The third installment of the Goodwill House series, and what a series it's been so far. You could read this as a standalone, but I highly recommend the full series to meet the 'cast' and get the full experience.

The story engaging, entertaining and it's always a pleasure to visit old friends at Goodwill.

Full of our much loved characters alongside some new, who all play their part in and around the RAF base. There is a great sense of community and patriotism, and through the eyes of these characters, their efforts thoughout the war are brought to life, making the story more credible.

With friendships, a touch of romance and set amid the glorious English countryside...what exactly is there not to like?

Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot.

Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you #netgalley and #boldwoodbooks and #rachelsrandomresources for letting me read this ARC.

Gosh, I love Fenella's writing style soo much, beautiful. I am so excited to be back at Goodwill House meeting old and new characters. Picking up on old loose ends and creating new storylines and love stories.
Loved being reminded of the RAF/ Military Lingo. Some touched me harder as my dad is ex RAF Police Dog Section and he has dementia so memories flowed to me.

Who doesn't love that NAAFI break?

I love the formalities of days gone by and the respect given.
Love, love, love. Cant wait for more. What can I say? I am a definitely and absolute fan girl.

4.5 stars
This continues with the happenings at Goodwill House, home of Lady Joanna Harcourt and her mother in law. It also includes some members of the WRAF and RAF member living at the nearby base. Living conditions at the base seem pretty basic, especially for the women, as they seem to be a newly arrived contingent. The book certainly give the feeling of living for the day and I suppose that’s how it was for most people. This would particularly apply to those in the fighter planes and back at base. The reader follows the lives of two couples and what happens to them. There are a number of events happening at Goodwill House, not all pleasant and some very dangerous. This really gives the impression of a village, all working together, to make the best of what they have for the benefit of all. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series when the Land Girls come to Goodwill House. This was an engaging read and although part of a series could be read as a stand-alone. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Back with book 3 of the Goodwill House series, Duty Calls at Goodwill House delves into life around the RAF base at Manstonon. Meanwhile, at Goodwill House, Lady Joanna has discovered she is a strong woman who doesn't need a man to run get household. Her mother in law is still living with her, and encourages her to adopt the brother and sister, Joe and Liza, who came to live with them to help around the home and land. Back at base, Freddie and Di are good friends who are secretly dating. Will Di realise she wants more or will they fall apart? You'll need to read to find out!

First off, I completely missed it when requesting this book to read that it was part of a series. And at the beginning, that definitely made a difference for me when reading Duty Calls at Goodwill House. Because it’s the third book in a series, the reader is dropped into events and introduced to so many people at once that it took me until about 20% into the book before I felt I had a handle on who everyone was and how they fit into the story. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad book, but the backstory is in the previous books, The War Girls of Goodwill House and New Recruits at Goodwill House, which I hadn’t read.

That being said, Duty Calls at Goodwill House checks off so many boxes for me for an historical fiction book. World War II, the English countryside, women and men working for the war effort, the air raid drills, the rationing, everything one has read about regarding the war is brought to life. I really felt the sense of patriotism the characters felt, and how no sacrifice was too much.

I enjoyed the focus on the women of the war effort, who until recently, were forgotten. I also appreciated the dialogue, to a point. There were some phrases used repeatedly, like tickety-boo, or “going for a Burton” that were a little annoying. Not EVERYONE uses the same slang so that got on my nerves a little, but it’s a minor complaint.

Overall, I appreciated this look into the life of an English village and its inhabitants during World War II. I thought I was getting tired of all the World War II books that seem to have glutted the market the past few years, but I’m certainly glad I picked up this book. I’ll definitely be picking up the first two volumes in the series, and hope there are more to come.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Boldwood Books in exchange for an honest review.

The third in this engaging series, DUTY CALLS AT GOODWILL HOUSE sees the return of our favourite characters in Lady Joanna Harcourt and her mother-in-law Elizabeth as well as Millie Thorrington and Di Forsyth of the local RAF base. This book picks up where the previous one "New Recruits at Goodwill House" left off with the story seamlessly continuing after Ted and Millie's wedding and the beginning of Di and Freddie's courtship.

There are many changes coming this time round in the form of a death of a beloved friend and the adoption of twins Liza and Joe. At the end of the previous book, we were introduced to the new Lord Harcourt who had inherited the title from Lady Joanna's now deceased husband, David. Whilst he seemed a pleasant sort at first, it seems he may not be all that he appears, leaving the women frantic about the future of Goodwill House. Meanwhile, measles is running rife in the village with many adults and children falling ill.

In the meantime, they are awaiting the arrival of some Land Girls who will fill the places that the WAAFs such as Millie and Di had left behind once their accommodation had been completed at RAF Manston. Joanna is looking forward to having a house full again.

