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The Foyles Girls #2
The Foyles Bookshop Girls at War
'A delightful story of friendship, love and hope during the dark days of WW1. Elaine Roberts is a bright new star in the world of sagas' Elaine Everest.
Alice, Victoria and Molly couldn't be more different and yet they share a friendship that stems back to their childhood – a friendship that provides everyday solace from the tribulations and heartbreak of war. Perfect for fans of Elaine Everest, Daisy Styles and Rosie Hendry.
With their loved ones fighting on the front line the Foyles girls face the trials and tribulations of living in London during the war – yet they hold on to hope that a happy-ever-after isn't only to be found in the pages of their beloved books...
Look out for the next in the Elaine Roberts' heartwarming The Foyles Girls series, Christmas at the Foyles Bookshop coming soon!
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2019
219 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 13, 2018
The Foyle girls at war is the second book in the series, set around Foyles bookstore. Alice, Victoria and Molly all work at the bookstore and best of friends. They love their work at the store but, Molly wants to do more for the war effort so, she leaves Foyles and goes to work in a munitions factory. But, at first the girls don’t take to her. They think she is to posh to work in a factory. Her only allies are Andrew Greenwood the boss of the factory. As their relationship get a bit friendlier the girls think she may be a grass, But, after Molly offers to help Grace the relationship, between the rest of the girls gets better,
I have read the first book in the series, which I really enjoyed, so I was looking forward to this. The story continued mainly about Molly, who is the more confident and the chatty one of the three. I thought how well researched the author has written about the work in the munitions factory and dangerous the work was in those times. How much the women sacrificed while the men went to war. I don’t want to tell you anymore because I will spoil it. But this was another lovely story of love and hardship in the war and it’s well worth the read.
Thank you NetGalley and Aria for a copy of this book.
I have read the first book in the series, which I really enjoyed, so I was looking forward to this. The story continued mainly about Molly, who is the more confident and the chatty one of the three. I thought how well researched the author has written about the work in the munitions factory and dangerous the work was in those times. How much the women sacrificed while the men went to war. I don’t want to tell you anymore because I will spoil it. But this was another lovely story of love and hardship in the war and it’s well worth the read.
Thank you NetGalley and Aria for a copy of this book.
November 3, 2018
I absolutely loved the first book in this series and did a happy dance when I saw there were going to be further books. This story gives us the chance to get to know Molly the headstrong member of the trio of girls and her family.
With the war continuing to rage around them Molly feels that she needs to do more for the war efforts and against the advice of Alice and Victoria this book see's her leaving the safety of The Foyles Bookshop and swapping it for overalls in the munitions factory.
This was a brilliant addition to this lovely heartwarming series, a story of how friendships and events that happened during wartime tied families and friends even closer together and a demonstration of how communities pulled together to help eachother with the constant threat of loss hanging over everyones heads.
I became so lost in this story that I was disappointed that I had reached the end and I can't wait to be able to revisit the lovely girls at Foyles Bookshop in the third and final book of the series.
With the war continuing to rage around them Molly feels that she needs to do more for the war efforts and against the advice of Alice and Victoria this book see's her leaving the safety of The Foyles Bookshop and swapping it for overalls in the munitions factory.
This was a brilliant addition to this lovely heartwarming series, a story of how friendships and events that happened during wartime tied families and friends even closer together and a demonstration of how communities pulled together to help eachother with the constant threat of loss hanging over everyones heads.
I became so lost in this story that I was disappointed that I had reached the end and I can't wait to be able to revisit the lovely girls at Foyles Bookshop in the third and final book of the series.
January 19, 2019
Foyles bookshop London
Molly Cooper sadly says her farewells to foyles to go and work in the munitions factory,the country is at war. Alice and Victoria worry that molly is doing the right thing nursing a broken heart over Tony. Molly even keeps the job from her family at first and all is not easy as she soon finds out. She finds a fellow co worker and friend in Grace. And things start to get tougher anything can happen during wartime. Molly determined girl, this book is a special booklovers read with added romance,family devoting and best friends. I loved every page and chapter its a well deserved five stars foyles bookshop is where Molly's heart is and so is tea and chocolate cake. Looking forward to more from foyles in the coming books.
Molly Cooper sadly says her farewells to foyles to go and work in the munitions factory,the country is at war. Alice and Victoria worry that molly is doing the right thing nursing a broken heart over Tony. Molly even keeps the job from her family at first and all is not easy as she soon finds out. She finds a fellow co worker and friend in Grace. And things start to get tougher anything can happen during wartime. Molly determined girl, this book is a special booklovers read with added romance,family devoting and best friends. I loved every page and chapter its a well deserved five stars foyles bookshop is where Molly's heart is and so is tea and chocolate cake. Looking forward to more from foyles in the coming books.
May 27, 2019
Although I had read the first book in this series it took me a little while to get to know the main characters and the bookstore again, especially as one of them, Molly, was leaving Foyle's to start her war work. Elaine Roberts has done a good job describing the munitions factory ( does it really need an apostrophe after the s?), its staff and routines, something I knew nothing about before. Her descriptions of London as Molly cycles or walks through its streets are excellent, bringing all the sights and sounds of a century ago to life. The romance element of the book I found less convincing. For a self confessed talker and one who jumps in without thinking first, Molly worries too much and hesitates too long, allowing her misconceptions to hold her back. She is comfortable enough in his company to kiss her boss Andrew passionately in a public park, yet not enough to simply ask him about the woman she has seen him with or about why he has not gone off to fight. These obstacles in the way of a happy ending felt a little laboured and her loyalty to lovesick work colleague Grace's hurt feelings seem unlikely when the woman has never had any sort of relationship with Andrew and is so horrible to Molly. Nevertheless I enjoyed the book, especially its dramatic bombing and hospital scenes. A little more editing to remove repetitions and iron out inconsistencies would have been beneficial. Molly cries or sheds a single tear or holds back unspent tears so many times, and if heels clipped floors once they must have done so at least twenty times! And what happened to the note Molly left for her parents the first day she set off for the factory? Was it never found? We are not told, but weeks later they still had no idea she had a new job. Generally a good read, depicting the worries of wartime life for those left at home, especially the women, and very timely as World War One is so much in people's thoughts right now.
January 20, 2019
Hooray! Elaine Roberts and the Foyles Bookshop Girls are back! I loved book #1 and was eager for this. Molly sees herself wondering about life outside her beloved Foyles Bookshop where she works with friends. England is at war and it is with a heavy heart but also courage that she starts work at the munitions factory in Silvertown in the East End of London.
Molly hides the fact she's changed jobs from her parents and cycles to work to come back shattered after hours of gruelling work in noisy conditions that are as far removed from the atmosphere of Foyles as you can get. Molly is a sensitive person and is in tears more than once over various things. She tries to make the best of life but at times I was thinking "go back to Foyles." The book was heartbreaking in some parts and so well detailled throughout that I felt I was with Molly.
Elaine Roberts has a gift at creating a convincing wartime London atmosphere and I was uneasy over the description of the munitions factory and routines. I was so glad Molly could still meet her friends and there were some very real, very understandable conflicts between them after Molly leaves. but they still make the effort to see each other.
You'll have to read the book to find out more but suffice it to say that this is an excellent second book in the series. I got into it quickly and it was wonderful to see the Foyles girls again. I'd love to review a copy of Christmas at Foyles and anything else Elaine Roberts writes. Another excellent book from one of my favourite historical fiction authors.
Huge thanks to Elaine Roberts and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review and a place on the blog tour for this title. 4 stars.
Read my review of The Foyles Bookshop Girls (The Foyles Girls #1)
https://katherinesbookuniverse.wordpr...
Molly hides the fact she's changed jobs from her parents and cycles to work to come back shattered after hours of gruelling work in noisy conditions that are as far removed from the atmosphere of Foyles as you can get. Molly is a sensitive person and is in tears more than once over various things. She tries to make the best of life but at times I was thinking "go back to Foyles." The book was heartbreaking in some parts and so well detailled throughout that I felt I was with Molly.
Elaine Roberts has a gift at creating a convincing wartime London atmosphere and I was uneasy over the description of the munitions factory and routines. I was so glad Molly could still meet her friends and there were some very real, very understandable conflicts between them after Molly leaves. but they still make the effort to see each other.
You'll have to read the book to find out more but suffice it to say that this is an excellent second book in the series. I got into it quickly and it was wonderful to see the Foyles girls again. I'd love to review a copy of Christmas at Foyles and anything else Elaine Roberts writes. Another excellent book from one of my favourite historical fiction authors.
Huge thanks to Elaine Roberts and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review and a place on the blog tour for this title. 4 stars.
Read my review of The Foyles Bookshop Girls (The Foyles Girls #1)
https://katherinesbookuniverse.wordpr...
January 28, 2019
3.5
The perfect follow up to The Foyles Bookshop Girls, this jumps straight into the heart of the action.
As the war continues to rage around them, the three girls are once again tested to their limits in both their private and work lives.
This book is about friendship, loyalty, and so much more. It manages to be enjoyabley heart warming and heart breaking in equal measure.
A brilliant historical fiction novel for fans of the Gurnsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
The perfect follow up to The Foyles Bookshop Girls, this jumps straight into the heart of the action.
As the war continues to rage around them, the three girls are once again tested to their limits in both their private and work lives.
This book is about friendship, loyalty, and so much more. It manages to be enjoyabley heart warming and heart breaking in equal measure.
A brilliant historical fiction novel for fans of the Gurnsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
May 12, 2020
Working at the Foyles bookshop was Molly Cooper's dream job.But with England at war she's determined to do her bit. So Molly gathers her courage, and sets off for the East End and starts working at Silvertown munitions factory. It's hard manual labour, and Molly must face the trials and tribulations of being a 'new girl' at the factory, as well as the relentless physical work. The happy ever afters Milly read about in books have been lost to the war. And yet the munitions girls unite through their sense of duty and friendships that blossom in most unlikely places.Munitions workers supplied the troops at the front with the armaments and equipment they needed to fight.They also freed up men from the workforce to join the armed forces.Following a shortage of shells in 1915, the Ministry of Munitions was founded to control Britain's output of war material. It oversaw everything from production to supply. The Munitionettes' jobs were to fill shells and they were prone to suffer from TNT poisoning.TNT is an explosive which turned the skin yellow of those who regularly came into contact with it.The workers affected by this were called canaries due to their bright yellow appearance.Although the visible effects usually wore off, some women died from prolonged TNT exposure.There were also other hazards like poor ventilation, asbestos exposure, and even the physical labour involved.The working environments were noisy, with machines operating, workers shouting and transportation.Before WHS legislation, workplace accidents were common.There were also the threat of explosions.The massive amount of explosive material kept at the factories meant there was constant danger for those working at them.The largest of these disasters occurred at Silvertown in London's East End in January 1917.A normal shift was 12hrs.The breaks were very short or none at all. The work was very repetitive.The women cleaned, filled, painted and stacked shells; operated machinery; weighed powder; assembling detonators; filling bullets; lacquering fuses and making shell cases.But their work was checked to meet standards.
