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The West End Girls #2
Big Dreams for the West End Girls
1914. Working in a bustling café on London's Shaftesbury Avenue, Joyce Taylor dreams of opening her own restaurant. But when the man she loves enlists in the war, and a surprise request comes through from her dying grandmother, Joyce's life gets turned upside down.
Struggling to keep the café afloat with her new-found responsibilities, it's not long before Joyce starts to feel the pressure might be all too much. Luckily, her supportive friends Annie and Rose are on hand to help. Despite all the madness, can Joyce find a way to make her dreams come true? And will her love story have a happy ending?
Annie, Rose and Joyce are three girls with very different dreams – but the same great friendship. From the author of the Foyles Bookshop series, Big Dreams for the West End Girls is a charming and uplifting WW1 saga, perfect for fans of Daisy Styles and Rosie Hendry.
Struggling to keep the café afloat with her new-found responsibilities, it's not long before Joyce starts to feel the pressure might be all too much. Luckily, her supportive friends Annie and Rose are on hand to help. Despite all the madness, can Joyce find a way to make her dreams come true? And will her love story have a happy ending?
Annie, Rose and Joyce are three girls with very different dreams – but the same great friendship. From the author of the Foyles Bookshop series, Big Dreams for the West End Girls is a charming and uplifting WW1 saga, perfect for fans of Daisy Styles and Rosie Hendry.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2021
82 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 9, 2022
I so love these heartwarming historical series novels set during WWI. They are light and simple yet always involve important issues. They are a joy to read.
This is the second book that tells the stories of three friends; Joyce, Annie and Rose who move to London in 1914. The focus is primarily on Joyce in this book as she struggles to run a busy cafe in the heart of London while her beau goes off to war.
I really enjoyed this one so I wish I had read the first book. I would have liked to get an even better understanding of the characters and their struggles when they first arrived in London. That said I still think you can read this one without reading the first book as the author does a good job at re-introducing the characters.
A lovely series that I will continue to read.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Aria & Aries for granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.
This is the second book that tells the stories of three friends; Joyce, Annie and Rose who move to London in 1914. The focus is primarily on Joyce in this book as she struggles to run a busy cafe in the heart of London while her beau goes off to war.
I really enjoyed this one so I wish I had read the first book. I would have liked to get an even better understanding of the characters and their struggles when they first arrived in London. That said I still think you can read this one without reading the first book as the author does a good job at re-introducing the characters.
A lovely series that I will continue to read.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Aria & Aries for granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.
April 27, 2021
Great to review another book by Elaine Roberts.
It is 1914. Joyce Taylor works in a café on Shaftsbury Avenue. She has big dreams of opening her own restaurant. Things seem good but changes are in store for Joyce.
Will she be able to face them? I admit I felt for Joyce and loved that she had dreams and did the best she could working in the café. I was glad she had friends, especially with the man enlisting to help with the war efforts.
I adored Elaine Roberts' novels in the Foyles Bookshop series and Shaftsbury Avenue and the café in Big Dreams for the West End Girls was very atmospheric.
Elaine Roberts does an amazing job always of making wartime London so visual and making me feel as if I'm in the story. Her characters and dialogue keep me hooked and I liked the friendship Joyce had with Annie and Rose. I was glad they had each other.
Thanks to Elaine Roberts and Head of Zeus for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 stars.
It is 1914. Joyce Taylor works in a café on Shaftsbury Avenue. She has big dreams of opening her own restaurant. Things seem good but changes are in store for Joyce.
Will she be able to face them? I admit I felt for Joyce and loved that she had dreams and did the best she could working in the café. I was glad she had friends, especially with the man enlisting to help with the war efforts.
I adored Elaine Roberts' novels in the Foyles Bookshop series and Shaftsbury Avenue and the café in Big Dreams for the West End Girls was very atmospheric.
Elaine Roberts does an amazing job always of making wartime London so visual and making me feel as if I'm in the story. Her characters and dialogue keep me hooked and I liked the friendship Joyce had with Annie and Rose. I was glad they had each other.
Thanks to Elaine Roberts and Head of Zeus for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 stars.
March 2, 2026
I listened to Big Dreams for the West End Girls on Kobo Plus and really enjoyed it.
