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Suzy Henderson

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THE BEAUTY SHOP: A gripping, heart-breaking WW2 novel inspired by a true story. (Heroes of War Series) Kindle Edition

by Suzy Henderson (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.4 545 ratings

Part of: Heroes of War Series (2 books)

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Bassingbourn, 1942: Americans swamp Cambridgeshire as bomber bases spring up across the county. For Stella Charlton, an aircraft woman in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, it’s a distraction from her own troubles as she listens to swing music drifting from the aircraft hangar.

When she catches the eye of charismatic US bomber pilot, John ‘Mac’ Mackenzie, he reaches for her friendship. Torn, she feels a spark between them and accepts. As they grow close, Stella, under pressure from her mother, faces a tough choice.
And as bombers fill the skies daily, the British and Americans suffer losses on a catastrophic scale. For Mac, flying missions over France, across Europe and into Germany, becomes a personal crusade.

Maverick New Zealand doctor Archie McIndoe risks his career and marriage to save badly burned airmen. Reliant upon his unorthodox methods, he battles to save and rehabilitate seriously injured pilots while pioneering plastic surgical techniques. Soon, he appeals to the town of East Grinstead for their help.

When Mac becomes another casualty, his world falls apart. Believing Stella will never look at him again, he pushes her away. Can Stella find her way back to Mac and help him conquer his demons? Can Archie help Mac picture a future beyond war, one filled with love, hopes, and dreams?

Based on a true story, "The Beauty Shop" is a sweeping tale of love, compassion, and determination against a backdrop of wartime tragedy, awarded with an indieBRAG Gold Medallion. A truly inspirational historical romance novel series.
For fans of The Beauty Chorus, Under an English Heaven, and Sarah Sundin’s A Distant Melody. Inspired by the true story of the Guinea Pig Club, a social club that provided support for all the British and allied pilots and airmen injured during WW2 who found themselves in the care of pioneering plastic surgeon Sir Archibald McIndoe.

Readers love The Beauty Shop:
"A superb debut novel which felt like a labour of love from the author. Extremely well-written story of a heroic time about ordinary people." Amazon review.

"The Beauty Shop isn't just a book or a story; it's a piece of art that has been stitched together so delicately, entwining both history and passion into one." Amazon review.

"The descriptions of the action in the air are magnificent." Amazon Review.

Part of series

Heroes of War Series
Print length

408 pages
Language

English
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On Kindle Scribe
Publication date

November 28, 2016
File size

675 KB
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From the Publisher

The beauty shop ebook on night sky background with full moon, bomber plane and text

The beauty shop ebook on a night sky background with text

Editorial Reviews

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"Atmospheric and powerful story of a pilot, a surgeon and a woman in the WAAF during WW2. It is a story based on the Guinea Pig Club, and of a pioneering surgeon Sir Archibald McIndoe. He helped men not only with their horrific physical injuries but to heal their emotions and souls. Mac flying the B-17 Flying Fortress stole the show for me, so realistic, so easy to visualise, brilliantly written.
A superb debut novel which felt like a labour of love from the author."

- Woody ★★★★★

"The air battle scenes are also top notch. They are gorgeous, eloquent, striking, raw and just technical enough without sounding like they came from an air combat manual."

- Kindle Customer ★★★★★

"Love sparks, faces obstacles, and triumphs against formidable odds in The Beauty Shop, Suzy Henderson's creative treatment of a true World War II story. A seamless blend of fact and fiction, fans of romance, battle scenes, history, and heroes will find this book gritty, thought-provoking, while at the same time moving. The deep research, apparent hard work, and tender care of a difficult subject the author pours into her story deserves 5 stars in my estimation."

- Linda Lee ★★★★★

"As I enjoy history, I have read a great deal of both fiction and non-fiction in regard to WWII. The Beauty Shop is one of the more interesting WWII historical fiction novels I have read. It provided fascinating information about the developing medical treatments for burned flyers while also giving the back story of general war news/events re the main characters."

- Coffee Break Books ★★★★★

"Suzy Henderson has done a truly masterful job in blending fact and fiction into a stunning novel. The depth of her research into this aforementioned page from history is remarkable. As a reader, the battle scenes escalated me into the skies, where I felt as if I were sitting alongside the men and the horrors of battle that they were enduring, and at other times, I felt the pain and loss of those who barely survived and of those mourning those who didn't. But I also felt the joy. An exceptional read."

