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Woolworths #8
Celebrations for the Woolworths Girls
It's 1952 and with a new Monarch about to ascend the throne, The Woolworths Girls will face fresh new challenges . . .
At The Erith Store there is a new temporary manager and Sarah is getting more than a little concerned by problems he seems to be creating. The whole mess is enough to make her want to resign.
Meanwhile, Ruby is extremely worried about her friend Vera, and with illness causing a problem from her past to come flooding back, Vera knows it’s going to take a lot of strength and willpower to do what needs to be done.
Then there is Freda, looking forward to the arrival of her first child – but sick with worry that her Tony won’t have returned home in time for the birth.
As Coronation Day for young Queen Elizabeth ll approaches, the girls from Woolworths celebrate friendship, family and overcoming anything that life can throw at them . . .
Celebration for the Woolworths Girls is the ninth novel in Elaine Everest's bestselling Woolworths series.
At The Erith Store there is a new temporary manager and Sarah is getting more than a little concerned by problems he seems to be creating. The whole mess is enough to make her want to resign.
Meanwhile, Ruby is extremely worried about her friend Vera, and with illness causing a problem from her past to come flooding back, Vera knows it’s going to take a lot of strength and willpower to do what needs to be done.
Then there is Freda, looking forward to the arrival of her first child – but sick with worry that her Tony won’t have returned home in time for the birth.
As Coronation Day for young Queen Elizabeth ll approaches, the girls from Woolworths celebrate friendship, family and overcoming anything that life can throw at them . . .
Celebration for the Woolworths Girls is the ninth novel in Elaine Everest's bestselling Woolworths series.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 12, 2023
22 people are currently reading
65 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 30 reviews
October 12, 2023
The Woolworth Girls have made it to 1952.
I’ve been meaning to catch up with Elaine Everest’s Woolworth Girls series for ages and I am delighted to do so with Celebrations for the Woolworths Girls because the setting and era are so brilliantly conveyed. Set at the time my sister was born, all the things I associate from the era are woven into the story so that it felt almost as if it had been written especially for me. The food, fashions, technology like Bakelite telephones, and values and attitudes seemed pitch perfect.
I did need to concentrate to establish who was who because this is such an established series and I’ve missed some of the back stories, but the characters are so realistic that it didn’t matter at all. I found I cared about what happened to them as they faced personal, professional and national problems. Even (or possibly, especially) the more waspish Vera gained my sympathy and I was very definitely enamoured of Bob.
The plot of Celebrations for the Woolworths Girls is well-planned and engaging. Indeed, one of the aspects I liked so much was the way real historical events impacted the people in Celebrations for the Woolworth Girls, giving a genuineness to the narrative, without detracting from the real lives of these ordinary and appealing people.
Elaine Everest’s community encompasses a microcosm of society with characters of all ages as well as relatable, universal themes. Family and friendship are at the heart of the story, but so too are themes of marriage, ambition, deceit, feminism and sexism, so that any reader can find an aspect to draw them in.
Entertaining story with believable characters aside, I think the greatest enjoyment to be had from Celebrations for the Woolworth Girls is the reinforcing of the importance of pulling together, of being kind and of being part of a community. In a world where it’s all too easy to lose sight of such values, Elaine Everest reminds us just how much we need those values in a lovely story.
I’ve been meaning to catch up with Elaine Everest’s Woolworth Girls series for ages and I am delighted to do so with Celebrations for the Woolworths Girls because the setting and era are so brilliantly conveyed. Set at the time my sister was born, all the things I associate from the era are woven into the story so that it felt almost as if it had been written especially for me. The food, fashions, technology like Bakelite telephones, and values and attitudes seemed pitch perfect.
I did need to concentrate to establish who was who because this is such an established series and I’ve missed some of the back stories, but the characters are so realistic that it didn’t matter at all. I found I cared about what happened to them as they faced personal, professional and national problems. Even (or possibly, especially) the more waspish Vera gained my sympathy and I was very definitely enamoured of Bob.
The plot of Celebrations for the Woolworths Girls is well-planned and engaging. Indeed, one of the aspects I liked so much was the way real historical events impacted the people in Celebrations for the Woolworth Girls, giving a genuineness to the narrative, without detracting from the real lives of these ordinary and appealing people.
Elaine Everest’s community encompasses a microcosm of society with characters of all ages as well as relatable, universal themes. Family and friendship are at the heart of the story, but so too are themes of marriage, ambition, deceit, feminism and sexism, so that any reader can find an aspect to draw them in.
