FREE Today: Library Blitz 2—Library Card

“Remember, remember,
The fourth of November . . .?”

Oh, sorry. That’s the fifth of November. Close enough.

While I’ve never celebrated Guy Fawkes Day in my life, I’ve always had a soft spot for the poem.

Fourth or fifth—one thing is indisputable. The last month before Christmas is clearly upon us, and while November can come with some grey, gloomy vibes for those of us in the northern hemisphere, it’s also the perfect time to curl up with some cozy vintage fiction.

Which is exactly what I’m so excited to be sharing with all of you today!

Library Blitz 2: Library Card

How do you issue a library card—to a child who won’t tell you his name?

Nora Addison has already come to grips with life as a wartime librarian. Nightly blackouts, constant air raids, and the possibility of getting killed on the way to work—these things are just part of the package deal. What wasn’t supposed to be in the deal is the emotional turmoil of holding a vulnerable child that Nora has absolutely no idea how to help.

Typically, digging survivors out of rubble-that-used-to-be-buildings is the end, rather than the start, of Frank Willis’s job. But the silent boy his team has pulled from today’s bombing is anything but typical.  Bringing the nameless kid to the library seemed like an innocent idea—at least until Nora begins to lose her heart to a child she is powerless to rescue.

Unless the two of them can find a way to unravel his unknown past, the ARP has no clue how to return the boy to the family where he belongs. But so far, Nora and Frank can’t even figure out what name to put on his library card.

If you love WWII fiction, heartwarming characters, inspirational lessons, and a tiny thread of squeaky-clean romance, then Library Blitz is the newest series you don’t want to miss!

Library Blitz Research Files

As I shared last month, historical fiction always comes with historical research. Quite honestly, this is something I love! Digging around in the past, turning up bits and pieces of a world that used to be, getting to incorporate those bits and pieces into the details that make fiction come alive—it’s one of my favourite things about writing.

The part that isn’t quite so fun, is how many fabulous scraps of history don’t make it into the final product. My research folders are always full of extra stories that simply didn’t find a place in the story itself. Hence, the Library Blitz Research Files.

If you’re ready to dig into some of the content behind the scenes, here’s my list of the best places to start! (Incidentally, this seems to be the vintage fashion chapter of my research compendium. But who doesn’t love some good 1940s throwback clothes?)

WW2 ARP & Civil Defence Uniforms, Headwear & Footwear—Yes, there’s an entire website dedicated to ARP/Civil Defense uniforms. Who knew? Their well-researched details and colour photos are fabulous, too!

WW2 Home Front, Air Raid Warden, ARP & Civil Defence Helmets & Markings—In case the uniform details weren’t enough, here’s the page with everything you need to know about ARP helmets. (Am I the only person who feels there has never been a piece of military headgear that didn’t look slightly crazy until you got used to it? Scratch that. Am I the only person who feels there has never been at HAT that didn’t look slightly crazy until you got used to it? Just saying.)

Changes in Women’s Footwear—Yeah, we briefly mentioned Nora was wearing pumps. Innocuous sentence, that took some behind-the-scenes fashion checking for accuracy. If you’re interested in all the details, check out this comprehensive analysis of women’s footwear in the 1940s.

“Never in the Field of Human Conflict”—We always get bonus points for primary sources, right? Here’s your link to the full parliamentary report of Winston Churchill’s remarks in the House of Commons, 20th August 1940. It isn’t exactly short, but it contains some iconic Churchillian lines!

8 Objects Used By Air Raid Wardens During The Blitz—Complete with pictures and direct links to the corresponding object records in the Imperial War Museums collection.

Fact File: Air Raid Precautions—Here’s the BBC’s succinct analysis of the facts and data of the ARP. I have been a BBC news fan for years (and of course a select BBC drama fan for even longer!) but Library Blitz has been the first project to introduce me to the BBC’s extensive historical/archival resources. They are quite possible the best-kept secret of the British Broadcasting Corporation!

Civil Defence Service—As I’ve noted in this episode’s historical spotlight, the ARP was renamed Civil Defense Service in 1941. You’ll find plenty of fascinating Civil Defense details in this article which continues the story of the ARP.

Grap Your Copy of Library Blitz 2 Today!

Library Blitz 2: Library Card is FREE on Amazon, November 4-6, so don’t miss your chance to download a copy.

On that note, I have just got to say thank you again for the overwhelming enthusiasm you all poured into the Library Blitz launch last month. I was over the moon with how many of you downloaded a copy, as well as everyone who reached out to share their excitement and support.

I hope you’ll find this month’s episode just as much fun!

And just in case you’re joining us for the first time, don’t miss out on the start of Frank and Nora’s adventures:

Is a library worth risking your life for? What about a library that holds something you can’t afford to lose?

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