*A Christmas Wish For The Land Girls by Jenny Holmes contains affiliate links

The Blurb

Winter, 1943. Brenda and Joyce are just two of the firls who have joined the Women’s Land Army and are doing their bit for the war effort. But after months working on farms in the Yorkshire Dales, they’re looking for a fresh challenge. However, moving to billets high up in the remote fells means fewer creature comforts and new hardships. Brenda and Joyce are about to discover that they will need more than a stiff upper lip to get through the winter months and the drama they simply can’t escape.

Despite the bitter cold, their fear for those away fighting and concern for family and friends, there is warmth to be found in faces old and new, and plans for a jolly Christmas are afoot. But when a child evacuee goes missing in he snow and tragedy strikes close to home, can their dearest wish – that all their loved ones stay safe this Christmas – possibly come true?

My Review

Jenny Holmes is an author that I hadn’t read before, yet I had always been intrigued by the remarkable contributions of the Land Army during the war. The stories of bravery and resilience from those days have always captivated me, making me eager to explore how they are portrayed in literature. Therefore, I thought I’d give it a try, curious to see how she captured the spirit of that era through her storytelling.

I knew that it was part of a series, and even though I didn’t have any of the other ones, I decided to sit down and fully immerse myself in this festive read, hoping to uncover the connections and themes woven throughout the narrative that might resonate with me, and perhaps inspire a deeper understanding of this significant part of history.

Themes and more

A Christmas Wish For The Land Girls explores the captivating idea that everybody has a past and secrets that shape their lives. As the narrative unfolds, it’s up to the reader to work out what those hidden truths are until they are gradually revealed, creating an engaging sense of mystery. Twists and turns are woven throughout this story, with an array of unexpected events that keep you gripped and eager to turn the pages.

While it’s set against the backdrop of the Second World War, there is an intriguing element of modernism in this book that brings the characters to life in a relatable way. Each character feels vivid and multi-dimensional, showcasing emotions and struggles that resonate with the reader, reminding us that they are very similar to you and me, despite the historical context.

Final thoughts

This story is longer than books I would normally read; however, it was just the right length for the complexities of the plot and the depth of character development to unfold beautifully. Ultimately, A Christmas Wish For The Land Girls is a great read for anyone that wants to get into the Christmas spirit, as it not only captures the essence of the festive season but also delves into themes of love, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

If you enjoyed A Christmas Wish For The Land Girls, here are some other posts you might enjoy:

My Festive Books

A Woman Of War By Mandy Robotham

The September Girls By Maureen Lee