It is 1940 and Britain is at war with Germany. In London, eighteen-year-old Susan Banks longs to do her duty. Her secret ambition is to learn to fly – to serve her country and realise her dream. But she knows it is out of the question for a girl like her; a foundling, unwanted and unloved and dependent on strangers for her welfare. Just as she fears she will be trapped forever in a life of servitude and loneliness, she meets Tony Richards, a flying instructor based in Hampshire. And when she is forced to flee London, she heads out into the country. She is taken in by the kindly landlord of the local inn and his daughter. As Susan works hard to earn her keep, and her friendship with Tony – now recalled to duty – blossoms into love, she dares to hope that things are at last looking up for her. But then she receives devastating news – Tony is missing in action. And Susan wonders if she’ll ever see the man she loves again and realise her dream of becoming a Spitfire girl…
Dive into the captivating world of Lily Baxter's "Spitfire Girls," a poignant historical fiction novel set against the backdrop of World War II. This compelling story follows Susan Banks, an eighteen-year-old living in London in 1940, as she navigates the challenges of wartime Britain and dares to dream of a life beyond her humble beginnings. Susan, a foundling who has known little but hardship and dependency, harbors a secret ambition: to become a pilot and contribute to the war effort. In a time when opportunities for women were limited, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, her aspiration to fly a Spitfire seems an impossible fantasy. She feels trapped in a life of servitude, her dreams destined to remain unfulfilled. However, Susan's life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Tony Richards, a charming and skilled flying instructor. Their connection sparks a glimmer of hope in Susan's heart, offering a glimpse of a future she never thought possible. Forced to flee London, she finds refuge in the countryside, where she is welcomed by the kind landlord of a local inn and his daughter. As Susan works diligently, her bond with Tony deepens, blossoming into a tender and passionate love. She begins to believe that her fortunes are finally changing, that she might actually achieve her dreams and find happiness. But the shadow of war looms large. Tony is recalled to duty, and Susan's newfound happiness is shattered when she receives the devastating news that he is missing in action. Uncertainty and fear grip her as she confronts the possibility of losing the man she loves and the dreams they shared. Will Susan ever see Tony again? Will she find the strength to overcome the obstacles in her path and realize her ambition of becoming a "Spitfire Girl," a brave and skilled female pilot soaring through the skies? Lily Baxter masterfully weaves a tale of love, loss, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams amidst the turmoil of war. "Spitfire Girls" is a heart-wrenching and inspiring story that celebrates the courage and determination of women who defied societal expectations and played a vital role in the war effort. This novel will resonate with readers who enjoy historical fiction, wartime romance, and stories of strong female characters overcoming adversity. Its a deeply moving portrayal of a young womans journey of self-discovery and her unwavering spirit in the face of unimaginable challenges. Prepare to be swept away by Susan's captivating story and the powerful emotions it evokes. A truly unforgettable read.