Daisy Styles on the inspiration behind her characters

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Interviews

The perfect Christmas wartime story to curl up with this winter

Christmas With The Wartime Midwives

The heartwarming and uplifting new Wartime Midwives novel perfect for fans of Katie Flynn and Nancy Revell 
 
'A rousing tale of integrity and heroism, and an endearing story of a group of women working together' WOMAN 
__________ 
 
Cumbria, 1944: as Christmas comes to Mary Vale, mothers and midwives alike seek a miracle . . . 
 
Newly trained midwife Libby is forced to work in the neighbouring villages as well as at the Mother and Baby Home, trying her best to help the many desperate new mums. 
 
Meanwhile, Margaret arrives at Mary Vale heartbroken after losing her man and facing having a child alone. 
 
Yet it isn't long before Libby and Margaret discover someone with bigger problems. Beth, along with her young children and desperately ill husband, face eviction from their home just before Christmas. 
 
As time starts to run out, so does her hope. 
 
But can Libby and Margaret save Beth and her family with a quick-witted plan and some festive magic? 
 
After all, it's Christmas . . . and a time for miracles. 
__________ 
 
Praise for Daisy Styles 
 
'An absolute joy to read' Kate Thompson 
 
'Will tug at the heart strings of readers everywhere!' Fiona Ford 
 
 'Truly endearing characters' Annie Murray

A rousing tale of integrity and heroism, and an endearing story of a group of women working together

Well done Daisy for creating characters that are real women in the best sense. Funny, scheming, loyal and witty, but about all, hardworking and proud. An absolute joy to read

Kate Thompson, bestselling author of, Secrets of the Home Front Girls

A cracking story with truly endearing characters

Annie Murray, bestselling author of, Now The War Is Over

This is her best yet. I devoured it in one sitting - it's a real page turner that will delight and tug at the heart strings of readers everywhere. Wonderful!

Daisy Styles grew up in Lancashire, surrounded by a family and community of strong women whose tales she loved to listen to. It was from these women, particularly her vibrant mother and Irish grandmother, that Daisy learned the art of storytelling. There was also the landscape of her childhood - wide, sweeping, empty moors and hills that ran as far as the eye could see - which was a perfect backdrop for a saga, a space big enough and wild enough to stage a drama, one about women's lives during the Second World War.

Christmas is fast approaching at Mary Vale and Lizzie, a local mother with two young children, is struggling to pay her rent. Thorpe, the unforgiving landlord, has no time for her tears or strife and demands she pays up or lose her home. 
 
The midwives can't stand by and watch this happen and so together with plucky new recruit, Libby, they set out a plan to put a roof over Lizzie's head by Christmas and bring peace to the local community once more

A Mother's Love

The uplifting story of three struggling mothers pulling together in the heart of WWII, perfect for fans of Katie Flynn, Nancy Revell and Call the Midwife 
 
Three mothers. Three very different backgrounds. And a bond they will never forget . . . 
________ 
 
The Lake District, 1944. Spring is in the air for the women at Mary Vale Mother and Baby Home. 
 
Beautiful Stella, the head-turning cook of a munitions factory, has been swept off her feet by a handsome GI. He proposes when she falls pregnant, but soon his letters stop arriving . . . 
 
Then there is Lillian, who is deeply unimpressed when she is conscripted as a Land Girl miles from her home, but then she meets a charming, married vet . . . 
 
Meanwhile, midwife Ada is getting used to being back at work after the birth of her own beautiful baby girl. But she faces the biggest challenge of her life when the home is engulfed in an outbreak of whooping cough. 
 
Though each woman is from a different walk of life, only together can they help Mary Vale come through this crisis . . . 
________ 
 
Praise for Daisy Styles 
 
'An absolute joy to read' Kate Thompson 
 
'Will tug at the heart strings of readers everywhere!' Fiona Ford 
 
'Truly endearing characters' Annie Murray

Well done Daisy for creating characters that are real women in the best sense. Funny, scheming, loyal and witty, but about all, hardworking and proud. An absolute joy to read

This is her best yet. I devoured it in one sitting - it's a real page turner that will delight and tug at the heart strings of readers everywhere. Wonderful!

Stella, cook at a munitions factory, has fallen for a handsome GI. He proposes when she falls pregnant, but soon his letters stop arriving . . . 
 
Then there is Lillian, conscripted as a Land Girl. After her growing friendship with the married vet becomes serious, Lillian faces the ultimate choice. 
 
Meanwhile, midwife Ada is back to work after the birth of her own baby and faces her biggest challenge after an outbreak of Whooping Cough . . . 
 
Each woman comes from a different walk of life but they are determined to be the very best mothers, and friends.

Keep Smiling Through

The heartwarming and moving new Wartime Midwives story of three brave women's fight to protect their shelter for mothers and their children . . . Perfect for fans of Katie Flynn, Nancy Revell and Call the Midwife 
________ 
 
Lake District, 1942. The women at Mary Vale Mother and Baby Home must pull together during their darkest hour . . . 
 
But Sybil would rather be anywhere else. She hoped to spend the season in London when an unexpected pregnancy soon put an end to those plans. 
 
While poor Rosie arrives with her two children in tow - their lives torn apart after their house was bombed. 
 
And when new midwife Edith joins it's clear she has her own secrets to hide. 
 
Then one day Mary Vale faces the ultimate threat - requisition by the army - and the mothers and midwives must find comfort and friendship in one another. 
 
But can they also find the strength to fight for their Home? 
________ 
 
Praise for Daisy Styles 
 
'An absolute joy to read' Kate Thompson 
 
'Will tug at the heart strings of readers everywhere!' Fiona Ford 
 
'Truly endearing characters' Annie Murray

Daisy Styles grew up in Lancashire surrounded by a family and community of strong women whose tales she loved to listen to. It was from these women, particularly her vibrant mother and Irish grandmother, that Daisy learned the art of storytelling. There was also the landscape of her childhood - wide, sweeping, empty moors and hills that ran as far as the eye could see - which was a perfect backdrop for a saga, a space big enough and wild enough to stage a drama, one about women's lives during the Second World War.

It's 1942 and nestled on the edge of the Lake District is Mary Vale, a sanctuary for expectant mothers. 
Its doors open to two women from London with vastly different experiences. Rosie Lashley, a war widow,arrives with her two children and is relieved to have somewhere safe to give birth. Whilst beautiful socialite, Sybil Harwood, would rather be anywhere else and is desperate to have the baby and return to her glittering life in the capital. 
But Mary Vale must soon pull together after the army threatens to requisition the Home. 
Can this Home survive the War? And can these women find sanctuary in one another?

Home Fires and Spitfires

The heartwarming and moving story of three fascinating women finding their strength in World War II, perfect for fans of Katie Flynn, Call the Midwife and Downton Abbey 
 
It is June 1940, and as the bombs fall, the women at home must dig deep . . . 
_______ 
 
Tucked on the edge of the Lake District lies Mary Vale, a Mother and Baby Home open to unmarried women and their children. But tensions arise when three very different mums-to-be walk through the doors. 
 
Plucky shipyard worker Gracie must overcome her shame when her lover turns out to be married. Newly engaged Diana's fiancé tragically goes missing in action days before the wedding, while isolated and bedraggled Zelda turns heads when she arrives from the ghettos of Germany. 
 
At Mary Vale, unity is key as the bombs keep falling. 
 
But can these very different women put their differences aside to fight a common foe? 
 
Praise for Daisy Styles 
 
'Will tug at the heart strings of readers everywhere. Wonderful!' Fiona Ford, author of The Liberty Girls 
 
'Well done Daisy for creating characters that are real women in the best sense. Funny, scheming, loyal and witty, but about all, hardworking and proud. An absolute joy to read' Kate Thompson, bestselling author of Secrets of the Home Front Girls 
 
'Truly endearing characters' Annie Murray, bestselling author of Now The War Is Over

This book brought home wonderfully the vivid camaraderie wartime women shared and their immense sacrifices on the Home Front. Well done Daisy for creating characters that are real women in the best sense. Funny, scheming, loyal and witty, but about all, hardworking and proud. An absolute joy to read

Feisty young women, a country house in wartime and a scheming aristocrat - all ingredients for a cracking story with truly endearing characters

It is June 1940, and as the bombs fall the women at home must dig deep . . . 
 
