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Woolworths #5
Wedding Bells for Woolworths
Tender and heartwarming, Wedding Bells for Woolworths is the fifth instalment in Elaine Everest's much-loved WW2 saga. July 1947. Britain is still gripped by rationing, even as the excitement of Princess Elizabeth’s engagement sweeps the nation. In the Woolworths’ canteen, Freda is still dreaming of meeting her own Prince Charming. So far she’s been unlucky in love.When she has an accident on her motorbike, knocking a cyclist off his bicycle, it seems bad luck is still following her around. Anthony is not only a fellow Woolworths employee but was an Olympic hopeful. Will his injured leg heal in time for him to compete? Can he ever forgive Freda?Meanwhile, Sarah's idyllic family life is under threat with worries about her husband, Alan. Does he still love her?The friends must rally round to face some of the toughest challenges of their lives together. And although they experience loss, hardship and shocks along the way, love is on the horizon for the Woolworths girls . . .Wedding Bells for Woolworths is the fifth instalment in the Woolworths series. The series continues with the prequel story A Mother Forever, available now.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2020
44 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Everest
23 books190 followersElaine Everest is the Sunday Times Bestselling author of historical sagas including The Woolworths Girls series, The Teashop Girls series and other popular books.
She is represented by the Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency Ltd.
She is represented by the Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency Ltd.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 14, 2020
Another Soother! full of friends & mostly happy families!
For those of us short of the happy family bit, these types of books are a real tonic! Especially during this isolation period.
Don’t be too hard on us for choosing to read what some think are light fluff inconsequential books! There’s a perfect book for every single person to suit every occasion. These books are my “tween” books. I love this whole period of Wartime England... it makes me appreciate just how much we owe to so many people!
For those of us short of the happy family bit, these types of books are a real tonic! Especially during this isolation period.
Don’t be too hard on us for choosing to read what some think are light fluff inconsequential books! There’s a perfect book for every single person to suit every occasion. These books are my “tween” books. I love this whole period of Wartime England... it makes me appreciate just how much we owe to so many people!
January 31, 2020
I have loved reading about Betty,Maisie,Sarah and Freda again and to see how they are now the war is over.Freda is still motorbike mad and rushes to help Alan in his workshop after working in Woollies as she arrives at the workshop she hears men arguing and confronts Alan but what she learns shocks her.To say that things go from bad to worse is an understatement and this book is full of life.I won't say anymore as that would spoil the book for others.I have missed the girls from Woollies and loved this book.5*
February 27, 2022
I have read A Gift From Woolworths, so it’s been lovely to read about all the girls again, specifically Freda, Sarah and Maisie.
At this point July 1947, Britian is still with rationing.
In the Erith branch of Woolworths the staff are looking at the newspaper in the canteen, their fairy story begins, Princess Elizabeth is engaged to Lieut. Philip Mountbatten, the princess, walked with him on the terrace of Buckingham Palace wearing a grey coat over a yellow silk dress. The newspaper told readers that the wedding will be in Westminster Abbey.
Freda hadn’t had good start in life before coming to Erith, now she wants to marry a royal prince any day over the lads who work at Woolworths.
With Maisie sewing skills, Maisie will want to know all the fashion details as customers are bound to be asking for yellow frocks to copy the Princess.
I particularly liked reading about what Princess Elizabeth wore, and how everyone back in them days would be copying the yellow dress that Princess wore, as in today what Catherine and Megan wear there are ladies ready to follow their fashion, with shops selling out of what ever they wear.
Sarah has two children and if she can’t find someone to take care of the children, Woolworths head office might decide she was no longer required.
And Freda has motorbike accident.
Lots are happening for all the favourite characters, Freda, Sarah, Maisie, Ruby, Sadie, Maureen, Betty, and much characters.
You don’t have to read any of Elaine Everest books in order each one can be read as a standalone if any particular one that interest you, it’s just that Elaine has dedicated her books to have follow ups on some characters life’s.
Elaine Everest is a brilliant author at telling heart-warming stories. I recommend the whole collection.
At this point July 1947, Britian is still with rationing.
In the Erith branch of Woolworths the staff are looking at the newspaper in the canteen, their fairy story begins, Princess Elizabeth is engaged to Lieut. Philip Mountbatten, the princess, walked with him on the terrace of Buckingham Palace wearing a grey coat over a yellow silk dress. The newspaper told readers that the wedding will be in Westminster Abbey.
Freda hadn’t had good start in life before coming to Erith, now she wants to marry a royal prince any day over the lads who work at Woolworths.
With Maisie sewing skills, Maisie will want to know all the fashion details as customers are bound to be asking for yellow frocks to copy the Princess.
I particularly liked reading about what Princess Elizabeth wore, and how everyone back in them days would be copying the yellow dress that Princess wore, as in today what Catherine and Megan wear there are ladies ready to follow their fashion, with shops selling out of what ever they wear.