- Lizzy ★★★★★

"The Beauty Shop is one of the most emotionally captivating stories I have read in a long while and one that will stay with me for a long time. I adored the characters, the setting, and the story. This one is a keeper. If I could give it more stars, then I would! I Highly Recommend."
- Bookaholic ★★★★★

About the Author

I live with my family on the edge of the Lake District, an area that has always inspired me. After a career in healthcare, I studied creative writing and English at The Open University and fell in love with writing. Armed with a pen, a love of reading and a growing obsession with military and aviation history, I slipped seamlessly into writing historical fiction.
Other interests include music, old movies, and photography - especially if WW2 aircraft are on the radar. I write contemporary and historical fiction.
My debut novel, The Beauty Shop, has been awarded the B.R.A.G. Medallion.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01LXO5394
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Avis Press (November 28, 2016)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 28, 2016
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 675 KB
Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 408 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #864,697 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #264 in Historical Australian & Oceanian Fiction
- #2,004 in Inspirational Religious Fiction
- #3,635 in 20th Century Historical Romance (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.4 545 ratings

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Suzy Henderson

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Suzy Henderson is the author of The Beauty Shop, Madame Fiocca, and SPITFIRE, novels which are set during the turbulent times of World War Two. She also writes romance and recently released a novella, Christmas in the Highlands, a best seller on Amazon UK.

Her debut novel, The Beauty Shop, was awarded the B.R.A.G. Medallion. It is based on the true story of pioneering plastic surgeon, Sir Archibald McIndoe, and the Guinea Pig Club – an exclusive club for RAF pilots and airmen who required plastic surgery as a result of their war injuries and were under the care of this enigmatic New Zealander.

Madame Fiocca is also based on a true story. This gripping adventure follows the tempestuous life of SOE heroine, Nancy Wake before and during the Second World War.

Suzy lives with her family on the edge of the Lake District, where she can be found rambling around lakes, country lanes or roaming the fells. Armed with a pen, a love of reading and a growing obsession with military and aviation history, she is often lost in the 1940s, writing historical fiction.

To receive all Suzy's latest book news, do join her reading group here & claim a free story: https://www.suzyhenderson.com

Please do catch up with me on social media here: https://twitter.com/Suzy_Henderson

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSuzyHenderson

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4.4 out of 5

545 global ratings

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Joy Cagil

Somewhat Gory, Yet Insightful, Unique, Wonderful, and Full of Action

Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2018

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This story takes place in England, mostly in East Grinstead, and in the air over Europe during 1942 and 1943. Mac, short for John Mackenzie of the US air force, flies bombing missions with several men in his plane and fights with the Luftwaffe. When he catches sight of the shy and beautiful Stella Charlton of the WAAF, he can’t erase her from his mind. Then, in a joint party between the Americans and the British, when Stella and Mac dance, they fall in love with each other. Stella has a friend in the British air force, who her mother pushes as Stella’s future mate, although Stella doesn’t love him but feels bound to him in some way.

When Mac gets burns in a crash and is disfigured afterward, he is sent to the burn unit of Dr. Archibald McIndoe, a plastic surgeon from New Zealand with unorthodox methods and a truly dedicated man to his profession. Dr. McIndoe is a real character of World War II as is the Guinea Pig Club formed of his patients. His burn unit is called the Beauty Shop.

In the meantime, Stella has a difficult time getting through to Mac who is upset with his disfigurement and is grieving the friend who he couldn’t save in the crash. The air fights, the lovers’ up and down affair, and the burn unit stories all add to the success of this story, which ends on a high note.

I enjoyed reading this story very much. It began with Archie’s burn unit and eased into Mac’s story as Mac being the main character with Stella as his counterpart; however, as the story progressed Dr. Archie McIndoe stole the show, and for a while there, overshadowed and took the place of the protagonist. Or maybe, who the real protagonist was became clouded somewhat. As well as the story is written, I am wondering if it wouldn’t be better to have Dr. McIndoe as the protagonist from the beginning and making Mac and Stella’s strong romance story a subplot.

Still, I applaud the author for the amount of research she must have conducted. The building of suspense, use of the language, storytelling, characterization, and handling of the setting also shine. The details in the story-- the air fights, crashes, burns, and wounds of the soldiers—are gory and probably not for the faint-hearted; yet, despite the pain and the gore, evading this story may be a loss for any historical fiction reader. I am glad I read it, and I feel enlightened by it.

