A tale woven with themes of war, love, family, sacrifice, and the resilience of refugees. It’s about facing fear, uncovering hidden truths, unexpected coincidences, and the courage to start over, all while reminding us to be sun smart along the way.
The Island Girls by Rachel Sweasey
Genres: Historical Romance

1941: For the townspeople of Poole on the Dorset coast, the war feels like it's right on their doorstep. And with more and more men leaving to fight, one fisherman’s daughter is determined to do whatever she can to help. Peggy volunteers to use her skills on the water to work with the flying boats alongside the RAF based in the harbour. But when she is asked to undertake a special mission, she will have to make a terrible choice – between her duty to her country and her only chance of happiness.

1998: Rebekah has travelled halfway around the world to take up a role on Brownsea Island. This tiny island off the coast of England is a treasure trove of natural wonder, but it still carries the scars of fighting. And when Rebekah discovers a lost letter from the war, hidden all this time, she becomes determined to deliver it, fifty years later.

But the idyllic Dorset harbour hides many more secrets, and Rebekah’s search for the truth will change her life in ways she never imagined possible…

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Review

Rachel Sweasey’s The Island Girls masterfully blends history, love, and intrigue, offering vivid descriptions of Poole, Brownsea Island, and Brisbane. With a dual timeline and rich historical detail, it’s perfect for fans of wartime fiction, mystery, and romance.

Peggy, the daughter of a fisherman, knows the waterways of Poole like the back of her hand. As a member of the British Overseas Airways Corporation, she helps transport passengers and supplies from the flying boats during World War II. With the RAF stationed nearby, Peggy is asked to locate a possible German spy, forcing her to choose between her duty to her country and the man she loves.

Set in both 1941 and 1998, it follows the perspectives of Peggy Symonds and Rebekah Martins. Rebekah, a wildlife ranger on Brownsea Island in 1998, meets historian Paul, and together they discover a lost letter from the war. Intrigued by the mystery, they embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind the letter.

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