November 6, 2018
Review based on an ARC via Netgalley - advance copy two months prior to publication:
Although I had read the first book in this series it took me a little while to get to know the main characters and the bookstore again, especially as one of them, Molly, was leaving Foyle's to start her war work. Elaine Roberts has done a good job describing the munitions factory ( does it really need an apostrophe after the s?), its staff and routines, something I knew nothing about before. Her descriptions of London as Molly cycles or walks through its streets are excellent, bringing all the sights and sounds of a century ago to life. The romance element of the book I found less convincing. For a self confessed talker and one who jumps in without thinking first, Molly worries too much and hesitates too long, allowing her misconceptions to hold her back. She is comfortable enough in his company to kiss her boss Andrew passionately in a public park, yet not enough to simply ask him about the woman she has seen him with or about why he has not gone off to fight. These obstacles in the way of a happy ending felt a little laboured and her loyalty to lovesick work colleague Grace's hurt feelings seem unlikely when the woman has never had any sort of relationship with Andrew and is so horrible to Molly. Nevertheless I enjoyed the book, especially its dramatic bombing and hospital scenes. A little more editing to remove repetitions and iron out inconsistencies would have been beneficial. Molly cries or sheds a single tear or holds back unspent tears so many times, and if heels clipped floors once they must have done so at least twenty times! And what happened to the note Molly left for her parents the first day she set off for the factory? Was it never found? We are not told, but weeks later they still had no idea she had a new job. Generally a good read, depicting the worries of wartime life for those left at home, especially the women, and very timely as World War One is so much in people's thoughts right now.
Although I had read the first book in this series it took me a little while to get to know the main characters and the bookstore again, especially as one of them, Molly, was leaving Foyle's to start her war work. Elaine Roberts has done a good job describing the munitions factory ( does it really need an apostrophe after the s?), its staff and routines, something I knew nothing about before. Her descriptions of London as Molly cycles or walks through its streets are excellent, bringing all the sights and sounds of a century ago to life. The romance element of the book I found less convincing. For a self confessed talker and one who jumps in without thinking first, Molly worries too much and hesitates too long, allowing her misconceptions to hold her back. She is comfortable enough in his company to kiss her boss Andrew passionately in a public park, yet not enough to simply ask him about the woman she has seen him with or about why he has not gone off to fight. These obstacles in the way of a happy ending felt a little laboured and her loyalty to lovesick work colleague Grace's hurt feelings seem unlikely when the woman has never had any sort of relationship with Andrew and is so horrible to Molly. Nevertheless I enjoyed the book, especially its dramatic bombing and hospital scenes. A little more editing to remove repetitions and iron out inconsistencies would have been beneficial. Molly cries or sheds a single tear or holds back unspent tears so many times, and if heels clipped floors once they must have done so at least twenty times! And what happened to the note Molly left for her parents the first day she set off for the factory? Was it never found? We are not told, but weeks later they still had no idea she had a new job. Generally a good read, depicting the worries of wartime life for those left at home, especially the women, and very timely as World War One is so much in people's thoughts right now.
November 10, 2018
I originally thought this was the first instalment of the Foyles Bookshop girls series, but I was incorrect and this is book 2. But the book can be read as a stand alone as most characters history to each other is explained through the story.
The stories main character is Molly, who at the start of the book leaves Foyles Bookshop to go and work as one of the canaries in a munitions factory, so the story isn’t really situated in the bookshop.
The story describes the trials and tribulations of WW1 in 1916 London and how it effected all the people no matter who or where they came from, and the hardships people had to suffer.
The story was an easy read but personally I found the story felt like it was lacking some depth in the characters.
The stories main character is Molly, who at the start of the book leaves Foyles Bookshop to go and work as one of the canaries in a munitions factory, so the story isn’t really situated in the bookshop.
The story describes the trials and tribulations of WW1 in 1916 London and how it effected all the people no matter who or where they came from, and the hardships people had to suffer.
The story was an easy read but personally I found the story felt like it was lacking some depth in the characters.
October 15, 2023
I originally thought this was the first instalment of the Foyles Bookshop girls series, but I was incorrect and this is book 2. But the book can be read as a stand alone as most characters history to each other is explained through the story.
The stories main character is Molly, who at the start of the book leaves Foyles Bookshop to go and work as one of the canaries in a munitions factory, so the story isn’t really situated in the bookshop.
The story describes the trials and tribulations of WW1 in 1916 London and how it effected all the people no matter who or where they came from, and the hardships people had to suffer.
The story was an easy read but personally I found the story felt like it was lacking some depth in the characters.
The stories main character is Molly, who at the start of the book leaves Foyles Bookshop to go and work as one of the canaries in a munitions factory, so the story isn’t really situated in the bookshop.
