Written by Alrene Hughes
WW2 Manchester: Newlyweds Helen and Jim Harrison have big plans – to leave the family shop where Helen works and set up home together.
But when Jim is tragically killed in an air raid, Helen is heartbroken, her life in ruins.
Battling grief and despair, Helen resolves to escape her domineering mother and rebuild her shattered world. Wartime Manchester is a dangerous place, besieged by crime and poverty.
So when Helen joins the Women’s Auxiliary Police Corps, working with evacuees, the destitute and the vulnerable, she finds a renewed sense of purpose. She’s come a long way from her place behind the counter in the corner shop.
But there’s still something missing in her heart. Is Helen able to accept love and happiness and find the courage to change her life?
Excellent Wartime Saga! 
This is my second book by Alrene Hughes, and it’s a great read!
Helen, newly wed, is looking forward to moving from her under her mother’s thumb to her first marital home. However, Jim’s sudden death changes everything. In her grief, Helen finally finds the courage to stand up to her domineering mother and stand on her own two feet. Helen finds temporary work but as time goes on, she wants more satisfaction from her job and decides to join the Women’s Auxiliary Police Force where she can help others. What does the future hold for the young widow?
This is a well-written tale of life in Manchester during WWII. The hard life endured, especially by women and children, is all between the pages and the pioneering spirit shines through. With a great variety of characters and some skilful writing, it’s a very easy read and packed with detail. Several interweaving stories all twist together beautifully to make a very endearing read with, along with g
rief and sadness, a bit of mystery and a bit of romance. By the final page, all the loose ends are neatly tied off – my much preferred ending! An excellent wartime saga and well worth reading. For me, this is a five star novel.
My thanks to publisher Head of Zeus for my copy via NetGalley, and to Victoria Joss for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour. All stated opinions are entirely my own.
Tags: historical, women’s fiction
- Format: ebook, paperback, hardcover
- Size: 448 pages
- Publisher: Head of Zeus
- Publication Date: 11 July 2019
- Purchase Links: Google Play
- Barnes & Noble
- Kobo
- W. H. Smith
- Waterstones
Meet the Author
Alrene Hughes grew up in Belfast and has lived in Manchester for most of her adult life. She worked for British Telecom and the BBC before training as an English teacher. After teaching for twenty years, she retired and now writes full-time.
Social Media
Twitter: @alrenehughes
Facebook: @alrenehughes
Follow Head of Zeus
Website: www.headofzeus.com
Facebook: @headofzeus
Twitter: @HoZ_Books
Instagram: @headofzeus
Grace J Reviewerlady 