| This week, I am delighted to welcome Tania Crosse back to my blog to talk about the inspiration behind her new novel, The Butterfly Girl, which is the eleventh title in her popular Devonshire Series. |  |
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First of all, I must say a huge thank you to Susanna for once again inviting me to be a guest on her blog. I’m not a great fan of technology, but through social media, I have met so many wonderful authors such as Susanna whose books I greatly admire. Not only have I discovered brilliant stories, but I value the friendships I have made with their writers. It really feels like belonging to a special community.
 | The Butterfly Girl is particularly close to my heart as it is very much inspired by my mother who trained as a nurse during the London Blitz.
She led a remarkable life, and in this novel, I use many of the wartime experiences she related to me, adapting them to become relevant to the plot.
Indeed, a grateful patient wrote her a poem, Nurse Blue Eyes, which gave me the idea for one of the fundamental themes of the story and the creation of Archie Yelland and his poem, The Butterfly Girl, which is central to the drama. |
It is, though, in Plymouth and not London where my heroine, Philippa, undertakes her training. Plymouth suffered intermittent raids, some more deadly than others, from July 1940. What is referred to as the Plymouth Blitz, however, took place in the spring of 1941, completely obliterating the city centre. On the second of these horrific nights, the brand new maternity unit of the City Hospital received a direct hit on the nursery, destroying the building and killing numerous babies and small children. The Butterfly Girl is dedicated to their memory. One mother and several nursing staff also lost their lives. The story begins on that brutal night, as seen through Philippa’s eyes.
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But bombing raids and the infernos that rage through Plymouth are not Philippa’s only worries. While her new friend, outspoken fellow probationer nurse Stephanie Chappel, brings her support and companionship, Archie Yelland and his poem unwittingly make her an enemy who will do anything to ruin her career and her future happiness. Philippa must find the strength to fight back against all odds and overcome the obstacles placed in her way.
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If you feel inspired to read The Butterfly Girl, I do hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. And if you would be kind enough to leave a review on Amazon or your preferred platform, it would be very much appreciated. You can also follow me on Twitter/X @TaniaCrosse or on Faceboook where you will find me under Tania Crosse Author.
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Blurb
DON’T MISS THIS BRAND-NEW UPLIFTING WWII SAGA BY BESTSELLING AUTHOR TANIA CROSSE.
A heart-wrenching tale of wartime spirt and the courage of a young nurse during the Plymouth Blitz.
1941. Bombs are raining down on the city. For trainee nurse Pippa Luscombe, tragedy strikes when her hospital takes a direct hit. In one terrifying moment, Pippa’s life is turned upside-down.
With the support of her best friend, fellow nurse Steph, Pippa picks up the threads of her life again. But the incident has left lasting scars. Totally dedicated to her nursing role, she determines never to fall in love and sacrifice her career and freedom.
But one day she discovers she has an unexpected admirer. A patient hands her a piece of paper. A heartfelt note to his butterfly girl.
In this one moment, Pippa’s life is changed once more.
As the war in Europe rages on, Pippa must face some difficult decisions as she experiences both love and loss in search of her own happiness.
Fans of Nadine Dorries, Rosie Goodwin, Dilly Court, Chrissie Walsh, Lizzie Lane, Freda Lightfoot and Sylvia Broady will adore this compelling wartime tale of love and loss, hardship and hope.
READERS LOVE TANIA CROSSE’S HEARTWARMING FAMILY SAGAS:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “If you love family sagas you will love this book . . . I read it in one evening.” Angela S.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Fascinating . . . an interesting plot that reflects the morals of that time.” Carol S.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Maisie is a true hero to root for! Highly recommended.” Paul J.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I really enjoyed this book and did not want to put it down.” Barbara
ALSO BY TANIA CROSSE
DEVONSHIRE SAGAS
Book 1: THE HARBOUR MASTER’S DAUGHTER
Book 2: THE RIVER GIRL
Book 3: THE GUNPOWDER GIRL
Book 4: THE QUARRY GIRL
Book 5: THE RAILWAY GIRL
Book 6: THE WHEELWRIGHT GIRL
Book 7: THE AMBULANCE GIRL
Book 8: THE DARTMOOR GIRL
Book 9: THE GIRL AT HOLLY COTTAGE
Book 10: THE CONVENT GIRL
Book 11: THE BUTTERFLY GIRL
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Link to Tania's author page on Amazon
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