After only giving the first book in the series 3 stars I was sceptical about the second book. I'm glad I gave it a go as it was definitely a 5 star read. The first half of the book was detailed and intense about the bombing raids on Bath and the impact on the hospital and it's patients. It was well written and gave the reader a sense of being there. The second half of the book was perhaps not so captivating but in parts was enjoyable all the same (I dislike pregnancy storylines as I feel there are too many of them in wartime fiction books).

This second book had less bickering with Kathy and I hope the third in the series will see them all being friends. I also hope one of the main characters (I don't want to spoil it for others!) get's her wish to transfer elsewhere to continue her nursing as I feel this would be a strong storyline to follow.

The end of the book left lots of avenues open which makes me excited for the next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author for allowing me to read an Arc copy.

This is my first Rachel Brimble book and I loved it. It’s the war time story of three friends who are nurses. They battle their way through the war whilst going through family, friend and love sagas. I liked this so much I have purchased the first book in the series even though it will be going back in time. I really hope there will be more books added to the series. The book was a real page turner and hard to put down, it was heartbreaking, sad, hopeful and happy, a real bag of mixed emotions. The description of the air raids really sounded like I imagine they would be back in the war scary stuff! Only one thing disappointed me ….. news about Dot and what happened about her situation. When the book ended with no further news I was like Noooooooooo! I hope the storyline is picked up in the next book. So good, totally worth 5 big fat stars.

In this second book in the series we get an insight into the insecurities of each of the nurses. Freda is working in the hospital while longing to be elsewhere, either helping Susan with orphans find forever homes or working with the troops overseas to help tell their stories. Sylvia is falling into the depths while trying to deny that she actually has a problem while at the same time longing for the arms of the man she gave up, and Veronica who after pulling through from the attack of Riley is shocked to discover that someone knows her secret! All three work through their issues which only strengthens their self-confidence & worth, even if it does take a patient (Mrs Fisher) to help point Freda in the right direction.

I enjoyed each character as they came across as real people, flaws and all. I was warming to Kathy this time round. My favourite character was Eric Matthew’s, least favourite was Betty Walker.

A great update with the nurses, even as they face the Baedeker Raids in Bath. I can’t wait for the next installment, and I hope it won’t be the last!

Firstly thank you Netgalley for this Arc

Another brilliant book by this author

Nursing, wartime family saga what more can you ask for only more in this series