Today I have a review of Beantown Girls, now available from Amazon Pub/Lake Union! Special thanks to Jane Healey and Get Red PR for the invitation to read and review!
My Thoughts:
The Beantown Girls is a doozy of a warm-hearted histfic read!
Fiona Denning is a planner. She knows who she’ll marry, when, what she’ll do until then. But, in truth, her future is up in the air. It’s 1944, and the war is in full effect. The worst news comes when she finds out her fiancé has been shot down in Germany, and he’s MIA.
Fiona is also a do-er, and rather than standby in Boston, she volunteers to be a Red Cross Clubmobile girl overseas. She doesn’t go alone and is able to bring two of her best friends, Dottie and Viviana, along.
As one might expect, working on the front in this way is not easy. With it comes danger and the challenges of war right in your face. But at the same time, these three women find new friends, new love, and perhaps new dreams in the making.
Now I know why so many of my friends are enthused about this book. At its heart, it’s the most beautiful story of female friendship. The writing is lush, and I fell for this trio of women. They are fun and engaging, warm, and most of all, real. I soaked up all I learned about the Clubmobile, impressed with its role and the impact of these women.
Be prepared to have your tissues, but also be ready for a warm heart and some laughs, too. The overall tone of The Beantown Girls is uplifting and inspiring, and I’m so grateful for the time I spent lost in the pages of this stunning book.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
A novel of love, courage, and danger unfolds as World War II’s brightest heroines—the best of friends—take on the front lines.
1944: Fiona Denning has her entire future planned out. She’ll work in city hall, marry her fiancé when he returns from the war, and settle down in the Boston suburbs. But when her fiancé is reported missing after being shot down in Germany, Fiona’s long-held plans are shattered.
Determined to learn her fiancé’s fate, Fiona leaves Boston to volunteer overseas as a Red Cross Clubmobile girl, recruiting her two best friends to come along. There’s the outspoken Viviana, who is more than happy to quit her secretarial job for a taste of adventure. Then there’s Dottie, a shy music teacher whose melodious talents are sure to bring heart and hope to the boys on the front lines.
Chosen for their inner strength and outer charm, the trio isn’t prepared for the daunting challenges of war. But through it all come new friendships and romances, unforeseen dangers, and unexpected dreams. As the three friends begin to understand the real reasons they all came to the front, their courage and camaraderie will see them through some of the best and worst times of their lives.
Have you read The Beantown Girls, or is it on your TBR? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
This sounds like a terrific Read! Alternative in many ways, just like I love ‘em!
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It was a lovely and charming read, Sassy!
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This sounds excellent, Jen! I do love emotion in my books. Adding this one for sure. Love your pic and review! 😍 Happy Friday.
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Thank you, favorite M. ♥️ I don’t think you’ll regret adding it one bit. Such a beautiful book about friendship! Happy Friday and happy weekend!
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Omg look at that kitty cat. Aww… Sorry my eyes were stuck to the pic. Now I will go to read your review 😍😂
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Those are my two little littermate kittens! Harper and Dickens! ♥️
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Aww how sweet, friendship at the core of the story with laughter and tears. Fab review Jennifer ❤️
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Thanks, Shalini! I love love loved this book! ♥️
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Oh, I love your review, Jennifer💕 I didn’t want to be drawn into another historical fiction right now but…
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Thanks, Jonetta! If it makes you feel any better, this one is a stand out of those I’ve read the last couple weeks. It just really surprised me! And it’s heavier on the relationships than the history, though the history is well-done.
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Ohhhh I have this on my Kindle unlimited audio list! Now I’m definitely looking forward to it!! Nice review 😀
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Thanks, Anjana! I have a feeling you’ll love this, and I look forward to your review of it! ♥️
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You must have read my mind. I just picked this one up from the library yesterday. I already have my tissue box ready. Lovely review, once again, Jennifer!
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Thanks, Marialyce. I hope this one resonates with you, too. I found it so lovely!
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Reading this one very soon!! Can’t wait 🙂
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I can’t wait for your thoughts, Tina! Enjoy!
