• Lily's War

  • By: Shirley Mann
  • Narrated by: Lucy Dixon
  • Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (403 ratings)

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Lily's War  By  cover art

Lily's War

By: Shirley Mann
Narrated by: Lucy Dixon
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Publisher's Summary

An uplifting and inspiring World War II saga for fans of Nancy Revell and Annie Groves.

1942, Manchester.

World War II 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.

©2020 Shirley Mann (P)2020 Bonnier Books UK

Critic Reviews

"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)

What listeners say about Lily's War

Average Customer Ratings
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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

History lesson charming and retro

I was able to understand more of my parents' lives through this book. Some of the morals and social rules of the times rang true with the stories my mother had told me.

2 people found this helpful

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Lily’s War

An excellent rendition of life for young folks coming of age in Britain during WWII. As I followed Lily while she learns new skills, makes new friends, and travels all as a result of the opportunities presented to women during the war, I realized how much changed for women during WWII & led to the women’s movement of the 1960’s and 1970’s. Very enjoyable and entertaining story. Look forward to the author’s next book.

1 person found this helpful

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A gifted story teller

Loved this story. Brought back mem from my parents stories and I also found it encouraging to see the way people, under extremely difficult times, managed to make the very best of this time.

1 person found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Great Book!

A parallel story of friends Lily and Daniel. Daniel is enlisted to fight in WW2 as a soldier. Lily enlisted in the WAF as a Morse code operator for pilots. This story take them on their separate journeys during the war and their letters to each other. This book is loosely based on the author’s family’s story.

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  • IP
  • 08-28-22

Lily’s War

I really enjoyed this book! I learned about a time I have a great interest in & got to know some of the people. Thank you!

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I loved this book!

This was a wonderful glimpse into my parent’s generation. The disruption and horror of World War ll through the eyes of a typical English young women.

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Lily’s War

This was a sweet story about the war years.
Liked the dual point of view

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WOMEN IN WW II BRITISH SERVICE

This excellent story and narration shows ALL the hardships the British endured during WW II through the eyes and feelings of a young woman in the British WACS.

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Loved it!!

I laughed, I cried, I was angry and relieved. Can't wait to start next one!

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Thumbs down

What ruined this for me was the premarital sex, sex talk, and profanity. I'm done.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Amazon Customer
  • 09-23-21

Lovely …. Just lovely!

I got this book free and had a real difficulty getting in to. The narrator was not right …. The book was ……. simple. But as I started I meant to finish. I am so glad that I did. This is a lovely book.

The story is simple and told by a first time author but it is engaging and I lived Lily’s war with her every step of the way.

If you are looking for a sweet, gentle and lovely story this is it!

3 people found this helpful

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 01-03-22

Excellent book

Normally I like regency romance novels but this book based in the 40s 2nd WW was really good and I thought the story was captivating and engaging. Well worth a listen.

1 person found this helpful

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  • Mrs Angela Mary lewis
  • 10-07-21

excellent book

couldn't stop listening only took 2 days to finish. lovely story well written looking forward to reading her second novel.

1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Amber
  • 10-06-21

could not put it down

Loved all the details of the second world war period along with a great story .

1 person found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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  • V_Nerdbooks
  • 09-30-21

lily's war

Struggle to finish it .Not the the of story's .I found the narrator very bland .

1 person found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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  • Gaynor MM
  • 09-18-21

It's not often I give up on a book, but...

It's not often I give up on a book but I couldn't finish this one. Sorry but what a load of drivel - poorly written and poorly read. It was akin to a Janet and John book - for those who remember them.

1 person found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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  • Rubee
  • 09-15-21

Narrator spoiled this for me, couldn't finish it

Disappointed that I could not finish this book as the style of the narrator I found awkward and the story did not flow. Too jerky in her performance.

1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Skip
  • 09-02-22

Enjoyed immensely

lovely story enjoyed every bit of it , the narrator also brought the book to life

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • jannymc
  • 09-01-22

great

loved it and will be getting the other books that she has written and tell people how good they are.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Brian Dash
  • 09-01-22

Thoroughly enjoyed it!

As a lover of historical fiction, especially WW2, I downloaded this as it was free.

However, as a male macho man I really enjoyed listening to this. It ‘didn’t’ bring tears to my eyes, but there was a lot of dust in the atmosphere……🤔🙄🤦🏼

A real feel good story based in reality. Thank you.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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  • Amazon Customer
  • 11-10-21

Lovely/Gentle

This was a lovely gentle story enjoyable from start to finish. well written with good narration. Makes you realise what young people went through the war. even from a novel .is worth a read.

1 person found this helpful

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  • Anonymous User
  • 08-29-22

fully engaging

I loved the little touches throughout this story that brought such imagery to the period of time. Beautifully written and read.

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    1 out of 5 stars
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  • Linda D.
  • 08-28-22

Lovely

I truly enjoyed Lilys war.
It was so informative about individuals ventures, pain and suffering. Esp as this opened a lot of opportunities for women in the workplace. Look forward to next book.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Anonymous User
  • 08-19-22

Believable fiction

Wonderful story beautifully brought to life by the narrator. Well researched to bring a factual glimpse of the lives of young men women of this time, and especially the changes to their societal roles brought about by war.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Suezet D
  • 07-06-22

Strength of those in war

I really enjoyed this book. The note to reader was a special touch.
A strong female character and good insight to ww2 with some sweetness as well.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • julee latimer
  • 03-18-22

Wonderful

I really enjoyed every minute of this book The characters were so believable and the narration was perfect.
Hearing how the war affected those on home soil was a different perspective and very interesting.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Anonymous User
  • 03-10-22

Great story

Really liked this story and narrative. Good research into life during this era of WW11..
Loved the friendship of the girls, highly recommend

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • "gillibnz"
  • 02-01-22

An easy listen

An easy to listen story that takes you through the period of WW2 from the perspective of Lily and Danny. I enjoyed!