What a delight! I had no idea what to expect from this title but I was engaged from start to finish and feel that Helen Simonsen has captured the essence of the era and people really well.

Set at the end of the First World War, the book, in addition to being a charming adventure, explores a number of themes including class, sexism, disability and female empowerment. It was a time of significant social change and this is very successfully highlighted by Poppy and Carol, two central characters from different backgrounds. I loved the way boundaries were stretched and broken…women wearing trouser, flying, motorcycling. How audacious! But the world didn’t implode and the social attitudes of the time are well depicted, I was reminded at times of E F Benson’s exploration of class in the Mapp and Lucia chronicles. The Hazelbourne ladies have similar charm, humour and prescience and I really enjoyed this title.

I have never come across Helen Simonson’s works before. After I finished The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club, I saw that her debut novel, Major Pettigrew's Last Stand was published in twenty one countries… so I can’t understand how I’ve never read her until now! The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club is set in the summer after World War I and follows the story of Constance, initially portrayed as a young woman without prospects, who befriends Poppy, who runs a ladies' motorcycle club.
The novel explores the challenges faced by women in the post-war era, including issues of class, sex and race and addresses the ambitions, frustrations, and tragedies of both the women and the men emerging from the Great War.
It’s an absolute must for lovers of historical fiction especially if you enjoy reading about resilient and independent women - because Constance and Poppy are the epitome of female empowerment.

This book was brilliant!
Totally recommend it.

Following WW1 all the women who had stepped into male roles during the war were expected to return to their drawing rooms and find a husband.

We meet a rag tag group of women who aren’t prepared to do that.
Constance is experiencing a change of circumstances and must become independent. As she tries to find a place for herself in the world of work, she befriends Poppy and her team of motorcycle delivery drivers.

On one level a fun romp of a book, but covering many issues of the age.
Well worth a read!

Thank you to NetGalley and author and publisher for a copy to review.

This book is an absolute gem and a pleasure to read it's engaging, spirited and a book I wish could keep going, despite the fact world war one has just happened I genuinely wanted to drop myself into this landscape.
It remined me of visits to my grandparents and the summers spent in a similar way of life absolutely adorable

This is an amazing book! I enjoyed every second of it.
I'm so grateful I didn't have to live then. The injustices made me gnash my teeth!
It's all in there: snobbery, racism, sexism, xenophobia -- and yet, there is hope, and a bit of romance, and light.

It is a bit like a mix of Jane Austen Novels and Downton Abbey. The writing is fluid, and light.

It is a wonderful book which I recommend to everybody!

Many thanks to #BloomsburyPublishing and #netgalley for me review copy!