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Keep the Home Fires Burning #3
A Woman's Courage
The new heartwarming wartime saga in the Home Fires series, perfect for fans of Rosie Clarke and Annie Groves.In the midst of World War II, the members of one village WI fight harder than ever to help the war effort . . .But behind closed doors, each is fighting a more personal battle.Pat Simms is reeling from her own role in her abusive husband's death, and the new freedom before her is daunting. Sarah Collingborne is struggling with the absence of her husband, who is stranded in a POW camp abroad, and trying her best to fill his treasured place in the village.Meanwhile, Teresa Lucas is anxious about her future as a parent, and her friend Alison Scotlock is on the verge of starting a new relationship. And Miriam Brindsley's good luck might be about to change . . .Grieving for men already lost and anxious for those still away fighting, the women of Great Paxford must rely on each other. Amidst the complexities of broken relationships, loss and friendship, this group of very different women must work together to find a way through.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2020
About the author
S. Block
10 books107 followersSimon Block is a Screenwriter, producer and Writer best known for his work on The Physician as a key writer. Block is also known for his work on the Julie Summers inspired ITV series Home Fires as the main writer. Block wrote the first episode of Series 1 of the show alongside Julie Summers who inspired the show with her book, however following the first episode Block became the main writer writing 10 Episodes to date. Block has also worked on popular Television shows such as Hotel Babylon being a recurring writer with his writing credits appearing Series 3 Episode 1, Series 2 Episode 8 and Series 2 Episode 2. During 2015 Block wrote three episode for the TV Series A.D. The Bible Continues writing "The Tomb Is Open", "The Body Is Gone" and "The Spirit Arrives".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
November 24, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed following the lives of these families in the small English town during WWII. During the COVID Pandemic and the political turmoil in the States during 2020, it was a relief every night to escape to another time in history when world problems and unrest loomed even larger than now. I got involved with the story through Seasons 1 to 3 on the TV series. When that was discontinued after Season 3, I was delighted to find that the story continued through a series of novels. It was a delightful read and gave insight into how the war affected the various families of this town during the war.
September 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this series. I loved getting to know the village of Great Paxford and all the characters. It had its fair share of happy and sad moments which is what you'd expect during wartime. The women were so strong and determined and it made me admire them. The book ended with an open ending so it leaves you wondering if there would be another book. I do hope so.
March 29, 2021
I enjoyed this story very much.
I was impressed with how the author brought racism and mental health issues the village and how it was dealt with, it was good to see current issues in a story set nearly 80 years ago, but are still unaddressed.
An good all rounder, looking forward to the next one.
I was impressed with how the author brought racism and mental health issues the village and how it was dealt with, it was good to see current issues in a story set nearly 80 years ago, but are still unaddressed.
An good all rounder, looking forward to the next one.
November 5, 2020
Time has moved on in Great Paxford and the ladies of the WI are facing all new challenges, prejudice, love, friendship, heartache and happiness. Nothing that they can’t tackle after a rousing chorus of Jerusalem.
So great to have the ladies (and Gents) of Great Paxford back but it does seem it’s for the last time which makes me sad.
So great to have the ladies (and Gents) of Great Paxford back but it does seem it’s for the last time which makes me sad.
September 8, 2021
The women of Great Paxford are carrying on in the face of the horrific bombings going on around them. For Pat Simms that means dealing with the feelings of guilt over her husband's death and the failure of their marriage. It also means being brave while fearing for her lover, Marek, who has gone silent. For Teresa Lucas, carrying on means pretending she's excited about being pregnant when she feels wretched; it means pretending she's not terrified her husband Nick will fly up and never come back. Of course it also means being content in a life she wouldn't necessarily have chosen for herself if she had free will. Sarah Collingbourne is trying to find her place in the village without her beloved Adam and feeling a bit jealous she has to share him with the congregation. Can't she just long for his return and savor his letters for herself? The Brindsleys are doing well now David has recovered. He is full of hopes and dreams and his mother hopes baby Vivian will play a role in those future plans too. When tragedy strikes the family again, Miriam alone remains optimistic about their future. Allison Scotlock doesn't know what her future holds but in a perfect world, her future would include John Smith, a Black man from Liverpool she's become very friendly with. How can she seize happiness when she knows what the village gossips will say? Frances and Steph too have carried on and adjusted to their new normals. The only thing that remains the same is the W.I. and the friendships forged there.
This novel concludes the saga of the women of Great Paxford. It's full of heartache and tragedy but is ultimately a beautiful story about the resiliency of women in the face of the unimaginable tragedies of WWII. The story covers some tough topics that are not unique to the 1940s setting. This one in particular deals a lot with mental illness/PTSD, racism/prejudice (mild homophobia), war and the Holocaust. It's a lot to cram into a novel! I was glad it was a book and not a TV show so I could skip ahead and see what happened when a chapter ended on a cliffhanger. I was sorry I did so because this isn't a happy book but it is uplifting, if that makes sense?
I feel like I know these women. After two seasons and three books, they're a part of my life. The fabulous actresses made the women come alive so when I read the book I can picture them and hear their voices in my head. I know them well enough to feel for them and root for them.
I was very worried for Pat at the end of the previous volume. On the surface it seems as if her life must be improved, but she has secrets she can never tell anyone. Pat is feeling guilty about Bob's death and the manner in which he died. If the vicar were around I don't think she'd even tell HIM what she's thinking. No one knew what Bob was really like. Pat's character growth is excellent and I think realistic for a woman like her. Not all of the sentiments expressed by all the characters ring true to the time period for me but Pat seems mostly realistic. I liked watching her grow and blossom. Bob was a complex character. He may be dead but isn't forgotten. We see him through other people's eyes and we learn more about what made Pat want to marry him in the first place. What happened? Did he become depressed and disillusioned and took it out on Pat or was he always a master manipulator? Pat turns out to be incredibly creative in her own right. I really enjoyed her fresh, new ideas for the WI.
