Keep the Home Fires Burning: The Complete Novel

Simon Block is a talented author who is able to write a novel that is a, in a word, thrilling! The novel picks up where the television series left off: with a continuation of the story of the lives of the women of England's Great Paxford during World War II. . I loved the Masterpiece Theater program series 'Home Fires', which followed the lives of these strong women. With most of the men leaving to war, the women lead their chapter of the Women's Institute (WI) to not only help (without taking a political stance on the rightness or wrongness of war) the people affected by the war, but also to support each other. Filmed by the UK's iTV, 'Home Fires' aired for two seasons and then was canceled for no apparent reason. But fans protested! Author Simon Block responded to fans by continuing the saga in 'Keeping the Homefires Burning'. What a delight it is to return, if only in my mind's eye, to Great Paxford! It was as if I was returning to a friend's village and catching up with her on all the news.- ever a cup of tea. I get to hear of Frances the president of the WI; Sarah, the vicar's wife; Joyce, the former president of the WI; evil Bob who abuses his wife Pat- she is the secretary of the WI; Allison, the treasurer of the WI; and all the WI members whose lives add color to the rather quaint & quiet English village. Or is it a quiet village? Certainly not quiet because there is a lot of excitement when the TV series ends, leaving fans in suspense. As we saw in the series, a spitfire just crashed into the beloved GP's house, leaving the family- as well the attached house of evil Bob & his wife Pat, homeless. A wedding reception was taking place: the beloved school teacher, Teresa, had just married Nick, the Wing Commander at RAF base in Great Paxford. Overall, a well-written book that's an exciting continuation to the characters I've gotten to love.

Great tv series. This book picks up where it left off

Like others, I was very disappointed that this British series, Home Fires Burning did not return for a 3rd season. I got so involved with the storylines, that I was crushed not to know how things turned out for Pat and her Czech Captain, hoping for her her abusive husband gets his just due, what happened to the new baby for the butcher and his wife, the teacher and her Wing Commander, all of them.So when I found this book that is written by the same writer as the one who did the TV series, I was happy that there was a way to find out what happened to those living in Greater Paxford.I find the reading easy, the characters are already pictured in my mind and although there is a lot of rehashing of the storylines, I am enjoying finding out what happens to all of those left hanging in the series end. I would recommend this book for those missing and wondering what happened to these wonderful characters. It would be great if it came out as an audio version.Now, my only problem is finding the time to read.

I, too, was devastated when I learned last year that Keep the Home Fires Burning series had been cancelled by PBS. This series had great ratings, strong women characters and the story lines kept viewers at the edge of their seats. I was so glad to discover that Simon Block, the creator and writer of this wonderful series decided to write a book to continue on with Season 3 (both e-books and a paperback). He did a masterful job with the book, gave a bit of background from the series so that first-time readers could follow, but it is best if you had followed the shows. There is some resolution to a few characters story lines (Dr. Campbell, Joyce Cameron, for example); but there is so much more to explore with other characters; namely, the Brinsley Family, Claire and her new husband, Teresa and her wing commander, the 2 Campbell daughters, Alison Scotlock and, of course, Pat. We MUST know if she finally is able to leave Bob and reunite with Marek. Please, Mr. Block, continue the saga -- at least until V-E Day! I couldn't put this book down and read it over the weekend.

I was very sad to read we were to be denied a season 3 of this fantastic show, due to an incredibly short sighted viewpoint on the part of the network , who cancelled this brilliant and popular show in order to produce more garbage TV, presumably to target the 'younger' audience. The writer has adapted the TV show to a book format perfectly, it is quite amazing the way the voices of the actors actually pop into your head as you read their lines - you can even see their faces. The novel format offers the added bonus of being able to read their thoughts too - which goes beyond what you get on the TV show. I was hesitant to buy the ebook, thinking 'it won't be nearly as fun as watching' - and was surprised to find out that I found it every bit as enjoyable - and am now anxiously waiting for more.Keep it up Mr. Block - we are not ready to leave Great Paxford quite yet!