Tucked on the edge of the Lake District lies Mary Vale, a Mother and Baby Home open to unmarried women and their children. But tensions arise when three very different women walk through the doors. 
 
First there is plucky shipyard worker Gracie, who must overcome her shame when the man who swept her off her feet turns out to be married. Diana, newly engaged, is forced to abandon her work for the Women's Auxiliary Force to head to Mary Vale, when her fiancé goes missing in action days before the wedding. While isolated and bedraggled Zelda turns heads when she arrives on the doorstep from the ghettos of Germany. 
 
At Mary Vale unity is key as the bombs keep falling. But can these women put their differences aside to fight a common foe?

The Wartime Midwives

A heartwarming and moving story of inspiring women set at the beginning of World War II - fans of Katie Flynn, Call the Midwife and Downton Abbey will love this. 
 
'BEST NEW SUMMER BOOKS' My Weekly 
__________ 
 
In the dark days of war a new hope is born . . . 
 
1939. 
 
Mary Vale, a grand and imposing Mother &amp; Baby Home, sits on the edge of the Lake District. Its doors are open to unmarried women who come to hide their condition and find sanctuary. 
 
Women from all walks of life pass through Mary Vale, from beautiful waitress Emily, whose boyfriend has vanished without trace, to young Isla, cast out by her wealthy family after her first year at university goes horribly wrong. 
 
Awaiting them is Nurse Ada and Sister Anne who work tirelessly to aid the mothers and safely deliver the babies. But the unforgiving Matron and Head of Governors, Captain Percival, have other, more sinister, ideas. 
 
As war looms the women at Mary Vale must pull together for the sake of themselves and their babies and Ada and Anne must help protect their patients, no matter what the cost. 
 
'This is her best yet. I devoured it in one sitting - It's a real page turner that will delight and tug at the heart strings of readers everywhere. Wonderful!' Fiona Ford, author of Christmas at Liberty's

Fiona Ford, author of Christmas at Liberties

1939. Mary Vale, a grand and imposing mansion, sits on the edge of the Lake District. Its doors are open to unmarried women who come to hide their condition and find sanctuary. 
 
Women from all walks of life pass through Mary Vale, from beautiful waitress Emily, whose boyfriend has vanished without trace, to young Isla, cast out by her wealthy family after her first year at university goes horribly wrong. 
 
Awaiting them are Nurse Ada and Sister Anne who work tirelessly to aid the mothers and safely deliver the babies. But the unforgiving Matron and Head of Governors, Captain Percival, have other, more sinister, ideas. 
 
As war looms the women at Mary Vale must pull together for the sake of themselves and their babies, and Ada and Anne must help protect their patients, no matter what the cost.

Is all really fair in love and war? The gloriously heartwarming, wartime spirit saga

The Bomb Girl Brides

The latest Daisy Styles novel 
___________ 
 
It's 1944 and Britain is a country at war. The young women of the Phoenix munitions factory are giving their all to the cause, but romance is beckoning . . . 
 
The life of a Bomb Girl isn't usually glamourous. But Maggie is getting married, so she is going to make sure her wedding day is - even if she does have to spend every other day slaving on the factory floor. 
 
This blasted factory was not what Julia had in mind either. She had always dreamed of attending Oxford University rather than getting her hands dirty and the easy laughter of the other women intimidate her terribly. 
 
But they are all here together in this munitions factory in a Lancashire mill town, sharing firsts, pitching in and getting on. Despite rationing, dangerous hard work and new situations these Bomb Girls are going to do their best at work, and in love.

The life of a Bomb Girl isn't usually glamourous. But Maggie is getting married, so she is going to make sure her wedding day is - even if she does have to spend every other day slaving on the factory floor. 
 
This blasted factory was not what Julia had in mind either. She had always dreamed of attending Oxford University rather than getting her hands dirty and the easy laughter of the other women intimidate her terribly. 
 
But they are all here together in this munitions factory in a Lancashire mill town, sharing firsts, pitching in and getting on. These Bomb Girls are going to do their best at work, and in love.