My heart goes out to Teresa as well. She loves Nick in her own way. I suspect she's CONTENT in her life with Nick but not truly happy. She can't ever tell him her deep, dark secret. That doesn't sound like a good basis for marriage. She's living a lie and he idealizes Teresa, barely knowing her. It's wartime and they know how precarious life can be so they're making the most of it. Teresa's pregnancy woes confirm my opinion that no amount of money could make me want to go through that. I like that she's not overly excited. She's feeling sick, nervous, worried she won't know how to be a good mother and terrified for Nick. Teresa is living a lie though. Her brief affair with Annie was hot but also filled with love and longing. It was the only time Teresa could be herself. I don't see any easy way forward for her as long as she lives in the village and cares about respectability. The conclusion to her plot pleased me and didn't at the same time. It felt a little forced more than realistic. Annie is well again and back in the village. This time she understands what she did with Teresa was wrong and sees how happy Teresa is in her conformist life and will do everything she can to back up Teresa and help her out.
Sarah (aka the mom of the Bridgertons LOL) is an interesting character. I relate to her feelings about God and Faith and her attempts at keeping a safe distance from her husband's congregation. It was really nice seeing Sarah and Frances stop bickering and bond as sisters dealing with tragedy and confused feelings. While they're both outspoken, it's in different ways. Frances is a leader while Sarah tries to keep out of the way. She's not snooty but she just doesn't believe what everyone else believes. She's grieving for her lost husband, fearing the worst and not wanting her feelings to become public. She doesn't want to share her husband's letters, which she feels are for her alone. Is she selfish? No, I don't think so. It must be hard to share one's significant other when he/she is a public figure and the vicar of a small village is a public figure. I absolutely love Sarah's character development and she comes to an understanding of her own role in village life. Frances is only a minor character but we can see she's still dealing with Peter's betrayal. I don't think she'd contribute to the W.I. sale in the way she does if those items held happy memories. She doesn't expect to ever return to the life she led before and I think that's Ok. She's emerged stronger and now has Noah who needs her as much as she needs him. I think she has come to love the boy for his own sake even if she's still reserved.
Besides Pat, Alison has changed the most. When we met her in Season 1, she was a staid, middle-aged widow, concerned with respectability and perpetually mourning her beloved George. She was quick to pass judgement and sometimes still is but only because she's overly concerned with reputation. Alison is a fearful person. She isn't brave enough to live life on her own terms no matter what. I was heartbroken to learn Boris crossed the Rainbow Bridge after almost 11 years with her. John is a very kind man. He's been through such a horrific time and faces an uphill battle. The problems they face are not new, nor have they gone away, or are confined to Britain. John doesn't deserve to be gossiped about and hated by the ignorant, narrow minded villagers but that's life. He knows where he stands but is sweet enough to shield Alison from the worst. She was lost and alone when John entered her life. They deserve all the happiness they can get. Alison is still quick to be pass judgement and push her friend to follow the same respectable path Alison did. However, now she understands better about love. I don't think she'll ever understand Teresa and the complexities of Teresa's feelings, but Alison manages to grow and change enough to make her likable again.
When David was missing, Miriam Brindsley's optimism and tunnel vision annoyed me. She wasn't being fair to her new baby and wasn't really living in reality. As we know, her faith and optimism won out and were proven correct. I guess a mother always knows. Things are going well for the family now. Bryn is managing the butchering while David is a whiz with customers. David is happier now. He has big dreams for the business and has fallen in love for the first time. David is an idealist like his mother. He has to be or he'll be lost in the darkness of PTSD. He's found love in the most unlikely place- with Jenny Marshall of all people! Jenny has changed since we saw her last. Working at Tabley Woods she's heard some unimaginable stories. She was on the radio the day the spitfire collapsed so I suspect she has her own case of PTSD. That was the FIRST worst day of her life. How awful! Jenny's new job helps her connect better with David and she's become a better person. She truly does love him and the way she shows it is surprising. I never would have guessed she wasn't going to be the villain of the piece.
Joyce has been softened by the war as well but she can still be snobbish and really obtuse. I think she's deliberately obtuse sometimes. She takes awhile to adapt to change even good change. When it counts, she stands by her friends and their loved ones no matter what.
Mrs. Talbot and Mrs. Dawson are the biggest gossips in the village. They're older, conservative and make assumptions without bothering to obtain the facts or getting to know someone. They made Teresa's life difficult and pretty much forced Teresa to conform and marry Nick and now they're making trouble for Pat and Alison. Pat, I can see, because they don't know the whole situation and Mrs. Talbot is making assumptions based purely off her own experiences. I think raised eyebrows are appropriate in this situation but not so much judgement. The situation with John become accused of some heinous crime without merit though, is completely different. John is labeled as "savage" because of the color of his skin. All Black people are tarred with the same brush. It's nothing John hasn't heard before or that Alison didn't quite expect but it's upsetting because the epithet is applied in conjunction with a crime. To their credit, the village police only question him and don't make an arrest solely because he's a newcomer and Black. Mrs. Dawson's story arc is a bit too quick but I think she's echoing the prejudices of her husband who sounds like he's a sad, slovenly drunkard who runs the local tavern. Mrs. Talbot becomes a well-rounded character though. Her story is interesting and just as sad as the other main characters in the WI. However, I can't forgive her for being a nasty, nosy, gossip spreading lies and misinformation.
