The Red Cross Girls: Book 1
Publication Date: September 16, 2026
Lancaster, 1943: As the war rages on, the Red Cross girls will do whatever it takes to bring their boys home. But can they find happiness in such troubling times?
When Livvy receives her orders for war work, she’s desperate for a new beginning. Most of her friends have been sent to munitions factories, so she is delighted to be working for the Red Cross, who are making secret packages that can help prisoners of war escape.
Arriving at her lodgings, she soon meets fellow Red Cross workers Rosalind and Dulcie, and the three women become firm friends. Together, they work hard for the Red Cross to help their boys fighting overseas. For Livvy, that means using her cooking skills in the face of rationing to keep spirits high.
When Livvy meets Dr Jonah Kemble, who works alongside the girls, his warm smile and kind, sparkling blue eyes make Livvy feel seen in a way she never thought she would be again. But as they grow closer, Livvy realises she will have to decide whether to tell Jonah the truth of how she came to be here, and decide whether she can ever open her heart to another man again…
In the face of war, can Livvy find the bravery to tell Jonah the truth of her circumstances and declare her true feelings for him? Or will her one chance at happily-ever-after be lost forever?
An absolutely gripping and page-turning romantic saga set in the midst of the Second World War. Perfect for fans of Kitty Neale, Rosie Clarke and Vicky Beeby.
Three women united by the war effort develop a friendship while maintaining secrets.
Author Susanna Bavin takes readers to England during World War II in The Red Cross Girls, featuring Dulcie, Rosalind, and Livvy.
They are all initially assigned to Bowland House, the location where Red Cross boxes are assembled to be sent to British prisoners of war overseas.
While Rosalind and Dulcie receive additional tasks, it is Livvy who gets moved to serve as the housekeeper at the local vicarage. While this is not her idea of an ideal role, Livvy quickly makes her mark among the evacuated children living there.
The women share a close friendship with a local woman, which adds to the story’s impact when tragedy strikes. Mix in past secrets and potential love interests for a sweet historical romance.
The Red Cross Girls highlights contributions during World War II in a fresh series.
Susanna lives in Llandudno in North Wales with her husband and their rescue cats, but her writing is inspired by her Mancunian roots. She has written stories ever since she was a child and always wanted to be a published author. Susanna enjoys reading, walking and gardening and she loves living by the sea. She also writes as Maisie Thomas, for The Railway Girls series, and as Polly Heron, for The Surplus Girls series.
