I really enjoyed The Girls of Victory Street. That story took us up to the early years of WWII. Well, early in terms of US involvement.
I mentioned in the first review how I liked that the war was more background than central focus in the first book of the series. It was effective and made it possible for the reader to really understand the characters, their perspectives and the choices they made.
That turns out to be important, because in the second book, the war takes more of a personal toll on most of the characters. It ends up being a good thing that we got insight in the first book.
As in “Victory,” Bella takes centerstage. After the events of the first book, she has some baggage that she is dealing with, even as she tries to make a return to singing with The Bryant Sisters.
I liked how the singing group was a touchstone both for the participants in the group and the people they sang for.
That’s been a strong thread through both books: the healing power of music. How even in the darkest of times, songs can see people through to better times.
It’s a thought worth keeping in mind.
But I digress. Back to Bella.
She didn’t have the easiest of times in the first book, and for the most part, that remains the same. She is torn in several directions as she suffers tremendous loss and the hope of a better future in short order.
On top of all of that, WWII is in full force, and bombs are dropping all over Liverpool. But can true love conquer all?
The story is engaging, the characters are likeable, and it’s an easy and entertaining read. Of course, I’m not going to tell you what happens to Bella – you’ll have to read for yourself.
But I’ve become invested in these characters and I look forward to seeing what is in store for them.
Twitter:. @PamHowes1
Author Bio:
Pam is a retired interior designer, mum to three daughters, grandma to seven assorted grandchildren and roadie to her musician partner.
The inspiration for Pam’s first novel came from her teenage years, working in a record store, and hanging around with musicians who frequented the business. The first novel evolved into a series about a fictional band The Raiders. She is a fan of sixties music and it’s this love that compelled her to begin writing.