While the women are the real stars of the story, the men who love them aren't too shabby either. Bryn Brindsley gets a second chance to enjoy fatherhood, bonding with his infant daughter in ways he was too busy and tired to do with his son. He was recovering from the first war back then too. He loves and supports David 110% but I can see Vivian becoming a Daddy's girl and having her big, burly Dad wrapped around her tiny finger. Their lives are too perfect. What shoe is going to drop to ruin their happiness? Bryn isn't as much of an optimist as his wife but he comes to understand and appreciate her outlook on life. Rev. Collingbourne has been to hell and at the moment, has survived. He's showing signs of PTSD in the limited time he appears in the narrative. This is natural but it's also caused a crisis of faith. His words to Sarah are heartbreaking and his thoughts those many of expressed 20 years ago and continually since. I understand where he's coming from. Will he ever be free? Mrs. Talbot's son could use their vicar back. He's returned, severely injured, from the war but his injuries seem to be mental rather than physical. How horrific! I don't know what treatments they had available, if any, for his condition. His story is tragic and probably not that uncommon. I hope Miriam reaches out to Gwen to compare stories and share her hope.
This is the end of the road for the ladies of Great Paxford (I assume?). All loose ends are tied up in a neat package but there's still room to imagine futures for these incredible ladies. I'm glad to have known them and now I need to go watch the show again. I was sorry it was cancelled after only two seasons. Not only was the plot fabulous, the actors among the A-list of dramatic players, the show gave a vehicle to a large cast of women of a certain age and THAT is unusual and unlikely to happen again.
Trigger warnings
A LOT! This story is set during WWII in 1941 so be prepared for
many mentions of war and some of the Holocaust
PTSD/mental health issues
racism including a nasty epithet but not THE epithet that probably would have been used at the time
Other content
Mild peril
mentions of domestic abuse
mentions of making love (unmarried and married couples)
This novel concludes the saga of the women of Great Paxford. It's full of heartache and tragedy but is ultimately a beautiful story about the resiliency of women in the face of the unimaginable tragedies of WWII. The story covers some tough topics that are not unique to the 1940s setting. This one in particular deals a lot with mental illness/PTSD, racism/prejudice (mild homophobia), war and the Holocaust. It's a lot to cram into a novel! I was glad it was a book and not a TV show so I could skip ahead and see what happened when a chapter ended on a cliffhanger. I was sorry I did so because this isn't a happy book but it is uplifting, if that makes sense?
I feel like I know these women. After two seasons and three books, they're a part of my life. The fabulous actresses made the women come alive so when I read the book I can picture them and hear their voices in my head. I know them well enough to feel for them and root for them.
I was very worried for Pat at the end of the previous volume. On the surface it seems as if her life must be improved, but she has secrets she can never tell anyone. Pat is feeling guilty about Bob's death and the manner in which he died. If the vicar were around I don't think she'd even tell HIM what she's thinking. No one knew what Bob was really like. Pat's character growth is excellent and I think realistic for a woman like her. Not all of the sentiments expressed by all the characters ring true to the time period for me but Pat seems mostly realistic. I liked watching her grow and blossom. Bob was a complex character. He may be dead but isn't forgotten. We see him through other people's eyes and we learn more about what made Pat want to marry him in the first place. What happened? Did he become depressed and disillusioned and took it out on Pat or was he always a master manipulator? Pat turns out to be incredibly creative in her own right. I really enjoyed her fresh, new ideas for the WI.
My heart goes out to Teresa as well. She loves Nick in her own way. I suspect she's CONTENT in her life with Nick but not truly happy. She can't ever tell him her deep, dark secret. That doesn't sound like a good basis for marriage. She's living a lie and he idealizes Teresa, barely knowing her. It's wartime and they know how precarious life can be so they're making the most of it. Teresa's pregnancy woes confirm my opinion that no amount of money could make me want to go through that. I like that she's not overly excited. She's feeling sick, nervous, worried she won't know how to be a good mother and terrified for Nick. Teresa is living a lie though. Her brief affair with Annie was hot but also filled with love and longing. It was the only time Teresa could be herself. I don't see any easy way forward for her as long as she lives in the village and cares about respectability. The conclusion to her plot pleased me and didn't at the same time. It felt a little forced more than realistic. Annie is well again and back in the village. This time she understands what she did with Teresa was wrong and sees how happy Teresa is in her conformist life and will do everything she can to back up Teresa and help her out.
Sarah (aka the mom of the Bridgertons LOL) is an interesting character. I relate to her feelings about God and Faith and her attempts at keeping a safe distance from her husband's congregation. It was really nice seeing Sarah and Frances stop bickering and bond as sisters dealing with tragedy and confused feelings. While they're both outspoken, it's in different ways. Frances is a leader while Sarah tries to keep out of the way. She's not snooty but she just doesn't believe what everyone else believes. She's grieving for her lost husband, fearing the worst and not wanting her feelings to become public. She doesn't want to share her husband's letters, which she feels are for her alone. Is she selfish? No, I don't think so. It must be hard to share one's significant other when he/she is a public figure and the vicar of a small village is a public figure. I absolutely love Sarah's character development and she comes to an understanding of her own role in village life. Frances is only a minor character but we can see she's still dealing with Peter's betrayal. I don't think she'd contribute to the W.I. sale in the way she does if those items held happy memories. She doesn't expect to ever return to the life she led before and I think that's Ok. She's emerged stronger and now has Noah who needs her as much as she needs him. I think she has come to love the boy for his own sake even if she's still reserved.
Besides Pat, Alison has changed the most. When we met her in Season 1, she was a staid, middle-aged widow, concerned with respectability and perpetually mourning her beloved George. She was quick to pass judgement and sometimes still is but only because she's overly concerned with reputation. Alison is a fearful person. She isn't brave enough to live life on her own terms no matter what. I was heartbroken to learn Boris crossed the Rainbow Bridge after almost 11 years with her. John is a very kind man. He's been through such a horrific time and faces an uphill battle. The problems they face are not new, nor have they gone away, or are confined to Britain. John doesn't deserve to be gossiped about and hated by the ignorant, narrow minded villagers but that's life. He knows where he stands but is sweet enough to shield Alison from the worst. She was lost and alone when John entered her life. They deserve all the happiness they can get. Alison is still quick to be pass judgement and push her friend to follow the same respectable path Alison did. However, now she understands better about love. I don't think she'll ever understand Teresa and the complexities of Teresa's feelings, but Alison manages to grow and change enough to make her likable again.