Set in London in 1914, at the start of the First World War, the story follows Joyce Taylor, a café worker in Shaftesbury Avenue who dreams of owning her own restaurant. As war reshapes daily life in the West End, her plans are tested and her world begins to shift.
At the heart of the novel is the friendship between Joyce, Annie and Rose. Each of them has her own ambitions and fears, and I liked how the book focuses on their loyalty and resilience during uncertain times. The wartime setting adds tension, but the story remains warm and character driven rather than heavy.
The historical background feels well researched without overwhelming the plot. You sense the social pressures and the changing roles of women, yet the narrative keeps a steady, accessible pace.
I did not realise this was the second book in a trilogy when I started it, but it works well as a standalone. I am now going back to read the series in order.
If you enjoy historical fiction centred on female friendship, ambition and life on the home front during the First World War, this is a solid choice.
@livros100fim
Set in London in 1914, at the start of the First World War, the story follows Joyce Taylor, a café worker in Shaftesbury Avenue who dreams of owning her own restaurant. As war reshapes daily life in the West End, her plans are tested and her world begins to shift.
At the heart of the novel is the friendship between Joyce, Annie and Rose. Each of them has her own ambitions and fears, and I liked how the book focuses on their loyalty and resilience during uncertain times. The wartime setting adds tension, but the story remains warm and character driven rather than heavy.
The historical background feels well researched without overwhelming the plot. You sense the social pressures and the changing roles of women, yet the narrative keeps a steady, accessible pace.
I did not realise this was the second book in a trilogy when I started it, but it works well as a standalone. I am now going back to read the series in order.
If you enjoy historical fiction centred on female friendship, ambition and life on the home front during the First World War, this is a solid choice.
@livros100fim
April 13, 2021
Big Dreams for the West End Girls by Elaine Roberts is an excellent WWI-era historical fiction saga that I really, truly enjoyed.
This book is the second in a new series, the first being The West End Girls (2020). The main character in this novel, Joyce, was presented in the previous novel in regards to a friendship between a trio of girls trying to find their way: Annie, Rose, and Joyce. The last book focused mainly on Annie, and this time Joyce gets the spotlight. One does not have to read the previous book to easily follow along and pick up the gem that is this novel.
I really enjoyed Joyce. She is genuine, hard-working, a passionate young woman, a good friend, and is trying to find her place in a time of societal and wartime upheaval. There are plenty of obstacles, twists/turns, and suspense thrown in, however Joyce is stronger and smarter then she realizes, and with the help of her own fortitude, initiative, and drive, and with her friends, is she able to fulfill her dream of opening up a café in London? The reader will need to read the wonderful book to find out. No spoilers here.
I really am enjoying this series and I am looking forward to the next book in which maybe Rose will be featured?
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Aria &Aries for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 6/3/21.
This book is the second in a new series, the first being The West End Girls (2020). The main character in this novel, Joyce, was presented in the previous novel in regards to a friendship between a trio of girls trying to find their way: Annie, Rose, and Joyce. The last book focused mainly on Annie, and this time Joyce gets the spotlight. One does not have to read the previous book to easily follow along and pick up the gem that is this novel.
I really enjoyed Joyce. She is genuine, hard-working, a passionate young woman, a good friend, and is trying to find her place in a time of societal and wartime upheaval. There are plenty of obstacles, twists/turns, and suspense thrown in, however Joyce is stronger and smarter then she realizes, and with the help of her own fortitude, initiative, and drive, and with her friends, is she able to fulfill her dream of opening up a café in London? The reader will need to read the wonderful book to find out. No spoilers here.
I really am enjoying this series and I am looking forward to the next book in which maybe Rose will be featured?
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Aria &Aries for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 6/3/21.
September 28, 2021
This was a lovely read set in the war years in a bustling cafe. Daily life, friendships, romance and the war rearing it's ugly head all combine to make a page turning story. The characters are wonderfully drawn and so warm, you feel for them as they make their way through daily life wondering whether their head in the sky dreams will ever materialise. I made myself right at home, imagining myself a part of their circle.