Entertaining story with believable characters aside, I think the greatest enjoyment to be had from Celebrations for the Woolworth Girls is the reinforcing of the importance of pulling together, of being kind and of being part of a community. In a world where it’s all too easy to lose sight of such values, Elaine Everest reminds us just how much we need those values in a lovely story.
November 10, 2023
I really do love this series, I was trying to explain to a work colleague how good this series was but really couldn't do it justice. It was lovely to catch up with everyone and their growing families. There was a couple of moments where I really feared for people's safety, it was so tense and the writing was brilliant.
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October 20, 2023Review to follow.
January 6, 2024
I absolutely loved this and going back to the Woolworth girls. Love the friendships and families throughout the series. This is heartwarming but had a mystery in it which gave it an edge.
November 11, 2023
Another wonderful book from Elaine Everest catching up with the characters again from the Woolworth books. Fabulous has always ❤️
November 27, 2024
Another great read look forward to Elaine's next one
November 6, 2023
Brilliant. As always a great read. I did get emotional about Bob.
November 3, 2023
Excellent,excellent,excellent
October 12, 2023
All the old familiar characters are here. Trouble at the store, feuding friends, a terrible flooding, and one life hanging in the balance. The ups and downs of life and love that kept me reading late into the night. Another winner in this addictive heartwarming series.
September 21, 2023
Absolutely loved this book. Huge fan of this series and this was no exception.
November 15, 2023
This lively and engaging book, the latest in the Woolworths Girls series that started in the late 1930s, is set in February 1952. For the group of people linked together through their shared connection to the Erith store, postwar life is still as complicated as families and friendship grow. As some of the women have moved on from working in the store itself, to look after families and run their own and family businesses, Sarah is the only one actually working in the shop full time. Nevertheless, the links are so strong that this novel delves into intergenerational issues and the challenges presented by illness, secrets, ambitions and so much more. As always, the characterisation is so well written that the people concerned are presented as vivid and engaging, especially in their dialogue. External events such as the death of King George and the progress towards the Coronation of a new young Queen bring the group together especially at the request of Ruby, the matriarch and host of so many in crisis and joy. This author’s blend of events in a memorable shop alongside the highs and lows of life in general make for an entertaining read which I enjoyed, and I was very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this novel.
The book opens with Ruby and one of her great grandchildren Georgie, who is rapidly becoming obsessed with cooking, a challenge for her busy elders. The news of the King’s death emerges on the radio and Ruby immediately summons her complex and diverse family to mark the event, together with those who feel attached to the group. Ruby is also told of Vera, a difficult neighbour, who is ill and asking to see her. Vera reveals a great and surprising secret which will give Vera pause for thought. Meanwhile Sarah is working in the Woolworths store as personnel manager, but her daily tasks are severely hampered by a temporary manager and his associate, who seem to frustrate her at every turn. Moreover, the mainly female shop assistants seem to be suffering from actual harassment which deeply concerns Sarah. When Clemmie, the stepdaughter of Betty who used to manage the store, discovers financial discrepancies, Sarah knows she must take action. Meanwhile Freda is expecting another baby, but her beloved husband Tony is away training the Olympic cycling team. He has been given leave of absence to do so from his trainee manager post, and it is Freda’s dream that he will return to manage the Erith store. However other people have plans and hopes that vary from expanding businesses to outgrowing houses, and nobody wants to move too far from the heart of Erith and their friends. As a wedding is proposed preparations must be made, but a huge challenge is on the horizon.
This book would probably act as a standalone as the characters and situations are so well described, as well as a gateway into an enjoyable series of novels. It carries the important message that mutual support is as essential in postwar life as during the dark days of conflict, and while not so many people actually work in the store, it provides a constant central point. I recommend this book as an impressive family “saga”, but also a novel of a particular time in fairly recent history featuring a strong family group.
The book opens with Ruby and one of her great grandchildren Georgie, who is rapidly becoming obsessed with cooking, a challenge for her busy elders. The news of the King’s death emerges on the radio and Ruby immediately summons her complex and diverse family to mark the event, together with those who feel attached to the group. Ruby is also told of Vera, a difficult neighbour, who is ill and asking to see her. Vera reveals a great and surprising secret which will give Vera pause for thought. Meanwhile Sarah is working in the Woolworths store as personnel manager, but her daily tasks are severely hampered by a temporary manager and his associate, who seem to frustrate her at every turn. Moreover, the mainly female shop assistants seem to be suffering from actual harassment which deeply concerns Sarah. When Clemmie, the stepdaughter of Betty who used to manage the store, discovers financial discrepancies, Sarah knows she must take action. Meanwhile Freda is expecting another baby, but her beloved husband Tony is away training the Olympic cycling team. He has been given leave of absence to do so from his trainee manager post, and it is Freda’s dream that he will return to manage the Erith store. However other people have plans and hopes that vary from expanding businesses to outgrowing houses, and nobody wants to move too far from the heart of Erith and their friends. As a wedding is proposed preparations must be made, but a huge challenge is on the horizon.