When David was missing, Miriam Brindsley's optimism and tunnel vision annoyed me. She wasn't being fair to her new baby and wasn't really living in reality. As we know, her faith and optimism won out and were proven correct. I guess a mother always knows. Things are going well for the family now. Bryn is managing the butchering while David is a whiz with customers. David is happier now. He has big dreams for the business and has fallen in love for the first time. David is an idealist like his mother. He has to be or he'll be lost in the darkness of PTSD. He's found love in the most unlikely place- with Jenny Marshall of all people! Jenny has changed since we saw her last. Working at Tabley Woods she's heard some unimaginable stories. She was on the radio the day the spitfire collapsed so I suspect she has her own case of PTSD. That was the FIRST worst day of her life. How awful! Jenny's new job helps her connect better with David and she's become a better person. She truly does love him and the way she shows it is surprising. I never would have guessed she wasn't going to be the villain of the piece.
Joyce has been softened by the war as well but she can still be snobbish and really obtuse. I think she's deliberately obtuse sometimes. She takes awhile to adapt to change even good change. When it counts, she stands by her friends and their loved ones no matter what.
Mrs. Talbot and Mrs. Dawson are the biggest gossips in the village. They're older, conservative and make assumptions without bothering to obtain the facts or getting to know someone. They made Teresa's life difficult and pretty much forced Teresa to conform and marry Nick and now they're making trouble for Pat and Alison. Pat, I can see, because they don't know the whole situation and Mrs. Talbot is making assumptions based purely off her own experiences. I think raised eyebrows are appropriate in this situation but not so much judgement. The situation with John become accused of some heinous crime without merit though, is completely different. John is labeled as "savage" because of the color of his skin. All Black people are tarred with the same brush. It's nothing John hasn't heard before or that Alison didn't quite expect but it's upsetting because the epithet is applied in conjunction with a crime. To their credit, the village police only question him and don't make an arrest solely because he's a newcomer and Black. Mrs. Dawson's story arc is a bit too quick but I think she's echoing the prejudices of her husband who sounds like he's a sad, slovenly drunkard who runs the local tavern. Mrs. Talbot becomes a well-rounded character though. Her story is interesting and just as sad as the other main characters in the WI. However, I can't forgive her for being a nasty, nosy, gossip spreading lies and misinformation.
While the women are the real stars of the story, the men who love them aren't too shabby either. Bryn Brindsley gets a second chance to enjoy fatherhood, bonding with his infant daughter in ways he was too busy and tired to do with his son. He was recovering from the first war back then too. He loves and supports David 110% but I can see Vivian becoming a Daddy's girl and having her big, burly Dad wrapped around her tiny finger. Their lives are too perfect. What shoe is going to drop to ruin their happiness? Bryn isn't as much of an optimist as his wife but he comes to understand and appreciate her outlook on life. Rev. Collingbourne has been to hell and at the moment, has survived. He's showing signs of PTSD in the limited time he appears in the narrative. This is natural but it's also caused a crisis of faith. His words to Sarah are heartbreaking and his thoughts those many of expressed 20 years ago and continually since. I understand where he's coming from. Will he ever be free? Mrs. Talbot's son could use their vicar back. He's returned, severely injured, from the war but his injuries seem to be mental rather than physical. How horrific! I don't know what treatments they had available, if any, for his condition. His story is tragic and probably not that uncommon. I hope Miriam reaches out to Gwen to compare stories and share her hope.
This is the end of the road for the ladies of Great Paxford (I assume?). All loose ends are tied up in a neat package but there's still room to imagine futures for these incredible ladies. I'm glad to have known them and now I need to go watch the show again. I was sorry it was cancelled after only two seasons. Not only was the plot fabulous, the actors among the A-list of dramatic players, the show gave a vehicle to a large cast of women of a certain age and THAT is unusual and unlikely to happen again.
Trigger warnings
A LOT! This story is set during WWII in 1941 so be prepared for
many mentions of war and some of the Holocaust
PTSD/mental health issues
racism including a nasty epithet but not THE epithet that probably would have been used at the time
Other content
Mild peril
mentions of domestic abuse
mentions of making love (unmarried and married couples)
January 24, 2021
I don't normally eat up novels of this length as fast as I ate this one. But I've been invested in these characters since Season One of the (sadly!) cancelled television show.
Of course, telling a story onscreen is much different than writing a story for the page. I still think Home Fires was considerably stronger as a television production, with a great cast and all, than the ongoing story in the form of novels. I can still tell that the art of novel writing isn't this author's specialty.
The characters aren't as compelling here as the actors originally made them onscreen. The narrator and sometimes the characters too often state the obvious in this book, the switches in point of view are sometimes jarring, and much of the exposition is strikingly redundant. It took quite a while until I felt like the plot as a whole began to move forward—into truly fresh territory.
I was never bored though, as again, I'm invested in what happens to these characters. (Granted, I've long lost all of my respect for Annie and didn't regain it here, but anyway.) The story itself is still interesting, and the read really picked up for me about halfway through.
Now, I see how some other readers feel that some of this story's developments are too easy. And I think toward the end especially, the author rushes to wrap so much of this up with a big, happy bow.
But the war isn't over, and there's room for more trials and joys in Great Paxford. If a following novel is coming, I plan on reading it.
Of course, telling a story onscreen is much different than writing a story for the page. I still think Home Fires was considerably stronger as a television production, with a great cast and all, than the ongoing story in the form of novels. I can still tell that the art of novel writing isn't this author's specialty.
The characters aren't as compelling here as the actors originally made them onscreen. The narrator and sometimes the characters too often state the obvious in this book, the switches in point of view are sometimes jarring, and much of the exposition is strikingly redundant. It took quite a while until I felt like the plot as a whole began to move forward—into truly fresh territory.
I was never bored though, as again, I'm invested in what happens to these characters. (Granted, I've long lost all of my respect for Annie and didn't regain it here, but anyway.) The story itself is still interesting, and the read really picked up for me about halfway through.
Now, I see how some other readers feel that some of this story's developments are too easy. And I think toward the end especially, the author rushes to wrap so much of this up with a big, happy bow.
But the war isn't over, and there's room for more trials and joys in Great Paxford. If a following novel is coming, I plan on reading it.
February 27, 2021
The final chapters from screenwriter and author Simon Block about the fictional lives and activities of the members of the Women's Institute, Great Paxford Chapter, during the early years of World War II in Great Britain.
We first met these women in the two seasons of "Home Fires" on television. When viewers' hearts were broken by the abrupt cancelation of the series, a publisher heard their hue and cry, and the screenwriter-turned-author was able to continue their stories through three books.
I didn't want to finish this book, because I knew it would be the end of the stories about characters I've come to know so well and have grown to care about so much.
A great read. It stands alone, but the reader will get so much more out of the stories, if one can afford the time, cost and effort to view the series and read all three books in sequence.
A testament to the brave men and especially the women, who sacrificed and endured so much, while encouraging and supporting each otheras they "kept calm and carried on."
We first met these women in the two seasons of "Home Fires" on television. When viewers' hearts were broken by the abrupt cancelation of the series, a publisher heard their hue and cry, and the screenwriter-turned-author was able to continue their stories through three books.
I didn't want to finish this book, because I knew it would be the end of the stories about characters I've come to know so well and have grown to care about so much.
A great read. It stands alone, but the reader will get so much more out of the stories, if one can afford the time, cost and effort to view the series and read all three books in sequence.
A testament to the brave men and especially the women, who sacrificed and endured so much, while encouraging and supporting each otheras they "kept calm and carried on."
July 10, 2021
Knowing this book was the last in the series, reading it was bittersweet. I can understand Simon wants to get onto other projects, but these characters have become real to so many.
We were heartbroken when Britain’s ITV cancelled the series, as it was cut above so many other dramas. Well scripted, and well-cast, we glimpsed the lives of our grandparents or parents. Despite being set in a Cheshire village and not a battlefield plenty was going on. We see the likes of Downton Abbey more frequently than stories of ordinary people. That was what made the series and books so fascinating. Daily challenges such as make do and mend, food shortages, worry about loved ones. Daily life, not as we know it, but how it was for millions of Brits.
Most storylines made sense, some happy, some sad. New characters such as the doctor integrating with our old favourites. What rang true for me was the petty jealousies and gossip, as well as the kindness and pulling together. I am sad to say goodbye to these much-loved characters.
We were heartbroken when Britain’s ITV cancelled the series, as it was cut above so many other dramas. Well scripted, and well-cast, we glimpsed the lives of our grandparents or parents. Despite being set in a Cheshire village and not a battlefield plenty was going on. We see the likes of Downton Abbey more frequently than stories of ordinary people. That was what made the series and books so fascinating. Daily challenges such as make do and mend, food shortages, worry about loved ones. Daily life, not as we know it, but how it was for millions of Brits.
Most storylines made sense, some happy, some sad. New characters such as the doctor integrating with our old favourites. What rang true for me was the petty jealousies and gossip, as well as the kindness and pulling together. I am sad to say goodbye to these much-loved characters.
January 14, 2021
Lovely story it was so good to finish the story from tv series x
July 29, 2021
The first book in this series, Keep the Home Fires Burning, is still my favorite of the trilogy, with a Woman's War ending up as somewhat of a disappointment. Thankfully I found A Woman's Courage to be a definite improvement to the former. While I am sad that we never got to see any of this play out on the screen, I have been satisfied with the series overall and glad that we got this continuation in book form, and a proper ending that the characters and fans deserved.
August 11, 2022
An absolutely beautiful series with the television show plus books and the supplementary book Jambusters. So much wisdom about human nature, healing, pain, mental health, social justice issues, family issues and the war. The stories of each of these women were like my family. I’m going to have a book hangover now.
May 31, 2024
A really enjoyed that series. Too bad the show was cancelled 😢
May 3, 2021
Third in series
Another good book in the series. Many situations were wrapped up in this book..I wonder if this is the 3rd and last.
Another good book in the series. Many situations were wrapped up in this book..I wonder if this is the 3rd and last.
February 19, 2021
Loved the story - it tied up loose ends from the previous two books in the series.
It also has a lot of sage advice about living life to the full and enjoying the moment.
It also has a lot of sage advice about living life to the full and enjoying the moment.
April 7, 2022
As mentioned in my previous reviews of this series, you're not coming to it for the writing or the character development. It's assumed you're already familiar with the characters from the cancelled BBC series Home Fires, and most of the characters' further growth is done via telling you exactly what they're thinking. It's not subtle.
However, I'm OK with that, since I'm mostly in it for the plot. I wanted to know what happened to these women whom I enjoyed watching in the television series, and I was able to do so.
Block still overly relies on telling us exactly what the characters are thinking and feeling, rather than showing us. Plus, this time around
Anyhow, I'm glad the books were out there, but I'd only recommend them to die-hard fans of the television series.
*rare language, adult situations
However, I'm OK with that, since I'm mostly in it for the plot. I wanted to know what happened to these women whom I enjoyed watching in the television series, and I was able to do so.
Block still overly relies on telling us exactly what the characters are thinking and feeling, rather than showing us. Plus, this time around
Anyhow, I'm glad the books were out there, but I'd only recommend them to die-hard fans of the television series.
*rare language, adult situations
December 7, 2020
This is book #3 that follows the TV series Home Fires. The women of the Great Paxford chapter of the WI are still struggling as the War rages on in England, leaning on each other and their own strengths to get through these hard times. It was wonderful to reconnect with Frances, Sarah, Alison, Pat, Miriam, Theresa and the village's other residents, in times of blessings as well as tragedy.
April 22, 2021
By far the best yet I couldn't put it down.
I enjoyed the show very much and was very upset when it was cancelled. The first two books were good but were almost like a screen play. This third book is a novel building on the foundation now solidly in place. I had trouble putting the book down and am sad it has ended. I can't wait for book four!
I enjoyed the show very much and was very upset when it was cancelled. The first two books were good but were almost like a screen play. This third book is a novel building on the foundation now solidly in place. I had trouble putting the book down and am sad it has ended. I can't wait for book four!
November 25, 2020
Lovely Series
I've enjoyed every story in this series as well as the televised episodes. I really wish the TV series had continued. Be lovely to have more written stories as well..Thank you for another lovely read.
I've enjoyed every story in this series as well as the televised episodes. I really wish the TV series had continued. Be lovely to have more written stories as well..Thank you for another lovely read.
December 14, 2020
Great end to the Keep the Hime Fires Burning TV Series and follow on books.
March 9, 2021
The continuing story of Home Fires
Thank you for continuing the stories and characters from the PBS show. I really enjoy the them. Please keep them come.
Thank you for continuing the stories and characters from the PBS show. I really enjoy the them. Please keep them come.
February 16, 2021
A book which continues the story of the television series “Keep the Home Fires Burning” this third book in the series provides some sort of resolution for some of the characters who populate the village of Great Paxford. A story of the members of the village Women’s Institute, the people here vividly continue their lives in the shadow of the Second World War which is changing so much. The creator of the series has now settled to developing the parallel and overlapping stories of the various women of the village to great effect. Although this book picks up where the second one left off, it is a fascinating book in its own right, setting out a well written story of the challenges of the time. Gossip, scandal and challenges abound, but also loyalty, romance and hope. It is a very logically constructed book, managing to keep the detailed stories of each family going, overlapping the character’s progress where relevant. It is a compelling read, and it is easy to get involved in characters that are diverse and interesting, living in a small community.
The book opens in June 1941 with Pat in church, struggling to come to terms with recent events which have changed her life. Nervous of appearances, she is aware of the pressure of those who know about her difficult relationship with her husband Bob, and also those who see him as a successful writer and her good fortune to be married to him. In contrast, when Sarah is in church a few days later she feels compelled to read her husband Adam’s letter to the congregation, realizing that everyone is concerned about his absence, missing the village vicar. Frances is continuing to try and think of projects that will make a difference to the village that can be undertaken by the W.I. Members, and meeting raises the problem of clothes being rationed in the near future. Thus a “Fashion on the Ration” scheme is proposed, not another jumble sale but an opportunity to sort through good quality clothes that may be of use to others. In the same way, a sewing group is established to teach and enable people to repair and repurpose clothes. The butcher’s shop, now greatly benefitting from David’s return, is so popular that the family propose to take on the shop next door, but expansion is not without its costs and challenges. Alison is tentative about her new friendship with John, whose appearance in the area has sparked off prejudice in a most unpleasant way. Teresa is struggling to cope with her new situation, and the future seems complicated.
This is a book that effectively reflects how people coped with wartime challenges, both in discovering new strengths and relationships, while being aware of the changes that the war is bringing. Each character is well established in this novel, and the research into the times, clothes, food and other elements is solid and reliable, but never gets in the way of the narrative. This is a book which balances its storylines very well, managing to maintain each character’s particular story well, and there is much to enjoy in this vivid novel, which kept me entertained with its compelling pace. Now a paperback after its ebook release, I recommend it as the successful third book in a well written series.
The book opens in June 1941 with Pat in church, struggling to come to terms with recent events which have changed her life. Nervous of appearances, she is aware of the pressure of those who know about her difficult relationship with her husband Bob, and also those who see him as a successful writer and her good fortune to be married to him. In contrast, when Sarah is in church a few days later she feels compelled to read her husband Adam’s letter to the congregation, realizing that everyone is concerned about his absence, missing the village vicar. Frances is continuing to try and think of projects that will make a difference to the village that can be undertaken by the W.I. Members, and meeting raises the problem of clothes being rationed in the near future. Thus a “Fashion on the Ration” scheme is proposed, not another jumble sale but an opportunity to sort through good quality clothes that may be of use to others. In the same way, a sewing group is established to teach and enable people to repair and repurpose clothes. The butcher’s shop, now greatly benefitting from David’s return, is so popular that the family propose to take on the shop next door, but expansion is not without its costs and challenges. Alison is tentative about her new friendship with John, whose appearance in the area has sparked off prejudice in a most unpleasant way. Teresa is struggling to cope with her new situation, and the future seems complicated.
This is a book that effectively reflects how people coped with wartime challenges, both in discovering new strengths and relationships, while being aware of the changes that the war is bringing. Each character is well established in this novel, and the research into the times, clothes, food and other elements is solid and reliable, but never gets in the way of the narrative. This is a book which balances its storylines very well, managing to maintain each character’s particular story well, and there is much to enjoy in this vivid novel, which kept me entertained with its compelling pace. Now a paperback after its ebook release, I recommend it as the successful third book in a well written series.
