Dreams Come True at the Wartime Hotel by Maisie Thomas #Review

 

Manchester, 1943.

I am delighted to feature another in the WW2 saga by Maisie Thomas. Dreams Come True at the Wartime Hotel was published on March 29th by Boldwood Books. 
 

Kitty’s new venture, hosting wedding receptions at Dunbar’s Hotel, has got off to a flying start, and she’s looking to the future. With the tide of the war turning and victory on the distant horizon, Kitty is keen to keep her independence once the men come home. But will her spendthrift husband Bill agree to a divorce – and to letting her keep the business?

Beatrice’s work in welfare is hugely rewarding, and she loves the children’s clubs she runs at Dunbar’s. But when a spate of thefts breaks out locally, the police become involved. Could the children be to blame, or can Beatrice help discover the true culprits?

Former hotel maid Lily knows she still loves her estranged husband, Daniel. But can there be any chance of a reconciliation, when he discovers she is pregnant with another man’s baby?

After everything they’ve been through – the ups and downs of war, life and love – will the women of the wartime hotel finally get their happy ending?

My Thoughts

 As the War carries on through 1943, there is the sense that the inhabitants of the Dunbar Hotel are starting to look toward the future. Kitty makes a far-reaching decision about her own future and comes to terms with her ambitions for her own career. In this she is typical of many women who were left behind to take on the jobs men used to do. Having carried on and kept the factories open, a debate was had as to what a women's place in socirty should be after the war. Should women step back and give up the work they have been doing? 

    Changes are in the air for other inhabitants in the hotel. Beatrice is also enjoying her work in welfare and the WVRS but concerned as to what will happen to the young carers once peace has come. She also has to come to terms with her personal feelings and decide if she can open herself up for a new relationship. In many ways the Dunbar Hotel itself has stood as a character in the stories throughout this series. As the war begins to turn, there is news as to what its future might be. Once more Wartime Manchester provides a great backdrop for a sries which has captured the details of the period.

In short: wartime changes 

About the Author

Maisie Thomas is the bestselling author of the Railway Girls series. She is now writing a new saga series for Boldwood, set in wartime Manchester.

You can follow Maisie here: Facebook |  X (Twitter)  |  Newsletter sign up  |  Bookbub

Purchase Links 

 

Thanks to Maisie Thomas, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources  for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.