[Kyt]

You'll have to let us know what you think of Gardiner's book, Nana. I've heard her speak on Radio 4 and tellie and she sounds like a very interesting writer.

You may also enjoy Amazon.co.uk: London 1945: Books: Maureen Waller which I really enjoyed, especially the descriptions post VE Day, the election etc. All from the perspectives of the Londoners themselves.

My favourite "general" books:

Amazon.co.uk: The Second World War: Books: Martin Gilbert
Amazon.co.uk: Armageddon: The Battle for Germany 1944-45: Books: Max Hastings
Amazon.co.uk: Blood, Sweat and Arrogance: The Myths of Churchill's War: Books: Gordon Corrigan
(the Amazon reviewers are not really fair - I loved the book)
Amazon.co.uk: Armageddon: The Battle for Germany 1944-45: Books: Max Hastings

and this will probably turn out to be just as good:
Amazon.co.uk: Nemesis: The Battle for Japan, 1944-45: Books: Max Hastings

and the Antony Beevor books are well worth a read:
Amazon.co.uk: antony beevor: Books

This is an excellent book:
Amazon.co.uk: To the Victor the Spoils: D-day and VE Day, the Reality Behind the Heroism: Books: Sean Longden