The perfect Christmas wartime story to cosy up with this year

Christmas with the Bomb Girls

Cosy up with the heartwarming and festive wartime story of a group of women finding joy in troubled times, from the beloved Bomb Girls series 
 
'It made me smile and it made me cry' 5***** Reader Review 
 'An absolute joy to read' Kate Thompson, bestselling author of Secrets of the Homefront Girls 
'Wonderful writing which brought history alive' 5***** Reader Review 
 _________ 
 
 In times of trouble, can wishes come true? . . . 
 
 A factory floor might not be their first choice of a place to spend Christmas but pulling together and making do is exactly where the Bomb Girls shine. 
 
 Gladys, back from singing for the troops in Europe, quietly takes her place on the cordite line. Her old friends are determined to bring back her spark while they work hard to help their country. 
 
 But what dark secret lies in Gladys's heart? 
 
Will the girls see out another year in a country at war? 
 
And, if everyone does their bit, despite the worry, pain and toil, will the Bomb Girls be able to enjoy a wonderful Christmas for all? 
 _________ 
 
 'A cracking story with truly endearing characters' Annie Murray, bestselling author of Now the War is Over 
 
 'What a page turner' 5***** Reader Review 
 
 'Couldn't put this book down' 5***** Reader Review

A great read that I think will appeal to fans of wartime sagas and authors like Donna Douglas . . . From dances to disasters, encounters with handsome Yanks, rationing and relationships, The Bomb Girls has all the ingredients of an excellent wartime drama and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

The story is full of drama, love, heartbreak, friendship and in some parts comedy . . . It's full of twists and turns and is a real page turner

Christmas time is approaching at the Phoenix Munitions Factory and Gladys, Kitty, Edna and the rest of the Bomb Girls are determined to make this a year to remember. 
 
With Myrtle's health in decline, Edna's love life beginning to take flight, a shy new arrival in their midst and continual hard work on the factory floor, life is never quiet in Pendle. But Gladys, back from performing for the troops on the front, is sullen and sad and her friends are sure she is hiding something. 
 
What exactly happened while Gladys was away? Will she be bought back to life by her old friends? And will the Bomb Girls be able to provide a wonderful Christmas all round?

The Bomb Girls’ Secrets

In the Phoenix Munitions Factory everyone has their secrets . . . 
 
As WWII rolls across Europe, Kitty boards a ship set for England; leaving her cruel father for war work in a munitions factory. She hadn't wanted to leave Ireland, but the money sounded too good to resist. And money is what she really needs right now, what with tiny baby Billy back in Dublin without a father. 
 
In Lancashire Kitty settles into the hard work and soon makes new friends; the dazzling Gladys who is a talented musician, and the beautiful but nervous Violet who seems to be nursing a secret of her own. And then there is motherly Edna at the local chippy, always there for a cup of tea and a good natter when she yearns for home. 
 
Working hard in the day and playing in the Bomb Girls Swing Band by night, on the surface, life seems to be looking up. But Kitty has kept a secret from her friends. Something she needs to figure out. And when a letter arrives from home, she realises she might need their help before it's too late and she loses her baby forever . . . 
 
Praise for Daisy Styles 
 
 
'All the ingredients for a cracking story with truly endearing characters' Annie Murray, bestselling author of Now The War Is Over 
 
 
'An absolute joy to read' Kate Thompson, bestselling author of Secrets of the Sewing Bee

In the Phoenix Munitions Factory everyone has their secrets . . .

This book brought home wonderfully the vivid camaraderie wartime women shared and their immense sacrifices on the Home Front. Well done Daisy for creating characters that are real women in the best sense. Funny, scheming, loyal and witty, but about all, hardworking and proud. An absolute joy to read

A great read that I think will appeal to fans of wartime sagas and authors like Donna Douglas . . . From dances to disasters, encounters with handsome Yanks, rationing and relationships, The Bomb Girls has all the ingredients of an excellent wartime drama and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

The story is full of drama, love, heartbreak, friendship and in some parts comedy . . . It's full of twists and turns and is a real page turner

When Kitty hears about women being requested for war work in munitions factories her heart skips a beat. She doesn't want to leave Ireland, but the money is good. And money is what she really needs right now. 
 
At the Lancashire factory Kitty settles into the hard work with her new friends; the dazzling Gladys, nervous Violet and comforting Lily. Working hard in the day and dancing by night, on the surface, life looks good. But Kitty has a secret. Something she needs to figure out. And it looks like she is going to need the help of her new friends before it's too late. . .