June 4, 2021
I have been a fan of Elaine’s work for a little while now. In fact I have been a fan ever since I had the good fortune to pick her first book, ‘The Foyles’ Bookshop Girls’. I was blown away by the story. Since then I have eagerly read everything that she has written up to now. Elaine’s new book is called ‘Big Dreams For The West End Girls’ and it was released on 3rd June 2021. It is another corker of a read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Big Dreams For The West End Girls’ but more about that in a bit.
It didn’t take me long to get into this book. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first few pages, I felt as though I had been reunited with old friends in Annie, Rose and Joyce. To say that reading ‘Big Dreams For The West End Girls’ became addictive is a huge understatement. I picked up the book only intending to read a couple of chapters to make a start on the book but I became so wrapped up in the story that I was still sat there reading over two hours and several chapters later. The book was well travelled as it accompanied me everywhere. I just had to keep reading to see how the story panned out for the three young ladies. I soon got to the end of the book and I had to say goodbye to Annie, Rose and Joyce. I found ‘Big Dreams For The West End Girls’ to be a delight to read from start to finish.
‘Big Dreams For The West End Girls’ is superbly written but then that’s true of all of Elaine’s books. She certainly knows how to grab your attention and draw you into what proves to be a compelling and entertaining read. I love the way in which Elaine describes her characters. She describes them so vividly and realistically that they literally do come alive. They seem just as real as you and I. Elaine has clearly done a lot of research into the history of the First World War and this shines through in the quality of her writing. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Elaine’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Big Dreams For The West End Girls’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Elaine’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
It didn’t take me long to get into this book. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first few pages, I felt as though I had been reunited with old friends in Annie, Rose and Joyce. To say that reading ‘Big Dreams For The West End Girls’ became addictive is a huge understatement. I picked up the book only intending to read a couple of chapters to make a start on the book but I became so wrapped up in the story that I was still sat there reading over two hours and several chapters later. The book was well travelled as it accompanied me everywhere. I just had to keep reading to see how the story panned out for the three young ladies. I soon got to the end of the book and I had to say goodbye to Annie, Rose and Joyce. I found ‘Big Dreams For The West End Girls’ to be a delight to read from start to finish.
‘Big Dreams For The West End Girls’ is superbly written but then that’s true of all of Elaine’s books. She certainly knows how to grab your attention and draw you into what proves to be a compelling and entertaining read. I love the way in which Elaine describes her characters. She describes them so vividly and realistically that they literally do come alive. They seem just as real as you and I. Elaine has clearly done a lot of research into the history of the First World War and this shines through in the quality of her writing. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Elaine’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Big Dreams For The West End Girls’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Elaine’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
May 8, 2021
Set in 1914 London, this second book in the series is delightful and charming, an ideal escapist book. The historical details add to the atmospheric mood, which is not all light and roses. We read about love, trust, hope and the importance of family and friends.
WWI is starting and though integral to the idea and plot, the story itself is more about Joyce Taylor, a young compassionate woman without close family who works at a cafe. She does not own it but operates it and cooks and bakes beautifully. But her dream one day is to own her own place where she can showcase her talents and feel fulfilled. When her beloved enlists she is crushed. Her dearest friends, Annie and Rose try their best to cheer her. While living her life, Rose encounters secret after secret which leave her scrambling and overwhelmed. Her work becomes busier as well. A fellow staff member seems to dislike her which certainly doesn't help.
The author writes simply and profoundly which is such a treat. Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction and General Fiction readers ought to seek this out and cozy up with it.
My sincere thank you to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this sweet and gentle book. I look forward to the next in the series to see what happens as there are some wonderful rabbit hole possibilities!
WWI is starting and though integral to the idea and plot, the story itself is more about Joyce Taylor, a young compassionate woman without close family who works at a cafe. She does not own it but operates it and cooks and bakes beautifully. But her dream one day is to own her own place where she can showcase her talents and feel fulfilled. When her beloved enlists she is crushed. Her dearest friends, Annie and Rose try their best to cheer her. While living her life, Rose encounters secret after secret which leave her scrambling and overwhelmed. Her work becomes busier as well. A fellow staff member seems to dislike her which certainly doesn't help.
The author writes simply and profoundly which is such a treat. Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction and General Fiction readers ought to seek this out and cozy up with it.
My sincere thank you to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this sweet and gentle book. I look forward to the next in the series to see what happens as there are some wonderful rabbit hole possibilities!
