Although she would love nothing more than to marry Bobby, war is soon declared and Bobby's future has already been mapped out for his following in his father's footsteps in the RAF. The two keep in touch via letter when he is seconded to Oxfordshire but when the letters stop, Bella fears Bobby has found someone else and has fallen out of love with her.
Tension and despair are rife within the factory, so the girls decide to bring some cheerfulness by singing as they worked to help keep everyone's spirits up. Soon the factory was singing along with them and applauding their talent. When the boss calls them into the office one day, they fear they have done something wrong but instead are asked to sing at the factory's Christmas party, at which they are introduced as "The Bryant Sisters" in honour the factory in which they work.
When the three are offered an opportunity to join ENSA - The Entertainment National Service Association - and sing for the soldiers in and around Britain, they jump at the chance. However, as they are still underage at 16, their parents' permission must be obtained which is given wholeheartedly and with enthusiasm. Excitedly, Bella writes and shares her news with Bobby but is distraught when he never responds.
Soon the girls are travelling all around England and into Scotland, performing for the troops to keep their spirits up just as they had done back at the match factory. But with Bella's dad away fighting, her younger sister Molly evacuated to Wales, there is only her Mam at home and Bella worries for her as bombs fall nightly in and around the country.
Then when the girls arrive at Brize Newton RAF base in Oxfordshire, the base where Bobby is, Bella is nervous she will come face to face with him and fears she can't trust herself not to burst into tears. But nothing prepares her for the woman who greets them off the coach when they arrive. Alicia, the girl who Bobby's mother desires him to marry. What is she doing here in the WAAF? But when the truth is revealed, Bella is both shocked and devastated but resolves to move on with her life.
As England's answer to The Andrews Sisters, "The Bryant Sisters" continue to travel and perform all over the country, bringing joy and cheerfulness to the troops and keeping their spirits up amidst the dark days of war.
Then when the Americans join the war in 1941 and the girls are performing at the new USAF base, Bella meets the charming Wing Commander Earl Franklin who accompanies them on the piano during performances. Bella becomes smitten but there relationship is not all that is seems. It becomes a heady time for Bella, Fran and Edie. But there is tragedy to come and heartache to follow...
A beautiful written tale that draws the reader in from the very first page, THE GIRLS OF VICTORY STREET is a story of friendship, love, loss and sacrifice. There is romance, there is heartbreak, there is love, there is tragedy. An enjoyable read that is predictable but I didn't care, as it was simply a wonderfully light read that I could just immerse myself in.
THE GIRLS OF VICTORY STREET bore some resemblence to Rosie Archer's The Bluebird Girls series, a nod to the late great Dame Vera Lynn and a series I also love. THE GIRLS OF VICTORY STREET is just as engaging, just as enjoyable and just as wonderful. I loved every minute of it and after that ending...and eagerly awaiting the next book in what promises to be an enjoyable lighthearted series.
Recommended to fans of historical fiction with a specific interest in the WW2 time period and for those who also enjoyed Rosie Archer's Bluebird Girls series.
I would like to thank #PamHowes, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheGirlsFromVictoryStreet in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I am excited to be part of the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for the first in what promises to be an exciting new series.
The first in a new series by Pam Howes, THE GIRLS OF VICTORY STREET is set in Liverpool and begins just prior to the outbreak of World War 2. It is an engaging tale that is a lighthearted and quick read, but thoroughly enjoyable.
Liverpool 1939: Bella Rogers is preparing to leave school upon turning 15 to find work and bring in the much-needed extra wage for her family when she and her childhood sweetheart Bobby Harrison are both invited to train with the Maia choir with a promising career ahead of them. In the meantime, Bella finds work in the packing department of the Bryant and May match factory, alongside her friends Fran Jackson and Edit Potts, whilst training two nights a week with the choir.
Although she would love nothing more than to marry Bobby, war is soon declared and Bobby's future has already been mapped out for his following in his father's footsteps in the RAF. The two keep in touch via letter when he is seconded to Oxfordshire but when the letters stop, Bella fears Bobby has found someone else and has fallen out of love with her.
Tension and despair are rife within the factory, so the girls decide to bring some cheerfulness by singing as they worked to help keep everyone's spirits up. Soon the factory was singing along with them and applauding their talent. When the boss calls them into the office one day, they fear they have done something wrong but instead are asked to sing at the factory's Christmas party, at which they are introduced as "The Bryant Sisters" in honour the factory in which they work.
When the three are offered an opportunity to join ENSA - The Entertainment National Service Association - and sing for the soldiers in and around Britain, they jump at the chance. However, as they are still underage at 16, their parents' permission must be obtained which is given wholeheartedly and with enthusiasm. Excitedly, Bella writes and shares her news with Bobby but is distraught when he never responds.
Soon the girls are travelling all around England and into Scotland, performing for the troops to keep their spirits up just as they had done back at the match factory. But with Bella's dad away fighting, her younger sister Molly evacuated to Wales, there is only her Mam at home and Bella worries for her as bombs fall nightly in and around the country.