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Hallo, Hallo,… visiting via the s/o Ms Bruno gave us today.
I started listening to the audiobook version of this via Scribd yesterday; it was a recommendation from the chat #HistFicChat – where everyone who writes and reads #HistFic comes to chat on Thursdays @ 3p EST – hosted by Vivian Conroy (in the UK) who writes Cosy Historical Mysteries. I was chatting with Soraya Lane about her new novel The Spitfire Girls but when this one was mentioned, I thought hmm… after the chat I gave it a go and the premise is what held my eye.
I’ll be listening to this one in full at some point this month or next; as I personally adore reading and listening to Historical stories. They’re my jam and my proper addiction! lol
I love strong female friendships in HistFic; one reason I’m enjoying watching SI of Home Fires right now is due to the strength of the women in the series.
Sounds wicked lovely and your kittens are adorable!
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Aw, thank you, Jorie, for the lovely, thoughtful comments! I will try to check that chat out this summer when I have more time. That’s something to look forward to! And how fun you’ve already given this a little listen. I hope you love it, too. Hist fic is my true favorite too. I’m always on the hunt for my next favorite. Thank you again for stopping by. Happy Amy could bring us together through hist fic.
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This one sounds really good!
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It was such a warmhearted story, Denise! I loved it!
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Your review is absolutely marvelous. I have this one downloaded and hope to get it read soon! Have a beautiful weekend!
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Thank you, Mackey! I hope it’s as special of a read for you as it was for me. I just loved these women! Happy weekend to you, too!
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This is high on my TBR! I’m greatly encouraged by your review! 😍
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I have a good feeling about you and this one, Carol! It’s such a wonderful story of friendship! ♥️
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I’m eager to read it! I love the themes! 👍
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Oh I’ve been thinking about this book and whether or not I would like it and after your review I’m sure I would, I love books about strong female friendships fantastic review!🌹
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Thanks, Berit! I think you’d enjoy this, too. It’s such a sweet, special book! ♥️
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This sounds like such a warm, lovely read. I’m glad you enjoyed it so much. 🙂
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Thank you, Hayley. It really warmed my heart! ♥️
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Wonderful review and picture, Jennifer! I love seeing the precious kittens. Cannot wait to read this one about WW II. Thanks, Jennifer and happy weekend. 💕📚😊🌼🌸🌹😻
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Thanks so much, Virginia! I think you will LOVE this book! I hope you have a wonderful weekend, too! Xoxo
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A book on female friendship, WWII, featuring Bostonians? Sign me up! 💜
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YES! I was hoping you would see this one, LP! It’s up your alley!
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Happy Friday Jen! Awesome review! I really want to read this one! Your kitty is too cute!💙🐈
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Thank you, Sus! I hope you had an amazing weekend with some great reads! At least yesterday we had nice weather?! ♥️
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A great review, Jennifer! I hope to read it very soon! ❤
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Thanks, Dee! I hope you love it too!
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This book sounds so good!!
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Thanks, Ashley! It was a heartwarming read!
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It wasn’t on my TBR, but after reading your review it is NOW.
And those kitties. Oh MY! I’m so jealous – what little beauties.
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Thanks, Lynne! I love them so! We had a heartbreaking year with kitty losses in 2018, and these two and the adult cat we adopted are bringing us so much joy. ♥️ I hope you love this read! It’s special!
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I’m so glad I can get this on my Kindle, it definitely sounds like one I’d enjoy! Historical fiction is still one of my favorite!
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I loved this, Shell! It really surprised me. I hope you find it memorable, too, and yes, I absolutely love hist fic too!
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Lovely review, Jennifer. Everything seems to have worked out wonderfully for this one. I especially like the sound of the friendships.
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Thanks, Diana! It really did all come together beautifully. The friendships were the best!
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Lovely review Jennifer. I have read a lot of great reviews for this book and I hope to read it soon. I am reading this review the day after International Women’s Day, so this sounds like it would be a fitting tribute as well.
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Thanks, Carla. This absolutely would have been the perfect tribute for International Women’s Day!
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