Alice stifled a yawn as she stood huddled with her friends Victoria and Molly near the counter in Foyles Bookshop, their voices low as they snatched a moment between customers to catch up...
The Blurb
London, 1918: the war in Europe may be drawing to an end, but there are new challenges for the Foyles bookshop girls.
As their dreams of the war ending look like they might finally come true, the girls of London’s Foyles bookshop allow themselves to look forward to a brighter future.
But their hopes may be shattered when news of a terrible flu that is gripping the world reaches London, and the girls realise they are not out of danger yet. Meanwhile, they have their own challenges to face when Alice discovers her father has been living a double life; Victoria’s beloved husband Ted struggles to adjust to life after the trenches; and the secret Molly has been keeping finally comes to light.
But, working side-by-side in London’s Foyles bookshop, Alice, Victoria and Molly have become more like sisters than friends. And together, they can brave any storm.
As London faces its toughest year yet, will the Foyles bookshop girls make it through to victory together?
My Review
I so enjoyed being able to revisit the staff of Foyle's Bookshop in this book. I have previously read The Foyles Bookshop Girls' Promise which I really enjoyed, and this one was every bit as good.
There are rumours that the end of World War One is approaching, and people are being cautiously optimistic, and looking forward to a time of peace. Friends Victoria, Molly and Alice who all work at the bookshop are busy with work and supporting their menfolk who have already returned from the war. Each are mentally battle scarred in their own way.
Just as everyone is feeling hopeful of the war coming to an end, they are hit by an unseen enemy in the shape of the Spanish flu epidemic. Much of this will resonate with the reader as it was not dissimilar to the covid pandemic of recent years. People were required to take similar safety measures. The bookshop was forced to close for a short while but the staff rallied around its customers and provided a delivery service.
There were also hidden secrets in the lives of the three main characters, which we, as readers, were aware of. However, it made for interesting reading to observe how this would play out upon revelation to other characters within the book. Although the girls had so much to contend with throughout the book, they remained optimistic and they were a joy to read about. The author has done a great job in her creation of these characters. The secondary characters are equally well portrayed, and each had an important role to play within the plot.
Ms. Roberts also depicts the time period with an authenticity which helps the reader to become immersed in the story. It was a compelling read which I enjoyed very much.
This was a quick, easy and delightful book to read. It is a heartwarming and uplifting novel which left me smiling and feeling satisfied.
Book Details
ISBN: 978 1805497226
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Formats: e-book, audio, hardback and paperback (currently available on Kindle Unlimited)
No. of Pages: 280 (paperback)
Series: Book 6 of the Foyles Bookshop Girls series
Purchase Links
About the Author
Elaine Roberts is the bestselling author of historical sagas set in London during the First World War. She joined a creative writing class in 2012 and shortly afterwards had her first short story published. She was thrilled when many more followed. Her home is in Dartford, Kent and she is always busy with children, grandchildren, grand dogs and cats.
You can also find Elaine at:
(ARC and media courtesy of Rachel's Random Resources)
(all opinions are my own)
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