The Code Girls

**A heart-warming and inspiring story of incredible women on the home-front during World War II from the author of The Bomb Girls** 
 
Can four girls protect a whole country? 
 
 It's 1941 and the country has been turned upside down. For the aristocratic Walsingham family this means being pushed unceremoniously upstairs while their grand home is taken over by the Army. But for newcomers Ava and Maudie this is a chance to get something more from life. They are at Walsingham Hall to become code girls and break German encryptions. 
 
 So being sent downstairs to work in the kitchens isn't exactly what they had in mind. But they do their duty, make new friends and soon even romance looks to be on the horizon. Though life is tough, it has never been more exciting. 
 
 Meanwhile, upstairs, Lord Walsingham is hiding something. And Maudie and the girls realize that the safety of their country might actually be in their hands after all . . . 
 
*PREORDER THE BOMB GIRLS SECRETS NOW* 
 
Praise for The Code Girls 
 
Feisty young women, a country house in wartime and a scheming aristocrat - all ingredients for a cracking story with truly endearing characters - Annie Murray, bestselling author of, Now The War Is Over 
 
Praise for Daisy Styles 
 
'A great read that I think will appeal to fans of wartime sagas and authors like Donna Douglas . . . From dances to disasters, encounters with handsome Yanks, rationing and relationships, The Bomb Girls has all the ingredients of an excellent wartime drama and I thoroughly enjoyed it!' Onemorepage.com 
 
'The story is full of drama, love, heartbreak, friendship and in some part some comedy . . . It's full of twist and turns and is a real page turner' Laurahbookblog 
 
Here's what the early readers are saying . . . 
'Loved, loved, loved it! ... Cannot wait to read more by this author' 
'This story tells the story of four very different young girls and how they come together to help the war effect in their own way . . . would highly recommend to others' 
'A beautifully written book ... An excellent read, from the relationships, the cooking, the love interests and the way war affected everyone's lives. A must read!' 
'This book had me gripped from the first page and I had it read in one sitting' 
'I really loved these characters, they were feisty and believable. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone who enjoys wartime stories. This is one of the best' 
'I really enjoyed Daisy Styles The Bomb Girls so was overjoyed to find she had written another set in the same era ... a really good story with interesting likable characters' 
'The storyline was exciting, the characters so interesting and the era well descripted. I would definitely recommend this book' 
'Fab book!' 
'Fantastic ... This was full of twists, turns, ups and downs; a real rollercoaster. Loved the plot and loved all the characters. Highly recommended' 
'I absolutely love these type of books and this one certainly was a great read.. Actually no it wasn't just great it was fantastic'

A great read that I think will appeal to fans of wartime sagas and authors like Donna Douglas . . . From dances to disasters, encounters with handsome Yanks, rationing and relationships, The Bomb Girls has all the ingredients of an excellent wartime drama and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

The story is full of drama, love, heartbreak, friendship and in some part some comedy . . . It's full of twist and turns and is a real page turner

It's 1941 and the country has been turned upside down. For the aristocratic Walsingham family this means being pushed unceremoniously into the upstairs floors of their grand home as it is taken over by the armed forces. But for newcomers Ava, Maudie and Bella, this is a chance for something more. 
 
The girls move into Walsingham Hall, each ready and willing to do their part for the war effort, and soon become firm friends. But Lord Edward Walsingham seems like he is hiding something sinister. And although he may be clever, he might have met his match in Maudie and the girls . . .

The Bomb Girls

On an ordinary day in 1941, a letter arrives on the doormats of five young women, a letter which will change everything. 
 
Lillian is distraught. And whether she tears, hides or burns the letter the words remain the same - she must register for compulsory war work. Many miles away, Emily is also furious - her dream job as a chef will have to be put on hold, whilst studious Alice must abandon her plans of college. 
 
Staring at an identical letter, Elsie feels a kindling of hope at the possibility of leaving behind her brutal father. And down in London, Agnes has her own reasons for packing her bags with a smile. 
 
Brought together at a munitions factory in a Lancashire mill town, none of them knows what lies ahead. Sharing grief and joy, lost dreams and gained opportunities, the five new bomb girls will find friendship and strength that they never before thought possible as they unite to help the country they love survive. 
 
Praise for Daisy Styles 
 
'A great read that I think will appeal to fans of wartime sagas and authors like Donna Douglas . . . From dances to disasters, encounters with handsome Yanks, rationing and relationships, The Bomb Girls has all the ingredients of an excellent wartime drama and I thoroughly enjoyed it!' Onemorepage.com 
 
'The story is full of drama, love, heartbreak, friendship and in some part some comedy . . . It's full of twist and turns and is a real page turner' Laurahbookblog

Ernest Bevin's 1941 announcement that all woman between eighteen and thirty must register for war work has made Emily furious - she's just landed her dream job and the last thing she wants is to have to give it up for a bomb factory in Lancashire. The glamorous Lillian and studious Alice are not too happy either. But for downtrodden Elsie and determined Agnes, the promise of a new challenge brings renewed hope. 
 
Despite their differing outlooks, the five women forge lifelong friendships as they share experiences of love, loss, thwarted dreams and new opportunities through the darkest of times.

The Factory Girls

Discover a heart-warming and uplifting tale of resilience and friendship among the working women during World War II, from the author of The Bomb Girls 
'Funny, loyal and witty… An absolute joy to read’ Kate Thompson, bestselling author of, Secrets of the Home Front Girls 
– 
January 1942 
 
With female conscription now in place, the spitfire production line at the Bell Works Factory is busier than ever. 
When sisters Val and Kay arrive, singers who bring glamour as well as talent, they are soon entertaining their co-workers after long shifts on the factory floor. 
 
Audrey is delighted to have caught the eye of a new male supervisor. But is he all that he seems? 
With romance, heartbreak, painful goodbyes as well as joyful reconciliations all around, one thing is for sure – the women pull together to keep the spirits up of one and all and do their bit for the war. 
– 
Praise for Daisy Styles 
‘Funny , happy and sad, I really didn't want it to end, but all good things do’ 5 ***** Reader Review 
‘I loved this book and couldn't put it down as it was so easy to get in to it and the characters were so believable’ 5 ***** Reader Review 
‘I couldn't put this book down!’ 5 ***** Reader Review

Well done Daisy for creating characters that are real women in the best sense. Funny, scheming, loyal and witty, but above all, hardworking and proud. An absolute joy to read

The Engine Girls is a gripping wartime saga packed with heartwarming sparky characters who keep you riveted from the first page

Ellee Seymour, author of the Royal Station Master’s Daughters Series

January 1942. With female conscription now in place, the spitfire production line at the Bell Works Factory is busier than ever. 
When sisters Val and Kay arrive, singers who bring glamour as well as talent, they are soon entertaining their co-workers after long shifts on the factory floor. 
Audrey is delighted to have caught the eye of a new male supervisor. But is he all that he seems? 
With romance, heartbreak, painful goodbyes as well as joyful reconciliations all around, one thing is for sure – the women pull together to keep the spirits up of one and all and do their bit for the war.

Daisy Styles

Praise for Christmas with the Engine Girls

Well done Daisy for creating characters that are real women in the best sense. Funny, scheming, loyal and witty, but about all, hardworking and proud. An absolute joy to read

A cracking story with truly endearing characters

This is her best yet. I devoured it in one sitting - it's a real page turner that will delight and tug at the heart strings of readers everywhere. Wonderful!

Well done Daisy for creating characters that are real women in the best sense. Funny, scheming, loyal and witty, but about all, hardworking and proud. An absolute joy to read

A cracking story with truly endearing characters

This is her best yet. I devoured it in one sitting - it's a real page turner that will delight and tug at the heart strings of readers everywhere. Wonderful!

Well done Daisy for creating characters that are real women in the best sense. Funny, scheming, loyal and witty, but about all, hardworking and proud. An absolute joy to read

A cracking story with truly endearing characters

This is her best yet. I devoured it in one sitting - it's a real page turner that will delight and tug at the heart strings of readers everywhere. Wonderful!

Books by Daisy Styles

Series by Daisy Styles

The Bomb Girls4 Books

Wartime Midwives Series4 Books

Articles featuring Daisy Styles

Daisy Styles on the inspiration behind her characters

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