Sarah has two children and if she can’t find someone to take care of the children, Woolworths head office might decide she was no longer required.
And Freda has motorbike accident.
Lots are happening for all the favourite characters, Freda, Sarah, Maisie, Ruby, Sadie, Maureen, Betty, and much characters.
You don’t have to read any of Elaine Everest books in order each one can be read as a standalone if any particular one that interest you, it’s just that Elaine has dedicated her books to have follow ups on some characters life’s.
Elaine Everest is a brilliant author at telling heart-warming stories. I recommend the whole collection.
May 6, 2020
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I really enjoyed this story and I thought it was a fantastic read - I just love this series!
I thought that the writing in this book was excellent and it is a fantastic addition to the series, it was great to be able to catch up with the characters. They were incredibly well developed as I expected and they worked brilliantly with the story. I do feel like I am catching up with old friends when I pick up one of the Woolworths books!
I read the book in one sitting, it was such a lovely relaxing read that time literally flew and as I had read so much I stayed up later than planned to finish it off – and it has the perfect ending!
It is 5 stars from me for this one - it was a really well developed story that was a lovely one to read, a great historical fiction read and very highly recommended!!
I really enjoyed this story and I thought it was a fantastic read - I just love this series!
I thought that the writing in this book was excellent and it is a fantastic addition to the series, it was great to be able to catch up with the characters. They were incredibly well developed as I expected and they worked brilliantly with the story. I do feel like I am catching up with old friends when I pick up one of the Woolworths books!
I read the book in one sitting, it was such a lovely relaxing read that time literally flew and as I had read so much I stayed up later than planned to finish it off – and it has the perfect ending!
It is 5 stars from me for this one - it was a really well developed story that was a lovely one to read, a great historical fiction read and very highly recommended!!
Read
May 5, 2020This is the 4th book in the series, set in the town of Erith, featuring Sarah, Maisie and Freda, and in this tale, Freda and her quest for the perfect romance takes center stage.
One of my main aims for this year was to read outside my comfort zone-as such, historical fiction is not one of my normal genres so I was a bit hesitant to read this , but found it a charming and engaging book. For one with such a bright and cheery cover, Elaine is not afraid to take things seriously as she begins the book with the funeral of an unnamed character.
As the story progesses, to what happened before, it is easy to gain an emotional attachment to the inhabitants of Erith, and begin to panic that one of your favourites might have the Grim reaper lurking in the background!
It's definitely nostalgic, in looking back at a time when Britain was still recovering from the effects of World War 2, rationing was still in place, for example, but with the forthcoming wedding of Princess Elizabeth, all the girls are aflutter for the biggest celebration the country has seen since the coronation-and all are in desperate need of a pick me up.
What is so clever about 'Wedding Bells..' is the warmth and kindness of it's characters, and how it makes something huge resonate on a local level. The marriage of Elizabeth has Freda wondering if she will ever find her prince...motorcycle mad at a time when this would have been thought unladylike, she finds herself falling for her co-worker, Anthony. But due to an accident when rushing away from a confrontation with a local money lender, she potentially not only dashes his chances of competing at the Olympics, but also her chances at love. Will either of them be able to make their dreams come true? Will Freda be able to keep the secret she unwittingly stumbled upon from her best friend? With charm and a sense of realism untempered by mawkish or sentimentality, Elaine creates a gripping tale.
Not afraid to address the issues of the day-attitudes towards immigrants, racism and sexism- Elaine makes this nostalgia trip resonant, warm and witty. She uses cliffhanger chapter endings to keep you reading page after page, creates such a warm, welcoming setting in the shop and harks back to a by-gone era whilst noting that several soicetal issues are still prevalent today.
My overall feeling after finishing was to want to look out for other books in this series, I thoroughly enjoyed being taken away to another place in time. The period details show a great deal of historical research was undertaken and it reminds you that Woolworths really was the center of the town for so many reasons. It was the heart of our town, one that we all completely adored, everyone knew someone who worked there and it's quality and sense of community was second to none. And it is still much missed and reminisced about, all these years after it was closed!Very grateful to Megan for the chance to read a book I might not have seen on my own-the perils of living in a town with no bookshop!
One of my main aims for this year was to read outside my comfort zone-as such, historical fiction is not one of my normal genres so I was a bit hesitant to read this , but found it a charming and engaging book. For one with such a bright and cheery cover, Elaine is not afraid to take things seriously as she begins the book with the funeral of an unnamed character.
As the story progesses, to what happened before, it is easy to gain an emotional attachment to the inhabitants of Erith, and begin to panic that one of your favourites might have the Grim reaper lurking in the background!
It's definitely nostalgic, in looking back at a time when Britain was still recovering from the effects of World War 2, rationing was still in place, for example, but with the forthcoming wedding of Princess Elizabeth, all the girls are aflutter for the biggest celebration the country has seen since the coronation-and all are in desperate need of a pick me up.
What is so clever about 'Wedding Bells..' is the warmth and kindness of it's characters, and how it makes something huge resonate on a local level. The marriage of Elizabeth has Freda wondering if she will ever find her prince...motorcycle mad at a time when this would have been thought unladylike, she finds herself falling for her co-worker, Anthony. But due to an accident when rushing away from a confrontation with a local money lender, she potentially not only dashes his chances of competing at the Olympics, but also her chances at love. Will either of them be able to make their dreams come true? Will Freda be able to keep the secret she unwittingly stumbled upon from her best friend? With charm and a sense of realism untempered by mawkish or sentimentality, Elaine creates a gripping tale.
Not afraid to address the issues of the day-attitudes towards immigrants, racism and sexism- Elaine makes this nostalgia trip resonant, warm and witty. She uses cliffhanger chapter endings to keep you reading page after page, creates such a warm, welcoming setting in the shop and harks back to a by-gone era whilst noting that several soicetal issues are still prevalent today.
My overall feeling after finishing was to want to look out for other books in this series, I thoroughly enjoyed being taken away to another place in time. The period details show a great deal of historical research was undertaken and it reminds you that Woolworths really was the center of the town for so many reasons. It was the heart of our town, one that we all completely adored, everyone knew someone who worked there and it's quality and sense of community was second to none. And it is still much missed and reminisced about, all these years after it was closed!Very grateful to Megan for the chance to read a book I might not have seen on my own-the perils of living in a town with no bookshop!
April 30, 2020
I didn't think I would be able to finish this novel in time for today's Publication Day...I did!
I'm not certain if this will be the last of the Woolworth novels? I hope not, as this is a series I have cherished, the characters have been taken into my heart.
Without giving away too much of the story, I never do, the novel begins with a funeral. But whose? Well, to find that out, you'll have to purchase it, and I well recommend that you do.
Elaine is not afraid to show the dark side, the underworld of life in England in post-war times. In this novel, she takes (IMHO) the characters that we've come to know and love through the wringer at times, though there are happier things to look forward to, including the forthcoming Olympics, but you'll have to read yourself to find out more.
Suffice to conclude, I was breathless by the time I had finished reading and assuming you are reading this because you are a fan of WW2 sagas, I cannot recommend this novel enough.
My heartfelt thanks to Elaine and Pan Macmillan for sending me a copy.
I'm not certain if this will be the last of the Woolworth novels? I hope not, as this is a series I have cherished, the characters have been taken into my heart.
Without giving away too much of the story, I never do, the novel begins with a funeral. But whose? Well, to find that out, you'll have to purchase it, and I well recommend that you do.
Elaine is not afraid to show the dark side, the underworld of life in England in post-war times. In this novel, she takes (IMHO) the characters that we've come to know and love through the wringer at times, though there are happier things to look forward to, including the forthcoming Olympics, but you'll have to read yourself to find out more.
Suffice to conclude, I was breathless by the time I had finished reading and assuming you are reading this because you are a fan of WW2 sagas, I cannot recommend this novel enough.
My heartfelt thanks to Elaine and Pan Macmillan for sending me a copy.
August 27, 2020
Quaint, sentimental, and cosy!
Wedding Bells for Woolworths is a sentimental, uplifting tale that takes us back to the small town of Crayford, England post-WWII and into the lives of all the characters we’ve come to know and love over the previous four novels as they once again tackle sticky situations, celebrate special moments, pull together to handle mayhem makers with sinister intent, welcome new arrivals, and say goodbye to a hero.
The writing is sweet and tender. The characters are multilayered, kind, and helpful. And the plot is a delightful mix of life, loss, love, family, heartbreak, gossip, community, and friendship.
Overall, Wedding Bells for Woolworths is a heartwarming, charming, nostalgic addition to the Woolworths series by Everest that does a wonderful job of reminding us of the importance and impact of one of the most iconic mass-market retailers of the twentieth century.
Thank you to Publishers Group Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Wedding Bells for Woolworths is a sentimental, uplifting tale that takes us back to the small town of Crayford, England post-WWII and into the lives of all the characters we’ve come to know and love over the previous four novels as they once again tackle sticky situations, celebrate special moments, pull together to handle mayhem makers with sinister intent, welcome new arrivals, and say goodbye to a hero.
The writing is sweet and tender. The characters are multilayered, kind, and helpful. And the plot is a delightful mix of life, loss, love, family, heartbreak, gossip, community, and friendship.
Overall, Wedding Bells for Woolworths is a heartwarming, charming, nostalgic addition to the Woolworths series by Everest that does a wonderful job of reminding us of the importance and impact of one of the most iconic mass-market retailers of the twentieth century.
Thank you to Publishers Group Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2020
Set in Erith in kent the year is 1947 as we join once again Sarah Maisie and Freda the Woolworths girls. I loved reading all the books in this series and this was so enjoyable. It will blow all your emotions as you read loved it
April 29, 2020
I have been a fan of Elaine's work for quite a while now. In fact, I have been a fan of her work since I had the good fortune to pick up her first book in the Woolworths Girls series called 'The Woolworths Girls'. Since then I have read everything that she has subsequently released. I read the synopsis for 'Wedding Bells For Woolworths' and I couldn't wait to start reading. After finishing the book, all I can say is 'wow'. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Wedding Bells For Woolworths' but more about that in a bit.
It sort of seems unfair to single out any of the characters for special attention, as they are all amazing- apart from the nasty ones of course. However, I do have a bit of a soft spot for Freda. Freda didn't have the best of upbringings but she hasn't let her difficult start hold her back. Freda is a feisty young lady, who is determined to make the best life for herself. She may hit a couple of bumps in the road but she doesn't let them stop her. She just gets up, dusts herself down and carries on. Freda is a good friend to all and a special support to her dearest friends. She is fiercely loyal and if you confide in her, you can rest assured that she will keep your secrets even if that secrecy gets her into a pickle every now and then. I was keeping everything crossed that she would find the happy ever after ending that she so deserved as she really is the nicest person you could wish to meet. What happens? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
This review is slightly different to the majority of the reviews I type, because both me and my lovely Mam (the long suffering Mrs. Ginger Book Geek although she isn't Ginger) have read the book. Of course she had to read it first and snatched it off me as soon as it popped through the door. These Old Age Pensioners can be pretty vicious when they want to be!!
As soon as we both picked up 'Wedding Bells For Wooldworths' , that was it. There was no point talking to either of us whilst we had the book in our hands because you wouldn't get any response. For us both, 'Wedding Bells For Woolworths' really is an unputdownable pageturner of a read. We both fell under this book's spell from the moment we opened the front cover and we were under that spell until the moment we closed the back cover of the book. We both managed to read the book in just under 48 hours, which is pretty good going for us both. This was one of those books that you wanted to finish because you had a need to know how the story concluded but at the same time you didn't want to finish because you were enjoying the book so much that you didn't want it to end. I hope that makes sense. I tried to ration how much I read in one go so I could prolong my enjoyment of the book but my attempt at rationing soon flew out of the window because I was enjoying the story that much that I just couldn't put the book down.
'Wedding Bells For Woolworths' is superbly written but then we have both thought that to be true of all of Elaine's books. She has a way of creating likeable characters who fast become friends. That's how I felt at any rate. I even found that I tried to interact with the book as if the characters could hear me. In particular I wanted to shake a certain character by the shoulders for suspecting the worst of one of her best friends. I won't say anything more than that as I would hate to spoil the book for anybody. I love the warmth in which Elaine writes about Woolworths and her stories make us think of Woolworths with great fondness. I hasten to add that I wasn't born in 1947 but this book made me think about the store and what I miss about the shop- the pick and mix department was my favourite department if anybody was wondering. Elaine writes about some difficult subjects but writes about them with compassion and sensitivity. I genuinely felt as though I was part of the story myself and that's all down to Elaine's very vivid and realistic storytelling. Reading 'Wedding Bells For Woolworths' certainly took me on one hell of an emotional rollercoaster with lots of twists and turns along the way. I found myself going through every single emotion that the different characters went through.
In short, we thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Wedding Bells For Woolworths' and we would definitely this book to other readers. When you pick up one of Elaine's books, you are guaranteed one hell of a read and then some. We will definitely be reading more of Elaine's books in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
It sort of seems unfair to single out any of the characters for special attention, as they are all amazing- apart from the nasty ones of course. However, I do have a bit of a soft spot for Freda. Freda didn't have the best of upbringings but she hasn't let her difficult start hold her back. Freda is a feisty young lady, who is determined to make the best life for herself. She may hit a couple of bumps in the road but she doesn't let them stop her. She just gets up, dusts herself down and carries on. Freda is a good friend to all and a special support to her dearest friends. She is fiercely loyal and if you confide in her, you can rest assured that she will keep your secrets even if that secrecy gets her into a pickle every now and then. I was keeping everything crossed that she would find the happy ever after ending that she so deserved as she really is the nicest person you could wish to meet. What happens? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
This review is slightly different to the majority of the reviews I type, because both me and my lovely Mam (the long suffering Mrs. Ginger Book Geek although she isn't Ginger) have read the book. Of course she had to read it first and snatched it off me as soon as it popped through the door. These Old Age Pensioners can be pretty vicious when they want to be!!
As soon as we both picked up 'Wedding Bells For Wooldworths' , that was it. There was no point talking to either of us whilst we had the book in our hands because you wouldn't get any response. For us both, 'Wedding Bells For Woolworths' really is an unputdownable pageturner of a read. We both fell under this book's spell from the moment we opened the front cover and we were under that spell until the moment we closed the back cover of the book. We both managed to read the book in just under 48 hours, which is pretty good going for us both. This was one of those books that you wanted to finish because you had a need to know how the story concluded but at the same time you didn't want to finish because you were enjoying the book so much that you didn't want it to end. I hope that makes sense. I tried to ration how much I read in one go so I could prolong my enjoyment of the book but my attempt at rationing soon flew out of the window because I was enjoying the story that much that I just couldn't put the book down.
'Wedding Bells For Woolworths' is superbly written but then we have both thought that to be true of all of Elaine's books. She has a way of creating likeable characters who fast become friends. That's how I felt at any rate. I even found that I tried to interact with the book as if the characters could hear me. In particular I wanted to shake a certain character by the shoulders for suspecting the worst of one of her best friends. I won't say anything more than that as I would hate to spoil the book for anybody. I love the warmth in which Elaine writes about Woolworths and her stories make us think of Woolworths with great fondness. I hasten to add that I wasn't born in 1947 but this book made me think about the store and what I miss about the shop- the pick and mix department was my favourite department if anybody was wondering. Elaine writes about some difficult subjects but writes about them with compassion and sensitivity. I genuinely felt as though I was part of the story myself and that's all down to Elaine's very vivid and realistic storytelling. Reading 'Wedding Bells For Woolworths' certainly took me on one hell of an emotional rollercoaster with lots of twists and turns along the way. I found myself going through every single emotion that the different characters went through.
In short, we thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Wedding Bells For Woolworths' and we would definitely this book to other readers. When you pick up one of Elaine's books, you are guaranteed one hell of a read and then some. We will definitely be reading more of Elaine's books in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
April 30, 2020
I do love a good family saga and author, Elaine Everest, has written one of the best sagas I've read with The Woolworths series. Wedding Bells for Woolworths is Book 5 in the series and I would highly recommend reading all the books in the series in order to learn about the characters and setting as their lives do continue and grow from each story. The books in the series in order are:
The Woolworths Girls
Christmas at Woolworths
Carols at Woolworths (this is novella in size)
Wartime at Woolworths
A Gift from Woolworths
Weddings Bells for Woolworths
We have a wedding to look forward to in Wedding Bells for Woolworths with the forthcoming nuptials of George and Maureen. However, the girls at Woolworths have become rather animated about another wedding as the engagement of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip has just been announced. Living on the edge of the Thames river in the town of Erith it's not too far from the capital so a Royal event and a wedding to boot has got the girls all of a quiver.
The lives of best friends Sarah, Maisie and Freda have become quite busy since the war, especially for Sarah and Maisie who have a young family as well as work commitments. Freda is happy with her work at Woolworths, letting rooms out at her home and helping Alan repair bikes at his workshop. However, this last pastime suddenly becomes a lot more interesting and Alan puts Freda in a predicament with her best friend Sarah and he potentially puts her in the line of danger. But Freda is a loyal and a confident young woman and she isn't afraid of what lies ahead. To make matters even more interesting for Freda she is about to embark on a whole new route in her personal life.
With a wedding and a Royal event to look forward to and new visitors to the town there's plenty to keep the friends, neighbours and gossipers occupied.
Another wonderful instalment in this nostalgic saga that's filled with a welcoming hug of family, friendship and community spirit. Life isn't all rosy for our friends from Woolworths but they definitely know how to 'keep calm and carry on.' I always look forward to a trip down memory lane with The Woolworths series it has everything and more in a family saga and if we can't have the return of the store of Woolworths I think we need this saga series turned into the perfect Sunday evening tv series!
The Woolworths Girls
Christmas at Woolworths
Carols at Woolworths (this is novella in size)
Wartime at Woolworths
A Gift from Woolworths
Weddings Bells for Woolworths
We have a wedding to look forward to in Wedding Bells for Woolworths with the forthcoming nuptials of George and Maureen. However, the girls at Woolworths have become rather animated about another wedding as the engagement of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip has just been announced. Living on the edge of the Thames river in the town of Erith it's not too far from the capital so a Royal event and a wedding to boot has got the girls all of a quiver.
The lives of best friends Sarah, Maisie and Freda have become quite busy since the war, especially for Sarah and Maisie who have a young family as well as work commitments. Freda is happy with her work at Woolworths, letting rooms out at her home and helping Alan repair bikes at his workshop. However, this last pastime suddenly becomes a lot more interesting and Alan puts Freda in a predicament with her best friend Sarah and he potentially puts her in the line of danger. But Freda is a loyal and a confident young woman and she isn't afraid of what lies ahead. To make matters even more interesting for Freda she is about to embark on a whole new route in her personal life.
With a wedding and a Royal event to look forward to and new visitors to the town there's plenty to keep the friends, neighbours and gossipers occupied.
Another wonderful instalment in this nostalgic saga that's filled with a welcoming hug of family, friendship and community spirit. Life isn't all rosy for our friends from Woolworths but they definitely know how to 'keep calm and carry on.' I always look forward to a trip down memory lane with The Woolworths series it has everything and more in a family saga and if we can't have the return of the store of Woolworths I think we need this saga series turned into the perfect Sunday evening tv series!
April 18, 2020
Another fantastic book by Elaine Everest. Was really easy to get into the story and remember the characters from before. Although if this is the first book you are reading it is still a great read. Would love to see another book in this series. Elaine Everest is an amazing author
February 20, 2022
I have loved reading this very nostalgic series of 'Woolworths girls' books and felt quite sad that I'd come to the end. But then I discovered another book in the series due to be published in March 2022 😊 looking forward to that!
July 9, 2021
I’m so gutted this is the last in the series as it’s one of my favourite series ever.. Another amazing book through that’s both exciting and emotional..
December 19, 2021
Really enjoying this series
June 7, 2020
Another brilliant book by Elaine Everest.
Loved reading how the Woolworths girls have moved on with their lives. A great read, knew when I started it I wouldn't be able to put it down like Elaine Everest other books.
Loved reading how the Woolworths girls have moved on with their lives. A great read, knew when I started it I wouldn't be able to put it down like Elaine Everest other books.
April 18, 2020
It's always a joy to return to these familiar and much loved characters. Here they all are again, with the war finally over but a whole new set of problems to overcome. With more than their share of romances, pregnancies, misunderstandings and dangers to keep them on their toes, this latest chapter in the lives of Sarah, Maisie and Freda kept me as entertained as ever. We have back street abortions, racism, moneylenders and rationing setting the less welcome undertones of Kent life in the forties, but these are well balanced with the joyous anticipation of a royal wedding and the London Olympics, some great new characters to get to know, and culminating in a very eventful river trip. Elaine starts this story with a funeral, but whose is it? Flashing back to earlier times, we have to wait for the whole of the book to find out, and the revelation when it comes is a sad one. Is this going to be the last of the Woolworths girls novels? I do hope not.
June 1, 2020
Lovely reading about the Woolworths girls and weddings x
July 6, 2020
I love the Woolworth books, I feel as I know the characters personally, I look forward to any future Woolworths books from Elaine.
July 6, 2020
Weddings
Another 5 star review for elaine everest this book is amazing just like all the woolworths books definitely a must read
Another 5 star review for elaine everest this book is amazing just like all the woolworths books definitely a must read
May 28, 2020
It was good to catch up with the woolworths girls. Loved it. Made me cry at the end. Well done Elaine.
May 10, 2020
This book, set in July 1947, is a celebration of weddings, of younger couples and older couples, after brief or long romances, quickly or well planned. Like the other books in this series, it focuses on those who work or have worked in a branch of the iconic Woolworths shop, specifically in Erith, Kent. Near enough London to allow for visits, but a community in its own right, this is a novel dominated by the women and indeed families who live in the town. Freda was the youngest woman who began working on the same day several years before, then desperately seeking safety and a new start. In this book she has to make her way without all the support she has enjoyed before, as even those she has trusted most are confused. Sarah, married to her great love Alan, must adjust her views on everything as her father changes his life and she is struggling to trust those nearest to her. Maisie, the glamourous girl of the group, is still working hard, and dispensing advice and love to all. This is a book can be read on its own, as there is enough explanation of each character’s history, with a great understanding of the time. This is a book of great research, but more importantly of understanding of the period and the way people lived in that time. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this lovely book.
The book opens with a funeral, attended by most of the community, obviously a source of great grief to many people. This is a reminder of recent trials of war, where even sporadic bombing outside London and the big cities led to loss, and the effects of the fighting were still felt. As it says “Even though it was three years since the war had ended, its consequences lay heavily on everyone’s minds”. Clothes are still scarce, reused and remade. Food is only plentiful if it is home grown. Rationing is still dominating lives. Money is still tight, even for those with good jobs. Freda, young supervisor at Woolworths, was given a house in which she lets rooms. Her main enthusiasm is for helping Alan with his mechanics’ business, though that is not without its problems. One aspect of it puts Freda in actual danger, and she ends up causing an accident which affects a newcomer to the community. Sarah meanwhile is deeply hurt by her exclusion from her husband’s life, and becomes increasingly suspicious of everything. Betty continues with her fair minded managing of the Woolworths branch and her employees’ lives as necessary. Ruby seems more creaky than ever, while her neighbour Vera seems determined to dig her heels in about her granddaughter Sadie.