Then when the girls arrive at Brize Newton RAF base in Oxfordshire, the base where Bobby is, Bella is nervous she will come face to face with him and fears she can't trust herself not to burst into tears. But nothing prepares her for the woman who greets them off the coach when they arrive. Alicia, the girl who Bobby's mother desires him to marry. What is she doing here in the WAAF? But when the truth is revealed, Bella is both shocked and devastated but resolves to move on with her life.
As England's answer to The Andrews Sisters, "The Bryant Sisters" continue to travel and perform all over the country, bringing joy and cheerfulness to the troops and keeping their spirits up amidst the dark days of war.
Then when the Americans join the war in 1941 and the girls are performing at the new USAF base, Bella meets the charming Wing Commander Earl Franklin who accompanies them on the piano during performances. Bella becomes smitten but there relationship is not all that is seems. It becomes a heady time for Bella, Fran and Edie. But there is tragedy to come and heartache to follow...
A beautiful written tale that draws the reader in from the very first page, THE GIRLS OF VICTORY STREET is a story of friendship, love, loss and sacrifice. There is romance, there is heartbreak, there is love, there is tragedy. An enjoyable read that is predictable but I didn't care, as it was simply a wonderfully light read that I could just immerse myself in.
THE GIRLS OF VICTORY STREET bore some resemblence to Rosie Archer's The Bluebird Girls series, a nod to the late great Dame Vera Lynn and a series I also love. THE GIRLS OF VICTORY STREET is just as engaging, just as enjoyable and just as wonderful. I loved every minute of it and after that ending...and eagerly awaiting the next book in what promises to be an enjoyable lighthearted series.
Recommended to fans of historical fiction with a specific interest in the WW2 time period and for those who also enjoyed Rosie Archer's Bluebird Girls series.
I would like to thank #PamHowes, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheGirlsFromVictoryStreet in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
July 10, 2020
“Oh, I know we’re ridiculously young and there’s a war looming and we don’t know what’s going to happen next, but yes, I really do love you. What about you? How do you feel about me?”-Bobby to Bella
Bella Rogers is a professional singer with optimistic views on the future. Her sister’s death brings her family and friends closer but the threat of war seems to weigh down. After being heartbroken by her first love, Bobby aka Robert, Bella decides to focus on her music career and gains recognition. She gets an opportunity to sing for the ENSA organization with her best friends, Fran, and Edie. She also meets Earl, a charming African-American who sings with her. Bella finally finds happiness, but will it last?
The entire setting of ‘The Girls of Victory Street’ was excellently developed, the book illustration too. This book felt thoughtful and well-researched. There was a lot of depth to the information the author provided considering how short the book is. The author did not shy away from any of the gritty details. All the characters were so relatable and realistic. I could feel all the emotions the author conveyed through them. This story is written in the third person with different perspectives but mostly Bella’s. The author added tiny details that portrayed gender and racial discrimination, family struggles, and hospitality; the notions people had.
Some of the scenarios of performances of ‘Bryant sisters’ and the connection to Betty’s death were poignantly written. The friendships Bella had pulled her through her darkest times in life. In conclusion, ‘The Girls of Victory Street’ was a tear-jerking historical family saga. This book is recommended to all historical fiction genre readers and I specifically suggest it to people involved in music. I enjoyed ‘The Girls of Victory Street’ because it related to me, quite a lot. I’m interested in reading other books by 'Pam Howes’. ARC provided by NetGalley and Bookouture. Thank you.
Full review: https://www.inabookshell.com/2020/07/...
Bella Rogers is a professional singer with optimistic views on the future. Her sister’s death brings her family and friends closer but the threat of war seems to weigh down. After being heartbroken by her first love, Bobby aka Robert, Bella decides to focus on her music career and gains recognition. She gets an opportunity to sing for the ENSA organization with her best friends, Fran, and Edie. She also meets Earl, a charming African-American who sings with her. Bella finally finds happiness, but will it last?
The entire setting of ‘The Girls of Victory Street’ was excellently developed, the book illustration too. This book felt thoughtful and well-researched. There was a lot of depth to the information the author provided considering how short the book is. The author did not shy away from any of the gritty details. All the characters were so relatable and realistic. I could feel all the emotions the author conveyed through them. This story is written in the third person with different perspectives but mostly Bella’s. The author added tiny details that portrayed gender and racial discrimination, family struggles, and hospitality; the notions people had.
Some of the scenarios of performances of ‘Bryant sisters’ and the connection to Betty’s death were poignantly written. The friendships Bella had pulled her through her darkest times in life. In conclusion, ‘The Girls of Victory Street’ was a tear-jerking historical family saga. This book is recommended to all historical fiction genre readers and I specifically suggest it to people involved in music. I enjoyed ‘The Girls of Victory Street’ because it related to me, quite a lot. I’m interested in reading other books by 'Pam Howes’. ARC provided by NetGalley and Bookouture. Thank you.
