'A wonderful and uplifting tale of female friendship' Eva Glyn, author of The Dubrovnik Book Club Manchester, 1942. When Kitty Dunbar was forced to confront her husband's debts and close the family hotel, she transformed Dunbar's into a storage business for bombed-out families. But with her daughter to support, and relishing her new independence, Kitty is keen to come up with more ways to use the once prestigious hotel. Sharing her home are former chambermaid Lily, and kind-hearted welfare worker Beatrice, both haunted by past loss. Together, the three women create a new kind of family in the heart of the Manchester Blitz: one built on respect and resilience. When Kitty suggests hosting wedding receptions in the old dining room, her friends are happy and willing to lend a hand – and help to serve 'Dunbar's Wartime Wedding Punch'! But when Lily meets a handsome doctor, and Beatrice comes face to face with an old flame, will hearts finally be mended, or broken once more? While war rages around them, can these three women find the courage to keep fighting for their dreams? Praise for the Wartime Hotel series: 'An irresistible wartime saga brimming with warmth, courage and charm. The fabulous Maisie Thomas has woven a rich, emotional story of friendship and fresh starts and I can't wait for the next installment.' Kirsty Dougal, author of The Poppy Girls 'In this heartwarming saga, Maisie Thomas depicts the strength and resourcefulness of ordinary women in wartime, and evokes the world of early 1940s Manchester with affection and skill.' Rose Warner, author of The Teacher Evacuees Praise for Maisie Thomas: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Make yourself a cuppa and find a comfy spot on the sofa because you are not going to be able to put this down' Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Gives a vivid picture of women's lives in wartime Manchester' Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Dramatic, intriguing and sprinkled with plenty of wit and heart' Reader Review