July 16, 2023
Firstly, as I bought the Home Fires series for my Kindle I am greatly confused by the different titles so this link may be the wrong place to write a review. This review is for the complete series of books that follows the characters from the tv programme and I think I have read them all as the ends have been tied up for all the plots.
Next I want to thank S. Block for writing these novels as it was a disgrace that the tv shows were cancelled due to being true to life of a period in time. I won't go on about how the characters reflected life during WW2, but th0ey are not supposed to have modern attitudes but reflect the time in which they were written.
I must add that I do think that although much research has been done into life during WW2, I think the author should have realised that petrol was severely rationed and it is unlikely that cars would have been in evidence as much as the books portray, and likewise they seemed to eat much better than my mother would indicate from her memories of life during the war when real meat was not only rationed but the likelihood of getting stewing steak from the local butcher would have been rare and their ration is likely to have been something like an oxtail, some offal or pigs trotters! If it came from an animal it was meat and they would have used it. The other big error was telephones. Yes, the doctor possibly had a phone at home, but the rest of those living in the village most definitely not. A phone in the home was rare until 50s, and most phone calls would have been made at the local phone box. In fact people would wait outside the phone box waiting for it to ring if they were expecting a phone call.
All those things aside, I really did enjoy reading the books. They were quick and easy reading and although the subject matter was difficult since wartime is difficult, the struggles were dealt with in a readable fashion. I think some of the attitudes over modern issues, being gay, inter-racial marriage, infidelity, etc. were ahead of their time in acceptability by the characters or at least some of them, it didn't detract too much from the enjoyment of the book. If the books had been written in the time period, those issues would probably have not been included although they most likely would have occurred.
So lastly, if you were someone who watched the tv programme and were disappointed at how it was cancelled then do read the books. The same characters appear and although the WI seems to appear as an occasional character rather than a main theme, the people appear real and interesting.
Next I want to thank S. Block for writing these novels as it was a disgrace that the tv shows were cancelled due to being true to life of a period in time. I won't go on about how the characters reflected life during WW2, but th0ey are not supposed to have modern attitudes but reflect the time in which they were written.
I must add that I do think that although much research has been done into life during WW2, I think the author should have realised that petrol was severely rationed and it is unlikely that cars would have been in evidence as much as the books portray, and likewise they seemed to eat much better than my mother would indicate from her memories of life during the war when real meat was not only rationed but the likelihood of getting stewing steak from the local butcher would have been rare and their ration is likely to have been something like an oxtail, some offal or pigs trotters! If it came from an animal it was meat and they would have used it. The other big error was telephones. Yes, the doctor possibly had a phone at home, but the rest of those living in the village most definitely not. A phone in the home was rare until 50s, and most phone calls would have been made at the local phone box. In fact people would wait outside the phone box waiting for it to ring if they were expecting a phone call.
All those things aside, I really did enjoy reading the books. They were quick and easy reading and although the subject matter was difficult since wartime is difficult, the struggles were dealt with in a readable fashion. I think some of the attitudes over modern issues, being gay, inter-racial marriage, infidelity, etc. were ahead of their time in acceptability by the characters or at least some of them, it didn't detract too much from the enjoyment of the book. If the books had been written in the time period, those issues would probably have not been included although they most likely would have occurred.
So lastly, if you were someone who watched the tv programme and were disappointed at how it was cancelled then do read the books. The same characters appear and although the WI seems to appear as an occasional character rather than a main theme, the people appear real and interesting.
May 3, 2021
“A Woman’s Courage” by S. Block ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“A Woman’s Courage” is the 3rd installment of the novelization of the ITV series “Home Fires” and continues the story of the Women’s Institute in Great Paxford, England, outside Liverpool. The novel spans the Summer of 1941 to February 1942.
At the beginning of this novel, I was very concerned. I felt it was too optimistic and me and my dark brain was just waiting for the other shoe to drop, and boy did it. Once things finally kicked off, you really started to get the feel that these characters live in a very small village. Stiff opinions and gossip run the first half of this novel which quickly turns into serious discussions of race, mental health and the faltering of faith.
The discussions of race, mental health and questions about God are, unfortunately, really only on the surface. I would have much preferred a deeper discussion that furthered the development of the male characters, which are the main characters who deal with these issues. I really appreciated the change of POV to the men of this town, but, since the story’s focus is the women and their relationships, surface level was all that could be given.
By the end, I was in tears and trying to cope with the heartbreaking events that happened and I hope that Block is able to continue these stories.
By all accounts, I’ll forever love these books. They are heart-warm and filled with the bonds that women’s have with one another; that is always at the heart of these novels. 💕
“A Woman’s Courage” is the 3rd installment of the novelization of the ITV series “Home Fires” and continues the story of the Women’s Institute in Great Paxford, England, outside Liverpool. The novel spans the Summer of 1941 to February 1942.
At the beginning of this novel, I was very concerned. I felt it was too optimistic and me and my dark brain was just waiting for the other shoe to drop, and boy did it. Once things finally kicked off, you really started to get the feel that these characters live in a very small village. Stiff opinions and gossip run the first half of this novel which quickly turns into serious discussions of race, mental health and the faltering of faith.
The discussions of race, mental health and questions about God are, unfortunately, really only on the surface. I would have much preferred a deeper discussion that furthered the development of the male characters, which are the main characters who deal with these issues. I really appreciated the change of POV to the men of this town, but, since the story’s focus is the women and their relationships, surface level was all that could be given.
By the end, I was in tears and trying to cope with the heartbreaking events that happened and I hope that Block is able to continue these stories.
By all accounts, I’ll forever love these books. They are heart-warm and filled with the bonds that women’s have with one another; that is always at the heart of these novels. 💕
March 18, 2021
Those who watched the ITV drama, Home Fires, will recognise the setting for this historical saga which follows the fortunes of a group of women who are left to keep the home fires burning in the village of Great Paxford, in Cheshire, during WW2. This is the third book in the series which picks up directly after book two, so if you haven't watched the TV series, or read any of the books, then it would be sensible to start at the beginning.