The story describes the trials and tribulations of WW1 in 1916 London and how it effected all the people no matter who or where they came from, and the hardships people had to suffer.
The story was an easy read but personally I found the story felt like it was lacking some depth in the characters.
October 28, 2018
2.5 stars
When I requested this book on NetGalley, I didn't realize it was part of a series. However, I think this could be read as a standalone.
I love books, so I was pulled in by the mention of a bookshop. However, I found this book to just be all right. Nothing overly spectacular about it, though the topic (a woman working in a munitions factory) was somewhat unique. I've only read one other book with a similar topic. I doubt I'll check out the other books in the series.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
When I requested this book on NetGalley, I didn't realize it was part of a series. However, I think this could be read as a standalone.
I love books, so I was pulled in by the mention of a bookshop. However, I found this book to just be all right. Nothing overly spectacular about it, though the topic (a woman working in a munitions factory) was somewhat unique. I've only read one other book with a similar topic. I doubt I'll check out the other books in the series.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
November 6, 2018
I am a huge historical fiction fan....love books set in England during wartime.....even better when its part of a continuing series of books.
This is the first time reading Elaine Roberts work, unfortunately this book just didn’t pull me in like many of the other authors I enjoy from this genre.
That being said I didn’t realize going into this book that it was part 2 of the Bookshop series, I would have liked to read the first instalment to be able to make a fair assessment.
Thank you netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first time reading Elaine Roberts work, unfortunately this book just didn’t pull me in like many of the other authors I enjoy from this genre.
That being said I didn’t realize going into this book that it was part 2 of the Bookshop series, I would have liked to read the first instalment to be able to make a fair assessment.
Thank you netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2019
This is the second book in a trilogy about three girls and the lives of their families and friends during WW1. I did purchase the the first book which I enjoyed, but I have to say the second book is better. I think because I’d already met all the characters in book one this book was easier to get into. I enjoyed getting into their lives again. I think all three of the girls have grown up and matured a lot as the war takes hold. I look forward to reading the third book when it comes out.
November 11, 2019
I loved this second book in the series. This one concentrated mainly on Molly who has left Foyles and started work at the munitions factory. I adored the story and the characters were fantastic. It gave me a real sense of some of the horrors of the First World War, especially things you don't really think about, like the impact of the munitions factory work.
Will be starting on the third book in the series very soon.
Will be starting on the third book in the series very soon.
January 16, 2021
It is amazing how little has changed.
It is not how much has changed since world war 1 that is the surprise but how little. That's what makes this book so unbelievably poignant. You route for every character but this only serves to remind you of the mindless suffering of that conflict both on the battle field and home front but also what amazing women the sufferergette generation were. We owe a huge debt of gratitude.
It is not how much has changed since world war 1 that is the surprise but how little. That's what makes this book so unbelievably poignant. You route for every character but this only serves to remind you of the mindless suffering of that conflict both on the battle field and home front but also what amazing women the sufferergette generation were. We owe a huge debt of gratitude.
August 30, 2020
Having read The Foyles Girls #1, I have carried on reading the trilogy. This was an easy, undemanding read but the repetition of some phrases are beginning to grate slightly - I have lost count how many times the characters have burnt their lips on their hot tea or bitten their lip or tongue and tasted blood. Takes away some of the enjoyment of reading what would, otherwise, be a good tale.
May 17, 2024
Couldn't get into this book, it dragged for me. I'd read and enjoyed the first book in the series but not this one and not buying the third book. I wanted to scream every time I read the sentence of Molly biting her lip until she tasted blood. There was a lot of those sentences, repetitive, childish and boring. Molly's dithering over Andrew was also childish and boring. I'm not sure why I finished this book, probably hoping something interesting would happen, it didnt.
October 15, 2020
This. Molly story here we catch up the girls
Molly feels.she needs to do something from the way effort so she leaves the safety off Foyles and goes to work in dangerous place where she meets a man will she live him like he loves her read this to find out
Molly feels.she needs to do something from the way effort so she leaves the safety off Foyles and goes to work in dangerous place where she meets a man will she live him like he loves her read this to find out
January 3, 2021
Worth a read!
Book 2 in the series, but equally good as a stand-alone novel. Tells the story of three friends during World War 1, focussing on the story of Molly Cooper. Do not read this expecting it to be set in the bookshop it isn’t!
Book 2 in the series, but equally good as a stand-alone novel. Tells the story of three friends during World War 1, focussing on the story of Molly Cooper. Do not read this expecting it to be set in the bookshop it isn’t!
January 11, 2021
I love love this story. Especially Molly. She is amazing and brave. To make the transition between bookstore worker to Munitions factory is enormously brave, Andrew Greenwood is a very interesting character I have to say.
April 28, 2019
Great story
I enjoyed this second book about the Foyles book shop girls and can't wait for the next one to be published
I enjoyed this second book about the Foyles book shop girls and can't wait for the next one to be published
March 4, 2020
Great read
This is the second one in the Foyles series that I have read and cannot wait to read the third one. Just could not put it down.
This is the second one in the Foyles series that I have read and cannot wait to read the third one. Just could not put it down.
June 23, 2020
Great historical fiction novel. I enjoyed the storyline, friendships and family.
This is a great series!
This is a great series!
July 26, 2020
Great read
January 4, 2025
Two friends who are so different yet they are connected
November 8, 2025
Loving the journey of these 3 friends and the life they are living during the war years
February 7, 2026
lovely read
I have lived reading these books I can’t put them down till I have finished them. Looking forward to book three.
I have lived reading these books I can’t put them down till I have finished them. Looking forward to book three.
August 25, 2024
this book was great!!
I received the first book free. But, I am more than happy to buy all additional books. This Author mixes the history and the terror, of WW1. The characters are brought to life by the misery they live. I have started the 3rd book, and look forward to the 4th book in November!!!!
I received the first book free. But, I am more than happy to buy all additional books. This Author mixes the history and the terror, of WW1. The characters are brought to life by the misery they live. I have started the 3rd book, and look forward to the 4th book in November!!!!
January 24, 2019
Alice, Victoria and Molly have all managed to survive the first two years of World War I, the losses and struggles, their friendship and families, as well as their work at the Foyles Bookshop keeping them connected. But, things are changing and with Alice working the shop and working for the ambulance services, Victoria worrying about her sisters as they’ve joined the police, and Molly mired in guilt with the loss of Tony, killed at the front, they’ve all had struggles to get through. But, it seems as if Molly feels she has it worse: the class differences between Molly, Alice and Victoria had never been a ‘thing’ between them, but her frustration with her parents’ ongoing determination to work hard and their deference to both Alice and Victoria’s families eats at her. She wants, or thinks she does, to make a difference for the war effort, and takes a job at a munitions factory – without telling her parents, and with lying to her friends. They know something is up with Molly, but questions are either fobbed off or ignored entirely – and their worry for Molly increases as time goes by and she’s not told her parents.
Meanwhile, at the factory, Molly finds that she isn’t ‘fitting in’ there, being seen as “posh’ and a bit of a threat with her manners, her clothing and the seeming interest the factory boss seems to take in her. It’s a struggle- the work is hard, her commute by bicycle takes her across London, and the dangers of the munitions factory, and her ever-present exhaustion are wearing on her. While she and her friends used to chat regularly at work and make dates for chocolate cake and tea, there’s a remove as they are alternately frustrated with and worried for her. And, honestly, Molly is often acting a right stroppy little madam, making snap judgments, sharp comments and bemoaning her own situation – one that she chose. It wasn’t easy to understand or empathize with the level of strain and struggle that she was facing, and the discounting of her own will with Andrew’s behavior was frustrating – times have so changed, despite it all.
But, an explosion at the factory that caused destruction of homes and buildings, losses of life and a sharp comeuppance to Molly in recognizing and realizing her true feelings, when everything came to a head she’s faced with her utterly selfish and quite spoilt behavior. Yes, she was called that frequently – quite rightly too – and you could see her stamping her feet in denial – much as one would expect. Fortunately, her better nature did win out, and she discovered not only her own strength but the reasons her parents had sacrificed so much – offering her more options for her life then they ever assumed or saw possible for themselves. For me, Molly was my least favorite of the three friends – with Alice’s story there was a sense of ‘already grown up’, where Molly was far more a child pretending to be grown. And, her lying to her family and friends, not just to herself, was a difficult hurdle to overcome – if you’re out at 5 am – and not back until 7 – who isn’t going to wonder? It was another marker of her youth and inexperience with deception, even as she was fighting shadows all the time. Even as I didn’t engage with Molly as well as I expected, the story of the work in the factories, the dangers, smells and struggles, and even the weight of expectations from self, parents, country and the ‘man on the street’ were clearly presented and accessible, and this was a lovely story.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Meanwhile, at the factory, Molly finds that she isn’t ‘fitting in’ there, being seen as “posh’ and a bit of a threat with her manners, her clothing and the seeming interest the factory boss seems to take in her. It’s a struggle- the work is hard, her commute by bicycle takes her across London, and the dangers of the munitions factory, and her ever-present exhaustion are wearing on her. While she and her friends used to chat regularly at work and make dates for chocolate cake and tea, there’s a remove as they are alternately frustrated with and worried for her. And, honestly, Molly is often acting a right stroppy little madam, making snap judgments, sharp comments and bemoaning her own situation – one that she chose. It wasn’t easy to understand or empathize with the level of strain and struggle that she was facing, and the discounting of her own will with Andrew’s behavior was frustrating – times have so changed, despite it all.
But, an explosion at the factory that caused destruction of homes and buildings, losses of life and a sharp comeuppance to Molly in recognizing and realizing her true feelings, when everything came to a head she’s faced with her utterly selfish and quite spoilt behavior. Yes, she was called that frequently – quite rightly too – and you could see her stamping her feet in denial – much as one would expect. Fortunately, her better nature did win out, and she discovered not only her own strength but the reasons her parents had sacrificed so much – offering her more options for her life then they ever assumed or saw possible for themselves. For me, Molly was my least favorite of the three friends – with Alice’s story there was a sense of ‘already grown up’, where Molly was far more a child pretending to be grown. And, her lying to her family and friends, not just to herself, was a difficult hurdle to overcome – if you’re out at 5 am – and not back until 7 – who isn’t going to wonder? It was another marker of her youth and inexperience with deception, even as she was fighting shadows all the time. Even as I didn’t engage with Molly as well as I expected, the story of the work in the factories, the dangers, smells and struggles, and even the weight of expectations from self, parents, country and the ‘man on the street’ were clearly presented and accessible, and this was a lovely story.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
March 1, 2019
I had the distinct pleasure of reviewing Elaine’s previous book, which was also the first book in the ‘Foyles Bookshop Girls’ series when it was released in June of 2018. I enjoyed the first book so I couldn’t wait for the second book to be released. Well the wait is now over because the second book in the series called ‘The Foyles Bookshop Girls At War’ was released on 15th January 2019. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it but more about that in a bit.
Molly is the main focus of this book. When the story opens Molly is about to reluctantly leave her job at the Foyles Bookshop. I say reluctantly because really she would love to stay but she feels that she has to do her duty and contribute to the war effort, which means leaving Foyles and going to work elsewhere. Molly gets a job in the munitions factory and she keeps the fact a secret from her parents for a while. To be honest, the job she has sounds so terrifying because she is putting the gunpowder into the shells for the army. One false move and she has had it so to speak. I think that Molly underestimates how hard the work will be and at the beginning she seems to dither about staying or leaving to go back to Foyles. She perseveres and she soon starts to form friendships at her current workplace, whilst staying in touch with her friends from Foyles. Molly is a pleasant, kind, compassionate and caring young woman, who would go out of her way to help those in need. She is also feisty, determined, strong and she is one tough cookie. If I had one criticism (and it’s only a teensy tiny one), it would be that Molly is too over cautious is some areas. Sometimes he seems to hold back from stepping out of her comfort zone and trying new things and she sticks with what she knows because it’s comfortable.
