The Cinderella Service: A New Zealand Land Girl's Wartime Journey

(Paperback)

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In the midst of World War Two, New Zealand faces a labour shortage as its men leave to serve overseas. To fill the gap, young women are called upon to work the land, becoming the nations land girls.

Emerald (Emma) is one of those who answer the call, leaving her widowed mother and the comfort of home, to work on a rural farm. Thrown into the harsh and physically demanding world of farming, Emma grapples with doubt, isolation, and the weight of responsibility. But under the guidance of the farmer and his wife, Emma learns resilience and discovers a strength she never knew she had.

With new friends and the trials of wartime life shaping her, Emmas world is further complicated by her soldier sweetheart, Clifford, whose letters are her link to love and hope. When he returns on furlough, Emma must face the toll war has taken on himand the challenge of seeing the world, and herself, in a new light.

In The Cinderella Service, Lynda Taylor brings to life a young womans journey of growth, love, and the courage to endure, set against the poignant backdrop of wartime New Zealand.

Author Bio

Lynda Taylor was born and raised in Auckland and now lives semi-rurally in Hawkes Bay. With a lifelong passion for books and literature, she completed a BA in English from Massey University in 2016 and a Master of Creative Writing in 2021, both as a part-time distance learner.

Lynda has a keen interest in history, particularly the untold stories of women during wartime. Her research has focused on the contributions of Kiwi women on the home front during World War II, especially the little-known work of land girls. Drawing on her own experience of transitioning from city life in Auckland to rural living in Hawkes Bay, Lynda brings a unique perspective to her storytelling, blending historical insight with a deep appreciation for the sacrifices and resilience of these women.