June 19, 2021
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of Big Dreams for the West End Girls in exchange for an honest review. This book was not quite what I expected, but nonetheless and enjoyable read. Rather than being the premise of the novel, WWI was more of a backdrop. I appreciate that the plot focused on three strong young women, Joyce, Rose, and Annie, and how they came together to overcome obstacles and find success. It was interesting to see another perspective of how women supported themselves during this period. I look forward to future books, hopefully with strong female leads, from this author.
April 16, 2021
Big Dreams for the West End Girls
Elaine Roberts
Four Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book is the second in a new series, the first being The West End Girls (2020). It was a heartwarming, historical novel with strong characters and lots of plot turns and twists.
From the Publisher: 1914. Working in a bustling café on London's Shaftesbury Avenue, Joyce Taylor dreams of opening her own restaurant. But when the man she loves enlists in the war, and a surprise request comes through from her dying grandmother, Joyce's life gets turned upside down.
Struggling to keep the café afloat with her new-found responsibilities, it's not long before Joyce starts to feel the pressure might be all too much. Luckily, her supportive friends Annie and Rose are on hand to help. Despite all the madness, can Joyce find a way to make her dreams come true? And will her love story have a happy ending?
My Take: I did enjoy this book, I love the historical setting and all the little facts and details about the era that were added. The characters were strong. Joyce, the main character, was strong and hardworking. I liked her and was rooting for her during the entire book. She sure had a lot of surprises thrown her way and I liked the way she handled them. I also enjoyed her two friends, Rose and Annie, whose stories are part of the series. At first I wasn’t very sure about Simon, Joyce’s love interest, but he did redeem himself later on in the story.
The book was hard to get into at first, there are a lot of characters and I was a bit confused as to who was who, and why they were part of the story. However, it all fell together about halfway through the book, and from then I was following the story much better.
I highly recommend this book for it’s fascinating historical details and strong main character.
About the Author: Elaine Roberts had a dream to write for a living. She completed her first novel in her twenties and received her first very nice rejection. Life then got in the way until circumstances made her re-evaluate her life, and she picked up her dream again in 2010. She joined a creative writing class, The Write Place, in 2012 and shortly afterwards had her first short story published. She was thrilled when many more followed and started to believe in herself.
Thanks to NetGalley and Aria &Aries for this Advance Reader Copy and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
Elaine Roberts
Four Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book is the second in a new series, the first being The West End Girls (2020). It was a heartwarming, historical novel with strong characters and lots of plot turns and twists.
From the Publisher: 1914. Working in a bustling café on London's Shaftesbury Avenue, Joyce Taylor dreams of opening her own restaurant. But when the man she loves enlists in the war, and a surprise request comes through from her dying grandmother, Joyce's life gets turned upside down.
Struggling to keep the café afloat with her new-found responsibilities, it's not long before Joyce starts to feel the pressure might be all too much. Luckily, her supportive friends Annie and Rose are on hand to help. Despite all the madness, can Joyce find a way to make her dreams come true? And will her love story have a happy ending?
My Take: I did enjoy this book, I love the historical setting and all the little facts and details about the era that were added. The characters were strong. Joyce, the main character, was strong and hardworking. I liked her and was rooting for her during the entire book. She sure had a lot of surprises thrown her way and I liked the way she handled them. I also enjoyed her two friends, Rose and Annie, whose stories are part of the series. At first I wasn’t very sure about Simon, Joyce’s love interest, but he did redeem himself later on in the story.
The book was hard to get into at first, there are a lot of characters and I was a bit confused as to who was who, and why they were part of the story. However, it all fell together about halfway through the book, and from then I was following the story much better.
I highly recommend this book for it’s fascinating historical details and strong main character.
About the Author: Elaine Roberts had a dream to write for a living. She completed her first novel in her twenties and received her first very nice rejection. Life then got in the way until circumstances made her re-evaluate her life, and she picked up her dream again in 2010. She joined a creative writing class, The Write Place, in 2012 and shortly afterwards had her first short story published. She was thrilled when many more followed and started to believe in herself.
Thanks to NetGalley and Aria &Aries for this Advance Reader Copy and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
May 29, 2024
Four and a half stars.