This book would probably act as a standalone as the characters and situations are so well described, as well as a gateway into an enjoyable series of novels. It carries the important message that mutual support is as essential in postwar life as during the dark days of conflict, and while not so many people actually work in the store, it provides a constant central point. I recommend this book as an impressive family “saga”, but also a novel of a particular time in fairly recent history featuring a strong family group.
December 25, 2023
A new Woolworths book is always a cause for celebration for me and this time the girls are celebrating too, although that comes later in the book. The book opens on a momentous day in history as the death of King George VI is announced and although this is sad news, there's a coronation, a wedding and a birth in the offing so there is much to celebrate.
Some of the characters have moved on from Woolworths over the years and the course of the series, but the store is always there as a character in its own right. I love the tales of life on the shop floor and upstairs in the offices. Sarah Gilbert is struggling with the new temporary manager, who is a thoroughly nasty piece of work, not like when Betty Billington was in charge. Betty would like to come back to work but Freda's husband, Tony, is also looking for his own store to manage and it looks likely to be a bone of contention between the friends.
It was lovely to catch up with all the characters again. Elaine Everest writes about them so warmly and I feel as though I know them all. There's such camaraderie amidst the trials and tribulations of everyday life in the early 1950s. I really enjoy how historical events are weaved into the story, not just the major ones but more local ones too, and such things as the increasing desire for television sets which is good news for Alan Gilbert and his shop.
I'm hoping there's lots more to come for the Woolworths girls. Everest moves the series along skilfully with impeccable plotting which keeps the reader invested in the lives of the characters and their locale. Celebrations for the Woolworths Girls was just as wonderful a read as I knew it would be and the news at the end plus the thread about Vera's past left me wanting to know what will happen next for the residents of Erith. I thought this book was simply splendid.
Some of the characters have moved on from Woolworths over the years and the course of the series, but the store is always there as a character in its own right. I love the tales of life on the shop floor and upstairs in the offices. Sarah Gilbert is struggling with the new temporary manager, who is a thoroughly nasty piece of work, not like when Betty Billington was in charge. Betty would like to come back to work but Freda's husband, Tony, is also looking for his own store to manage and it looks likely to be a bone of contention between the friends.
It was lovely to catch up with all the characters again. Elaine Everest writes about them so warmly and I feel as though I know them all. There's such camaraderie amidst the trials and tribulations of everyday life in the early 1950s. I really enjoy how historical events are weaved into the story, not just the major ones but more local ones too, and such things as the increasing desire for television sets which is good news for Alan Gilbert and his shop.
I'm hoping there's lots more to come for the Woolworths girls. Everest moves the series along skilfully with impeccable plotting which keeps the reader invested in the lives of the characters and their locale. Celebrations for the Woolworths Girls was just as wonderful a read as I knew it would be and the news at the end plus the thread about Vera's past left me wanting to know what will happen next for the residents of Erith. I thought this book was simply splendid.
November 25, 2023
I was slightly concerned that I would be confused as I haven't ready any of the other books in this series and this is the 9th.
I shouldn't have worried, the author is very good at relaying events in previous books without it feeling forced. I didn't need to read the other books to enjoy this one.
The characters were well established, deep and fleshed out with firm friendships and family ties.
The author was very knowledgeable about the post war era and that was evident throughout the book.
The plot was interesting with some exciting twists and turns. However I felt the plot time line was very sporadic at points.
Overall I enjoyed the book, especially the history covered and the link to the Woolworths stores. It's made me curious to read the series from the beginning.
I shouldn't have worried, the author is very good at relaying events in previous books without it feeling forced. I didn't need to read the other books to enjoy this one.
The characters were well established, deep and fleshed out with firm friendships and family ties.
The author was very knowledgeable about the post war era and that was evident throughout the book.
The plot was interesting with some exciting twists and turns. However I felt the plot time line was very sporadic at points.
Overall I enjoyed the book, especially the history covered and the link to the Woolworths stores. It's made me curious to read the series from the beginning.