Great Paxford is still reeling from the effects of the war but the villagers themselves are facing their own personal tragedies which the author describes in such an interesting way that you can't help but be moved emotionally by their individual stories of loss and heartbreak. The spirit of togetherness is very much in evidence and the author does a great job of keeping the wartime theme of make do and mend very much alive.
A Woman's Courage is a lovely historical saga, and having watched, and enjoyed, the TV series I had the characters firmly fixed in my mind. This continuation has been rather like meeting up with old friends, and acquaintances, some of whom you like more than others, but all of them add an interesting dimension to the story. I was rather disappointed when ITV failed to commission a further series back in 2015, but am heartened that the story continues and is written so well by the scriptwriter in these heartwarming historical sagas.
Great Paxford is still reeling from the effects of the war but the villagers themselves are facing their own personal tragedies which the author describes in such an interesting way that you can't help but be moved emotionally by their individual stories of loss and heartbreak. The spirit of togetherness is very much in evidence and the author does a great job of keeping the wartime theme of make do and mend very much alive.
A Woman's Courage is a lovely historical saga, and having watched, and enjoyed, the TV series I had the characters firmly fixed in my mind. This continuation has been rather like meeting up with old friends, and acquaintances, some of whom you like more than others, but all of them add an interesting dimension to the story. I was rather disappointed when ITV failed to commission a further series back in 2015, but am heartened that the story continues and is written so well by the scriptwriter in these heartwarming historical sagas.
March 20, 2021
Praying for another book!
I watched the tv show and read ALL the books loving each and every one of them. The ending of this one leads me to believe that there’s more coming, it can’t end here! Watching the show first allowed me to put a face with every character in the books and that made it so worth reading. Thank you S. Block for continuing the story, please keep them coming. I tried to go to your page to see if there was any word on another book coming, but sadly there’s no way to contact you. These books are exceptional and I’m so involved with every single character. I own the DVD’s right up to where you continued with the books. Please let us know if another book will be coming.
I watched the tv show and read ALL the books loving each and every one of them. The ending of this one leads me to believe that there’s more coming, it can’t end here! Watching the show first allowed me to put a face with every character in the books and that made it so worth reading. Thank you S. Block for continuing the story, please keep them coming. I tried to go to your page to see if there was any word on another book coming, but sadly there’s no way to contact you. These books are exceptional and I’m so involved with every single character. I own the DVD’s right up to where you continued with the books. Please let us know if another book will be coming.
December 21, 2021
I loved the TV series “Keep the Home Fires Burning” and was so disppointed when it ended so was delighted when I found the series was continuing in book format. This is the third book in the series.
I really enjoyed catching up with the members of the village Women’s Institute. I love the community of Great Paxford and the cast of characters are well rounded and interesting. I enjoyed the insight of the characters lives and challenges posed during the Second World War.
I enjoyed this book as part of the series and would recommend all three books but it could be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel even if you didn't watch the TV series.
Highly recommended, I hope there will be more books to come
I really enjoyed catching up with the members of the village Women’s Institute. I love the community of Great Paxford and the cast of characters are well rounded and interesting. I enjoyed the insight of the characters lives and challenges posed during the Second World War.
I enjoyed this book as part of the series and would recommend all three books but it could be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel even if you didn't watch the TV series.
Highly recommended, I hope there will be more books to come
June 5, 2023
heartache and love
This whole series depicts the hardships, hopes, despair, surprises and love during World War II. I cried, especially while reading this story. I cried happy tears and I cried sad tears for all the people who were killed or injured. I could picture each of the main characters, so when one of them was injured or killed, I felt sad, especially for the ones left behind. These stories portrayed how strong the women had to be in order to keep putting one foot in front of the other to keep going. I highly recommend this series.
This whole series depicts the hardships, hopes, despair, surprises and love during World War II. I cried, especially while reading this story. I cried happy tears and I cried sad tears for all the people who were killed or injured. I could picture each of the main characters, so when one of them was injured or killed, I felt sad, especially for the ones left behind. These stories portrayed how strong the women had to be in order to keep putting one foot in front of the other to keep going. I highly recommend this series.
February 21, 2022
I was so intrigued by the television series Home Fires that ended precipitously at the end of a cliffhanger in season two that I was delighted to find that Simon Block had created several books in order to continue the story. But I think this is my last one (it may be the last one in the series anyway). The characters just take too long to bemoan the past. I kept wishing they stop being so maudlin. Overall a nice story, but it could have been so much more.
March 25, 2022
This review covers the last two books in this series. Having watched the Home Fires series on tv (2 seasons) and being left in the cold when they cancelled the series after a dramatic event, I was pleased to see there were two books written to allow fans to find out what happened to all the characters we’d gotten attached to. I was pleasantly surprised by the storytelling in these novels, the characters remained true to the personas I’d come to know on tv. The story moved along briskly yet believably and I found the books calming and enjoyable. I’ll miss all those people and their little English village, and hope perhaps they’ll film another season or two based on these two books.
June 15, 2022
This is book #3 and the final book in the "Keep the Home Fires Burning" series. There are more or less conclusions to the women's struggles, issues, and love lives.
The novel was difficult to find as I wanted a Kindle addition. I went to Amazon Kindle but received the message that the book was not available in the Kindle edition. It is available as an audio book so I downloaded the Audible version. The reader did an excellent job using her voice to distinguish between the different characters.
The novel was difficult to find as I wanted a Kindle addition. I went to Amazon Kindle but received the message that the book was not available in the Kindle edition. It is available as an audio book so I downloaded the Audible version. The reader did an excellent job using her voice to distinguish between the different characters.
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