The novel starts on 1915 with Joyce Tayorat London’s meet and feast cafe, where she. Works for owner Simon Hitchin. She is also in love with Simon but not so sure her feelings are reciprocated. Plus there is the war and many people are critical because Simon has not joined up. Then several thing# happen in quick succession, madcap it turns Joyce’s life upside down. Joyce is under pressure trying to juggle all the demands on her time. Thankfully she. Gets great support from her good friends Annie and Rose.
But will Joyce be able to ever bring about her dreams?
To begin with I was not sure whether I was going to get to far, It just seemed too many characters being introduced all at once. But once it settled down and stayed more with Joyce, the story reeled me right in. The reader gets to see how all the characters introduced early on come together and it ended up being a really great read that had me turning the pages faster towards the end.
Joyce is a lovely person, and it was so easy to sympathise with her and want everything to work out for her. Annie and Rose are also the kind of friends anyone would love to have. Simon is also an interesting character. There are some other very unlikable characters and a couple that people will take a while to make up their minds about. One or two might just surprise.
Family, friendship, self sacrifice, secrets, choices and romance are all themes that emerge. Definitely a recommended read for lovers of historical fiction or anyone who wants a great, involving book.
I had not read book 1 in this series. This book stands alone fine.
The novel starts on 1915 with Joyce Tayorat London’s meet and feast cafe, where she. Works for owner Simon Hitchin. She is also in love with Simon but not so sure her feelings are reciprocated. Plus there is the war and many people are critical because Simon has not joined up. Then several thing# happen in quick succession, madcap it turns Joyce’s life upside down. Joyce is under pressure trying to juggle all the demands on her time. Thankfully she. Gets great support from her good friends Annie and Rose.
But will Joyce be able to ever bring about her dreams?
To begin with I was not sure whether I was going to get to far, It just seemed too many characters being introduced all at once. But once it settled down and stayed more with Joyce, the story reeled me right in. The reader gets to see how all the characters introduced early on come together and it ended up being a really great read that had me turning the pages faster towards the end.
Joyce is a lovely person, and it was so easy to sympathise with her and want everything to work out for her. Annie and Rose are also the kind of friends anyone would love to have. Simon is also an interesting character. There are some other very unlikable characters and a couple that people will take a while to make up their minds about. One or two might just surprise.
Family, friendship, self sacrifice, secrets, choices and romance are all themes that emerge. Definitely a recommended read for lovers of historical fiction or anyone who wants a great, involving book.
I had not read book 1 in this series. This book stands alone fine.
May 9, 2021
Big Dreams For the West end girls is the series by Elaine Roberts and it is such a delightful historical novel to read.
It’s 1914 Joyce Taylor has dreams of opening her own restaurant but for now she is working in a very busy café in Shaftesbury Avenue with her boss Simon. Everyone loves the home-made food that she cooks, and her boss agrees. Simon took over the café when his father died and him and Joyce not only built a working relationship, but romance has blossomed. But when Simon decides to enlist and goes and fights the war, leaving Joyce in charge, her proposes to her but, she turns him down.
As Simon goes of too war, she first struggles with the café and she asks her friends Rose who is a seamstress at the Lyceum Theatre to help and her friend Annie who is a dresser at the theatre but has dreams becoming a star to help. But surprisingly instead Simon’s sister comes to lend a hand with her mother Mavis. After all it is their business.
At first. The ladies don’t get on. But come to realise that Joyce is the one really holding the business together.
This is a story of three girls with hopes and dreams and taking any opportunity that comes their way. This is another heart-warming book from Elaine Roberts, about friendship and being there for each other. I really enjoyed this and hope there is more of this story to come. 5 stars from me
It’s 1914 Joyce Taylor has dreams of opening her own restaurant but for now she is working in a very busy café in Shaftesbury Avenue with her boss Simon. Everyone loves the home-made food that she cooks, and her boss agrees. Simon took over the café when his father died and him and Joyce not only built a working relationship, but romance has blossomed. But when Simon decides to enlist and goes and fights the war, leaving Joyce in charge, her proposes to her but, she turns him down.
