Shirley Mann – författare

An uplifting and inspiring World War II saga for readers of Molly Green and Vicki Beeby. 'A gripping series. I've loved every one' Rosie Goodwin1942, ManchesterWorld War Two 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. Don't miss Shirley Mann's other books in the collection on inspiring war-time women - Bobby's War, Hannah's War, Bridget's War and Maggie's War. Available now. And pre-order Faith's War, coming 2026. - - - - - '[The story] read so true to me and I really didn't want to put it down . . . It may be fiction but those things could, and did, happen.' Vera Morgan, wartime WAAF'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'I found this book hard to put down and it resonates with me still.' Katie Hutton, author of The Gypsy Bride

A brand-new novel from the RNA award-winning author of Bobby's War'A gripping series. I've loved every one and this latest is no exception!' Rosie GoodwinIt's 1942 and the Second World War rages across Europe. Maggie Carpenter leaves her quiet life as a teacher in Manchester to join a team of women working the canals, hauling supplies across wartime Britain. Cramped cabins, no running water and relentless labour become her new reality.Thrown together with two strangers - each hiding secrets of their own - Maggie finds unlikely friendship and a spark of love in a young Army chaplain. But as past wounds resurface, she must decide if she can trust again . . .Maggie's War is a stirring story of friendship, love and courage in the face of war. 'Suffused with extensive research, as well as secrets and sympathy. Saga readers will love this WW2 tale of canal boat life on "the cut".' Mollie Walton, author of The Shopgirl of Ironbridge'This is an assiduously researched book, written with heart and love. Shirley's writing transports you to an infinitely kinder, gentler way of life. Readers will devour it.' Kate Thompson, author of The Wartime Book Club'A gripping saga full of real history, heart and immense courage' Lancashire Evening Post'A story so meticulously researched that it really does transport you back to days when working boaters were many and wary of other folk, the cabins were tiny and bereft of facilities, and the threat of bombs falling was ever present.' Waterways World MagazineReaders are loving Maggie's War:'Family saga at its best''I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cant wait for the next one''A real page turner''Captivating read' Don't miss the first four books in the collection - Lily's War, RNA winning Bobby's War, Hannah's War and RNA award shortlisted Bridget's War. Available now. And Faith's War coming 2026.

'A gripping series. I've loved every one and this latest is no exception!' Rosie GoodwinTHE NEW BOOK FROM THE RNA WINNING AUTHOR Malta, 1941.A tiny island sits at the heart of the Mediterranean - and at the tipping point of the Second World War. As bombs rain down, beneath the ancient stone of Valletta's fortifications, a young nurse tends the wounded in the darkness. But Faith Simcock has a deeper connection to Malta. Before she left her home in England her parents dropped their own bombshell: she was adopted and her birth mother is Maltese.With only a rusty old tin of photographs from her great aunt, Faith is drawn into a search for her past. Torn between a growing attraction to a guarded doctor and her longing to uncover the truth of her origins, she must navigate a world under siege. As the island is relentlessly blasted by bombs and the residents face starvation, Faith must find the courage to survive. . . and to find out where she belongs.Faith's War is a gripping tale of endurance, love and impossible choices in the darkest days of war. Praise for Shirley Mann:'Suffused with extensive research, as well as secrets and sympathy' Mollie Walton, author of The Shopgirl of Ironbridge'This is an assiduously researched book, written with heart and love. Shirley's writing transports you to an infinitely kinder, gentler way of life. Readers will devour it' Kate Thompson, author of The Wartime Book Club'A gripping saga full of real history, heart and immense courage' Lancashire Evening Post

Winner of the RNA romantic saga award 2021An inspiring and uplifting tale of women on the home front, for fans of Molly Green and Vicki Beeby. 'A gripping series. I've loved every one' Rosie GoodwinIt's 1942 and Bobby Hollis has joined the Air Transport Auxiliary in a team known as the 'glamour girls' - amazing women who pilot aircraft all around the country.Bobby always wanted to escape life on the family farm and the ATA seemed like the perfect opportunity for her. But there's always something standing in her way. Like a demanding father, who wants to marry her off to a rich man. And the family secrets that threaten to engulf everything.As Bobby navigates her way through life, and love, she has to learn that controlling a huge, four-engined bomber might just be easier than controlling her own life . . .'What a brilliant read! Shirley Mann has given such a well-researched and comprehensive picture of the lives of the courageous women of the ATA, and Bobby is a wonderful heroine. Brave, clever and opinionated, I absolutely loved spending time with her.' Ginny Bell, author of The Dover Cafe at War 'Shirley Mann has given us in Bobby Hollis an inspiration. Plucky and resourceful as she delivers her WW2 aircraft, Bobby is exactly the sort of person you'd want at your side in real life today. This is a perfect read when all you want to do is curl up to enjoy a lovely novel. Brava!' Kitty Danton, author of The Evacuee Christmas'Rich in period detail, nostalgia, intrigue, romance and the realities of life in a perilous and unpredictable corner of the home front, Bobby's War is a saga full of history, heart and our proud national heritage.' Lancashire Evening Post Don't miss Shirley Mann's other books in the collection on inspiring war-time women - Lily's War, Hannah's War, Bridget's War and Maggie's War. Available now. And pre-order Faith's War, coming 2026. - - - - - - - - - - - - - Readers love Bobby's War:'I loved this book. A fabulous read.' Netgalley reviewer'If you love family sagas based in the war, this is the book for you.' Netgalley reviewer'An emotional journey throughout.' Netgalley reviewerPraise for Lily's War:'[The story] read so true to me and I really didn't want to put it down . . . It may be fiction but those things could, and did, happen.' Vera Morgan, wartime WAAF'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

A moving and dramatic World War II land girl saga by the author of Lily's War and Bobby's War, winner of the RNA romantic saga award. For readers of Molly Green and Vicki Beeby.'A gripping series. I've loved every one' Rosie GoodwinIt's 1942 and at nineteen years old Hannah Compton has the world at her feet. But with World War II raging, the country is in turmoil, and Hannah decides to do her bit for the War effort. Hannah's beloved grandfather taught her to grow vegetables in his market garden and inspires her to become one of over 200,000 women joining the Land Army. Posted to Salhouse Farm on the outskirts of Norwich, Hannah is excited for the adventure ahead of her. But soon reality hits. Hannah is a city girl at heart and life in the countryside is not what she imagined. It's cold, she hates the hard work, she misses her friends back in Manchester, and she has to share a double bed with a stranger. As Hannah gets used to the punishing farm work and makes some friends, she starts to settle in. But she simply can't get used to living side by side with the German prisoners of war. Then a young German doctor steps in to save Hannah's life and everything she thought she knew is brought into question. In a country at war, will Hannah be prepared to risk everything for the enemy? 'Another exciting, emotion-filled celebration of the role of women on the home front' Lancashire Evening PostDon't miss Shirley Mann's other books in the collection on inspiring war-time women - Lily's War, Bobby's War, Bridget's War and Maggie's War. Available now. And pre-order Faith's War, coming 2026. - - - - - - Praise for Shirley Mann:'What a brilliant read . . . Bobby is a wonderful heroine.' Ginny Bell, author of The Dover Café at War on Bobby's War'Plucky and resourceful, Bobby is exactly the sort of person you'd want at your side in real life.' Kitty Danton, author of A Wartime Christmas on Bobby's War'[The story] read so true to me and I really didn't want to put it down. . .' Vera Morgan, wartime WAAF on Lily's War'An impeccably researched and uplifting story of love, loss and courage.' Clare Harvey, author of The Gunner Girl on Lily's War