Lily's War

By: Shirley Mann

Narrated by: Lucy Dixon

An uplifting and inspiring World War II saga for fans of Nancy Revell and Annie Groves.

1942, Manchester.

World War II is in full swing, and Lily Mullins is determined to do her bit for the war effort. Her friends and sweetheart have all joined up, and Lily's sure there must be a role for her that goes further than knitting socks for the troops!

When she decides to volunteer for the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, Lily soon discovers that she has a talent as a wireless operator. Helped along the way by a special gang of girls, she finds strengths she didn't know she had and realises that the safety of the country might just be in her hands....

Meanwhile, Danny is determined to marry Lily, but his letters home become more and more distant. Will a long separation mean the end of their love story?

An uplifting and inspiring novel of women on the home front.

©2020 Shirley Mann (P)2020 Bonnier Books UK

Critic reviews

"An impeccably researched and uplifting story of love, loss and courage: a heartwarming read that will captivate all those who love a good war story." (Clare Harvey, author of The Gunner Girl)

"A wonderful, inspiring story. I can't wait to read more from Shirley Mann." (Sheila Newberry)

darling story

narrator performed the story beautifully. her accents were right on! it was easy to identify all the characters. great job all around 👏

Great Book!

A parallel story of friends Lily and Daniel. Daniel is enlisted to fight in WW2 as a soldier. Lily enlisted in the WAF as a Morse code operator for pilots. This story take them on their separate journeys during the war and their letters to each other. This book is loosely based on the author’s family’s story.

Lily’s War

This was a sweet story about the war years.
Liked the dual point of view

History lesson charming and retro

I was able to understand more of my parents' lives through this book. Some of the morals and social rules of the times rang true with the stories my mother had told me.

Lily’s War

An excellent rendition of life for young folks coming of age in Britain during WWII. As I followed Lily while she learns new skills, makes new friends, and travels all as a result of the opportunities presented to women during the war, I realized how much changed for women during WWII & led to the women’s movement of the 1960’s and 1970’s. Very enjoyable and entertaining story. Look forward to the author’s next book.

Great read for all especially those who enjoy historical fiction

This was a charming and engaging book, well researched and well written. I always rate books but almost never review them. I was prompted to do so for many reasons. First, I have read many, many World War Two books of historical fiction, but this book is a fresh telling of life in Great Britain in and around the Second World War. The author crafted a story where I learned so much and felt I was experiencing what it was like to be there then. It helped that the characters, especially the women, were well developed and intriguing. The reader for the audible book had a delightful voice and for me, as an American, a brilliant accent. Everything combined made the book appealing and enjoyable. You won’t be surprised I listen to it in less than 24 hours. Of course, I stayed up way too late, eager to hear more! I finished it just now, with an excitement of having learned a lot about the history, in such an enjoyable way. What a treat to discover Shirley Mann with her debut novel. I will recommend it to friends who always ask me, for suggestions of “what have you read that’s really good?” Even if historical fiction is not usually you jam, give this one a shot. I’m so glad I did.

Thoroughly enjoyed

I truly enjoyed this book. I think the author for sharing the story. The storyline was engaging and the narrator was easy listening. Darlene joined this book and highly recommend it.

A Feel Good Book

Another enjoyable WWII historical novel based loosely on the author’s parent’s war experiences. Kept me interested throughout.

I’m a harsh critic at times. But this is one of the best WWII novels EVER

I loved that the author doesn’t try to tell a neat tidy story that’s ultimately boring. Instead, she chronicles the real life a young woman who’s making her way in the world during one of the most insane, chaotic, intense times in human history.
I found myself thinking I would’ve been just like Lily… and I imagine you will too

Don’t miss this one, it’s a BEAUTIFUL, well-told story. Narrator is terrific also

PS- I loved learning that it was also the author’s first novel, written in her 60’s and it’s motivated the story of her parent’s war.

Again, DO NOT MISS

Great story

Easy to listen to. Good characters with good narration for each. Not too much drama.