As Simon goes of too war, she first struggles with the café and she asks her friends Rose who is a seamstress at the Lyceum Theatre to help and her friend Annie who is a dresser at the theatre but has dreams becoming a star to help. But surprisingly instead Simon’s sister comes to lend a hand with her mother Mavis. After all it is their business.
At first. The ladies don’t get on. But come to realise that Joyce is the one really holding the business together.
This is a story of three girls with hopes and dreams and taking any opportunity that comes their way. This is another heart-warming book from Elaine Roberts, about friendship and being there for each other. I really enjoyed this and hope there is more of this story to come. 5 stars from me
June 22, 2021
This book leaves me with mixed feelings
I will start by saying that I read it as a standalone book & I now undersatand it to be #2 in a series – that will undoubtably have influenced my views of this book.
I found that there were too many characters in the early parts of the book (maybe not an issue if you already know them from a previous book) and struggled to get into it. Once I got the main storyline it was ok. I found Joyce, Simon, Uncle Arthur, Mavis etc decent characters, they were well developed and likeable. Joyce is a hard-working & determined young woman and I grew to like her a lot. I did like the way that Barbara came round in the end, but it felt very abrupt & I would have preferred to see more time given to her & how she changed her mind about Joyce.
Unfortunately the plot line was quite thin & predictable - overall I think this book is probably a good #2 in a series but I didn’t feel that it stood alone. If I was given book #1 I would definitely read it but I am not desperate to go out & buy it.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
I will start by saying that I read it as a standalone book & I now undersatand it to be #2 in a series – that will undoubtably have influenced my views of this book.
I found that there were too many characters in the early parts of the book (maybe not an issue if you already know them from a previous book) and struggled to get into it. Once I got the main storyline it was ok. I found Joyce, Simon, Uncle Arthur, Mavis etc decent characters, they were well developed and likeable. Joyce is a hard-working & determined young woman and I grew to like her a lot. I did like the way that Barbara came round in the end, but it felt very abrupt & I would have preferred to see more time given to her & how she changed her mind about Joyce.
Unfortunately the plot line was quite thin & predictable - overall I think this book is probably a good #2 in a series but I didn’t feel that it stood alone. If I was given book #1 I would definitely read it but I am not desperate to go out & buy it.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
April 24, 2021
The Second instalment in the series,
London West End 1914, WW1
And the girl's all have their dreams,
Joyce Taylor has a dream of opening her own restaurant.
Annie Cradwell dreams of been a star on the stage instead of a dresser.
Rose Spencer works in the sewing room in the theatre with dreams of her own.
but with the war on and men were enlisting this will rob many people of hopes and dreams they have, in times of trouble the girl's are always there for each other in times of needs.
This books main focus is on Joyce Taylor hard working an exceptional cook in the tearoom that is put through so much hardship in her family life and her relationship with her boss, family secret's will surface along the way for her, that really made me cry for her.
Joyce, Annie and Rose will always be known as the The West End Girl's and I really Hope we get to read more about them in up coming books.
Exceptional enjoyment you will need tissues.
London West End 1914, WW1
And the girl's all have their dreams,
Joyce Taylor has a dream of opening her own restaurant.
Annie Cradwell dreams of been a star on the stage instead of a dresser.
Rose Spencer works in the sewing room in the theatre with dreams of her own.
but with the war on and men were enlisting this will rob many people of hopes and dreams they have, in times of trouble the girl's are always there for each other in times of needs.
This books main focus is on Joyce Taylor hard working an exceptional cook in the tearoom that is put through so much hardship in her family life and her relationship with her boss, family secret's will surface along the way for her, that really made me cry for her.
Joyce, Annie and Rose will always be known as the The West End Girl's and I really Hope we get to read more about them in up coming books.
Exceptional enjoyment you will need tissues.
June 27, 2021
It's the second part in the series. I've read the first part before and liked it. Even though it was a bit tough time to get back into the story, as it really continues more or less immediately after the first book and the situation of the characters is not specifically explained at the beginning. I was afraid I had to re-read book one to be able to read this one, but the feeeling dissolved after the moment. But notice: It is not a series you can read without knowing the previous book.
I liked the charecters and was very much impressed by their development, it was nice to follow their paths through new challenges in life. Even though the story concentrates on a positive ending, it is not positive only and flaws of characters and their actions are shown too.
