Member Reviews
Thank you to Atlantic Books and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of New Beginnings for the Surplus Girls by Polly Heron.
I had read the second book in Polly Heron's series of books and was delighted to have been approved to read this book as well.
As with the earlier book that I had read, I thorough enjoyed the book, and discovered new characters.
This book can be read as a standalone and doesn't detract from the story line.
In this story we are introduced to Jess Mason, a working woman who has no intention of falling in love. That is, until she meets Tom Watson. The feeling is mutual and while the reader is frustrated with their constant denial of each other and cold exterior, they eventually do find their way to each other. Yes, the book is a little cheesy, but that's what I loved about it!
I look forward to reading more of Polly Heron's books and finding out about all the weddings that will undoubtedly take place in the future.
This is book threein the series. The characters are very interesting. It was nice to catch up on characters from previous books. A great addition
A misunderstanding means that Jess lands a job as manager for a home for old soldiers. Now she must prove that a woman is up to the job.
Heartwarming and enjoyable wartime story with a difference. Lots of engaging characters and a bit of romance.
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. An irresistible slice of escapism and a joy to read. Compelling, absorbing and highly entertaining. Fast-moving and fun! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A brilliant read and one I really enjoyed. The characters are loveable and varied, the plot is one that is engaging and medium paced. I found myself completely drawn into the story and enjoyed the writing style.
Many thanx to NetGalley, the author and publishers for allowing me to read and review this book.
I had no idea what a "surplus" girl was and had to search for the explanation! Don't think I would have enjoyed that title had I lived at that time but can understand why this phrase was used!
A very enjoyable read showing again how strong and determined females were during war times! She made a decision and, through it all, showed she was as competent as any man!!
Enjoyed this book and hope to read any more in this series, the author has captured the right balance of intrigue, worry and excitement!
I really enjoyed this wartime story which is probably one of my favourite genres. Characters very likeable. A most interesting story.
Another great read from this author I love these books as they are so easy to read and relax into. I do hope there are more to come in this series as I would love to read more . My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
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
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.
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 and I cant wait for the next book
I have loved every Surplus Girls book and New Beginnings is no exception. I was drawn into Jess’s story from the moment she appeared on the page. Her position as a working woman with a responsible job, but absolutely no security of tenure when a man came along, made me really think what pioneers the career girls of the 1920s were. The suffragettes may have won us the vote, but the ability of women to prove themselves at work was just as important, although of course we had to wait another fifty years for the Equal Pay Act and even now do not have true equality in every workplace.
The history behind The Surplus Girls books is expertly and meticulously researched, from the big issues like these to the slang names for particular cakes. Each and every detail sings from the page, which is why you feel you are actually there, sitting on the slightly worn sofas of Wilton Road in a suitably genteel manner, chatting to old friends and new.
This is the book that pulls all the strands of the Hesketh sisters’ stories together into a really satisfying ending. No graduate of their school is forgotten in the final chapters, and Jess’s seemingly impossible dilemma is solved as well. A fabulous read.
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.
Loved this instantly. Couldn’t put it down, as I was keen to know what happened next.
Jenny Crawford lives by the belief that she must obey her husband Roy, living life to his strict rules. Even when this leaves Jenny and his two daughter not knowing where the next meal is coming from. Then fortunes change when Roy gets more work down the docks. Roy takes part as a blackshirt for Oswald Mosley. This gets him contacts in the right organisation to get them a house. Jenny is delighted with her new home in Coronation Close, mainly because it has a garden. She misses her old neighbours Isaac and Ruth , then over time starts to get friendly with new neighbour Thelma who helps bring her out more.
Thelma was definitely my favourite character. I do hope there will be a follow up!
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.
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