Oh my word, I was hooked on this book from the moment I read the title never mind the synopsis. Elaine has a knack for drawing the reader in from the first couple of sentences onwards and she keeps your attention throughout the book. That’s what happened to me anyway. She has created some wonderful characters, who seem to come to life and jump off the page as it were. I found that I took to the character of Molly from the first moment I met her and her bookshop friends. By the time I got to the end of the book I did feel as though the girls were my friends.
For me, this book is very well written. It’s clear that the author has done a lot of research regarding the wartime period and this shines through in her writing. Elaine certainly has a keen eye for detail. I had a limited amount of knowledge about the wartime period because I studied A-Level Modern History but this book helped me to have a better understanding of what conditions were like back then. Elaine’s writing is so realistic and convincing that I really did feel as though I had gone back in time and I was actually part of the story. I felt everything that the characters were going through. For me this book has a bit of everything – there’s drama, conflict, worry, hope, despair, joy and the occasional dash of romance. What more could you possibly want in a book?
In my opinion ‘The Foyles Bookshop Girls At War’ is a very good sequel to ‘The Foyles Bookshop Girls and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would have no hesitation in recommending this series and this author to other readers. I can’t wait to read the third book in the series. Thankfully I don’t have too long to wait because the next book called ‘Christmas At The Foyles Bookshop’ is due for release on 1st August 2019. Elaine Roberts is an author to watch and she is right up there on my list of must read authors. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
Molly is the main focus of this book. When the story opens Molly is about to reluctantly leave her job at the Foyles Bookshop. I say reluctantly because really she would love to stay but she feels that she has to do her duty and contribute to the war effort, which means leaving Foyles and going to work elsewhere. Molly gets a job in the munitions factory and she keeps the fact a secret from her parents for a while. To be honest, the job she has sounds so terrifying because she is putting the gunpowder into the shells for the army. One false move and she has had it so to speak. I think that Molly underestimates how hard the work will be and at the beginning she seems to dither about staying or leaving to go back to Foyles. She perseveres and she soon starts to form friendships at her current workplace, whilst staying in touch with her friends from Foyles. Molly is a pleasant, kind, compassionate and caring young woman, who would go out of her way to help those in need. She is also feisty, determined, strong and she is one tough cookie. If I had one criticism (and it’s only a teensy tiny one), it would be that Molly is too over cautious is some areas. Sometimes he seems to hold back from stepping out of her comfort zone and trying new things and she sticks with what she knows because it’s comfortable.
Oh my word, I was hooked on this book from the moment I read the title never mind the synopsis. Elaine has a knack for drawing the reader in from the first couple of sentences onwards and she keeps your attention throughout the book. That’s what happened to me anyway. She has created some wonderful characters, who seem to come to life and jump off the page as it were. I found that I took to the character of Molly from the first moment I met her and her bookshop friends. By the time I got to the end of the book I did feel as though the girls were my friends.
For me, this book is very well written. It’s clear that the author has done a lot of research regarding the wartime period and this shines through in her writing. Elaine certainly has a keen eye for detail. I had a limited amount of knowledge about the wartime period because I studied A-Level Modern History but this book helped me to have a better understanding of what conditions were like back then. Elaine’s writing is so realistic and convincing that I really did feel as though I had gone back in time and I was actually part of the story. I felt everything that the characters were going through. For me this book has a bit of everything – there’s drama, conflict, worry, hope, despair, joy and the occasional dash of romance. What more could you possibly want in a book?
In my opinion ‘The Foyles Bookshop Girls At War’ is a very good sequel to ‘The Foyles Bookshop Girls and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would have no hesitation in recommending this series and this author to other readers. I can’t wait to read the third book in the series. Thankfully I don’t have too long to wait because the next book called ‘Christmas At The Foyles Bookshop’ is due for release on 1st August 2019. Elaine Roberts is an author to watch and she is right up there on my list of must read authors. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
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