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New Beginnings for the Surplus Girls
Manchester, 1923: Jess Mason is determined to make her own way in the world.
When a misunderstanding on a job application means she's appointed manager for Holly Lodge, a home for old soldiers, she must convince the owner that she can run things just as well as any man - if not better.
Tom Watson has not been the same since the war. Traumatized by his experiences on the battlefield, he has vowed to himself that he must go through life alone. But when he takes on the job to renovate Holly Lodge and meets Jess, all the walls he built around himself start to come crumbling down.
As challenges arise in the opening of the new soldiers' home, Jess must fight tooth and nail to hold on to her precious new role. And as her and Tom grow closer, she can't help but wonder if there is room in her life for both love and the career she's always dreamt of.
When a misunderstanding on a job application means she's appointed manager for Holly Lodge, a home for old soldiers, she must convince the owner that she can run things just as well as any man - if not better.
Tom Watson has not been the same since the war. Traumatized by his experiences on the battlefield, he has vowed to himself that he must go through life alone. But when he takes on the job to renovate Holly Lodge and meets Jess, all the walls he built around himself start to come crumbling down.
As challenges arise in the opening of the new soldiers' home, Jess must fight tooth and nail to hold on to her precious new role. And as her and Tom grow closer, she can't help but wonder if there is room in her life for both love and the career she's always dreamt of.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 30, 2023
This was a great follow on in this series. I throughly enjoyed this one very easy and the characters were interesting. Will be interested in more in this series. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
June 5, 2023
A group of women have had their lives changed by the First World War, and in Manchester 1923 they are coming together to make a difference. This is the fourth and final “Surplus Girls” book in the series, although it could certainly be read as a stand-alone book. That is mainly because it introduces two new characters: Jess Mason, a young woman who has ambitions to work rather than marry, and Tom Watson, a friendly man with a terrible secret. While established characters are actively influencing them, and affecting the plot, this is essentially the story of two people who have much to discover about themselves and each other.
As with all the books in this series there is a lot of research into the setting and background to this story, as well as the clothes, the expectations and much more. This impressive work is never allowed to slow the narrative, and I felt that there are real insights in the lives of people at the time. The writing, especially the dialogue, is lively and enjoyable, and drew me into the progress of Jess, Tom and the other characters. While most characters are likable, there are also those whose intentions are not always positive, which represents a good balance with those who I was keenly involved with throughout. Heron is very good at seizing on the real problems that people, especially women, faced at the time, and writes persuasively of the effects of discrimination. The after effects of a traumatic War are foremost for at least one character, and generally there is a sense of the enormity of challenges that many people, including children, continue to face. The characters are realistic and essentially human, and altogether this is a book that I was very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review.
At the beginning of the novel Jess is shown as a competent and committed hotel employee. An unjust dismissal forces her to return home to her widowed father, who is not supportive of her decision to move away to work. Some friends encourage and facilitate her application for a job in Manchester, which emerges as a chance to prove that she can manage a new home for old soldiers, Holly Lodge. Not that she is universally welcomed; mainly local people of influence openly disapprove of a woman in a responsible role, and she must work hard to prove herself. Fortunately, she encounters some women people who are supportive and encouraging, partly because of their own experiences. Meanwhile Tom has vowed never to allow himself to grow close to anyone after a transformative experience in the War. He is very close to his family, especially the children, and is a responsible and skilled builder in the family firm. When he meets Jess, he feels his promise to remain on his own shaken; he feels a deep attraction to the determined young woman. Meanwhile the other characters continue their lives, as Vivienne strives to fulfil her ambition in the face of an active opponent, and sisters Prudence and Patience are confronted by challenges that will change their lives forever.
This is an enjoyable and enthralling book that I found a really good read. Each instalment in this series has been interesting, exciting, and memorable for all the right reasons. This book shows characters experiencing the highs and lows of life in a fascinating period for women, whose losses have led to a new perspective on life, and a special determination to make the most of opportunities. I recommend this book and indeed series as offering real insights into the lives of women at an exciting time.
As with all the books in this series there is a lot of research into the setting and background to this story, as well as the clothes, the expectations and much more. This impressive work is never allowed to slow the narrative, and I felt that there are real insights in the lives of people at the time. The writing, especially the dialogue, is lively and enjoyable, and drew me into the progress of Jess, Tom and the other characters. While most characters are likable, there are also those whose intentions are not always positive, which represents a good balance with those who I was keenly involved with throughout. Heron is very good at seizing on the real problems that people, especially women, faced at the time, and writes persuasively of the effects of discrimination. The after effects of a traumatic War are foremost for at least one character, and generally there is a sense of the enormity of challenges that many people, including children, continue to face. The characters are realistic and essentially human, and altogether this is a book that I was very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review.
At the beginning of the novel Jess is shown as a competent and committed hotel employee. An unjust dismissal forces her to return home to her widowed father, who is not supportive of her decision to move away to work. Some friends encourage and facilitate her application for a job in Manchester, which emerges as a chance to prove that she can manage a new home for old soldiers, Holly Lodge. Not that she is universally welcomed; mainly local people of influence openly disapprove of a woman in a responsible role, and she must work hard to prove herself. Fortunately, she encounters some women people who are supportive and encouraging, partly because of their own experiences. Meanwhile Tom has vowed never to allow himself to grow close to anyone after a transformative experience in the War. He is very close to his family, especially the children, and is a responsible and skilled builder in the family firm. When he meets Jess, he feels his promise to remain on his own shaken; he feels a deep attraction to the determined young woman. Meanwhile the other characters continue their lives, as Vivienne strives to fulfil her ambition in the face of an active opponent, and sisters Prudence and Patience are confronted by challenges that will change their lives forever.
This is an enjoyable and enthralling book that I found a really good read. Each instalment in this series has been interesting, exciting, and memorable for all the right reasons. This book shows characters experiencing the highs and lows of life in a fascinating period for women, whose losses have led to a new perspective on life, and a special determination to make the most of opportunities. I recommend this book and indeed series as offering real insights into the lives of women at an exciting time.
May 31, 2023
Being one of the surplus women in the aftermath of the Great War was never going to be easy especially when post-war jobs were scarce and priority was given to returning soldiers. Attitudes towards women in the work-place were fraught with prejudice and very few women were recognised for their contribution.
Jess Mason has had to fight every step of the way and even her probationary role as manager of a new care home for ex-soldiers doesn't come with a guarantee of permanent employment because first she must prove that she's up to the task by an employer who is embarrassed at the prospect of employing a woman in managerial role. What then follows is a lovely continuation of these historical novels which have introduced us to The Surplus Girls who live, work and love in this corner of south Manchester, a place which is filled with interesting salt-of-the-earth characters who have brought the story to life on so many fascinating levels. Although this is very much Jess Mason's story it has also been a real treat to see her mingle with those characters who have come to love from previous stories, especially Vivienne Atwood, and Miss Patience and Miss Prudence who run the local business school. I especially loved getting to know Jess, she's a steadfast heroine with so much to offer and her burgeoning relationship with Tom Watson, a local builder, adds a frisson of will they, won't they romance.
As always, the author writes with such passionate commitment, bringing to the forefront ordinary people who were simply going about their lives as best they could in the aftermath of a war which caused so much personal tragedy. Beautifully written, New Beginnings for the Surplus Girls is a story of hope and friendship, and about finding love unexpectedly and going forward into a brighter future.
February 7, 2023
This is Book 4 in The Surplus Girl series - but easily readable as a standalone - and it's set in 1923 as we follow these characters we've grown to love as we watch over their lives during and after the war. And the author has done another wonderful job of transporting us right back in time, as we get a real sense of the battles women of the time faced with ideas of what they should and shouldn't be doing, especially where it concerns working.
And Jess, especially, is faced with these attitudes when she becomes manager at a home for old soldiers. Having to work doubly as hard to prove herself, she is no shrinking violet in knowing what needs to be done and I just loved her positive 'can do' attitude. Although women like her could then be seen as 'pushy' - women really couldn't win either way!!
Work is needed to be carried out at the home, and that introduces us to Tom, who is a wonderful soul and is a great sounding block for Jess, but you always get that sense that he is holding something back.
There's always drama right around the corner, and I loved seeing how the women faced up to things when they showed up! There's also a really good feel about showing the realities of humanity, good and bad, and gave me all the feels when you saw good things start to happen to good people!! It really does restore your faith in humanity.
It was also lovely to catch up with characters from previous books, especially Prudence and Patience, and seeing what life was throwing at them and that's what I love about this series! You feel a real connection with the characters you've been introduced to and just want to keep following their stories as new chapters begin for them. Highly recommended if you love a wonderful, historical saga!!
And Jess, especially, is faced with these attitudes when she becomes manager at a home for old soldiers. Having to work doubly as hard to prove herself, she is no shrinking violet in knowing what needs to be done and I just loved her positive 'can do' attitude. Although women like her could then be seen as 'pushy' - women really couldn't win either way!!
Work is needed to be carried out at the home, and that introduces us to Tom, who is a wonderful soul and is a great sounding block for Jess, but you always get that sense that he is holding something back.
There's always drama right around the corner, and I loved seeing how the women faced up to things when they showed up! There's also a really good feel about showing the realities of humanity, good and bad, and gave me all the feels when you saw good things start to happen to good people!! It really does restore your faith in humanity.
It was also lovely to catch up with characters from previous books, especially Prudence and Patience, and seeing what life was throwing at them and that's what I love about this series! You feel a real connection with the characters you've been introduced to and just want to keep following their stories as new chapters begin for them. Highly recommended if you love a wonderful, historical saga!!
December 29, 2022
the year 1923 as we read book four in this beautiful series from Miss Polly Heron.
Jess Mason manager at Holly Lodge Home on a trail period and indeed to prove her worth to Mr Peters, it's going to be an old soldiers home.
Her widowed father in Anneby is remarrying, so that's a blessing for Jess she knows he's in safe hands and will not be alone, and likes her new step mother.
She is a surplus girl independent, earner, hard worker, and has no plans now to marry.
This is such a loving and heart warming read, as relationships between her and Tom Watson are tested, he is seeking strength and solace in his life and wants Jess to be part of it and for them to raise a family together anything is possible.
This has to be my favourite from the series and I love strong determined Jess that will fight for what she wants in life in work and play.
I loved every chapter, that tells a story of girls men power jobs.
Beautiful right through to the end.
Jess Mason manager at Holly Lodge Home on a trail period and indeed to prove her worth to Mr Peters, it's going to be an old soldiers home.
Her widowed father in Anneby is remarrying, so that's a blessing for Jess she knows he's in safe hands and will not be alone, and likes her new step mother.
She is a surplus girl independent, earner, hard worker, and has no plans now to marry.
This is such a loving and heart warming read, as relationships between her and Tom Watson are tested, he is seeking strength and solace in his life and wants Jess to be part of it and for them to raise a family together anything is possible.
This has to be my favourite from the series and I love strong determined Jess that will fight for what she wants in life in work and play.
I loved every chapter, that tells a story of girls men power jobs.
Beautiful right through to the end.
November 18, 2022
Having never read of the other books in the Surplus Girls series I wasn't sure if I would feel lost reading the new addition of New Beginnings for the Surplus Girl by Polly Heron. However despite references to the girls' back story it still worked well as a standalone book.
I found this book to be an easy, comfortable read telling the tale of friendship, love and exciting new beginnings for the girls. The characters were likeable and left me hoping for happy endings for them all. A thoroughly good read.
I found this book to be an easy, comfortable read telling the tale of friendship, love and exciting new beginnings for the girls. The characters were likeable and left me hoping for happy endings for them all. A thoroughly good read.
November 21, 2022
Another great instalment of the surplus girls. I loved this book following the lives of the characters, Jess, Vivienne and the sisters prudence and patience. Jess has a fight on her hands trying to be taken seriously in what is seen as a man’s worlds, but triumphs over the all obstacles thrown in her way. A great story, allowing each characters story to be told. I couldn’t put this book down.
November 5, 2022
This latest book in the surplus girls saga by Polly Heron is as enjoyable as the previous ones.
A real feel good story which could be read as a stand alone book. The characters are truly likeable and you feel like you know them personally.
Definitely recommend this book
A real feel good story which could be read as a stand alone book. The characters are truly likeable and you feel like you know them personally.
Definitely recommend this book
December 30, 2022
I was happy to catch up with these women and rooted for them, hoping in a better future.
This book kept me reading and I enjoyed it.
Vivid historical background, fleshed and relatable characters
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
This book kept me reading and I enjoyed it.
Vivid historical background, fleshed and relatable characters
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
January 5, 2023
I've loved this series from book one and I loved this story just as much as the others. The basis of all the books is that after the First World War many men were killed or injured. This left the country with more women than men. In a time where women didn't work and were expected to be kept by a man. The unmarried women went into the workplace and were known as the surplus girls.
I have a soft spot for the Hesketh sisters so it's always nice to find out how they are doing and I'm glad they finally have some closure on their future security. I loved Jesse and how strong willed and strong minded she was. Things we take for granted, as a women, she had to either stand up or just accept. Another great addition to the series
I have a soft spot for the Hesketh sisters so it's always nice to find out how they are doing and I'm glad they finally have some closure on their future security. I loved Jesse and how strong willed and strong minded she was. Things we take for granted, as a women, she had to either stand up or just accept. Another great addition to the series
February 20, 2023
A lovely addition to a very enjoyable series. Please note this is the fourth in the series.
July 7, 2024
This series was really good and well worth a read, I'm looking forward to more books
November 16, 2024
I really enjoyed this, it was nice to read something set in a different era. I was really routing for the main couple. And I’d love to read the other books in this series.
February 22, 2026
Really engaging read. I read the book in one day.
January 8, 2023
Another brilliant five star read from Polly Heron. I just could not put it down and did not want it to end. I recommend The Surplus Girls series. Thank you Polly Heron.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews