Together for Christmas

by Carol Rivers

A heart-warming and nostalgic Christmas family saga set at the heart of wartime London, from the bestselling author of A Wartime Christmas . Perfect for fans of Sheila Newberry and Rosie Goodwin WILL CHRISTMAS BE A BEACON OF HOPE IN THE DARKEST OF TIMES?After Britain declares war on Germany, the whole country is thrown into uproar, and Flora, Hilda and Will, who grew up together in St Boniface orphanage, discuss the impending war and the changes it will bring to their lives. Will wants to go off to fight, Hilda hopes to become a maid at the charitable institute, Hailing House, but Flora is content with her job as assistant to the Isle of Dogs' kindly Doctor Tapper. Taking a vow, they pledge to always be there for each other, come what may.It quickly becomes clear that the war will not be over by Christmas, and the first zeppelin raids bring casualties flooding into the surgery where Flora works. Tragedy strikes in the trenches, too, and Will returns home with physical and mental wounds too deep for Flora to be able to nurse back to health. And it is not long before Hilda finds herself out of her depth.As the consequences of each of their choices lead to a shocking discovery, the orphan's lives will be changed forever . . .Praise for CAROL 'Surely one of the best saga writers of her time' – Rosie Clarke'A gripping page turner' - LEAH FLEMING'Brings the East End to life - family loyalties, warring characters and broken dreams. Superb' - ELIZABETH GILL

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christmas, Audiobook

448 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2014

About the author

I’ve been fortunate enough to have made my living by writing and I’ve enjoyed a long and harmonious relationship with my publisher, Simon&Schuster. But in recent months I can only stand in awe of the growing and robust numbers of Indie authors whom I admire so much and who have revolutionized the publishing industry. There is fire in the belly of this movement, giving a whole new aspect to the accepted norms in the publishing world. I’m mind-blown at the variety of genres born of digital technology and I’ve made many friends in the Indie world. On-line life for me has become rich and diverse with tales of Indie adventures and successes that are simply staggering. This is mouth-watering stuff and I feel privileged to be here on Goodreads. If you want to know more about my East End novels, with their tough, rough, but warm-hearted Cockney characters, then perhaps you’d like to visit my website at www.carolrivers.com where you’ll gain an insight into the Rivers novels and their history.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story, it is full of warmth and I didn't want it to end.
Flora, Hilda and Will are three Orphans and Flora and Will share a bond like a brother and sister. It is clear from early on how deeply Flora cares for Will.
I loved Flora who is so selfless and caring towards everyone and yet, I wanted to reach out and care for her. Flora is vulnerable and yet she exhibits such strength when doing her job and when having to deal with Hilda and Will.
Hilda is a character who wants to better herself and she doesn't really think of the consequences or of those who love her and are concerned for her; unlike Flora, who does think, maybe too much, although she can't help that.
Will volunteers to fight in the Great War and my heart really went out to him, as well as to Flora.
The author writes so very well and really portrays through our eyes, the conditions that people lived in, whether wealthy or in poverty, and what some suffered, it really had me engrossed in the story which alternates mainly between Flora and Hilda.
I absolutely loved the Doctor and Lillian and the part that Lillian played really touched my heart.
I looked for clues as I read and I had a few guesses but the author kept me guessing! Some parts really had my heart rate creep up - I loved the clever twists and turns and I couldn't wait to find out how it would all end. The whole story is superb and no way could I have seen that ending coming!
'Together for Christmas,' is perfect for fans of Saga and Historical Romance, I can't recommend it enough, it really draws you in and keeps you guessing and the characters, except for a couple, really make you care for them. It is well researched and it really made me think, even moreso, of what people went through during the Great War; the effects it had on them and yet the strength and courage that they showed. It has really squeezed my heart. Thank you very much to the author for writing this fabulous story.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful srory great characters that come alive on the page

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read from the author

Its 1914 London, flora shine and her best friend hilda jones both grew up in the orphanage. Flora is happy working as a doctors assistance why as Hilda decides to take a better job working as a maid at Adelphi hall. When flora visits the orphanage she is giving a baby shawl that she was left wrapped in with initials on could this be a sign who her parents were? This is the story of the two girls both separated from each other living through headache and finding love. I loved everything about this book, bringing them back together with lots of secrets.

[Cherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Heartwarming Wartime Tale of Friendship and Change

[Introduction: Setting and Atmosphere]

Together For Christmas is a lovely wartime read that beautifully captures life in East London during the 1920s. Having frequented Westferry Road and being a huge fan of the Isle of Dogs, I found the location incredibly vivid and easy to picture. The book features good-sized chapters that keep the story moving, and I appreciated that the characters on the cover actually looked like the descriptions in the book!

[Praise: Relationships and Character Growth]

The heart of this story lies in its characters. Flora is such a kind and caring protagonist, and I especially loved her romance with Michael—he felt like the perfect match for her.

The Power of Friendship: I really enjoyed following the friendship between Flora and Hilda. The book poignantly portrays how friendships change over time and the emotional toll that takes; I truly felt for Flora and how much she missed Hilda.

Finding Family: It was heart warming to see Flora find motherly love in her mother-in-law, Lillian, who was so supportive, even offering to teach her to drive and helping her care for Will after his injury.

Intriguing Subplots: The relationship between Lord Guy and Hilda had me completely hooked, despite its sadness, and the inclusion of the Suffrage movement added a great layer of historical depth that clearly sparked Flora’s interest.

[Critique: Pacing and Themes]

While I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, the book did have a slow start. I also felt that the "Christmas" aspect was largely missing and rarely mentioned, which was a bit surprising given the title. On a personal note, a ripped page in my copy was a bit annoying, but didn't take away from the story itself!

[Conclusion]

The final part of the book was full of surprises and everything was wrapped up rather nicely. It’s a touching exploration of loyalty and resilience during a transformative era.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Together For Christmas by Carol Rivers is a delightful historical novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The title is misleading, this is not a festive offering but a book set from August 1914 – December 1918 when characters are together for Christmas. It is a comprehensive account of life on the home front during World War I.
We follow three orphans from an orphanage run by nuns. In 1914 the two girls are fifteen and the boy is seventeen. He becomes caught up in war fever and enlists despite being too young. We ‘hear’ of his war via letters.
Of the two girls – one goes into service and has aspirations of marrying into money and becoming a lady. This dream is destined to turn sour and become a nightmare.
The other is more down to earth and helps out a doctor with his patients. At first it is the poor that he treats but as the months go on, he sees more and more victims from the trenches. All have horrific injuries, none worse than the damaged minds that return. They cannot ‘unsee’ the horrors of war.
We hear of key World War I events – the Somme, mustard gas, mud, lice, sinking of the Lusitania, zeppelin raid and more. The detail gives an authenticity to the tale.
I thoroughly enjoyed Together For Christmas. We witness war but we also see a bygone era. The old world order is crumbling and perfectly poised to tip into the modern era. It was a compelling read.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it. I got so lost in this book that time stood still. This is the first book I've read of carol river's, and I will be reading more!

[Gemma Stockham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Speedy read but a slightly confusing ending which was tied up too quickly compared to how slow it was to get started.

[Gypsylcm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Randomly picked this one up from the Library shelf, will look to read more from this author.

[Mihaelavasiliu · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐Am avut niste așteptări mai mari de la această carte

[MRS L S HEWER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Loved it from the start.

