We'll Meet Again (The Bluebird Girls #2) by Rosie Archer
Genre: Historical fiction
Read: 13th September 2019
Purchase: Amazon
(release date: 5th September 2019)
★★★ 3.5 stars
WE'LL MEET AGAIN is the second in a series by Rosie Archer featuring the Bluebird Girls. I went straight into this book without having read the first, which one could do so easily.
It's 1941 in the small town of Gosport, not far from Portsmouth, and the Bluebirds - Rainey, Ivy and Bea - are beginning to make a name for themselves. From their humble beginnings in the choir to the stages of clubs and hotels, the girls are bringing happiness to those that hear their beautiful harmonies in song.
It's still early days for the trio and as they are just 18 and still underage Rainey's mum, Jo, travelled with them as the girls' chaperone. Blackie is their manager, driver and piano player who also handled their money and bookings. As it stood, whatever money the girls made went to paying back Madame Walker for their costumes and other outlays. But Blackie had faith in the girls and it wouldn't be long before they started to make money.
After their performance in Portsmouth, and the raid that darkened the city soon after, the Bluebirds were in demand. Blackie was taking bookings for them in Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon and even The Savoy in London. The girls found themselves having to relinquish their jobs at the munitions factory to be able to keep up with the busy schedule of travelling and performing and as their chaperone, Jo had to give up her daytime job also.
Aside from the Bluebirds, there are other underlying stories woven throughout the pages. Bea's brother Eddie has started walking out with young Sunshine - who was named for the sunny day she was found abandoned on a bench as a baby - much to Ivy's disappointment. Ivy has always held a torch for Eddie but felt the age gap was the only thing between them. But when Eddie begins to notice that Ivy is no longer the little girl he saw her as, he finds himself torn between the two women.
But the decision may have already been made for him when Sunshine's head is turned by a young German prisoner of war, someone she is forbidden to fraternise with. But Sunshine cannot keep away from Max, and soon finds herself in a predicament she would never thought possible. But Max's intentions where Sunshine is concerned are not admirable. He has but one goal in mind - to escape St Vincents prison camp and make his back to the Fatherland. But for that he needs help...and that's where Sunshine comes in. But poor Sunshine has fallen head over heels for Max. It could only end in tears.
Then we have Rainey's mum, Jo. She had escaped her violent husband with her daughter some years ago and has begun to find confidence in herself once again...with the help of friend Syd Kennedy. Syd has been a good friend to Jo but it's obvious he is vying for more, taking her to the pictures on more than one occasion. Blackie finds himself jealous at the prospect of another man competing for Jo's attention. But Blackie can't bring himself to tell Jo how he feels...for fear of being rejected. Plus it would make for awkward travelling with the Bluebirds as she was their chaperone and he was the manager-and-thensome. Will Blackie find the courage to speak up?
Against the backdrop of wartime, WE'LL MEET AGAIN is a heartwarming tale of love and friendship and the best intentions amidst the tragedies of war. There is intrigue, drama, love and loss as well as the beautiful melodic voices of the Bluebird Girls. I have to admit, I heard The Andrews Sisters in my head as the girls sang...as their style would be similar being of the same era.
I feel I must mention a few niggles I had whilst reading. The constant references made to things that happened previously over and over was unnecessary. They only needed to be mentioned once in backstory description, not again and again. One example that sticks in my mine is "the sailor behind the Fox" which was referenced more than a couple of times in description. I also had the feeling the girls' lives were too perfect, despite their slow rise to fame. Any drama that occurred happened to other people and not them. It was all a bit chocolate-boxy...but still enjoyable. There were a few others, but I don't want to mention them due to spoilers. Let's just say, there are a few loose ends I felt should have been tied up but were left dangling. I hope they are addressed in the next book and that truth will out.
That isn't to say I didn't enjoy the book. I did. WE'LL MEET AGAIN is a lovely tale of the trio's gradual rise to stardom and those that surround them. I love stories set against the backdrop of wartime Britain - their loves, their losses, their happy times and their tragedies.
WE'LL MEET AGAIN is what I call a comfort read. It is delightful with an easy pace that flows effortlessly. I look forward to the next installment where I hope some of the loose ends are tied up a little neater.
I do recommend beginning with the first book "The Bluebird Girls" although WE'LL MEET AGAIN can be read on its own also, as I have done. But I will follow up with the next book "The Force's Sweethearts" in the hope the story develops more.
I would like to thank #RosieArcher, #NetGalley and #Quercus for an ARC of #We'llMeetAgain in exchange for an honest review.
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