When war breaks out, three spirited women must set aside their differences to help Britain win the war. Fighting from the forests, they find new depths of courage, strength and love. But – when war threatens everything – would you risk your life to save a friend?
When feisty, bohemian Keeva signs up for war work in the forest, she’s already learnt the hard way that people can’t be trusted. For Rosie, a factory girl from London’s East End, the forest is an escape – but she can’t stop her big mouth getting her into trouble. And Beatrice, a wealthy debutante, wants to use her brain, not ruin her fine hands felling trees. Meanwhile, Lady Denman, director of the Women’s Land Army, battles with bureaucrats in Whitehall to defend the Lumberjills.
As these strong women struggle to survive in a tough men's world, it seems they really may succeed in their dangerous war work… when a terrible disaster strikes and threatens everything they have achieved.
The Lumberjills Stronger Togetheris inspired by the incredible and heroic true stories of the Women’s Timber Corps, a branch of the Women’s Land Army. Author Joanna Foat researched and interviewed sixty women who served as Lumberjills in World War II. These first-hand accounts, and her own passion for adventure in wild landscapes, bring a rugged authenticity to this emotionally rousing novel of female courage, strength and determination.
"A powerful novel of hardship and friendship, based on the author’s own original research. I was rooting for these girls to prove themselves on their challenging adventure."
Suzanne Goldring
best-selling author of My Name is Eva
I was so thrilled that the front cover of my debut novel, The Lumberjills Stronger Together, was selected as a GOLD Award Winner in the prestigious and internationally acclaimed Graphis Design Awards (2025).
Congratulations to my brilliant US book cover designer Richard Ljoenes. Front cover photograph Rekha Garton © Arcangel Images.
I'm excited that the second novel in the beloved Lumberjills series is shaping up, brimming with mischief and feisty escapades! Keeva, Beatrice, and Rosie are back, embarking on more exhilarating adventures to keep you on the edge of your seat.
For those who have enjoyed my Lumberjills talks, you'll be delighted to discover that many of your favourite tales from these heroic women are intricately woven into this upcoming book.
“It's wonderful to read these stories of the women who contributed so much to the war effort but were then forgotten about.
Thanks to Joanna's perseverance and determination, they are now being rightly honoured and remembered.”
"The hardback photo book is a beautiful gift and its wonderful photos truly bring stories about these incredible Lumberjills to life. Thank you for putting this photographic record together, Jo, and ensuring this part of history will be remembered for generations to come."
“Joanna Foat’s characters
are brilliantly drawn and so
wonderfully written, readers will end up missing them when they turn the last page.
Written with style, flair and heart, this evocative, entertaining and gloriously readable historical novel is a delight from beginning to end and I look forward to reading more books from Joanna Foat.”
© Copyright Joanna Foat 2025