September 5, 2023
At the very beginning, I thought something bad was going to happen as Ruby was alone in the house. As the book went on, I thought I must have been wrong. Then the floods hit, and Bob was really ill. I started to worry, was Ruby going to lose her husband. I didn't want to stop reading, but I also didn't want to read any sad news. Thankfully, Elaine spared us, and it was all good in the end. I really hope this is not the last we hear from the Woolworths girls as I love reading about all the characters. Thank you, Elaine Everest, for another amazing book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up. I know a lot of people loved this book but for me it was just ok. My least favorite in the entire series. I can't really pinpoint why, but maybe because it was all a bit predictable? I wonder if there will be more in this series as this felt pretty "final" to me.
February 22, 2024
I am hoping this is not the last we hear from the woolies girls, but as they say, all good things have to come to an end. Thank you again for a fantastic read. Teashop girls on the horizon can't wait as it has been a long time coming. I hope I can remember the story
Much love ❤️
Much love ❤️
April 23, 2025
Drama, laughter and friendship
Another action packed visit with the wonderful Woolworth ladies. Relationships, dishonesty at work, a flood , friends supporting each other. A thoroughly enjoyable read .
Another action packed visit with the wonderful Woolworth ladies. Relationships, dishonesty at work, a flood , friends supporting each other. A thoroughly enjoyable read .
June 17, 2025
Lovely feel good storyline
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The characters and there are a lot of them are most enjoyable. The ups and downs of every day life were described to perfection
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The characters and there are a lot of them are most enjoyable. The ups and downs of every day life were described to perfection
August 21, 2025
excellent story. Glad Bob was ok at the end I thought Elaine was going to kill him off. Also Vera's son thought he would be a bad egg and I would have told Vera after all the nastiness she has put Ruby etc through.
December 22, 2025
I am really enjoying reading all the Woolworth's girls series. This one was once again an excellent read, knowing all the characters makes it so special. Elaine did a great job writing these wonderful books.
This is number 9, I have 2 more to go, I won't want them to end.
This is number 9, I have 2 more to go, I won't want them to end.
September 7, 2023
Very poignant reading this around the anniversary of losing our dear Queen. Loved revisiting the characters but felt it jumped around a lot
January 1, 2024
Lovely catching up with all the friends and family of the Woolworths girls.
January 29, 2024
Woolworth series
A fitting end to a lovely series. Good to catch up with all the families. Brings back memories of shopping there
A fitting end to a lovely series. Good to catch up with all the families. Brings back memories of shopping there
January 31, 2024
Enjoyable light read.
June 21, 2024
Loved this series, this one has a lot of special times in. Was a little sad it kind of came to an quick end. Still enjoyed it though
August 29, 2024
Enjoyed reading this book. Only wish I had read all the other books as I got a bit confused with the characters
January 31, 2025
Review of Celebrations for the Woolworths Girls
A great read in continuation of this series. I have enjoyed the series so much. On to the next book now.
A great read in continuation of this series. I have enjoyed the series so much. On to the next book now.
February 19, 2025
As always a lovely read by Elaine
December 6, 2023
Always lovely to return to these characters, and again this didn't disappoint.
November 2, 2023
(3.5)
This book is the next instalment in The Woolworth Girls series.
It’s now 1952 and the nation is grieving following the death of King George VI. Life at the Erith branch of Woolworths is far from happy, with the new temporary manager causing problems. Ruby is concerned about her old friend Vera who is taken ill. Convinced that she’s dying, Vera confides a secret to Ruby abut her past. Meanwhile, Freda is fretting over the impending birth of her baby…
I read this book over a couple of days. I didn’t enjoy its predecessor, but this next instalment of the series was much more enjoyable. I liked the theme of the book and it’s always nice to read about the familiar characters.
There were however a couple of downsides. Firstly, I felt that the storyline jumped around a little too much. Secondly, I am unsure as to why the author decided to include Vera’s big ‘secret’, as she confides in Ruby at the start of the book and then it’s not really mentioned again until the very end? All I can think is that the secret is laying a foundation for the next instalment.
This book is the next instalment in The Woolworth Girls series.
It’s now 1952 and the nation is grieving following the death of King George VI. Life at the Erith branch of Woolworths is far from happy, with the new temporary manager causing problems. Ruby is concerned about her old friend Vera who is taken ill. Convinced that she’s dying, Vera confides a secret to Ruby abut her past. Meanwhile, Freda is fretting over the impending birth of her baby…
I read this book over a couple of days. I didn’t enjoy its predecessor, but this next instalment of the series was much more enjoyable. I liked the theme of the book and it’s always nice to read about the familiar characters.
There were however a couple of downsides. Firstly, I felt that the storyline jumped around a little too much. Secondly, I am unsure as to why the author decided to include Vera’s big ‘secret’, as she confides in Ruby at the start of the book and then it’s not really mentioned again until the very end? All I can think is that the secret is laying a foundation for the next instalment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews