Jenny Holmes crafts compelling family sagas set in the industrial heartland of Yorkshire, a region she knows intimately from her life amidst its scenic beauty. Her writing delves into the lives of ordinary people, exploring themes of family, love, and resilience against the backdrop of social change. Holmes excels at vividly portraying her settings, making the environment an integral part of the narrative and immersing readers in the era's atmosphere. Her stories are rich with emotional depth and a profound sense of humanity, offering a timeless reading experience.
Sylvia, Joy and Pearl are preparing to compete in a major national ballroom competition - not easy in wartime when travelling is difficult and air raids might mean that events can be cancelled at the last minute. But 'live for the day' is the motto for the times, and our girls plan to waltz their worries away. And beyond the pressures of the ballroom, the three friends support and encourage each other to fulfil their dreams in love, life and dancing...
In summer 1942 Blackpool, three girls navigate the challenges of WWII while pursuing their passion for dance. Sylvia, the pampered daughter of a determined dance school owner, faces pressure to win competitions by any means necessary. Pearl, the eldest of a bustling family working at the Pleasure Beach, dreams of joining the glamorous world of ballroom dancing, feeling like an outsider. Joy, an evacuee who lost her parents in the Blitz, lives in a rundown boarding house and works as a cleaner. Despite her shyness, she discovers a love for the American Jitterbug, which leads to an unexpected opportunity when a rival dance school recognizes her talent. Amidst blackouts and air raids, the allure of the ballroom remains strong, but the competition is fierce. Will the Ballroom Girls achieve their dreams through the joy of dance? Readers have praised the engaging storytelling and emotional depth, with many expressing their love for the characters and the gripping narrative.
A heart-warming new story of friendship, love and duty in wartime by the author of The Air Raid Girls and Wedding Bells for the Land Girls - perfect for fans of Nancy Revell and Donna Douglas. Spring, 1942.
Connie's life has taken an unexpected turn since her husband died - she's living at home and working in the family bakery - but night shifts as an ARP Warden give her a firm sense of purpose. Her younger sister Lizzie is eager to play her part too, perhaps as an ambulance driver.
A wonderful new Christmas story of friendship, love and duty in wartime by the author of The Air Raid Girls, for fans of Nancy Revell and Donna Douglas. ------------------November, 1941. Christmas is coming...
Yorkshire 1944: All they want this year is a truly happy Christmas...The end of the war feels tantalisingly close, but Air Transport Auxiliary girls Bobbie, Viv and Mary have plenty more flights in their beloved Spitfires yet - battling everything from snow to enemy fire on their journeys. Risking their lives doing their bit for their country, this Christmas they're determined to have some festive fun. But as they set about bringing good tidings for all, a stern and mysterious new flyer in the form of Peggy arrives. What secret is Peggy hiding? Mary has a wedding to plan before her fiancé is sent away, then makes a devastating discovery so shameful she can't tell the other girls. Bobbie's beau issues an ultimatum, and Viv is wondering whether she wants a man at all... With the big day around the corner and hope of peace on the horizon, can the girls find joy and love this Christmas after so many years of war?
**Don't miss Jenny Holmes's latest wartime series, The Air Raid Girls. Part 3 - The Air Raid Girls: Wartime Brides - is available now!** ---------------------------- Planes to deliver. A war to be won. Bobbie Fraser, Mary Holland and Jean Thornton are Atta Girls - part of the Air Transport Auxiliary team flying planes between bases. Taking to the air in anything they're given, their work is dangerous but their courage always comes through. Now there's a new girl joining the ranks - Canadian Viv Robertson, who is bright, brash and brave. But can Viv settle into her new home with the other girls? And when life on the ground leaves them as vulnerable as in the air, can they stick together through the tough times ahead and ultimately fly to victory? A heart-warming, romantic story of friendship, camaraderie and triumph over adversity that fans of Donna Douglas, Nancy Revell and Elaine Everest will adore. ---------------------------- Readers love Jenny Holmes 'A delight to read' 'I highly recommend this book, great job Jenny!' 'Really enjoyed this book cant wait to read the next one' 'Lovely historical drama' 'I love reading these books on life in WW2' 'A book you can't put down'
A heart-warming, romantic story of friendship, camaraderie and triumph over adversity that fans of Donna Douglas, Daisy Styles and Call the Midwife will adore.
'Calling All Women!' It's 1941 and as the Second World War rages on, girls from all over the country are signing up to the Women's Land Army. But as Christmas draws ever near, the girls' resolve is tested as scandals and secrets are revealed, lovers risk being torn apart, and even patriotic loyalties are called into question .
