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Homefront Hearts Trilogy #2
The Seamstress on Cider Lane
The Germans pause their bombing raids on London but life on the homefront is certainly far from ordinary. The Seamstress on Cider Lane is a lighthearted and hopeful romance.
Gifted seamstress Nora Archer opens a sewing shop just as clothing becomes rationed and scarce in Britain. London’s fashionable elites soon discover her remarkable talent for giving garments new life and her skills are soon in high demand.
Having lost his flat during the Blitz, Jack Parker is relieved to finally locate a new home. He finds himself living under the same roof as Nora, the spirited and enchanting woman he thought he’d lost, as well as Nora’s protective aunt.
Despite her aunt’s warnings, Nora can’t help falling for Jack. However, the sweet and bookish teacher is from a different world and Nora doesn’t know if she fits in or if Jack might be too good to be true. She can’t deny the intense attraction between herself and Jack—and neither of them wants to.
When a struggling friend's desperate plea for help lures Nora into the dodgy clothing black market, she risks not only her business and reputation but also her blossoming relationship with Jack.
Will Jack and Nora’s wartime romance survive when Nora’s secrets are revealed?
- GenresHistorical
184 pages, Paperback
Published February 5, 2024
81 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Jillianne Hamilton
11 books88 followersJillianne Hamilton writes entertaining historical fiction and historical romance novels with happy endings. Her stories feature feisty female protagonists and plenty of sass and wit, using the past as an exciting backdrop. Her debut novel was shortlisted for the 2016 PEI Book Award.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 18, 2024
“Inspiration cannot be chased. It must be found.”
The Seamstress on Cider Lane by Jillianne Hamilton
Such a wonderful second book in the Homefront Hearts series. In this, aspiring seamstress Nora Archer learns to make due with rationed clothing and her imagination to make a name for herself during the war in England. She continually has run-ins with Jack Parker, a Cambridge-educated man from an affluent family, who is trying to make his own little dent in the war efforts at home.
Nora and Jack have immediate chemistry from the very beginning. Their dialogue is so cute and witty that you spend the whole time rooting for them. There are many obstacles that keep them apart, but once their minds are made up, the result is quite spectacular. They are very protective of one another; sometimes without the other knowing and it crosses some wires and makes their road to HEA a little rocky.
I can't wait to read the next installment, "The Land Girl on Lilly Road!"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst: Medium
Content: Open door, not explicit
I received a free copy of this book from BookSprout in exchange for my honest review.
The Seamstress on Cider Lane by Jillianne Hamilton
Such a wonderful second book in the Homefront Hearts series. In this, aspiring seamstress Nora Archer learns to make due with rationed clothing and her imagination to make a name for herself during the war in England. She continually has run-ins with Jack Parker, a Cambridge-educated man from an affluent family, who is trying to make his own little dent in the war efforts at home.
Nora and Jack have immediate chemistry from the very beginning. Their dialogue is so cute and witty that you spend the whole time rooting for them. There are many obstacles that keep them apart, but once their minds are made up, the result is quite spectacular. They are very protective of one another; sometimes without the other knowing and it crosses some wires and makes their road to HEA a little rocky.
I can't wait to read the next installment, "The Land Girl on Lilly Road!"
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst: Medium
Content: Open door, not explicit
I received a free copy of this book from BookSprout in exchange for my honest review.
January 21, 2024
I really enjoyed these little war romance novels. It's the midst of WWII and London has been bombed out and the shop Nora worked as a seamstress at, is no longer. With the help of her aunt, she sets out to open her own shop. Her skills are in need with people really only being able to having their clothing repaired or adjusted with the rations and coupons. But her new adventure is upended when a good friend asks for her help which is risking her business and her aunt takes in a new male tenant who makes her heart beat a little faster. Can she keep her business going, while helping her friend and maintain this new love interest or is all this juggling going to come crashing down? Everyone has secrets during the war, and it can be hard to keep those when it involves others. I really enjoyed Nora's story. Thank you to the author for the complementary book. I look forward to reading the next one in the Homefront Hearts series. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
February 12, 2024
Once again Jillianne takes us back to WWII London. There we are reminded of how Nora and Jack met, and the night spent in the tube station.
The bombings become more frequent, and Nora first lost her apartment, and now her job, the latest bombing destroyed the shop where she worked. All that was left were the burnt-out shells of the mannequins.
Nora was now living with her Aunt Gloria and her family in North London. It's Gloria who comes up with the idea of her opening her own shop. She couldn't afford it on her own, but her aunt decides it would be a good investment.
Jack's flat had been a victim of the bombing as well and he's now sleeping on a lumpy and apparently mouse ridden couch at his friend Frances' flat. Between the couch and the long train ride to his teaching job at Highgate Grammar School, he was irritable. To top it off Anthony a student prone to bringing pranks to school upped his game and brought an unexploded bomb. That of course brings a bit of excitement to the day.
He's approached by Marvin, a student he had tutored the year before when he returned to London from the country. Marvin is intelligent and thoughtful and concerned about his teacher. He brings up a solution to Jack's housing. Marvin's parents rent out a garrot and he's sure his mother would prefer his teacher living there rather than just anyone who's been bombed out. The next night, Jack has dinner with the family and is invited to rent the garrot. An invitation he gladly accepts.
He also discovers the reason Nora looked familiar, a photo in the hallway of her and Marvin. She must be a relative, perhaps a cousin. He'd love to tell her but he has no idea where she is, he's never received an answer to his letters. Then he literally runs into her in the foyer.
This becomes the beginning of a friendship, fraught with a hidden desire to be more.
As Nora begins her business, a friend who needs help also puts her in a precarious position. She begins selling contraband silk stockings along with doing garment repairs and alterations. One of those customers opens the door for her to create something new from older garments. That also leads to quite a surprise.
The discovery that Jack is from one of those privileged families is quite the shock to Nora. Add to that the fact that he is backing away from their blossoming relationship, and she feels as if her own history is repeating itself.
Jack isn't exactly happy about the circumstances he's backing away and he's finding it extremely difficult to do so.
I love the intricate web that spins through this story, with family expectations, to a betrayal on another level. Yet through it all, even with all the stumbling blocks, love can prevail.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
The bombings become more frequent, and Nora first lost her apartment, and now her job, the latest bombing destroyed the shop where she worked. All that was left were the burnt-out shells of the mannequins.
Nora was now living with her Aunt Gloria and her family in North London. It's Gloria who comes up with the idea of her opening her own shop. She couldn't afford it on her own, but her aunt decides it would be a good investment.
Jack's flat had been a victim of the bombing as well and he's now sleeping on a lumpy and apparently mouse ridden couch at his friend Frances' flat. Between the couch and the long train ride to his teaching job at Highgate Grammar School, he was irritable. To top it off Anthony a student prone to bringing pranks to school upped his game and brought an unexploded bomb. That of course brings a bit of excitement to the day.
He's approached by Marvin, a student he had tutored the year before when he returned to London from the country. Marvin is intelligent and thoughtful and concerned about his teacher. He brings up a solution to Jack's housing. Marvin's parents rent out a garrot and he's sure his mother would prefer his teacher living there rather than just anyone who's been bombed out. The next night, Jack has dinner with the family and is invited to rent the garrot. An invitation he gladly accepts.
He also discovers the reason Nora looked familiar, a photo in the hallway of her and Marvin. She must be a relative, perhaps a cousin. He'd love to tell her but he has no idea where she is, he's never received an answer to his letters. Then he literally runs into her in the foyer.
This becomes the beginning of a friendship, fraught with a hidden desire to be more.
As Nora begins her business, a friend who needs help also puts her in a precarious position. She begins selling contraband silk stockings along with doing garment repairs and alterations. One of those customers opens the door for her to create something new from older garments. That also leads to quite a surprise.
The discovery that Jack is from one of those privileged families is quite the shock to Nora. Add to that the fact that he is backing away from their blossoming relationship, and she feels as if her own history is repeating itself.
Jack isn't exactly happy about the circumstances he's backing away and he's finding it extremely difficult to do so.
I love the intricate web that spins through this story, with family expectations, to a betrayal on another level. Yet through it all, even with all the stumbling blocks, love can prevail.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
February 15, 2024
5 out of 5 Stakes!
I just love these stories so much. And reading about Nora and Jack was just I dunno. I thought it couldn’t get any better but it did.
After everything that happened in the firs book Nora ends up living with her Aunt and Uncle and her cousin.
Nora wondered about Jack the handsome gentlemen she met one night and spent the night in the tube shelter during the bombing.
As for Jack he did in fact wrote Nora. But of course she never got his letters because she had to move in with her Aunt and Uncle.
Their story is sweet yet hard. Because with finding out their different upbringing in all Nora has questions and doubts when they meet again. And their secrets will resurface and will test them in more ways then one. And when Nora's past comes face to face with her, can she trust Jack with everything?
Will Jack let his family get in the way of the woman that he loves whole heartily?
Everything seems so stacked against them in this book that you keep rooting for them. At least I did. I was telling them as if they could hear me in all. Hey wake up tell Jack everything he will understand the whys and Jack just listen to Nora, you know her better then you think. Both of you listen to your heart. And with the war going on you know, you need to take in everything and live in that moment. The little boy Marvin was so adorable and you can tell he really loves his cousin and his teacher Jack.
I honestly had a love hate thing going on with Aunt Gloria. She was so quick to dismiss Nora and such. I mean I get her speaking with Jack and such of course I do. But to yeah I don’t want to give anything away.
Just pick this book up and no you don’t have to read the first book to this. But I highly recommend it because there is past talk from book 1 and plus the firs book is just as awesome and sweet in my opinion.
Why must we wait until March for the next one? Ha
I just love these stories so much. And reading about Nora and Jack was just I dunno. I thought it couldn’t get any better but it did.
After everything that happened in the firs book Nora ends up living with her Aunt and Uncle and her cousin.
Nora wondered about Jack the handsome gentlemen she met one night and spent the night in the tube shelter during the bombing.
As for Jack he did in fact wrote Nora. But of course she never got his letters because she had to move in with her Aunt and Uncle.
Their story is sweet yet hard. Because with finding out their different upbringing in all Nora has questions and doubts when they meet again. And their secrets will resurface and will test them in more ways then one. And when Nora's past comes face to face with her, can she trust Jack with everything?
Will Jack let his family get in the way of the woman that he loves whole heartily?
Everything seems so stacked against them in this book that you keep rooting for them. At least I did. I was telling them as if they could hear me in all. Hey wake up tell Jack everything he will understand the whys and Jack just listen to Nora, you know her better then you think. Both of you listen to your heart. And with the war going on you know, you need to take in everything and live in that moment. The little boy Marvin was so adorable and you can tell he really loves his cousin and his teacher Jack.
I honestly had a love hate thing going on with Aunt Gloria. She was so quick to dismiss Nora and such. I mean I get her speaking with Jack and such of course I do. But to yeah I don’t want to give anything away.
Just pick this book up and no you don’t have to read the first book to this. But I highly recommend it because there is past talk from book 1 and plus the firs book is just as awesome and sweet in my opinion.
Why must we wait until March for the next one? Ha
did-not-finish
March 20, 2024DNF @ 33%
I’m rather bored. I think the flirtatious, romance part of the story is very clunky and cheesy. The voices of the characters don’t feel consistent. The transitions between chapters are quite jarring. The dialogue is stilted and almost cumbersome. I enjoyed the sewing bits and some of the information about what life was like during the war, but the war also seemed so far away from the actual story. Perhaps that’s because this is more historical romance than historical fiction, but I didn’t feel like I got enough of either the history or the romance to be fully satisfied. There’s also quite a few typos. I took pictures of a few of them, but I grew tired of that. Sometimes words are missing, or there are extra words. One sentence says, “there was no looks of shock,,,” instead of, “there were no looks of shock…” Another sentence says, “…and I still had a most of the cash I earned…” Sometimes it should have been a “me” instead of an “I”. The novel just doesn’t feel polished.
I’m rather bored. I think the flirtatious, romance part of the story is very clunky and cheesy. The voices of the characters don’t feel consistent. The transitions between chapters are quite jarring. The dialogue is stilted and almost cumbersome. I enjoyed the sewing bits and some of the information about what life was like during the war, but the war also seemed so far away from the actual story. Perhaps that’s because this is more historical romance than historical fiction, but I didn’t feel like I got enough of either the history or the romance to be fully satisfied. There’s also quite a few typos. I took pictures of a few of them, but I grew tired of that. Sometimes words are missing, or there are extra words. One sentence says, “there was no looks of shock,,,” instead of, “there were no looks of shock…” Another sentence says, “…and I still had a most of the cash I earned…” Sometimes it should have been a “me” instead of an “I”. The novel just doesn’t feel polished.
February 12, 2024
Fabulous:
What a delightful war time romance. I loved that although it was set during WWII, it was nevertheless a sweet and uplifting story. The focus was mainly on the budding romance between Nora and Jack, whilst also showing what people were sometimes led to do in order to get by during times of war.
I thought these two made a delightful couple and you could really feel the bond between them. There journey felt authentic and relatable despite this being a historical novel.
Although part of a series, this could nevertheless be enjoyed as a standalone. I would highly recommend the first book as it was just as good and now I am eagerly awaiting the next one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a delightful war time romance. I loved that although it was set during WWII, it was nevertheless a sweet and uplifting story. The focus was mainly on the budding romance between Nora and Jack, whilst also showing what people were sometimes led to do in order to get by during times of war.
I thought these two made a delightful couple and you could really feel the bond between them. There journey felt authentic and relatable despite this being a historical novel.
Although part of a series, this could nevertheless be enjoyed as a standalone. I would highly recommend the first book as it was just as good and now I am eagerly awaiting the next one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2024
With the second book in the Homefront Hearts series Hamilton continues to use dual alternating narrators to great effect. When you finish a chapter from Nora’s perspective you feel compelled to continue in order to know how Jack really felt about things, even if it is getting late and you have to work in the morning. Jack and Nora are enjoyable new leads with good chemistry, and having fate throw them under the same supervised roof makes for a good dynamic. While it contains some spoilers for The Hobby Shop On Barnaby Street you can safely jump in here without much trouble if you only read books about seamstresses (or just haven’t read Hobby Shop in a while).
Also, I’m starting a petition for a fourth book about Lucinda.
Also, I’m starting a petition for a fourth book about Lucinda.
March 30, 2025
Even war can't stop those who are meant to be together. This story about caring and talented Nora and the handsome intelligent jack.....although his actions with Nora later in the book was not intelligent at all 😑
I really would have loved if the writer told us how Jack conforted his mother after the party. It would have been so satisfying, really.
I highly recommend this book. Truly, the writer did a really good job. ♥️
This book will rank one of the top 3 favourite novels of the year.
I will post my review on my book account on inestegram.
POV: No one paid me to read the book or to make a review on it here and on my page. I do that because I truly loved this book so damn much that it deserves to be read by more people.
I really would have loved if the writer told us how Jack conforted his mother after the party. It would have been so satisfying, really.
I highly recommend this book. Truly, the writer did a really good job. ♥️
This book will rank one of the top 3 favourite novels of the year.
I will post my review on my book account on inestegram.
POV: No one paid me to read the book or to make a review on it here and on my page. I do that because I truly loved this book so damn much that it deserves to be read by more people.
January 7, 2024
This story is a warm and cosy one, and it filled my heart with joy. This novel is well written and packed with banter and exciting scenes. I have had a great time exploring it and I couldn't be happier as it delivers an epilogue in the end. It gave me a glimpse of their happily ever after, and I was pleased with it!
Nora and Jack are endearing characters and it was easy to connect with them and I was rooting for their love to prevail over conflicts and obstacles.
Nora and Jack will forever stay with me and their love story too!
I recommend this book and writer to everyone into this genre!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nora and Jack are endearing characters and it was easy to connect with them and I was rooting for their love to prevail over conflicts and obstacles.
Nora and Jack will forever stay with me and their love story too!
I recommend this book and writer to everyone into this genre!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2024
A second story with a wonderful hardworking girl who deserves a bit of love in her life. Just like Maisie in The Hobby Shop on Barnaby Street, Nora is trying to make a go of a new shop during wartime. Nora is a talented seamstress with a soft spot for helping friends. Then, of course, there's Jack. He runs into Nora and they feel an instant connection that they each feel is wrong for several silly reasons. You root for them to figure it out almost as soon as they meet! Highly recommended fun romance.
February 5, 2024
Nora is trying to make her way alone during the war working as a seamstress and living with her aunt and uncle. Jack has been assigned to teach students who were not sent out of London during the war. Though they come from different backgrounds, circumstances just keep throwing them together. I don’t know if it is Nora’s independent spirit or her chemistry with Jack, but I think this is my favorite story in this series.
February 23, 2024
Set in WWII London, Nora has lost her home to the bombing. Jack, though from a wealthy family, is a teacher, assigned this duty as his contribution to the war effort. Clothing rationing plays a part in the story, as Nora’s business does both mending and refashioning of old clothing for new purposes.
As with any good romance, Hamilton skillfully builds up the relationship between Nora and Jack, including roadblocks that threaten to end their romance. In order to help a friend, Nora gets involved with an illegal activity, causing a rift between her and Jack. I really enjoy this Homefront Hearts series, because I learn some history, and still feel the satisfaction of a lovely romance. This book kept me up at night. What better recommendation is there?
As with any good romance, Hamilton skillfully builds up the relationship between Nora and Jack, including roadblocks that threaten to end their romance. In order to help a friend, Nora gets involved with an illegal activity, causing a rift between her and Jack. I really enjoy this Homefront Hearts series, because I learn some history, and still feel the satisfaction of a lovely romance. This book kept me up at night. What better recommendation is there?
February 24, 2025
Getting in trouble for doing a favor for a friend
Nora was between a rock and a hard place when a dear friend of hers asked her to sell something for her to earn money as the friend was in dire straights. Nora said yes reluctantly but several weeks later it caused more trouble for Nora than she ever thought possible including her relationship with the love of her life.
Nora was between a rock and a hard place when a dear friend of hers asked her to sell something for her to earn money as the friend was in dire straights. Nora said yes reluctantly but several weeks later it caused more trouble for Nora than she ever thought possible including her relationship with the love of her life.
February 27, 2024
This was a lovely historical fiction romance that takes place during WWII. I am a sucker for a good WWII story and this one was lovely.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 10, 2025
Great story.
Very interesting from being to end. No profanity and the sex scenes are sell written, but you know. Two very busy people to entertain throughout.
Very interesting from being to end. No profanity and the sex scenes are sell written, but you know. Two very busy people to entertain throughout.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews