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Lavender Road #1
Lavender Road
World War II has begun. As war rages, and the evacuation of Dunkirk approaches, the women of south London have their own battles to fight. Helen Carey's LONDON ROAD is a compelling novel perfect for fans of Lilian Harry, Kate Thompson and Annie Murray.
September 1939
As the nation braces itself for war, the residents of Lavender Road are dealing with troubles of their own.
With her husband in jail, Joyce Carter is never sure where her family's next meal will come from. And her troublesome daughter, Jen, isn't helping matters by refusing to work until she achieves her dream of becoming an actress.
Pam Nelson is struggling to deny the distance growing between her and her husband - which isn't helped by her secret attraction to their handsome new lodger. And unfortunately Pam isn't the only one to fall for his seductive charm...
As the threat of a German invasion looms, the lives of the women on this south London street are about to change for ever...
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 1995
1081 people are currently reading
743 people want to read
About the author
Helen Carey
8 books83 followersWelcome to my site. I am probably best known for my bestselling LAVENDER ROAD series set in London during the second world war. VICTORY GIRLS, the final book in the series was published in April 2018 by Headline Books and TSAP. It was sad to finish the series but I felt six books was enough!
VICTORY GIRLS is already in the Amazon US bestseller charts along with the other books in the series.
Having lived in various parts of the world, I am now based in West Wales where my husband and I run our small coastal farm as a conservation project. I am a fellow of the Royal Literary Fund and a member of the Society of Authors. I also teach from time to time on Creative Writing programmes at various universities, specialising in story structure.
I hope you enjoy my novels ...
VICTORY GIRLS is already in the Amazon US bestseller charts along with the other books in the series.
Having lived in various parts of the world, I am now based in West Wales where my husband and I run our small coastal farm as a conservation project. I am a fellow of the Royal Literary Fund and a member of the Society of Authors. I also teach from time to time on Creative Writing programmes at various universities, specialising in story structure.
I hope you enjoy my novels ...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
July 29, 2017
I read the first three books in this series a long time ago and loved them. I'm rereading them now because the author brought out number four last year and number five this year. As it's been so long I needed to go back to the start again.
Sadly this time I didn't enjoy this one as much. All the young people in it were either horrible human beings or absolute spoiled brats!! There was only one who was decent and that was because she was ill. There was one in particular who I would have been quite happy to see something awful happen to, which is sad. Also, I know girls were naive in those days but some were just plain stupid.
My favorite character in the book was Joyce Carter. She had an absolutely terrible life but tried to make the best of it. Life did actually get better for her and I was rooting for her all the way.
Anyway, I'm going to go on to the next one and hope it picks up.
Sadly this time I didn't enjoy this one as much. All the young people in it were either horrible human beings or absolute spoiled brats!! There was only one who was decent and that was because she was ill. There was one in particular who I would have been quite happy to see something awful happen to, which is sad. Also, I know girls were naive in those days but some were just plain stupid.
My favorite character in the book was Joyce Carter. She had an absolutely terrible life but tried to make the best of it. Life did actually get better for her and I was rooting for her all the way.
Anyway, I'm going to go on to the next one and hope it picks up.
July 17, 2015
4 stars because it was a very enjoyable and entertaining read, with some interesting true historical facts shaped round a bunch of people living in the same road. I can't quite give it 5 stars, because it is not great literature like, for example, "The Cazalet Chronicles" by Elizabeth Jane Howard, also based on London society during WWII, and because I wanted to slap Jen and Louisa for being so stupid. Helen Carey manages to paint a very convincing atmosphere of life at that time, and draw us into her story, in which many of the characters are quirky and captivating. So I look forward to reading the second book in this trilogy.
November 13, 2012
Most war stories hit on a major love story and major battle scenes. Helen Carey has tapped into the very fiber of English life in the days preceding the bombing of England during WWII and during the actual bombing. The story centers on several families who have all the ups and downs of real life but who forge on with that gritty, strong English attitude. They appear together but bleed internally like every human being.
We begin with Jen Carter who wants to be an actress but has no training, just a high school drama at which the audience clearly connected to her very special acting and singing skills. Plus she's a great mimic. But home life is far from serene and she spends most of her time at home fighting with her mother, that is until she meets an Irish hunk of guy, Sean. Jen needs to be needed so does anything to make Sean happy, including sleeping with him anywhere and everywhere. But after numerous rejections and one very dangerous scene, opportunities open for Jen and she begins to find herself and think more of others unlike before. The hardships of war and pulling together in everyone's need cannot help but change Jen! And her mother breaks out of a very narrow world to become an actually very pleasant and interesting woman!
There's a rich girl who wants to meet a guy and be loved but finds only teases or nice guys who don't want to mar her "virgin" status. Or her father, who is so stuck in tradition that he drives away everyone he encounters. Perhaps you'd better like the man who can't fight in the war because of a weak physical condition but who does something so heroic it makes others look like cowards. There are also two elderly sisters who have trained and costumed famous actors and are far from stereotypical "little ol' ladies." Another handsome guy in the Royal Air Force tells everyone he's a pilot when in fact he's a spy for England undertaking highly dangerous missions, ones that make him grow old before his time.
Lavender Road is rich in so many diverse ways. It's a bit slow at times in the beginning but picks up a pace like wild fire about a quarter-way through and absolutely delightful. We read how women sought roles in the war that changed their images of themselves and made them better people for it, although it shook up the home territory. We see prejudice rear its ugly head against those who had escaped the slaughter of Hitler. There's so much more than what is contained in this review. Lavender Road is great historical fiction - a lovely slice of life in the East End of London during a very, very dangerous time! Kudos to Helen Carey for a job so well-done!
P. S. This reviewer's mother lived through the bombing of England in another city and so knows how very accurate the history is herein! Brought back memories of Mom's stories, funny and harrowing!
We begin with Jen Carter who wants to be an actress but has no training, just a high school drama at which the audience clearly connected to her very special acting and singing skills. Plus she's a great mimic. But home life is far from serene and she spends most of her time at home fighting with her mother, that is until she meets an Irish hunk of guy, Sean. Jen needs to be needed so does anything to make Sean happy, including sleeping with him anywhere and everywhere. But after numerous rejections and one very dangerous scene, opportunities open for Jen and she begins to find herself and think more of others unlike before. The hardships of war and pulling together in everyone's need cannot help but change Jen! And her mother breaks out of a very narrow world to become an actually very pleasant and interesting woman!
There's a rich girl who wants to meet a guy and be loved but finds only teases or nice guys who don't want to mar her "virgin" status. Or her father, who is so stuck in tradition that he drives away everyone he encounters. Perhaps you'd better like the man who can't fight in the war because of a weak physical condition but who does something so heroic it makes others look like cowards. There are also two elderly sisters who have trained and costumed famous actors and are far from stereotypical "little ol' ladies." Another handsome guy in the Royal Air Force tells everyone he's a pilot when in fact he's a spy for England undertaking highly dangerous missions, ones that make him grow old before his time.
Lavender Road is rich in so many diverse ways. It's a bit slow at times in the beginning but picks up a pace like wild fire about a quarter-way through and absolutely delightful. We read how women sought roles in the war that changed their images of themselves and made them better people for it, although it shook up the home territory. We see prejudice rear its ugly head against those who had escaped the slaughter of Hitler. There's so much more than what is contained in this review. Lavender Road is great historical fiction - a lovely slice of life in the East End of London during a very, very dangerous time! Kudos to Helen Carey for a job so well-done!
P. S. This reviewer's mother lived through the bombing of England in another city and so knows how very accurate the history is herein! Brought back memories of Mom's stories, funny and harrowing!
September 6, 2013
This is the first of three novels by Helen Carey tracing the lives of certain residents living in Lavender Road,Clapham and is set in the early years of the war. It paints a fascinating and accurate picture of what it must have been like to have lived in those difficult days. The only inaccuracy in the book has to do with the date of a song. Jen aspires to be a professional actress and singer and sings "The White Cliffs of Dover" (published 1941) at an impromptu concert. As the concert took place in 1940 this was a serious mistake on the part of the writer who was so meticulous with her war time-line. It was almost as bad as the novelist Mary Wesley assigning a conductor to a string quartet! I'm afraid I didn't read any more of Mary Wesley's books after that, but I find Helen Carey's novels gripping and well-written, so I shall certainly carry on reading her next novel set in Lavender Road. The title comes from some words in Vera Lynn's hit song of World War 2, "We'll Meet Again". The book is entitled "Some Sunny Day".
September 5, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed Lavender Road. It isn't generally the kind of book I read, but having lived just off Lavender Hill, with my grandparents in Thirsk Road in the mid-50s I was attracted to the setting.
It more than lived up to my hopes, and brought back vivid memories of Clapham Common, Clapham Junction, Arding and Hobbs, all landmarks of my childhood.
Most of all it was the characters that I really enjoyed, and the way that war changed them and their lives. Social barriers fell, new friendships were born and kindness and support came from unlikely people as the population of south London united against the common enemy - Hitler.
There's tragedy, humour, romance, fear, pride, lessons in life to be learned.
A thoroughly good read, which needs to carry a warning: once you finish it, you'll want to read the sequels straight away. I'm going to!
It more than lived up to my hopes, and brought back vivid memories of Clapham Common, Clapham Junction, Arding and Hobbs, all landmarks of my childhood.
Most of all it was the characters that I really enjoyed, and the way that war changed them and their lives. Social barriers fell, new friendships were born and kindness and support came from unlikely people as the population of south London united against the common enemy - Hitler.
There's tragedy, humour, romance, fear, pride, lessons in life to be learned.
A thoroughly good read, which needs to carry a warning: once you finish it, you'll want to read the sequels straight away. I'm going to!
May 4, 2012
One of the best books I have read in a long time. I laughed and cried and didn't want it to end.
November 19, 2017
Bought this book some time ago and loved it that much I have read it a few times over the years.
Love stories from this era and this book was a pleasure to read.
Love stories from this era and this book was a pleasure to read.
October 9, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Lavender Road. It was set in the Clapham area of South West London in the period just before and during the first year of the Second World War.
The story followed the fortunes of a vast array of interesting characters, all of them well-drawn, ranging from the local wealthy businessman and his privileged family to the down-at-heel working class family with father and son both in prison.
Their paths do, of course, cross and it is the switching between following each of the main characters stories and their coming together from time to time that makes the story so interesting.
Helen Carey has obviously carried out a good deal of research and this ensures that the novel has an authentic feel. It has no pretensions to be a literary classic (thank goodness!). It's just an extremely well-written and very absorbing tale. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series in due course.
David Lowther. Author of thebluepencil.co.uk
davidlowtherblog@wordpress.com
The story followed the fortunes of a vast array of interesting characters, all of them well-drawn, ranging from the local wealthy businessman and his privileged family to the down-at-heel working class family with father and son both in prison.
Their paths do, of course, cross and it is the switching between following each of the main characters stories and their coming together from time to time that makes the story so interesting.
Helen Carey has obviously carried out a good deal of research and this ensures that the novel has an authentic feel. It has no pretensions to be a literary classic (thank goodness!). It's just an extremely well-written and very absorbing tale. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series in due course.
David Lowther. Author of thebluepencil.co.uk
davidlowtherblog@wordpress.com
May 18, 2014
When reading Lavender Road, by Helen Carey, I was drawn into London during the beginning of WWII. With the backdrop of the threat of war with Hitler looming, we meet a cast of characters who could have lived and loved in any era, but particularly in the late 1930’s – early 1940’s. Although, it takes place before I was born, I was able to fully visualize the fear, angst, heartache, and determination of both her characters and the era.
It is a rare book that can draw one so completely into a period in the history of our world and hold us as in it. Ms. Carey has a rare ability to create a story so full of history, yet in no way does it become dry or carry the dust of a history book. Instead, it’s full of vibrant life of its own.
I have since bought the rest of the series and am sure I will not be disappointed.
It is a rare book that can draw one so completely into a period in the history of our world and hold us as in it. Ms. Carey has a rare ability to create a story so full of history, yet in no way does it become dry or carry the dust of a history book. Instead, it’s full of vibrant life of its own.
I have since bought the rest of the series and am sure I will not be disappointed.
April 6, 2012
I must confess to not knowing much about the social history of WW2 but this certainly painted a picture for me that seemed realistic and informative. The characters were diverse and interesting and their various stories were woven together very well. It is certainly one of those books that you just have to finish - what ever the hour! I was disappointed that the end came so quickly but delighted to find that this was the first of a trilogy! The second and third books got downloaded straight away!
March 7, 2012
I loved this book! I was born in the late 1920's , lived through WW2 and saw and experienced some of the things that Helen Carey so lovingly, and expertly portrays in her books. The story brought back vivid memories and emotions to me (and a lot of my friends - of a similar vintage!! - have said the same having read the series)as well as being, in it's own right, a really well paced and wholly compelling book. I couldn't wait to get on with the other 2!
August 15, 2012
Quirky, believable characters and the naughty ones are most likeable. Faithfully set in the early days of World War Two, this story weaves the horror of impending war on the citizens of London, with the lives of everyday people. It shows their vulnerability, and their stoicism. A very enjoyable read, memorable storyline and characters.Helen Carey
August 11, 2014
Entertaining!
Entertaining!
Reading Lavender Road was like listening to my Nan tell her stories about surviving WW2 in Great Britain. The hardship and courage of the characters in this book kept me enthralled.
Entertaining!
Reading Lavender Road was like listening to my Nan tell her stories about surviving WW2 in Great Britain. The hardship and courage of the characters in this book kept me enthralled.
December 7, 2012
I like this genre of book as it gives a little insight into London leading up to the bombing and the hardships endured.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2013
I really enjoyed this story of several women of different economics during WW2.
October 24, 2013
The title alone gives you the incense of the Lavender to follow and read a lovely well written book fully recommended with amazing flow. Great read
July 31, 2015
I found this book a bit slow at the beginning, but quite enjoyed it at the end and am looking forward to the sequel.
May 16, 2022
Struggled finishing this one. While set in WWII, lacked authentic feel and likable characters.
February 19, 2017
Lavender Road is a book about life in WWII and the struggles and survivals of the war.
It was a really great read, poient and powerful and real.
I really enjoy war books especially when they are written with passion as it makes them believable.
I enjoyed the innocence of Jen and the courtship of her Irish man Sean. She was carefree.
The characters are well written, and the East End spirit shines through in difficult times.
The book was a little slow at times, but overall an enjoyable read.
This is the first book and I do believe there is to be more, which I am looking forward to reading.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via NetGalley.
It was a really great read, poient and powerful and real.
I really enjoy war books especially when they are written with passion as it makes them believable.
I enjoyed the innocence of Jen and the courtship of her Irish man Sean. She was carefree.
The characters are well written, and the East End spirit shines through in difficult times.
The book was a little slow at times, but overall an enjoyable read.
This is the first book and I do believe there is to be more, which I am looking forward to reading.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via NetGalley.
August 1, 2016
Lavender Road is a pleasant, light story. Some of the details are really good the way that war events are woven into the narrative without being obvious, but I found a couple of errors really irritate.
In 1939 a character is jitterbugging, although the Yanks that introduced it to the UK haven’t yet entered the war. Likewise a colleague of the same character refers to placing her stiletto (heel) where it will be unwelcome (as a defence against a lecherous boss) – although that style of shoe had not yet been invented. Elsewhere two sisters are constantly referred to as “The Miss Taylors” rather than the misses Taylor – fine if depicting the speakers as poorly educated Eastenders, but it forms part of the general description not just dialogue.
It’s fine as a bit of escapism, but overall it didn’t really engage me enough.
In 1939 a character is jitterbugging, although the Yanks that introduced it to the UK haven’t yet entered the war. Likewise a colleague of the same character refers to placing her stiletto (heel) where it will be unwelcome (as a defence against a lecherous boss) – although that style of shoe had not yet been invented. Elsewhere two sisters are constantly referred to as “The Miss Taylors” rather than the misses Taylor – fine if depicting the speakers as poorly educated Eastenders, but it forms part of the general description not just dialogue.
It’s fine as a bit of escapism, but overall it didn’t really engage me enough.
February 21, 2018
I loved it - my fourth time of reading this marvellous story. My reading of the Lavender Road series has been further enhanced by reading the wartime diaries produced by May Hill, and the London Blitz diary account which Victoria Warshuk has produced...The three books in Helen Carey's series, that commences with Lavender Road, are stuffed full of strong characters, and an excellent and compelling story line, coupled with a well researched knowledge of World War 2 history. And capacity for humour is one of the author's strong suits also.5 stars are not really enough!
November 3, 2015
Although this book is set in the Second World War, it's more about the people left behind and how the war changes them. Women, used to obeying their husbands find their independence, weak people become strong, people's priorities change, for the first time they come into contact with Jewish refugees and they discover Jews aren't that different, ideas about sex change and so on and so on....... It is a soscioligical study. As I drew closer to the end, I realised we were still very early in the war. Surprise, I discovered it is the first book in a trilogy. Now I have to read on as l've become vested in the characters.
August 15, 2016
I absolutely loved this family saga set in Lavender Road, South London and focusing on quite a few families during the World War 2 era. There are the Nelsons, the Rutherfords and the Carters to name a few. There is Louise Rutherford a young woman, naïve and immature who falls in love with an older man. Jennifer Carter also a young woman, selfish and arrogant who only wants to be an actress and work as nothing else. Pam Nelson a married woman, bored of her husband and falling for her Irish lodger. These are only a some of the characters, each with their own story to tell. This is one of these books you never want to end!
April 30, 2022
Loved It
At first I wasn't impressed by this book. However, I seldom give up on one too early. I'm glad I didn't. It turned out to be a great read.
I loved the characters and their unique personalities. This well written novel also shows the impact of war on London. I particularly admired the way the personalities of the 3 young ladies change.
At first I wasn't impressed by this book. However, I seldom give up on one too early. I'm glad I didn't. It turned out to be a great read.
I loved the characters and their unique personalities. This well written novel also shows the impact of war on London. I particularly admired the way the personalities of the 3 young ladies change.
March 23, 2016
I enjoyed reading Lavender Road book I kept thinking of my Dad who was a Policeman at Lavender Hill during WW2 plus my Mum telling me many stories from this time they were bombed twice during this time period looking forward to reading your other books Helen Carey.
Read
July 3, 2016A bit predictable and "young," but nevertheless an interesting look at WWII London life. Not sure I'll read the others in the series (this is the first of three or four and I got it for $1.99 on Kindle!), but it was a pleasant, diverting read.
June 13, 2022
Life prevails
A delightful book. Kept you wanting it to continue . Hope there is more to come. The characters are realistic with there life’s problems.
A delightful book. Kept you wanting it to continue . Hope there is more to come. The characters are realistic with there life’s problems.
July 13, 2022
Took me a while to get into this book in the beginning because you are following lots of different characters but once I got past the beginning chapters I was hooked.
August 26, 2022
Good book, looking forward to next in series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews