Picture a British storyteller who swapped a suitcase full of global adventures for a pen, weaving heart-wrenching World War II sagas—meet Molly Green! Writing under the pen name Fenella Forster, this historical novelist captures the resilience of women and children in wartime Britain, blending meticulous research with emotional depth. Her debut, An Orphan in the Snow, launched a career that’s as inspiring as her stories.
Green’s novels aren’t just tales of survival; they’re windows into the lives of ordinary people facing extraordinary times. With a knack for bringing history to life, she’s become a beloved voice in historical fiction, inviting readers to walk alongside her courageous characters.
The Making of Molly Green
Born Fenella Forster, Molly Green’s life reads like a novel itself. Before picking up the pen, she traveled the world, working eclectic jobs—selling lipstick in Denver, modeling in Atlanta, chauffeuring a Swiss banker in Zurich, and even cooking in a Bavarian sanatorium. These experiences shaped her storytelling, infusing her work with a rich tapestry of human connection. Back in Tunbridge Wells, England, she ran a successful chain of estate agencies for 17 years, but her lifelong passion for writing eventually called her to a new chapter.
Green’s shift to writing wasn’t a whim but a return to her roots. Inspired by the untold stories of World War II’s civilians, particularly women and children, she dove into historical fiction with a mission to honor their sacrifices. Her debut in 2017 marked the start of a prolific journey, fueled by her global perspective and entrepreneurial spirit.
Molly Green’s Unforgettable Stories
Green’s novels, published by Avon HarperCollins, are set against the backdrop of World War II, focusing on the strength of those often sidelined in history. Her debut, An Orphan in the Snow (2017), introduces readers to Liverpool’s Dr. Barnardo’s Home, where a young woman finds purpose amid war’s chaos. Its vivid scenes and heartfelt characters set the tone for Green’s signature style—historically rich yet deeply personal.
The Victory Sisters trilogy—A Sister’s Courage (2019), A Sister’s Song (2020), and A Sister’s War (2021)—follows three sisters navigating love, duty, and ambition in wartime Britain. Meanwhile, The Bletchley Park Girls series, starting with Summer Secrets at Bletchley Park (2022), dives into the secretive world of codebreakers, blending romance and intrigue. Her latest, Courage for the Cabinet Girl (2024), set in Churchill’s war rooms, showcases her knack for unearthing lesser-known wartime roles.
Green’s writing stands out for its emotional authenticity and meticulous research. She crafts characters who feel like friends, their fears and joys resonating across decades. Her focus on women’s resilience—whether nurses, codebreakers, or orphans—gives voice to the unsung, making her sagas both educational and uplifting.
Why Molly Green Matters
Molly Green’s impact lies in her ability to humanize history. By spotlighting the civilian experience, particularly women’s contributions, she bridges the gap between past and present, reminding readers that courage and compassion endure. Her novels have touched readers worldwide, with stories like An Orphan in the Snow inspiring personal connections—such as a Canadian reader who gifted the book to a friend named June Lavender, whose grandmother was a Barnardo’s child.
Green’s work also elevates the historical fiction genre, offering narratives that are as entertaining as they are enlightening. Her growing fanbase eagerly awaits each release, a testament to her ability to craft stories that linger long after the final page.
- Pen Name: Fenella Forster
- Key Works: An Orphan in the Snow, The Victory Sisters trilogy, The Bletchley Park Girls series
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Latest Release: Courage for the Cabinet Girl (2024)
Ready to step into the past? Snag An Orphan in the Snow and dive into Molly Green’s heartfelt world of wartime resilience!