War continues to rage in and across Europe with the Germans now seizing Guersney in the Channel Islands, leaving Britain fearful that they will do the same to them. So it's imperative that the RAF pilots fight to keep the Germans from invading their country and they do so by keeping them at bay above the channel. But with each scramble comes risks. The life of a fighter pilot is invariably a short one, and this is a risk that both Ted and Freddie take each time they go up. But when Freddie comes acropper when a German fires on him he is left with a quandary - does he make an escape or attempt to land his plane to the best of his ability? And should he do the latter, would he survive the landing?

DUTY CALLS AT GOODWILL HOUSE is an engaging historical saga in which the reader revisits old friends once again as the series continues. I do look forward to seeing what awaits our friends in the next book.

One thing did irritate me slightly was the continual use of the phrase "going for a Burton". A few times maybe, but it seemed that everyone in the RAF or WAAF was using the the term even in their internal monologuing narrative. Not everyone is familiar with the term and would need to google it (as I had to on a previous occasion when reading one of the books in this series) so use of the correct term would be helpful at times also. And one other thing got a little under my skin too. A seasoned writer such as Ms Miller I would have thought her research would reveal that the "Australians" she often referred to as the AAF (Australian Air Force) is actually correctly called the RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force), which was established in 1921 well in time for WW2 and the setting of this series. Just a couple of niggles, but niggles all the same.

Aside from that, DUTY CALLS AT GOODWILL HOUSE is an enjoyable lighthearted read despite the WW2 setting, though it is not grim. I was thrilled to see Lazzy again (a silly name for a dog and should be called by his actual name Lazarus or just Laz) and hope that no harm comes to him despite the threats made.

There is still alot going on in the background of the series but I must say although the story surrounds much of the goings on at RAF Manston, I am more interested in life at Goodwill House, especially as that is where the series is based around.

An engaging saga that would endear many historical and wartime fiction fans but one that is best started from the beginning.

I would like to thank #FenellaJMiller, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #DutyCallsAtGoodwillHouse in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an early review copy.

The story is set in England. Where partners that are living through the war, do their job as best they can to help.

At Goodwill House, there’s also changes happening and the war is having an affect on them individually and heavily.

Millie, Ted, Di and Freddie are close to each other and there are incidents that take place that they have to get through. All of them are also signed up and the story is about them, making you want to know what’s to come in their lives.

Cannot wait to find out what happens next.

Highly recommend this series.

Another great instalment of the goodwill house series. I love how these books just keep evolving with new characters and stories while still keeping the original story going. This carries on the story of lady Joanna at goodwill house, and the changes in her life, but also follows the stories of other characters too, the RAF pilots and their partners. Really looking forward to the next instalment.

Another wonderful book in this series.I Realy enjoyed visiting Kent again seeing all the characters reading about their lives during the war.This is the perfect series to cuddle up with and head to their world their lives.#netgalley #boldwoodbooks

Duty Calls at Goodwill House by Fenella J. Miller is an engaging historical novel. It is the third book in the Goodwill House series. I recommend reading this delightful series in order as it will allow you to get to know the characters (and follow them from the beginning). I like Fenella J. Miller’s writing style. I was drawn into the story and just wanted to keep reading. It is like visiting with old friends. I love Joanna and the gang at Goodwill House. Joanna has come a long way since the beginning. She is a woman with a big heart. It is great seeing Liza and Joe blossom. Elizabeth still likes some things done a certain way, but she is becoming less formal and more congenial. We get to catch up with Millie, Ted, Di, and Freddie as well. I find the characters to be realistic and relatable. The author captures what the war was like for civilians, WAAF, and RAF. The members of Goodwill House and the local village live near an airbase. They can hear the planes coming and going. Unfortunately, it means the airbase is a target which means frequent air raid warnings. It is an emotional novel. We see what it is like to worry about a loved one who is in the air battling the Germans. You never knew if an RAF pilot would make it back to base. Measles hits the village affecting adults and children. Joanna and Elizabeth are worried about paying off the debt to the bank. The new Lord Harcourt is up to no good and the ladies are worried he will try to take Goodwill House. I like that we get to see what the day-to-day life was like for the characters. It must have been difficult trying to cloth and feed a family with rationing. With the war ongoing, it will be a while before things are tickety boo. I am eager for the next installment of Goodwill House. Duty Calls at Goodwill House is a gas with air raids, a measles epidemic, exploding eggs, pilots on a toot, a kite plight, cab happy WAAF, a cozy cottage, bank bothers, and war rationing.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and Fenella J Millar for the chance to read this ARC in return for my frank opinion.

I had read the previous books in the series and asked for 'approval' for this one as soon as I saw it was available.
And I was not disappointed.

it would be possible to read this as a standalone book but if you have followed the series then you would understand the relationship dynamics between the characters.

it was great to be re-introduced to old friends and whilst one character met an unexpected end which was very sad, the rest showed the gung-ho attitude that seemed to prevail during WW2.
From what I have gleaned from relatives people really did make the best of what could be a bad situation during the War.

I wont provide spoilers but there is love and friendship portrayed throughout the book and I look forward to (hopefully) the next in the series.

A really good read for those that love WW2 historical fiction

A light, easy read set in Kent during the Second World War. The story was easy going and I think probably well described the attitudes of the time. The language used appeared authentic too and in keeping with the period. The characters were likable and believable and although I hadn't read the previous books it was easy to catch up.

Only four stars for the book because I found the incessant patriotic acceptance of everything to be slightly trying. Did people in WWII really accept their lot so easily?

I hadn’t read any others in this series but that didn’t matter as it was easy to catch up with who was who. Except for a couple of them, I thought the characters were very likeable and supportive of each other. This story follows the lives of RAF personnel, members of the local village and my favourites who are twins originally from the East End. Millie and Di are the main female characters and both are doing their bit for the war. They are portrayed as strong, no nonsense women who can look after themselves. Lady Harcourt is finding that she is more than capable after the death of her husband and thought this was portrayed well, as was how the village all come together when needed. I enjoyed reading about the different aspects of their lives and found the descriptions of the dog fights were not too drawn out.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this.

Another brilliant book in the series. Well written, easy to follow and the characters as always are easy to relate to and likeable. There were a few twists and turns which kept the reader interested. Lots of happiness through the book which is good to read on an evening before bed! I also like books which can teach the reader something that perhaps they did not know; in this case the seriousness of Measels.

The series is brilliant and is recommended to others and as always I look forward to the next in the series. Thank you!

You’ve just got to love Lady Joanna, she has a heart of gold which is put to good use while looking after her ever expanding family!
Di is unsure if she truly wants to get involved with squadron leader Freddie Hanover. She would rather continue to further her career so what will she decide!
The reason I enjoy this series so much, as well as the great story is the technical information about the pilots.
Now I’ve just got to wait for the next one.

Another great story in this wonderful series. I love reading about war-time in Kent and the adventures these girls have. It was like settling down with an old friend I do hope there is more to. come 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.

I am learning so much from Fenella J. Miller's Goodwill House Series. Who knew that learning about WW2 could be so enjoyable? The author has brought the human side to what is usually learned in textbook with just the facts and only the boring facts.

Duty Calls at Goodwill House is the third book in the series. I will admit I have become invested with many of the characters, and was pleased to revisit them. I celebrated their happiness. I cried over their losses. I cringed over their struggles. I relished in the drama as my eyes were opened wider to life in WW2.

This story showed me more of challenges that the villagers had to deal with during the war. I can't begin to imagine dealing with all of the rationing and then have to struggle with an outbreak of measles. To make matters worse the war is coming to the area.

The bases are at risk. Planes are crashing. Villagers are dodging bullets. Things are getting real and I am understanding more and more what my mom and her family went through.

I can't wait for the next installment. There is so much going on in the series. My mind is going crazy with what might be happening on the pages of book four.

Loved this next book in the Goodwill House series. Fenella is such a great author. I recommend this to anybody who loves books set in WWII. Just brilliant.

Duty Calls At Goodwill House by Fenella J Miller is a marvellous historical novel and the third book in the Goodwill House series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the other books first.
The war is continuing in 1940 as we rejoin the residents of Goodwill House. It was a pure delight to catch up with familiar faces, both civilians and serving RAF members. The reader follows the action from the village to the base to the skies.
Whilst war looms large, every day life continues. There are adjustments to be made in the running of Goodwill House. The residents have never been aloof but friendly with those below stairs. We witness the mellowing of the matriarch as love permeates the residents. It is a delight to witness the teenage twins transform from rough east enders to beloved family members.
Tragedies still happen in everyday life that have nothing to do with the war. Illness strikes and cruelly cuts down young lives, leaving gaping holes.
Life needs to be grabbed by both hands as tomorrow is not guaranteed.
All the characters are likable and realistic. It is delightful to see their interactions and to ‘feel’ the love as one of their own is lost.
Fenella J Miller writes with knowledge and depth of feeling as she explores lives and relationships of those in, and also nearby, Goodwill House. Characters arrive at Goodwill House as strangers but leave as friends. I look forward to more installments from Goodwill House.
I received a free copy via Net Galley for a blog tour with Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

What can one say, that has not been said before about the 3rd book in this outstandingly brilliant series it leaves you wanting more, amazing characters who play there parts so well I can't wait for the 4th book in this series and highly recommend.