Full review: https://www.inabookshell.com/2020/07/...
June 21, 2020
NetGalley
Member Review
Cover Image: The Girls of Victory Street (The Bryant Sisters Book 1)
The Girls of Victory Street (The Bryant Sisters Book 1)
by Pam Howes
Pub Date: 27 Jul 2020
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 21 Jun 2020
My Recommendation
With thanks to netgalley and Pam Howes for an early copy in return for an honest review.
First time reading this Author and thoroughly enjoyed her writing in this the first book gathering up all the information about the characters was fun there are some very strong and interesting ladys in Merseyside.
The journey of how the Bryant sisters came to be the evacuees a Welsh farm house and how they all play a part of this OUTSTANDING book I really can't praise this book enough and can't wait to catch up with them in the next book.
Member Review
Cover Image: The Girls of Victory Street (The Bryant Sisters Book 1)
The Girls of Victory Street (The Bryant Sisters Book 1)
by Pam Howes
Pub Date: 27 Jul 2020
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 21 Jun 2020
My Recommendation
With thanks to netgalley and Pam Howes for an early copy in return for an honest review.
First time reading this Author and thoroughly enjoyed her writing in this the first book gathering up all the information about the characters was fun there are some very strong and interesting ladys in Merseyside.
The journey of how the Bryant sisters came to be the evacuees a Welsh farm house and how they all play a part of this OUTSTANDING book I really can't praise this book enough and can't wait to catch up with them in the next book.
June 21, 2020
I love a good historical fiction story. When a period has many books written on it, they sometimes start becoming rather predictable. This is one such book.
While it was a quick read, I guessed many of the outcomes throughout the story. WWII in England, young English girls, American and British GIs, romance, heartbreak, love, family, disappointment, and redemption. Yep, they’re all covered in here and if you’ve read a few books based during this time, you‘ll enjoy the book but you’ll also be mapping out the story as you go along.
While it was a quick read, I guessed many of the outcomes throughout the story. WWII in England, young English girls, American and British GIs, romance, heartbreak, love, family, disappointment, and redemption. Yep, they’re all covered in here and if you’ve read a few books based during this time, you‘ll enjoy the book but you’ll also be mapping out the story as you go along.
June 20, 2020
Absolute first class read.
A book that makes you think the whole time you are reading. Takes you back in time to how life was, how people survived how people managed daily.
Pam has written a book that I desperately need to read more of. I’m ready now for the next instalment
Full review to follow. Loved everything about this book.
A book that makes you think the whole time you are reading. Takes you back in time to how life was, how people survived how people managed daily.
Pam has written a book that I desperately need to read more of. I’m ready now for the next instalment
Full review to follow. Loved everything about this book.
September 18, 2025
A great book! Can’t wait to continue on in the series!
March 23, 2023
This is an uplifting book set in England right at the start of WWII. The main character, Bella, really shows growth throughout the story. Her friends and her set off on a USO like tour singing for the British troops. Their experience are uplifting to them and to the troops. This is an inside look at the efforts of support for our military, a friendship dynamic, and a heart looking for love. It held my attention, was a pleasure to read, and was well written. I would recommend this book.
July 20, 2020
Bella is finishing school and soon will start her work at Factory, while the day does not arrive she enjoys the time she has with Bobby, the guy she likes and her two friends. When World War II starts and the city of Liverpool becomes a mess, Bella now has to worry about supporting her family, bomb shelters, her father and Bobby going to war and surviving. What she didn't expect was that in this scenario of destruction and death she would be able to follow her dream together with her friends.
What I liked most about this book was the setting in the scenario of the second war, we can see how the daily life of people was at that time.
The Narrative did not attract me much, I often found myself confused, not knowing who was narrating or which of the friends was who. Other than that, it's a good story for anyone who wants to read about friendship, hope and following their dreams.
What I liked most about this book was the setting in the scenario of the second war, we can see how the daily life of people was at that time.
The Narrative did not attract me much, I often found myself confused, not knowing who was narrating or which of the friends was who. Other than that, it's a good story for anyone who wants to read about friendship, hope and following their dreams.
July 28, 2020
The Girls of Victory Street is the first in a new series entitled The Byrant Sisters from Pam Howes. I’ve really enjoyed Pam’s books in the past. She writes such fantastic characters and over the course of well-developed series, she really takes you on a journey. This new book proved to be an enjoyable and quick read. It’s a family saga set during World War Two with just the right amount of drama, deceit, romance, family life and friendship to have the reader rapidly turning the pages to see what would happen next. The chapters are short which really gives it that just one more chapter kind of feeling and that’s what happened to me and before I knew it, I had sadly reached the end.
The book is set in Liverpool and opens in Feb 1939. We are introduced to Bella Rogers who is 15 and lives with her parents Harry, a tram driver, and Mary, a cleaner in a local hospital, and her two younger sisters Molly and Betty. The family make do with what they have and although they struggle at times financially, they are happy and content and the bonds of family shine through throughout this story in both the good and bad times. They are always there for each other as are Bella’s friends Fran and Edie. Initially, I did think how would it have worked having the main character be so young? Could she really carry the entire story at such an innocent and inexperienced age?
