Review: The Angels Of Lovely Lane By Nadine Dorries

Series: Lovely Lane Book #1
File Size: 2297 KB
Print Length: 371 pages
Publisher: Head of Zeus
Publication Date: June 2, 2016
Language: English
ASIN: B016AWGJEW

It is 1953 and five very different girls are arriving at the nurses' home in Lovely Lane, Liverpool, to start their training at St Angelus Hospital.

 Dana has escaped from her family farm on the west coast of Ireland. Victoria is running away from a debt-ridden aristocratic background. Beth is an army brat and throws in her lot with bitchy Celia Forsyth. And Pammy Tanner has come from quite the wrong side of the tracks in Liverpool. The world in which they now find themselves is complicated and deeply hierarchical, from lonely but formidable Matron down to Dessie who rules the Porter's boys with military firmness. Everyone has their place at St Angelus and woe betide anyone who strays from it.

But when an unknown girl is admitted, after a botched late abortion in a backstreet kitchen, a tragedy begins to unfold which will rock the world of St Angelus to its foundations.

My Thoughts: 

First in a new drama series from British author, Nadine Dorries,"The Angels Of Lovely Lane" is extremely well written filled with captivating characters and intriguing plot twists throughout!  Haunted by her own past, Emily has overcome tragedy and climbed the nursing ranks to become the director of St, Angelus' Nursing Program only to to be met with disapproval and an unwillingness to change from long held traditions by the older staff members including the Matron herself.  However, it's a new term and Emily has high hopes for her new student nurses.  Dana, Victoria, Pammy, and Beth each have their own obstacles to overcome as they begin their journey into the world of nursing.

I simply love Nadine Dorries' writing style; the characters are so well-developed and her descriptions are so vivid that I immediately found myself transported to another time and place among endearing friends. The most appealing aspect however, is that Dorries has created a cast of strong female characters filled with grit and determination to succeed and to overcome any obstacle placed before them. Each story line is so compelling and intriguing that I found myself anticipating each new page; creating a wonderful reading experience. This is certainly an amazing start to a new series that I highly recommend and look forward to continuing the series! FIVE stars.