This book deals so well with local concerns, but also with national events like the Royal Wedding of the then Princess Elizabeth, seen from the point of view of people in the crowd. There is a theme of prejudice against certain people, and that is cleverly inserted in the story. There is also cleverly built up suspense, and a sense of danger. Suspicions of one young woman reveal a story of great tragedy, and make another observation of society of the time. This is a most enjoyable and entertaining novel. Written with enormous understanding and affection for the characters, I recommend it to all those who enjoy a postwar saga.
The book opens with a funeral, attended by most of the community, obviously a source of great grief to many people. This is a reminder of recent trials of war, where even sporadic bombing outside London and the big cities led to loss, and the effects of the fighting were still felt. As it says “Even though it was three years since the war had ended, its consequences lay heavily on everyone’s minds”. Clothes are still scarce, reused and remade. Food is only plentiful if it is home grown. Rationing is still dominating lives. Money is still tight, even for those with good jobs. Freda, young supervisor at Woolworths, was given a house in which she lets rooms. Her main enthusiasm is for helping Alan with his mechanics’ business, though that is not without its problems. One aspect of it puts Freda in actual danger, and she ends up causing an accident which affects a newcomer to the community. Sarah meanwhile is deeply hurt by her exclusion from her husband’s life, and becomes increasingly suspicious of everything. Betty continues with her fair minded managing of the Woolworths branch and her employees’ lives as necessary. Ruby seems more creaky than ever, while her neighbour Vera seems determined to dig her heels in about her granddaughter Sadie.
This book deals so well with local concerns, but also with national events like the Royal Wedding of the then Princess Elizabeth, seen from the point of view of people in the crowd. There is a theme of prejudice against certain people, and that is cleverly inserted in the story. There is also cleverly built up suspense, and a sense of danger. Suspicions of one young woman reveal a story of great tragedy, and make another observation of society of the time. This is a most enjoyable and entertaining novel. Written with enormous understanding and affection for the characters, I recommend it to all those who enjoy a postwar saga.
March 10, 2022
I'm a huge fan of this series which never fails to put a smile on my face. I have to say that despite being set in peacetime, I think this is the most turbulent instalment of the series so far!
It's 1947, the war is over but rationing isn't. The lovely characters are still dealing with the aftermath of the conflict but the upcoming wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip gives them something to look forward to. Freda, who I think is one of my favourite characters, is still looking for her happy ever after and I was hoping all the way through that she would find it. I had a couple of possible beaus in mind for her and let's just say I was very pleased with the outcome.
There's a lot going on in this book. It begins with a funeral and there is more than one wedding. There's also trouble ahead for one of the couples which I found sad but also indicative of real life, especially at that time.
It was so lovely to catch up with the characters again. The circle of friends keeps getting wider and wider and what's so nice is how they look out for each other. Woolworths plays its part as ever, but we see the group spread a little wider and branch out in different directions.
I really loved Wedding Bells for Woolworths. More than once I did a little contented ah and there were also a few oh no's. I enjoyed meeting new additions to the group and seeing them get settled in along with old favourites such as Ruby and Bob. I also liked the way the story was weaved around real historical events such as the royal wedding and the London Olympics.
This book was such a delight to read. I'm looking forward now to reading The Woolworths Saturday Girls and seeing what happens next to the characters I have come to care about.
It's 1947, the war is over but rationing isn't. The lovely characters are still dealing with the aftermath of the conflict but the upcoming wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip gives them something to look forward to. Freda, who I think is one of my favourite characters, is still looking for her happy ever after and I was hoping all the way through that she would find it. I had a couple of possible beaus in mind for her and let's just say I was very pleased with the outcome.
There's a lot going on in this book. It begins with a funeral and there is more than one wedding. There's also trouble ahead for one of the couples which I found sad but also indicative of real life, especially at that time.
It was so lovely to catch up with the characters again. The circle of friends keeps getting wider and wider and what's so nice is how they look out for each other. Woolworths plays its part as ever, but we see the group spread a little wider and branch out in different directions.
I really loved Wedding Bells for Woolworths. More than once I did a little contented ah and there were also a few oh no's. I enjoyed meeting new additions to the group and seeing them get settled in along with old favourites such as Ruby and Bob. I also liked the way the story was weaved around real historical events such as the royal wedding and the London Olympics.
This book was such a delight to read. I'm looking forward now to reading The Woolworths Saturday Girls and seeing what happens next to the characters I have come to care about.
February 3, 2021
It's 1947 and still Britain is feeling the effects of rationing but dominating people's minds is the upcoming wedding of Princess Elizabeth.
Weddings and romance or all things love related seem to be on the minds of all the Woolworths girls right now.