I was a bit irritated that one part of the story was not resolved (the sketchbook), but there will be probably part three to help me with.
All in all a recommendation from me!
I liked the charecters and was very much impressed by their development, it was nice to follow their paths through new challenges in life. Even though the story concentrates on a positive ending, it is not positive only and flaws of characters and their actions are shown too.
I was a bit irritated that one part of the story was not resolved (the sketchbook), but there will be probably part three to help me with.
All in all a recommendation from me!
May 4, 2021
This is the second book in a WW1-era series set in London. I haven't read the first book, but this was easy to follow and the characters are great.
Three friends seem to be the focus of this series. Joyce is the main character in this book. She is working in a breakfast cafe with Simon - her love interest. He joins the service and leaves her to manage the cafe with his arrogant sister and sweet mother. About that time, she has so many life changes - finds out her dad isn't dead, her uncle isn't a relative, she has a grandmother in a coma and a new little brother. Then Simon returns injured and the cafe burns down. There is also so much backstory going on with her friends, Rose and Annie. It's a fast read with strong characters.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.
Three friends seem to be the focus of this series. Joyce is the main character in this book. She is working in a breakfast cafe with Simon - her love interest. He joins the service and leaves her to manage the cafe with his arrogant sister and sweet mother. About that time, she has so many life changes - finds out her dad isn't dead, her uncle isn't a relative, she has a grandmother in a coma and a new little brother. Then Simon returns injured and the cafe burns down. There is also so much backstory going on with her friends, Rose and Annie. It's a fast read with strong characters.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.
June 2, 2021
This is the second book in the west end girls series. We are back with Joyce, Rose and Annie the friends that live together in London as they try to live their dreams. Rose and Annie are still working in the theatre as they try for their dreams of actress and seamstress, while Joyce is working for Simon in his cafe with dreams of being a cook with her own cafe or restaurant one day. I found the story a little slow to get going at first, but it soon got into the lives of the three friends that I’d grown to like in book one. There are lots of ups and downs for the girls as they cope with life in London during World War One. I enjoyed reading this book and I hope that this isn’t the last we hear from the west end girls.
May 27, 2021
The second in this First World War series following the lives of three girls living and working in London. This one concentrates on Joyce and her dream of making a living from her baking while suddenly finding herself having to care for a little boy she has never met before and worrying over the man she loves as he goes off to fight. A bit of mystery thrown in as we meet gambler Ted and journalist Frank, neither of whom are quite who they seem. A bit drawn out in places, and I preferred the theatre scenes to the cafe ones, so hopefully Rose and Annie will feature more in the next book.
May 19, 2022
Love always finds a way
When you love someone there is a way to go into different directions. Even if things don't work out as you might have planned. You will always carry the love with you. Someone you have cared about or someone who has cared about you will always be in your soul. I really enjoy a good love story and this book did not disappoint. Thank you Ms.Roberts!
When you love someone there is a way to go into different directions. Even if things don't work out as you might have planned. You will always carry the love with you. Someone you have cared about or someone who has cared about you will always be in your soul. I really enjoy a good love story and this book did not disappoint. Thank you Ms.Roberts!
January 29, 2022
A Very Good book
This is an excellent book. I really enjoyed it. It shows how everything comes to be who waits. It also shows how families do eventually sort things out. It all takes hardwork.
This is an excellent book. I really enjoyed it. It shows how everything comes to be who waits. It also shows how families do eventually sort things out. It all takes hardwork.
January 3, 2024
Heartwarming
Elaine Roberts is an exceptional writer. You are quickly drawn into the goings and comings of the characters. I felt a part of the sorry. I laughed, cried and held my breath several times. Bravo!
Elaine Roberts is an exceptional writer. You are quickly drawn into the goings and comings of the characters. I felt a part of the sorry. I laughed, cried and held my breath several times. Bravo!
June 20, 2021
A very well written entertaining book from Elaine Roberts following the stories of Joyce, Rose and Annie. The story holds you all through the book. Another ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from Elaine Roberts.
January 17, 2024
Dreary
Far to slow a story.
Wouldn’t have known a war was on.
Very predictable.
Sorry just not my type of read.
Far to slow a story.
Wouldn’t have known a war was on.
Very predictable.
Sorry just not my type of read.
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