One person found this helpful

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Anna B

An engaging story

Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2017

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This was an engaging story, set against the background of WW II. American pilot Mac meets English Stella and knows immediately that she's the one. Stella, however, has stuff to sort out, and then there are all the complications arising from the war itself - after all, flying a bomber comes with all sorts of risk, notably that of falling out of the sky or crashing and burning.
Ms Henderson has obviously done her research, manifested in vivid descriptions of Mac's various flying missions. One can almost smell the overheated metal, the blood and fear, hear these young men scream in defiance and terror. Good characterisation, a well-developed plot and great descriptive writing combine to make this an enjoyable read!

3 people found this helpful

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Mary Clark

How Love & Caring Make a Positive, Healing Difference in Times of War

Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2017

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This is a love story set in a charming English town and its environs during World War II. Stella Charlton, a young woman working on the ground to aid the local Royal Air Force base, and John “Mac” Mackenzie, a young American pilot from a nearby Eighth Air Force base, fall in love at a dance. Stella is in a relationship with an RAF pilot, who is distant and troubled. Mac is stressed and depressed by the dangerous missions he is flying. Their courtship is complicated, but becomes even more so when Mac is badly burned after a crash landing. He is sent to a hospital unit run by an extraordinary doctor, Archibald McIndoe. He “fixes them up,” but does much more by working with the community at large to change the way the now disabled and scarred men are perceived and treated once they leave the hospital. It is his vision that they will be able to live as normal lives as they can, and not be consigned to begging on the streets as happened to many disabled World War I vets.

The scenes of life on the base and in the small English towns, including the weather, flow naturally. The reader is treated to the sights, scents and sounds of the English countryside, the hospital, and the B-17 bomber. Most impressive are the descriptions of Mac and his crew, and their experiences during air combat. They remind me of my own father's memories of his experiences as a gunner and radio operator on a B-24 based in Norfolk, England. Many did not return, and those who did, were haunted by the horror they saw. Mac is also reminded of the horror he is responsible for, when he sees the results of a German bombing of an English town.

The book shows how important the strength of love is in times of war. I found The Beauty Shop an enjoyable read, even though there were times when it dragged a bit due to some unnecessary plot contrivances. One of things I enjoy is learning something new, and this book delivered that with its story of Dr. McIndoe’s efforts. I am giving The Beauty Shop 5 stars for the author’s believable characters, her extensive research of World War II, and her connection with this information, which she has shared so well with her readers.

11 people found this helpful

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HM Holten

World War II Romance

Reviewed in Germany on September 6, 2020

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Archie McIndoe, John (Mac) Mackenzie, and Stella Charlton are the main protagonists in Suzy Henderson’s WWII novel. The ‘beauty shop’ refers to the Guinea Pig Club and gives its readers a different viewpoint of the horrors happening during the Second World War, presenting the pilots who become casualties, with horrific burns, often permanent damage to their appearance, and, in many cases, their mental well-being. A New Zealand plastic surgeon, Archibald (the Maestro) McIndoe does wonders in restorative surgery at East Grinstead, the home of the 91st Bomb Group.
From the start, Stella is torn between her proposed fiancé and the American pilot she meets, doing service at close to the airfield. Mac falls for her the moment he sets eyes on her. He admires her integrity but can help to pursue her regardless of her prior ties. Stella’s doubts about her fiancé become pressing, especially because Mac shows her admiration as well as understanding.
The Beauty Shop is not only a romance, but it gives insight into the horror of war. Ms Henderson describes war action in all its aspects when the crew can return after a successful drop, and the anguish they live though when things go wrong. This is a realistic but touching read that leaves the reader wondering about human folly. Highly recommended.

Plain Jane

Good research but disappointing

Reviewed in Spain on December 30, 2018

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The research behind the true story in this novel is sound, but the story itself wanders into stereotypes and clichés with too many flat characters. Some scenes are excellent, but on the whole I was disappointed after all the hype.

Clemens Schoonderwoert

A Superb Compelling Heroic Debut Novel!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 7, 2017

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This beautiful and engrossing book has been my very first encounter with this fine lady author and certainly a revelation, and hopefully it will not be the last time for I have to say in all honesty that this experience has been absolutely rewarding.
To clarify this wonderful story the author has produced a well documented Author's Note at the end of the book, explaining there about the marvellous achievements by this famous Dr Archibald McIndoe as a physician, in his treatment of his patients in both body and mind, as well being one of the driving forces of the Guinea Pig Club (Est 1941) where a lot of these servicemen could turn to after their ministrations by the same Dr McIndoe, they were later known as "Guinea Pigs", so they could celebrate their annual reunion with each other and with this same Sir Dr Archibald McIndoe.
Story-telling is of an absolutely superb and beautiful quality, and in my humble opinion what mainly female authors are very good at most of the time, is the ability to tell her story with such warmth and passion that it keeps you spellbound and gripped while at the same time she lets you feel the love, devotion, desperation and hate within this wonderful romantic tale.
This fantastic book is based on a true story, and it is set during the years 1942/1943, with a nice and warm epilogue which is set in 1990, and which will finish this captivating and compassionate book in a most splendid fashion.
The book has been divided into three main themes; firstly being Dr Archibald McIndoe who as a physician treats his patients not only physically but also mentally and so trying to restore his patients into human beings as whole as can be in body and mind, while also trying to lift their morale by introducing them into the Guinea Pig Club, where they can celebrate and share their brotherhood and camaraderie.
Secondly there's the pilote John "Mac" Mackenzie of the US Air Force, who after an amount of successful flights finds himself burned after a mission, but with the help of Dr McIndoe and his girl-friend Stella he overcomes his struggles and despair.
Thirdly there's the delightful and sensible Stella Charlton, who as a new recruit to the WAAF meets this American pilot, the same John "Mac" Mackenzie on New Year's Eve, and falls in love with him, and that relationship will finally turn into a beautiful fulfilling and everlasting love.
All three themes are intertwined in a very romantic and humanlike fashion, besides that all the characters are really lifelike in their dealings with each other within this gloomy atmosphere of Britain in 1943 during WWII, plus that all this is written down in a most heart-warming prose, and thus all these factors combined make this book such a superb compelling read.
Very highly recommended, for this is an elegant masterpiece in story-telling as well as bringing to life the world of WWII in a most authentic atmosphere, and that's why I would qualify this book as "A Superb Compelling Heroic Debut Novel"!

3 people found this helpful

Mahrie

Great blend of fact and fiction and the men who lost faces.

Reviewed in Canada on July 19, 2017

Verified Purchase

Flowing narrative of men who faced some of the greatest danger in WW11 and the doctor and nurses as well as loved ones who helped them heal inside and out.

writingwithwolves

I honestly have no idea how I can even begin to write a worthy review of this book...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 22, 2017

Verified Purchase

I honestly have no idea how I can even begin to write a review worthy of this book; I waited so long to hold a copy and the wait was totally worth it.

Archie McIndoe was an incredible man, but one I had never heard of before reading this book; which is a crime. This man deserves to be ingrained in the memories of everyone.

Archie McIndoe wasn't just a doctor, he was a miracle worker; who gave life back to men who thought their lives were over. He did a job that was frowned upon because it wasn't understood, and undertook methods that many didn't think would work - but they did, and wow, did they work well.

I don't know nearly enough about the First and Second World Wars, and I'm finding that learning through fiction is really helping to give me a real understanding of what went on during those awful years. Suzy Henderson has written a book that is beautifully heartbreaking and inspiring, as well as deeply educational, and books like this are incredibly important right now. The Beauty Shop isn't just a book or a story; it's a piece of art that has been stitched together so delicately, entwining both history and passion into one. Never before have I cried so early into a book (before I'd even finished page 5!), and never has a book made me cry so many times (6!). I genuinely do not have the words to write a review like I normally would, because this book has left me in a state of shock. This book stole, crushed and healed my heart over and over, and I do not have a single criticism.

Suzy is genuinely an exceptionally talented woman, who made me feel like I was back in the 1940s. She writes beautifully and passionately, and you just know that she cares about what she's writing about. I cannot wait to read more of her work (but next time I'll make sure I have the tissues ready).

Thank you for teaching me so much Suzy, writers like yourself are a vital part of trying to stop history repeating itself.

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THE BEAUTY SHOP: A gripping, heart-breaking WW2 novel inspired by a true story. (Heroes of War Series) Kindle Edition

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