Freda dreaming of love accidentally knocks a young man off his bicycle and the pair take an instant dislike to each other.
But is the tension hiding other feelings?
Meanwhile Sarah's huge romance and idyllic marriage to Alan has hit a rough patch when he starts keeping secrets from her.
Can the girls ever find true love or will the road to romance always be a bumpy ride?
Full of drama, danger and excitement this was another thrilling instalment in the Woolworths girls sage.
I adore these books it's lovely to always catch up with the same old characters in a different adventure and stage of their lives, it's like meeting old friends.
Weddings and romance or all things love related seem to be on the minds of all the Woolworths girls right now.
Freda dreaming of love accidentally knocks a young man off his bicycle and the pair take an instant dislike to each other.
But is the tension hiding other feelings?
Meanwhile Sarah's huge romance and idyllic marriage to Alan has hit a rough patch when he starts keeping secrets from her.
Can the girls ever find true love or will the road to romance always be a bumpy ride?
Full of drama, danger and excitement this was another thrilling instalment in the Woolworths girls sage.
I adore these books it's lovely to always catch up with the same old characters in a different adventure and stage of their lives, it's like meeting old friends.
December 14, 2022
Another cosy read in the Woolworth girls series circa 194o's England. This one revolves around the 'girls' friendships as they evolve at the store and home, in the community of Erith. Freda's voice is the main one as she hopes her Prince Charming will show up, and soon as all her friends have beaus or husbands. Her friendship with Sarah's husband comes under suspicion, assuming runs rampant to disastrous ends. Freda finds solace in a new store trainee, Anthony, who is training for the Olympics being held in London! There are many challenges facing the friends in this installment, some happy events, some heartache but, as ever, everyone looks out for one another and rallies 'round. Fans of the series will enjoy this outing, very much.
June 16, 2020
I have absolutely loved this series. It is such a shame that it had to end. Following the journey of the Woolworths Girls with their lifelong friendships and love lives, it is hard not to love each individual character. There were certain times, that if I could have put my hand in the book to give one of the characters a shake to wake them up and open up, I would have.
This one certainly bought a few tears to the eyes.
If you are a fan of the sagas then this series is a definite read for you. I would highly recommend it.
This one certainly bought a few tears to the eyes.
If you are a fan of the sagas then this series is a definite read for you. I would highly recommend it.
August 25, 2020
I'll say first that this is not my usual genre for reading but I do like to try other genres from time to time. I'll also admit that I haven't read the others in the series. Saying that, I found this book quite annoying for much of it. I found the women to be very bitchy about each other and it seemed to drag until about the last 20%. After that, I felt much more engaged about it - until the ending. I was very cross with the ending😠 I won't say why because it would be a major spoiler.
My mum however, ADORES these books so she will no doubt disagree heavily with me!!!!
My mum however, ADORES these books so she will no doubt disagree heavily with me!!!!
December 24, 2020
Throughly loved all the Woolworths Girls Books
Have read all Elaines Books, starting with The Teashop Girls, after finishing both the books in that collection, I started on The Woolworths Girls & now I find myself at the end of the last book. I love the story of the 3 best friends & all their woes, I’m so glad Freda found her Mr Right in Tony.
Please continue with these books as I’m now wanting to know how things work out for the girls along with Sadie grieving for her new husband.
Have read all Elaines Books, starting with The Teashop Girls, after finishing both the books in that collection, I started on The Woolworths Girls & now I find myself at the end of the last book. I love the story of the 3 best friends & all their woes, I’m so glad Freda found her Mr Right in Tony.
Please continue with these books as I’m now wanting to know how things work out for the girls along with Sadie grieving for her new husband.
May 6, 2020
It was lovely to catch up with all the lovely characters in and around Woolworths in Erith. How I wish I could have given more than 5 stars as it was a lovely book and the narrator, Annie Aldington, was, as usual, excellent. I would say one does need to read the previous books in the series in order to obtain the back history of everyone but it does stand alone too. Another brilliant book from Elaine Everest. Cannot wait for the next one
June 9, 2020
It became obvious that this was as sequel and as I didn't read the first I felt overwhelmed by the significant amount of characters and their relationships - they all seemed to be related by marriage, blood or kindness. In the end, I gave up trying to figure out who was who and eventually caught on. Otherwise, the book worked fine as a standalone. Good characters, some bad choices. I didn't like the end. It seemed a little dark for a book that seemed light.
August 6, 2022
What a wonderful story! It talk about genuine female friendships who cared about each other very much. A few of them become brides and mothers too. Elaine Everest writes wonderful stories. I want to keep reading them. I grew up with Woolworths as a child with my sister. She would bring me to the restaurant there and treat me to fries. This has been my 2nd Woolworths Girl books. Keep up the good work Elaine!
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