The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club by Helen Simonson

The Great War is over and the brave men are coming home which presents a bit of a pickle for the women of England. During the war women did their share working at factories, driving trucks or ambulances and other male jobs only to have the men return and those jobs given back to them. Worse than that is the attitude that now the dainty ladies can go back to where they belong at home or in the society pages. Constance is working for an older family friend convalescing by the sea when she meets an unusual group of young women ready to defy the constraints that society puts on them. Poppy is leading the charge wanting to start a ladies motorcycle and flying club that includes a delivery service, competing in races and a flight school with a fixed up airplane left from the war. Poppy and her friends help Constance take risks and gain confidence by helping get the fledgling business off the ground. It doesn't hurt that she is attracted to Poppy's older brother who was injured in the war. This is the book for everyone missing DOWNTON ABBEY. Full of playful humor, a bit of romance and a look at Brits on the cusp of modern thinking but still struggling to keep up with tradition and society rules. A historical delight for a wide range of readers.    4 stars