But I needn’t have had any worries as the author clearly had everything so well planned out as she effortlessly moves forward months and years keeping the pace of the book just perfect. If a chapter moved forward in time it was noted at the beginning of said chapter and not in any way did this feel disjointed or that the book was jumping around too much and that’s the sign of a very good author. You could have easily become confused, but this didn’t happen for me and instead the story felt natural and flowed extremely well. I don’t think having Bella remaining at age 15 throughout the entire book would have worked at all, I just wouldn’t have believed half of the things that she went on to experience.
Bella is soon to leave school to start working to earn some money to help the family out as was common for most girls her age to do. But before she left school she was afforded a great opportunity to sing with a group as was her close friend Bobby. It’s clear from the outset that these two had feelings for each other but as they come from different backgrounds and as the signs of war loom ever larger it’s evident their path to be together if at all will be a very rocky one. I was proven right on this and I am excited to see how the author will develop this aspect of the storyline in future books given all the obstacles and situations that are currently left in their path. The cliffhanger ending certainly eluded to this.
I loved how Bella as the years progress, and her life changes beyond all recognition, stayed true to her roots and that for her family and friends always came first. She works in the match factory alongside Fran and Edie and here is where the Byrant Sisters are born. Bella was a down to earth girl who never took anything for granted and appreciated all the wonderful opportunities that came her way. Yes, the family suffered tragedy with the loss of Betty at such a young age but they bore their sorrow stoically and were determined to whether whatever storms came their way.
As war is declared and Harry and many men including Bobby and his father enlist, the lives of the women left behind are changed forever. Time and time again when reading books set in this genre, I am reminded just how amazing these women and families were. I have the utmost admiration for every man and also the women who worked and fought on the war front but those that remained at home deserve just the same amount of respect and admiration. They had to cope with air raids and the introduction of bomb shelters and gas masks, rationing, food shortages and many young children including Molly were evacuated to the countryside as it was believed to be safer there. All these problems and so many more but they bore them all with grace and dedication because they knew it was all for the greater good of their country.
Bella was forced to really grow up when war was declared and even though she was only around 18 or so when this book ends I felt she was much older than that. That she had become wiser and confident in her own skin, I totally forgot that she was still so young. It was like I was reading of a different character from the young girl I had first met, and this is what I think really helped to make me feel as If I was on a journey with her. When Basil who works for E.N.S.A – Entertainments National Service Association sees herself, Edie and Fran performing as the Byrant Sisters, he knows he is onto a winner and soon they are travelling with other entertainers all around camps and bases throughout England. Singing is Bella’s passion and she thoroughly enjoys her time travelling with the girls but at the same time worries for her Dad’s safety away fighting and her mother still in Liverpool.
Taking the girls around England allowed for different characters to be introduced and Earl was one of them which in turn allowed for various other subplots to develop which led to many conundrums for Bella. But she dealt with things well and rationally even though her heart is torn in two. As mentioned up above it's clear Bobby is the one for her but Alicia a family friend who becomes something more really sets the cat amongst the pigeons and she was an awful character. She was full of jealousy, vindictive, spiteful and just truly horrible. I really wanted Bobby to grow up and be a man and confront his mother and Alicia but it’s like he was too weak to do this. If only he could things could have been so different for both himself and Bella. Instead events mean Bella’s life although happy singing with the girls takes some unexpected turns and it’s how she copes with these and the outstanding support from her family and close friends that makes this an interesting read which shows how you can get through the most difficult of times.
The Girls of Victory Street was a very good read and a promising start to what I presume will go on to be at least three books, well I’m hoping so anyway. Although I do think the blurb gives away far too much of the story, it could have been shorter and still the essence of the book would have been conveyed. My advice is don’t read the blurb before reading the book because you will be on the look out for certain things. I didn’t read the blurb because really I would read anything that Pam Howes publishes and therefore I was surprised at what unfolded rather than waiting for it to happen. The author has a natural storytelling ability and deeply understands how the war affected the lives of ordinary everyday people. This doesn’t tend to read like a history book as too often some books in this genre do. Instead a paragraph or two every so often filling in the reader as to what is happening worldwide with regard to the events of the war was slotted in as necessary. This meant the story could really focus on Bella and her friends.
I did think the ending came about rather abruptly almost like the author had reached the cut off point and had to stop. There was a cliffhanger of sorts because I know there is a lot more to come from Bella and we had only reached March 1943 by the end of this story. The rather sudden conclusion only served to make me want more from these set of characters especially Fran and Edie. I understand Bela is the focus but even a few chapters from either of the other two girls’ perspectives would be great.
The Girls of Victory Street is a very well written story that will have you really engrossed during the time you spend reading it and I am looking forward to the continuation of Bella’s story in the hopefully not too distant future.
