A Nightingale Christmas Promise by Donna Douglas
East London, 1914: Britain is preparing for war. As young men queue up across the country to enlist, the Nightingale Hospital has its own set of new recruits…
Anna has had a happy upbringing in her parent’s bakery in Bethnal Green. But as war descends her family’s German roots will wrench them apart in ways Anna never could have imagined.
Kate dreams of following in her father’s footsteps and becoming a doctor. With female doctors virtually unheard of, it will take courage to face off the prejudice around her.
Sadie joins the Nightingale Hospital for a new life away from her mother’s interference. But the legacy of her family may not be so easy to escape…
As the shadow of war descends, will the promise of Christmas help to bring the students together?
I’ve enjoyed previous Nightingale Nurses books set in WW2 so was looking forward to reading A Nightingale Christmas Promise – which is the first one set during the First World War. It didn’t disappoint.
A Nightingale Christmas Promise follows the senior staff as they overcome the trials of their training years. Donna Douglas paints rich scenes in Anna’s family bakery, the training hospital and Sadie’s mother’s dwelling and weaves the threads together as the girls face their trials and tribulations as they go through their training. An absorbing and uplifting read.
A Nightingale Christmas Promise by Donna Douglas published by Arrow pb £6.99
Christmas at Tuppenny Corner by Katie Flynn
Katie Flynn’s story follows fifteen year old Rosie O’ Leary as she comes to terms with change and upheaval in her life on the canals. Set in Liverpool in 1939, Rosie makes friend with fellow bargee, Tim Bradley who shows her the sights of Liverpool and it’s not too long before their friendship develops into something more.
But when Tim is called up to join the RAF, Rosie’s dreams of a future together is put on hold and she has to summon her inner strength to cope with changing events on the canals.
The world is full of uncertainty but Katie Flynn’s heroines are tough and resilient and Rosie finds hope that there really could be a miracle this Christmas. A heartwarming story full of richly rounded characters and vivid settings.
An absolutely perfect read for Katie Flynn fans who will look forward to curling up and reading this on the run up to Christmas.
Christmas at Tuppenny Corner by Katie Flynn published by Arrow pb £6.99