An Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestseller.
A novel of love, courage, and danger unfolds as World War II’s brightest heroines—the best of friends—take on the front lines.
1944: Fiona Denning has her entire future planned out. She’ll work in city hall, marry her fiancé when he returns from the war, and settle down in the Boston suburbs. But when her fiancé is reported missing after being … fiancé is reported missing after being shot down in Germany, Fiona’s long-held plans are shattered.
Determined to learn her fiancé’s fate, Fiona leaves Boston to volunteer overseas as a Red Cross Clubmobile girl, recruiting her two best friends to come along. There’s the outspoken Viviana, who is more than happy to quit her secretarial job for a taste of adventure. Then there’s Dottie, a shy music teacher whose melodious talents are sure to bring heart and hope to the boys on the front lines.
Chosen for their inner strength and outer charm, the trio isn’t prepared for the daunting challenges of war. But through it all come new friendships and romances, unforeseen dangers, and unexpected dreams. As the three friends begin to understand the real reasons they all came to the front, their courage and camaraderie will see them through some of the best and worst times of their lives.
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I found it hard to believe that in the middle of World War II the American Red Cross would send out women not trained as soldiers, to deliver doughnuts and coffee to troops headed to the front! What a crazy idea! What kind of women would take on that job? Jane Healey really did her research on this lesser known story of some remarkable women in American History. The heartwarming story of three Boston women who have been friends since college, leaving their homes to do something for the war effort, had me in tears much of the time. I never expected to be so drawn into this story. Yet, I couldn’t put it down. The description of Europe after 2-3 years of war was harrowing. But Ms Healey’s vivid account of the survivor instinct of the Europeans who return home to bombed out homes and begin to rebuild again, was a hopeful contrast to the waste of war. I was most impressed with her portrayal of the liberation of POW camps, the trucks upon trucks coming in one after another bringing in 1000’s of Allied POW awestruck to see American Red Cross there to greet them. It was wonderful to be reminded that the Red Cross was so much more then just nurses and hospitals! This genre of historical fiction is not so much about romance as it is about how events affected people’s lives. For those of us though that need a little happily ever after and love in everything we read this novel has plenty of that. Finally , I especially appreciated the authors notes where she shared her research and numerous sources for the storyline. It helped me to see where I needed to put more effort into my own research if I ever hope to be as good a writer as Jane Healey!
This was the best book that I’ve read in a long time. I almost felt that I was traveling through Europe with the Beantown Girls during World War II.
Great historic fiction. I enjoyed the characters. The storyline was realistic and not necessarily predictable.
The Beantown Girls by Jane Healey offers a compelling look at the last days of WWII as a group of young women train for, and become Red Cross Clubmobile Girls. Tasked with delivering donuts, coffee, and cheer to soldiers on the frontline in Europe, the women endure the hardships and heartaches of the war. Filled with endearing characters, The Beantown Girls is a story of friendship, love, and sacrifice.
Great book to listen to on Audible!
Story is ok but many historical cultural inaccuracies. Not terribly well written. Characters come across as awfully shallow.
It seems that fewer and fewer people are aware of the sacrifices of World War II and the greatest generation. This book gives a true understanding of the dedication of every day people working for the greater good.
I loved it! Historically accurate.
I didn’t finish it.
I love historical fiction and this fit the bill. My dad was in WWII so I always enjoy reading about this time frame.
I wanted to give this a 5 star rating but I got really tired of all the swearing . The story was great and I loved the characters but it was just too much. If swearing doesn’t bother you, read it. Don’t understand what this kind language adds to the story.
I listened to this book on audio and while it took some time to get into, I was captivated but this well done and interesting tale. What a great look at the women who served in the Red Cross as donut girls during WW2. It was inspiring. I highly recommend.
Three college girlfriends join the Red Cross Clubmobile program during World War II. They head to Europe in 1944 to bring coffee, donuts, moral support and a slice of home to the men in uniform. They travel from England to France and close to the war front in Germany working long hours, living under primitive conditions, and experiencing some of the horrors and losses of the men that served. One of the girls is engaged to a soldier reported “missing in action” months ago. She holds out hope that he may have been taken prisoner, but resigns herself to at least finding out what has happened to him. The women of the Red Cross Clubmobiles are a tough group. They are hand picked to be able to hold up under extreme conditions and they prove that they have what it takes to get the job done. Wartime flirtations and romances drift through the ranks of the women and some find their soul mates in the midst of war. The story resolves as the war comes to an end. Each girl is changed by the Red Cross experience and each must decide what the next path will be in their lives. This was an enjoyable and interesting read. There are a few anachronisms and the writing was a bit on the bland side, but the story was well told. It gives a whole new historical perspective to those Red Cross workers jokingly referred to as “donut dollies”.
Learned something about the Red Cross Women and their involvement in the war while enjoying a wonderfully written story.
I really enjoyed this book.
I really liked this book. I assumed based on the source that it would be”clean” meaning no swearing. I had to overlook a lot but the story was worth it. I like stories about real things and this was something I hadn’t read about before.
The Beantown Girls joins the fabulous Lost Girls of Paris as another fabulous WWII novel. It tells the little-known story of women who volunteered to be Red Cross “Clubmobile Girls,” serving on the front lines as they provided soldiers with coffee, doughnuts, and the comfort of home. Wel-written and fascinating.
A must read ! Best book I have read in years !
A great pick for fans of inspirational World War 2 fiction. I didn’t know anything about the Red Cross Clubmobiles before reading this book, and Healey’s extensive research shows throughout the book–it’s “educational” in the very best way. If you like stories about friends who lift each other up and grow stronger together, you’ll definitely enjoy this story.
One of those can’t put down books that is so different from what else is out there. I found the book riveting and could not wait to see what happened next. While it was fictional. I enjoyed reading what parts were based on true stories and have some research to do now on a new subject I find completely fascinating. Highly recommend this book!