The book is set in Liverpool and opens in Feb 1939. We are introduced to Bella Rogers who is 15 and lives with her parents Harry, a tram driver, and Mary, a cleaner in a local hospital, and her two younger sisters Molly and Betty. The family make do with what they have and although they struggle at times financially, they are happy and content and the bonds of family shine through throughout this story in both the good and bad times. They are always there for each other as are Bella’s friends Fran and Edie. Initially, I did think how would it have worked having the main character be so young? Could she really carry the entire story at such an innocent and inexperienced age?
But I needn’t have had any worries as the author clearly had everything so well planned out as she effortlessly moves forward months and years keeping the pace of the book just perfect. If a chapter moved forward in time it was noted at the beginning of said chapter and not in any way did this feel disjointed or that the book was jumping around too much and that’s the sign of a very good author. You could have easily become confused, but this didn’t happen for me and instead the story felt natural and flowed extremely well. I don’t think having Bella remaining at age 15 throughout the entire book would have worked at all, I just wouldn’t have believed half of the things that she went on to experience.
Bella is soon to leave school to start working to earn some money to help the family out as was common for most girls her age to do. But before she left school she was afforded a great opportunity to sing with a group as was her close friend Bobby. It’s clear from the outset that these two had feelings for each other but as they come from different backgrounds and as the signs of war loom ever larger it’s evident their path to be together if at all will be a very rocky one. I was proven right on this and I am excited to see how the author will develop this aspect of the storyline in future books given all the obstacles and situations that are currently left in their path. The cliffhanger ending certainly eluded to this.
I loved how Bella as the years progress, and her life changes beyond all recognition, stayed true to her roots and that for her family and friends always came first. She works in the match factory alongside Fran and Edie and here is where the Byrant Sisters are born. Bella was a down to earth girl who never took anything for granted and appreciated all the wonderful opportunities that came her way. Yes, the family suffered tragedy with the loss of Betty at such a young age but they bore their sorrow stoically and were determined to whether whatever storms came their way.
As war is declared and Harry and many men including Bobby and his father enlist, the lives of the women left behind are changed forever. Time and time again when reading books set in this genre, I am reminded just how amazing these women and families were. I have the utmost admiration for every man and also the women who worked and fought on the war front but those that remained at home deserve just the same amount of respect and admiration. They had to cope with air raids and the introduction of bomb shelters and gas masks, rationing, food shortages and many young children including Molly were evacuated to the countryside as it was believed to be safer there. All these problems and so many more but they bore them all with grace and dedication because they knew it was all for the greater good of their country.
Bella was forced to really grow up when war was declared and even though she was only around 18 or so when this book ends I felt she was much older than that. That she had become wiser and confident in her own skin, I totally forgot that she was still so young. It was like I was reading of a different character from the young girl I had first met, and this is what I think really helped to make me feel as If I was on a journey with her. When Basil who works for E.N.S.A – Entertainments National Service Association sees herself, Edie and Fran performing as the Byrant Sisters, he knows he is onto a winner and soon they are travelling with other entertainers all around camps and bases throughout England. Singing is Bella’s passion and she thoroughly enjoys her time travelling with the girls but at the same time worries for her Dad’s safety away fighting and her mother still in Liverpool.
Taking the girls around England allowed for different characters to be introduced and Earl was one of them which in turn allowed for various other subplots to develop which led to many conundrums for Bella. But she dealt with things well and rationally even though her heart is torn in two. As mentioned up above it's clear Bobby is the one for her but Alicia a family friend who becomes something more really sets the cat amongst the pigeons and she was an awful character. She was full of jealousy, vindictive, spiteful and just truly horrible. I really wanted Bobby to grow up and be a man and confront his mother and Alicia but it’s like he was too weak to do this. If only he could things could have been so different for both himself and Bella. Instead events mean Bella’s life although happy singing with the girls takes some unexpected turns and it’s how she copes with these and the outstanding support from her family and close friends that makes this an interesting read which shows how you can get through the most difficult of times.
The Girls of Victory Street was a very good read and a promising start to what I presume will go on to be at least three books, well I’m hoping so anyway. Although I do think the blurb gives away far too much of the story, it could have been shorter and still the essence of the book would have been conveyed. My advice is don’t read the blurb before reading the book because you will be on the look out for certain things. I didn’t read the blurb because really I would read anything that Pam Howes publishes and therefore I was surprised at what unfolded rather than waiting for it to happen. The author has a natural storytelling ability and deeply understands how the war affected the lives of ordinary everyday people. This doesn’t tend to read like a history book as too often some books in this genre do. Instead a paragraph or two every so often filling in the reader as to what is happening worldwide with regard to the events of the war was slotted in as necessary. This meant the story could really focus on Bella and her friends.
I did think the ending came about rather abruptly almost like the author had reached the cut off point and had to stop. There was a cliffhanger of sorts because I know there is a lot more to come from Bella and we had only reached March 1943 by the end of this story. The rather sudden conclusion only served to make me want more from these set of characters especially Fran and Edie. I understand Bela is the focus but even a few chapters from either of the other two girls’ perspectives would be great.
The Girls of Victory Street is a very well written story that will have you really engrossed during the time you spend reading it and I am looking forward to the continuation of Bella’s story in the hopefully not too distant future.
June 30, 2020
The Girls of Victory Street by Pam Howes is the first book in The Bryant Sisters collection. It is a great historical fiction book taking place during WWII in England.
This book depicts the classic wartime saga novel. Strong, likeable, and relatable female characters that grow, change, and strengthen each other throughout adversities. I enjoyed the friendships, romance, the drama, the twists and turns, and I enjoyed the ending.
This book is for anyone that enjoys WWII fiction, romance, and strong female characters.
4/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.
Merged review:
The Girls of Victory Street by Pam Howes is the first book in The Bryant Sisters collection. It is a great historical fiction book taking place during WWII in England.
This book depicts the classic wartime saga novel. Strong, likeable, and relatable female characters that grow, change, and strengthen each other throughout adversities. I enjoyed the friendships, romance, the drama, the twists and turns, and I enjoyed the ending.
This book is for anyone that enjoys WWII fiction, romance, and strong female characters.
4/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.
This book depicts the classic wartime saga novel. Strong, likeable, and relatable female characters that grow, change, and strengthen each other throughout adversities. I enjoyed the friendships, romance, the drama, the twists and turns, and I enjoyed the ending.
This book is for anyone that enjoys WWII fiction, romance, and strong female characters.
4/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.
Merged review:
The Girls of Victory Street by Pam Howes is the first book in The Bryant Sisters collection. It is a great historical fiction book taking place during WWII in England.
This book depicts the classic wartime saga novel. Strong, likeable, and relatable female characters that grow, change, and strengthen each other throughout adversities. I enjoyed the friendships, romance, the drama, the twists and turns, and I enjoyed the ending.
This book is for anyone that enjoys WWII fiction, romance, and strong female characters.
4/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.
July 22, 2020
The Girls of Victory Street by Pam Howes is the beginning of The Bryant Sisters series. I enjoyed reading this engaging historical novel. I thought the characters were well-developed and the author captured the time-period. Historical events are mentioned along with rationing, Anderson shelters, items in short supply, movies, and popular books. The author definitely did her research for this book. The story focuses on Bella, but we also learn about her family and her two friends, Edith Potts, and Fran Jackson. Bella has a beautiful voice that happens to harmonize with that of the handsome Bobby Harrison. The three girls work at the Bryant and May match factory until they are recruited to perform. I enjoyed reading about the girls’ journey. The story also includes romance, grief, and heartbreak. The Girls of Victory Street is a story of love, hope, friendship, and family. I thought the author provided a realistic story as well as a relatable one. We get to see the struggles people faced before and during the war. I am eager to read the next book in The Bryant Sisters series. The Girls of Victory Street is a charming and touching story with snappy singers, a wronged romance, fine friends, silk stockings, and a wretched war.
July 1, 2020
This novel takes place during WW2 in Liverpool, England. Bella is anxious to marry her sweetheart but war intervenes. Her sweetheart is fooled by the girl his family has wanted him to marry by saying she is pregnant so he marries her instead of Bella. Bella and two of her friends are singers and are hired to entertain the troops. During one of their performances Bella meets Earl a Negro singer from New Orleans to whom she is attracted and becomes pregnant. Bella discovers that Earl is married., but decides to have the baby anyway. Her former sweetheart is in an airplane crash and is burned and loses part of his leg. Bella starts to write to him and discovers she is still madly in love with him not Earl. Will they get back together again? That is for the second novel in the series. The characters in the story are interesting and well developed. The actual story is predictable and not very interesting. It is the usual WW2 English romance without any surprises.
February 21, 2022
Liverpool, 1939. Bella Rogers thought her life was just starting; she can’t wait to get married to her childhood sweetheart, Bobby. But when war is declared and Bobby is called up, his letters stop, leaving Bella heartbroken and alone. Then her family is torn apart by tragedy when her angelic five-year-old sister dies from a terrible illness. They can barely afford a funeral, but the church is packed with the entire community, devastated for their loss.
Grieving for her sister and lost love, Bella finds a job at the Bryant and May factory, making matches. As bombs begin to fall, Bella gets the workers singing, keeping spirits high amidst the fear. When she meets a handsome American airman, Earl Franklin Jr, Bella’s heart finally starts to mend. Earl encourages her passion and soon she and her friends are offered the opportunity of a lifetime: to travel the country’s army bases, entertaining the troops and singing for victory. They name themselves The Bryant Sisters.
Just as her life is getting back on track, Bella finds herself pregnant – and Earl reveals a shattering secret that changes everything about their future. Devastated, she flees home to Liverpool, but as an unmarried mother, will her family reject her? And, as she faces a terrible sacrifice, will she ever sing with The Bryant Sisters again?
Bryant & May was a British company created in the mid-19th century specifically to make matches.Their original factory was located in Bow, London.They later expanded across the UK and owned match factories in other parts of the world.Formed in 1843 by two Quakers, William Bryant and Francis May, Bryant & May survived as an independent company for over seventy years, but went through a series of mergers with other match companies and later with consumer products companies.
Brize Norton is a village and civil parish east of Carterton in West Oxfordshire.RAF Brize Norton was established in 1937.
RAF Burtonwood is a former Royal Air Force and USAAF base that was located in Burtonwood,northwest of Warrington in Cheshire.The base was opened in 1940,and transferred to USA in 1942 for war operations.
Grieving for her sister and lost love, Bella finds a job at the Bryant and May factory, making matches. As bombs begin to fall, Bella gets the workers singing, keeping spirits high amidst the fear. When she meets a handsome American airman, Earl Franklin Jr, Bella’s heart finally starts to mend. Earl encourages her passion and soon she and her friends are offered the opportunity of a lifetime: to travel the country’s army bases, entertaining the troops and singing for victory. They name themselves The Bryant Sisters.
Just as her life is getting back on track, Bella finds herself pregnant – and Earl reveals a shattering secret that changes everything about their future. Devastated, she flees home to Liverpool, but as an unmarried mother, will her family reject her? And, as she faces a terrible sacrifice, will she ever sing with The Bryant Sisters again?
Bryant & May was a British company created in the mid-19th century specifically to make matches.Their original factory was located in Bow, London.They later expanded across the UK and owned match factories in other parts of the world.Formed in 1843 by two Quakers, William Bryant and Francis May, Bryant & May survived as an independent company for over seventy years, but went through a series of mergers with other match companies and later with consumer products companies.
Brize Norton is a village and civil parish east of Carterton in West Oxfordshire.RAF Brize Norton was established in 1937.
RAF Burtonwood is a former Royal Air Force and USAAF base that was located in Burtonwood,northwest of Warrington in Cheshire.The base was opened in 1940,and transferred to USA in 1942 for war operations.
August 1, 2020
The Girls of Victory Street by Pam Howe is a charming story of an English girl before and during World War II. The lives of she and her family are irrevocably changed by the war and this is her story. Bella is the eldest of three children of Harry and Mary. Theirs is a close-knit and loving family. Suddenly, out of nowhere, the youngest, Betty is hit with diphtheria and dies during routine surgery. It is difficult for the family but life goes on. Bella is chosen to receive singing lessons on scholarship and sing with a semi-professional group, as is her friend, Bobby. Upon the turn of her 15th birthday, Bella quits school and goes to work, in order to help support her family. She and her two friends, Edie and Fran pack matches into boxes but shortly start singing top relieve the boredom. Their co-workers love them and they are asked to perform for the company Christmas party. From their careers boom and their lives change as World War II is in full bloom.
This was a good book, a satisfying look at England during the war. Then ending left me hanging; hopefully there will be a sequel to answer many of the unanswered questions. The plot was good, parts of it old hat, but much of it new and refreshing. The girls were typical girls for the time, and each had stories of their own. Bella was a good character, forced into adulthood a little early and faced with some difficult choices, with which she did a credible job. The peripheral characters were varying degrees of well-rounded, as you would expect, but filled their roles nicely. All-in-all, a charming book, well worth the read. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of The Girls of Victory Street by Netgalley in exchange fore a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #thegirlsofvictorystreet
This was a good book, a satisfying look at England during the war. Then ending left me hanging; hopefully there will be a sequel to answer many of the unanswered questions. The plot was good, parts of it old hat, but much of it new and refreshing. The girls were typical girls for the time, and each had stories of their own. Bella was a good character, forced into adulthood a little early and faced with some difficult choices, with which she did a credible job. The peripheral characters were varying degrees of well-rounded, as you would expect, but filled their roles nicely. All-in-all, a charming book, well worth the read. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of The Girls of Victory Street by Netgalley in exchange fore a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #thegirlsofvictorystreet
July 11, 2020
If we want a "peaceful world for our kids to inherit, we need to fight for it with everything we've got." The Bryant Sisters "fight" by singing cheerful songs that entertain their fellow coworkers at a match factory in Liverpool, England during WW2. Edie, Fran and Bella then land a deal to travel around the country entertaining troops.
In the midst of singing, air raids and uncertainty about her family's safety, Bella also deals with the lack of communication from her boyfriend Bobby. And then she meets Earl Franklin, Jr. Will she be able to continue her singing career and reconcile with Bobby, or will she and Earl grow closer?
I really liked the historic aspects of this novel. It covers 1939-1943 and offers an interesting look at daily life with details of rationing, city and country life, and relationships. For this reason, I give the book 3 stars.
The writing is good for the most part. In places, the author gets sidetracked or leaves the storyline hanging. I appreciated the location and dates at the beginning of each chapter that offers context to readers.
I'm not a big fan of romance novels, though, and this book is definitely more geared to romance than history.
Overall, it's a good book for romance fans who like historic fiction.
Note: includes some profanity and sexual content
In the midst of singing, air raids and uncertainty about her family's safety, Bella also deals with the lack of communication from her boyfriend Bobby. And then she meets Earl Franklin, Jr. Will she be able to continue her singing career and reconcile with Bobby, or will she and Earl grow closer?
I really liked the historic aspects of this novel. It covers 1939-1943 and offers an interesting look at daily life with details of rationing, city and country life, and relationships. For this reason, I give the book 3 stars.
The writing is good for the most part. In places, the author gets sidetracked or leaves the storyline hanging. I appreciated the location and dates at the beginning of each chapter that offers context to readers.
I'm not a big fan of romance novels, though, and this book is definitely more geared to romance than history.
Overall, it's a good book for romance fans who like historic fiction.
Note: includes some profanity and sexual content
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July 27, 2020Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of The Girls of Victory Street by Pam Howes for the purpose of reading and reviewing prior to publication. My Opinions are my own and no one has influenced them.
The Girls of Victory Street is a well-written novel set during WWII with compelling characters and an emotionally charged plot. The pacing pulled me in from the first page and kept me engaged until the last.
Bella Rogers’s character appealed to me from the start. Her love for sweet Betty, and the pain she feels when she dies, touched me and brought me to tears. Her heartbreak over losing Bobby, especially since it was to such a conniving female, tore at my heart. Her love for her music made us kindred spirits.
This family saga paints a lovely, and at times, a heart wrenching look at a close family. I felt like I not only got to know Bella, but the rest of her family as well. I particularly enjoyed her mother and her ability to love unconditionally.
Ms. Hawes has clearly done her research and gave just enough historical detail and descriptions to make this an enthralling reading experience. I made a trip to England four years ago and traveled through Cornwall. We came upon a bombed-out shell of a church and asked why it was still there, and the tour guide explained that it remained that way so they never forgot the devastation England suffered during WWII. That made a lasting impression on me. Her descriptions of several scenes pulled me to that moment time and again as I read this book.
If you enjoy historical fiction that shows family love and how war affects a country and its people, then you will love The Girls of Victory Street as much as I did. I will be reading other books by this talented author. Happy reading!
The Girls of Victory Street is a well-written novel set during WWII with compelling characters and an emotionally charged plot. The pacing pulled me in from the first page and kept me engaged until the last.
Bella Rogers’s character appealed to me from the start. Her love for sweet Betty, and the pain she feels when she dies, touched me and brought me to tears. Her heartbreak over losing Bobby, especially since it was to such a conniving female, tore at my heart. Her love for her music made us kindred spirits.
This family saga paints a lovely, and at times, a heart wrenching look at a close family. I felt like I not only got to know Bella, but the rest of her family as well. I particularly enjoyed her mother and her ability to love unconditionally.
Ms. Hawes has clearly done her research and gave just enough historical detail and descriptions to make this an enthralling reading experience. I made a trip to England four years ago and traveled through Cornwall. We came upon a bombed-out shell of a church and asked why it was still there, and the tour guide explained that it remained that way so they never forgot the devastation England suffered during WWII. That made a lasting impression on me. Her descriptions of several scenes pulled me to that moment time and again as I read this book.
If you enjoy historical fiction that shows family love and how war affects a country and its people, then you will love The Girls of Victory Street as much as I did. I will be reading other books by this talented author. Happy reading!
July 13, 2020
I absolutely adored this book! I could not put it down, probably one of the fastest I have read a book this year.
This is the first book in Bryant Sisters series and I am hooked already. WW2 is just breaking out, it follows the life of Bella Rodgers, a 15 year old girl from Liverpool at the end of her school days. Her and two friends go to work in a match factory, to keep moral up the girls decide to sing songs to the other workers. This then leads to a wonderful opportunity to embark on a singing career.
This book explores the true meaning of family and friendship, when the Rodgers family are struck with tragedy the whole neighbourhood is there to help. There were many different things explored in this book, such as romance, tragedy, family and disappointment. I found it so well written and even though t was a short book i found it to be extremely detailed. I loved all of the characters and found them so relatable and realistic, showing their flaws and how people embrace those.
If you enjoy historical fiction, you will love this. The perfect book to curl up on the sofa with.
Huge thank you to #Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
This is the first book in Bryant Sisters series and I am hooked already. WW2 is just breaking out, it follows the life of Bella Rodgers, a 15 year old girl from Liverpool at the end of her school days. Her and two friends go to work in a match factory, to keep moral up the girls decide to sing songs to the other workers. This then leads to a wonderful opportunity to embark on a singing career.
This book explores the true meaning of family and friendship, when the Rodgers family are struck with tragedy the whole neighbourhood is there to help. There were many different things explored in this book, such as romance, tragedy, family and disappointment. I found it so well written and even though t was a short book i found it to be extremely detailed. I loved all of the characters and found them so relatable and realistic, showing their flaws and how people embrace those.
If you enjoy historical fiction, you will love this. The perfect book to curl up on the sofa with.
Huge thank you to #Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
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