Great story, loved the twist near the end. Was not expecting that. Good read, well worth the time. I have enjoyed all Carol Rivers books so far.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read this author before but I will now I loved this book set in ww2 following the orphans it was a lovely read

[Audiobook Accomplice (Gillian) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thiiiiink it was sweet and all that, at least what I didn’t sleep through…
My Full Review →

[Book Addict Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I must thank Carol Rivers for sending me a signed copy of her book, since I started blogging I have constantly been overwhelmed at the generosity of authors. Despite not being the intended audience, one genre of books I have enjoyed reading over the years is Family Sagas. I am from Liverpool and there are hundreds of books set in the city at the times of both World Wars. What on the outside can seem like a bit of a lovey dovey story for me really brings those times to life, with stories about communities pulling together, families waiting for news of loved ones and of a city that refused to give up its fight. I then looked for authors writing books set in London, and came across Harry Bowling and then Carol Rivers.

Telling the story of three orphans, Flora, Hilda and Will, Together for Christmas begins in 1914 and Britain has just declared war on Germany. Will is going off to fight. Hilda is to become a maid at Hailing House whilst Flora is to continue her job as assistant to the Isle of Dogs' Doctor Tapper. They make a vow that they will always be there for each other no matter what. Carol is a wonderful writer and it wasn't long before I was completely consumed by this book, reading it late at night before finishing it in the very early hours. These books are fictional but I feel the emotional connection felt by the reader is greater because they are based on true events, some of the worst this country has ever seen and will ever see. The characters of Flora, Hilda and Will to me were believable and realistic, I thought about them when I wasn't reading the book and I am still thinking about them now.

Carol's descriptions allow for some extremely vivid pictures in your mind, having walked around the Isle of Dogs and seeing its transformation, it's hard to believe what it once was like but Carol knows the area, and uses that knowledge to create a very believable picture. These books do often end up finishing rather nicely, but some gripping and shocking events over the course of the novel made this a more suspenseful novel than similar ones. The ending was a tad emotional, and despite the obvious trauma these characters face throughout the book, it really is a book that was ideal for Christmastime. These characters are hoping for happiness yet we as a reader know what's to come in the years after the First World War, I'd like to read about these characters again but whatever Carol writes next I just cannot wait to read.

The Family Saga genre is very popular amongst older people, I've never witnessed anyone my age hunting through the saga books at the library which I think is a great shame. These books I feel can be enjoyed by people of all ages, visitors to my blog will know I read many different genres and that's because if we take away genre and look at a book as just a book, then as long as the story is good and the reader is entertained, who are we to say who should read certain books? Books can be enjoyed by just about anybody and this book is the perfect example of that.

Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Carol Rivers novel A Wartime Christmas last year and really enjoyed it, that was set in the 2nd World War, in Together for Christmas the story starts at the beginning of the 1st World War, and is just as heart-warming and entertaining.

We first meet Flora and Hilda in London's Hyde Park watching in disbelief as excited young men were revelling in the thought of joining the army and going off to war.

"Just look at them silly chaps!' exclaimed Hilda Jones, Flora's best friend. 'You'd think Britain had won the conflict already from the way they're carrying on. And it was only four days ago the prime minister announced we were at war!'
'And now Mr. Asquith's calling for our boys to volunteer,' said Flora. She was not for war at all, though watching the rejoicing crowds today it seemed that the rest of the country disagreed with her.

Sensible, kind, thoughtful Flora and flirtatious, impulsive Hilda have been best friends since they were children, brought up in the orphanage. Both are now sixteen and having to make their own way in the world, Flora as a Doctor's assistant and Hilda who works in the kitchens of a big house though she has ambitions to be a lady's maid.

We see the harrowing effects of the war mainly through Flora's eyes as she and Dr. Tapper do their best to treat the soldiers suffering from shell shock, gas poisoning, dysentery, and the many life-changing injuries they've sustained.

And it's one of these soldiers that becomes smitten with Flora, so there's a nice little romance to lighten the dark subject matter.

Hilda finds her life in service is challenging and busy, as so many of the men were at war the women had to take on their jobs so the way women's lives were changing is also touched upon, together with how the suffragette movement is gaining momentum.

While Carol Rivers does touch on many of the difficult situations and hardship the people at home were suffering, the novel does not focus too much on the serious aspects, there are many light moments.

The storyline kept me engrossed with characters that I cared about, some surprises, this is a well-written feel good book.

Taken from my book blog Carole's Book Corner

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished this one really quickly, it was sweet and even tad suspenseful at the end. Just a tiny but ;) I just wanted to know what would happen to them all, if they would be ok.

Hilda, Flora and Will are best friends as they grew up at the same orphanage. Flora is the responsible one (I liked her), and she works as a nurse. Without the degree. Will wants to join the army as this is 1914. And Flora wants a new position, she wants to become something more than a lowly maid. Will we do not see much of as he is at war and sends letters. Flora is the main character and I wanted the best for her. While Flora, oh she was a silly girl, you know she is gonna get into trouble somehow.

The book takes place during the war, years go by, they grow up, get intro trouble, fall in love and there is happiness at the end. I liked that. Even if I also knew that their children, if they have any, will end up fighting in a war too.

Like I said, the last 200 pages just flew by cos I could not put it down. I needed to know that everyone would ...well survive the war of course! And that someone would at least find some sort of happiness.

Sweet, without any silly drama. A tale of friendship in the shadow of war.

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flora, Will and Hilda are friends, they are all orphans and have been brought up together at the St. Boniface convent.
They all make their own way and decisions in the world but still remain very close, Will goes into the army, Hilda goes to work for the Talbott household at Adelphi hall as a maid and Flora works for Dr. Tapper as a nurse / aide.
Although now teens and able to make their own decisions and through their life choices they are now scattered at different places their lives are so inextricably linked its incredible and even they, themselves don't know to what extent their fates are entwined.
Flora has always out of all of the trio had a burning longing to find out more about her parents and background but it takes the revelations of one of the nuns at the convent and family secrets to tumble out at Adelphi hall for the three friends to learn of their shocking history!
A wonderful WWI tale of heartbreak, romance and eventual happiness in this gripping tale of secrets and lies.
Rich with a wealth of historical detail this will appeal to period drama fans everywhere who enjoy a wonderful festive yarn.
A great read.

[Felicity Terry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fairly low on the Christmas element, non too graphic scenes of warfare, a sweet romance. As a 'Christmas' novel set in war time Together For Christmas is in many ways typical of its genre.

An enjoyable enough read of three young people who were brought up together in an orphanage run by nuns. Of the three it is Flora, a doctor's aid come unofficial nurse (and all at the tender age of fifteen) that we really get to know. A shame really as of the three it is her story that I found the most predictable and least interesting.

A mostly upbeat tale, one of those reads in which you just know there will be a happy ending. However I was also deeply saddened by certain aspects - a nation at war, poverty rife, suspicion and violence towards those perceived as 'foreigners' and thus the enemy - which left me wondering when we'll ever learn.

As I say typical of its genre. A bit like slipping into an old, comfortable pair of slippers, if you have read any amount of these books this will be feel reassuringly familiar.

Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read, mixing some of the trauma of World War One with a separate thread of the story of three orphans during that time, with an added twist of mystery near the end. It lacked depth in the war side of the story and is misleading in the title with how much Christmas features in the book - I thought it would be a nice Christmas tale but ended up putting it aside slightly during the Christmas period. I also thought the epilogue was a bit saccharine but overall it was an enjoybale light story of wartime romance.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It felt like a combination of Call the Midwife and Downton Abbey, two of my favorite television shows. It was slightly far fetched and cheesy at times, but as it is a Christmas novel that is probably to be expected. I really quickly fell in love with the story and it's characters and found it hard to set it down. I am keen to read other books by this author now.

[Beryl Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose his book for the storyline and I like the old days and the courage of the caricatures of the people

Recommend as a captivating story with a good ending sorry to come to the end well done like the. Author.

[Joanna Warrens · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty good

[Sian Pursey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Repetitive, dreary and bland. Would not recommend.