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The Foyles Girls #5
The Foyles Bookshop Girls' Promise
Pre-order the BRAND NEW instalment in Elaine Robert's emotional wartime saga series Praise for Elaine Roberts
'Elaine really put her heart and soul into creating this story and the historical facts were so well researched. Compulsive reading; I highly recommend this book' 5 Star Reader Review
'I loved this book and found it very hard to put down' 5 Star Reader Review
'I so loved this book, loved the characters and the story of friendship and family told around the tale of Foyles bookshop and the war. A real page turner' 5 Star Reader Review
'Elaine really put her heart and soul into creating this story and the historical facts were so well researched. Compulsive reading; I highly recommend this book' 5 Star Reader Review
'I loved this book and found it very hard to put down' 5 Star Reader Review
'I so loved this book, loved the characters and the story of friendship and family told around the tale of Foyles bookshop and the war. A real page turner' 5 Star Reader Review
- GenresHistorical
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2024
93 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 19, 2024
A sweet lovestory
October 26, 2024
Book two at the London Foyles book shop Charing Cross.
It's 1918 and as the war rages, Rosie Burrows see's her man Alfie Bennet leave for France.This war will only be on going for a few months then he will come home for them to marry.
All her letters become unanswered its now been three and half year's when his mother gets the dreaded telegram missing persumed dead. She needs to know, she needs a letter from him, is she really in love with Alfie. And why is her best friend Fran been avoiding her all this time?
Such a welcoming story to pull at your heartstrings in the second book. As we are taking on Rosie's struggles working during the war effects in the hospital as well as the bookshop and finding her emotions drawn into another love. You just flick over all the pages and chapters and forget the time. And Rosie finds life is to short to hold onto grudges between family and friends. Go with your heart, this read is exceptional in every way. I loved it.
It's 1918 and as the war rages, Rosie Burrows see's her man Alfie Bennet leave for France.This war will only be on going for a few months then he will come home for them to marry.
All her letters become unanswered its now been three and half year's when his mother gets the dreaded telegram missing persumed dead. She needs to know, she needs a letter from him, is she really in love with Alfie. And why is her best friend Fran been avoiding her all this time?
Such a welcoming story to pull at your heartstrings in the second book. As we are taking on Rosie's struggles working during the war effects in the hospital as well as the bookshop and finding her emotions drawn into another love. You just flick over all the pages and chapters and forget the time. And Rosie finds life is to short to hold onto grudges between family and friends. Go with your heart, this read is exceptional in every way. I loved it.
November 23, 2024
The Foyles Bookshop Girls’ Promise by Elaine Roberts is about a bevy of young women but focuses on one: Rosie. It opens with Rosie at sixteen saying good-bye to her boyfriend, Alfie, who is trying to convince her to say good-bye “properly” as they may never see one another again. She pushes him away and he takes off, only to have his younger brother, Sam, arrive to comfort Rosie. Fast forward to four years later. No one has heard from Alfie for quite awhile. His mother received a telegram saying he was missing in action, presumed dead. Both she and Rosie remained steadfast in what all considered her engagement. She was now working at Foyles and volunteering in Sam’s classroom, where he was a teacher-in-training. They were friends. Everyone said Sam was in love with her but he’d never said anything and there was Alfie. It got complicated as her best friend, Fran, had gotten pregnant back then and refused to name the father. She also refused to see Rosie and had for years. Rosie kept trying, but to no avail.
One day Alfie reappeared, but seemed to have no regard for Rosie. Now she was really upset. Was she engaged or not. She knew she didn’t want to marry him, but she was a woman of her word. Meanwhile things were happening in her life: at work and at home. The war might finally be coming to an end, but they’d been saying that for years, so who knew? And the Spanish flu is beginning to rear it’s ugly head, so life is far from easy. It was a fun read. A bit of an emotional rollercoaster, but fun. That time in England’s history is so interesting for the common people. Times have changed a lot and their lives were so different, so much simpler in many ways. This was a good book, full of emotion: regret and love. I enjoyed it.
I was invited to read The Foyles Bookshop Girls’ Promise by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #ElaineRoberts #TheFoylesBookshopGirlsPromise
One day Alfie reappeared, but seemed to have no regard for Rosie. Now she was really upset. Was she engaged or not. She knew she didn’t want to marry him, but she was a woman of her word. Meanwhile things were happening in her life: at work and at home. The war might finally be coming to an end, but they’d been saying that for years, so who knew? And the Spanish flu is beginning to rear it’s ugly head, so life is far from easy. It was a fun read. A bit of an emotional rollercoaster, but fun. That time in England’s history is so interesting for the common people. Times have changed a lot and their lives were so different, so much simpler in many ways. This was a good book, full of emotion: regret and love. I enjoyed it.
I was invited to read The Foyles Bookshop Girls’ Promise by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #ElaineRoberts #TheFoylesBookshopGirlsPromise
October 29, 2024
As WWI rages on, Rosie promises Alfie she will wait for him after he signs up. Several years pass with no contact from Alfie; however, his parents
finally receive a letter stating he was missing in action. How long should you put your life on hold for a slim possibility? For Rosie, a promise is a promise and she intends to keep it until either Alfie comes home or is officially declared a casualty of war.
All during this time, Rosie's best friend Fran avoids her even when Fran could really use a friend or two. Rosie and Sam, Alfie's younger brother, become great friends and Rosie is blind to the fact that Sam is in love with her. Rosie's friends at Foyles Bookshop are all falling in love, getting married, and questioning her about Alfie and Sam!
When Alfie suddenly shows up alive and well, Rosie's life turns to turmoil! He barely talks to her, is still quite mean to Sam, and visits their friend Fran and her out-of-wedlock son James. Finally, Rosie comes to realize that the time has come for her to get the answers she needs to all of her questions from both Fran and Alfie.
While this could be termed a "historical fiction" book, it is more of a life lesson book. This is one of those "follow your heart" type stories that I hope you enjoy reading.
(Of course, I did not realize until after starting to love this book that it was book 2 of a series!)
finally receive a letter stating he was missing in action. How long should you put your life on hold for a slim possibility? For Rosie, a promise is a promise and she intends to keep it until either Alfie comes home or is officially declared a casualty of war.
All during this time, Rosie's best friend Fran avoids her even when Fran could really use a friend or two. Rosie and Sam, Alfie's younger brother, become great friends and Rosie is blind to the fact that Sam is in love with her. Rosie's friends at Foyles Bookshop are all falling in love, getting married, and questioning her about Alfie and Sam!
When Alfie suddenly shows up alive and well, Rosie's life turns to turmoil! He barely talks to her, is still quite mean to Sam, and visits their friend Fran and her out-of-wedlock son James. Finally, Rosie comes to realize that the time has come for her to get the answers she needs to all of her questions from both Fran and Alfie.
While this could be termed a "historical fiction" book, it is more of a life lesson book. This is one of those "follow your heart" type stories that I hope you enjoy reading.
(Of course, I did not realize until after starting to love this book that it was book 2 of a series!)
January 12, 2025
In the latest Foyles Bookshop novel, readers return to World War I London as the war continues and the Foyles Bookshop works to uphold their high standards as a community hub. Rosie, loving her job and happy as an engaged woman, has spent years waiting for Alfie to return from France, but he has not responded to her letters since he left. After starting to volunteer at the local school and trying to keep her feelings for Sam from developing, Rosie must see what life she can build for herself in the aftermath of the war and Alfie’s return. As new secrets reveal themselves and characters grow as a result of the war and their personal circumstances, readers discover that war has a cost on love and happy endings. The characters are complex, with strong emotions and great relationships with other characters, and Rosie is a sympathetic and relatable protagonist who readers will enjoy. The historical detail and information about the aftereffects of World War I are also well-written and add to the atmosphere of the book and the series at large, so readers will love exploring the human side of the war in this fantastic continuation of the Foyles Bookshop series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
November 18, 2024
This is the second book in the Foyles Bookshop Girls series and it is as good, if not even better than the first book which I thoroughly enjoyed.
This book focuses largely on Rosie Burrows. Her fiance is missing in action during wartime, and despite her doubts about whether he really is the man for her, she is determined to wait for him. She must believe that he is alive and will come home.
Rosie hasn't spoken to her best friend, Fran since Alfie (her fiance) went to war. She can't understand why they have fallen out, and she tries constantly to get Fran to see her, talk to her, and let her help with her baby, who sadly she had out of wedlock.
There are a lot of emotional moments in this book. Some of the time I wanted to cry, other times I was laughing out loud.
The story was paced out perfectly so that there wasn't a dull moment, and I love that although the war plays a large part in the story, the book didn't just focus on that part of it. The staff of the bookstore are like one big family and each one's story always entertains me. There is drama, romance and mystery, all things that make a book a perfect read for me.
This book focuses largely on Rosie Burrows. Her fiance is missing in action during wartime, and despite her doubts about whether he really is the man for her, she is determined to wait for him. She must believe that he is alive and will come home.
Rosie hasn't spoken to her best friend, Fran since Alfie (her fiance) went to war. She can't understand why they have fallen out, and she tries constantly to get Fran to see her, talk to her, and let her help with her baby, who sadly she had out of wedlock.
There are a lot of emotional moments in this book. Some of the time I wanted to cry, other times I was laughing out loud.
The story was paced out perfectly so that there wasn't a dull moment, and I love that although the war plays a large part in the story, the book didn't just focus on that part of it. The staff of the bookstore are like one big family and each one's story always entertains me. There is drama, romance and mystery, all things that make a book a perfect read for me.
November 24, 2024
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
This is part of the Foyles Bookshop series, and I was interested in reading this, as I read one of the previous books in the series and enjoyed it. The story takes place during WWI, and follows those who work at Foyles Bookshop, and their families.
I loved the atmosphere of the bookshop, and of the story in general. I enjoyed the friendships between the characters, and how supportive they were of each other. Rosie was the character I felt the strongest connection with, but Sam was the character who most made me smile.
This book tugged at my heartstrings in the most wonderful way. It wasn't long before I became invested, and I couldn't stop reading until I'd finished.
I think that books, and places like bookshops, can bring comfort when we feel lost or confused, and while the story is about people rather than books, Foyles Bookshop is a place that speaks to me, through the author's writing.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This is part of the Foyles Bookshop series, and I was interested in reading this, as I read one of the previous books in the series and enjoyed it. The story takes place during WWI, and follows those who work at Foyles Bookshop, and their families.
I loved the atmosphere of the bookshop, and of the story in general. I enjoyed the friendships between the characters, and how supportive they were of each other. Rosie was the character I felt the strongest connection with, but Sam was the character who most made me smile.
This book tugged at my heartstrings in the most wonderful way. It wasn't long before I became invested, and I couldn't stop reading until I'd finished.
I think that books, and places like bookshops, can bring comfort when we feel lost or confused, and while the story is about people rather than books, Foyles Bookshop is a place that speaks to me, through the author's writing.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
January 2, 2025
This is the second in the Foyles Bookshop series and the main character in this instalment is the sweet Rosie. At the beginning of the book it's 1914 and Rosie's sweetheart Alfie has enrolled in the army with the outbreak of WW1. He asks her to wait for him despite trying to get her to have sex with him. The story moves forward to 1918 and Alfie has been missing for several years with no contact with Rosie and his funeral, her best friend has had a baby illegitimately and won't speak to her and she's confused about her feelings for Alfie's brother Sam who is training to be a teacher. She remains true to her promise despite not being sure of her feelings for Alfie.
Some of the action occurs at Foyle's bookshop but much of this book centres around the burgeoning relationship between Sam and Rosie. There are twists and turns but love prevails after Alfie returns. I found this book a slow read as nothing much occurs and it's very obvious what has happened. I would like to have learnt more about the bookshop as I have visited it many times but it was very much a secondary aspect to the story. With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc.
Some of the action occurs at Foyle's bookshop but much of this book centres around the burgeoning relationship between Sam and Rosie. There are twists and turns but love prevails after Alfie returns. I found this book a slow read as nothing much occurs and it's very obvious what has happened. I would like to have learnt more about the bookshop as I have visited it many times but it was very much a secondary aspect to the story. With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc.
January 25, 2025
The 2nd book in this series of which I am very much enjoying.
Set in London Foyles bookshop 1918 War is still commencing families are scared for the knock on the door for someone with the dreaded telegram.
The book has many different feelings to it Loyalty, love and betrayal.. Most of the characters have a strong emotion with the drama and romance of this book it just sitis right with the reader It is well written well and reading when the characters went in to the shop it smells just like a book shop.
I have really enjoyed this story and hope ther is a number 3I am really enjoying the second book in this series. Set in Foyles Bookshop in London in 1918, the story unfolds during a time when the war is still ongoing, and families are fearful of the dreaded knock on the door signaling the arrival of a telegram.
The book evokes a range of emotions including loyalty, love, and betrayal. Most of the characters are deeply connected to the drama and romance, which resonates well with the reader. It's well-written, and I can almost smell the atmosphere of a bookshop when the characters enter the store.
I truly enjoyed this story and hope there will be a third installment.
Set in London Foyles bookshop 1918 War is still commencing families are scared for the knock on the door for someone with the dreaded telegram.
The book has many different feelings to it Loyalty, love and betrayal.. Most of the characters have a strong emotion with the drama and romance of this book it just sitis right with the reader It is well written well and reading when the characters went in to the shop it smells just like a book shop.
I have really enjoyed this story and hope ther is a number 3I am really enjoying the second book in this series. Set in Foyles Bookshop in London in 1918, the story unfolds during a time when the war is still ongoing, and families are fearful of the dreaded knock on the door signaling the arrival of a telegram.
The book evokes a range of emotions including loyalty, love, and betrayal. Most of the characters are deeply connected to the drama and romance, which resonates well with the reader. It's well-written, and I can almost smell the atmosphere of a bookshop when the characters enter the store.
I truly enjoyed this story and hope there will be a third installment.
November 9, 2024
Foyles Bookshop Girls' #2
Rosie has promised Alfie that she would wait for him when he signed up. But three and a half years have passed with no word from him. Then his parents get a telegram telling them that Alfie is missing in action - presumed dead. Should Rosie still wait for him and see if he turns up?
Set around WWI. All the staff at Foyles bookshop seem to be either falling in love or getting married, but is Rosie really still in love with Alfie? Rosie is getting closer to Alfie's brother, Sam. Sam is in love with Rosie, but does Rosie feel the same way?
The characters are well-developed and likeable. This book shows how war left families in turmoil. Not knowing if their sons, brothers, husbands and fathers were alive must have been soul destroying. This easy-to-read story will mess with your emotions.
Published 24th November 2024
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #ElaineRoberts for my ARC of #TheFoylesGirlsPromise in exchange for an honest review.
Rosie has promised Alfie that she would wait for him when he signed up. But three and a half years have passed with no word from him. Then his parents get a telegram telling them that Alfie is missing in action - presumed dead. Should Rosie still wait for him and see if he turns up?
Set around WWI. All the staff at Foyles bookshop seem to be either falling in love or getting married, but is Rosie really still in love with Alfie? Rosie is getting closer to Alfie's brother, Sam. Sam is in love with Rosie, but does Rosie feel the same way?
The characters are well-developed and likeable. This book shows how war left families in turmoil. Not knowing if their sons, brothers, husbands and fathers were alive must have been soul destroying. This easy-to-read story will mess with your emotions.
Published 24th November 2024
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #ElaineRoberts for my ARC of #TheFoylesGirlsPromise in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2024
I absolutely adored this novel and read it in one day, alternating between print and audio so I could have it with me at all times. I have not read the first in the series (A Wartime Welcome from the Foyles Bookshop Girls), but did not have any issues following along. However, I have downloaded the first book and am feverishly searching my resources for anything else written by Elaine. She is a masterful storyteller.
This is a character-driven story of wartime London and I found the day-to-day life on the homefront fascinating. Elaine does a wonderful capturing the emotions of this time–both the determinedness and the sadness. The cozy bookshop provides a wonderful comfort and contrast to the realities faced during wartime. There’s warmth, humor, anger and grief in the lives of our characters and all are handled with grace. I was immediately drawn in and sorry when it ended.
Fans of historical fiction who especially enjoy books for Jennifer Ryan or Patricia McBride, should fix themselves a cup of hot tea and settle in for a wonderful reading experience.
This is a character-driven story of wartime London and I found the day-to-day life on the homefront fascinating. Elaine does a wonderful capturing the emotions of this time–both the determinedness and the sadness. The cozy bookshop provides a wonderful comfort and contrast to the realities faced during wartime. There’s warmth, humor, anger and grief in the lives of our characters and all are handled with grace. I was immediately drawn in and sorry when it ended.
Fans of historical fiction who especially enjoy books for Jennifer Ryan or Patricia McBride, should fix themselves a cup of hot tea and settle in for a wonderful reading experience.
November 1, 2025
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I was able to find the audio version through my local library.
I have really enjoyed these types of books lately. Though a lot of them that I have read the author makes it woke and liberal. It is an instant dislike for me. But this one was not like that. I enjoyed the story plot even though I knew from the beginning knew who the baby belonged to and I could not figure out why the main character was determined to marry Alfie even though he was a huge huge huge jerk and just mean. Even back when I just kind of thought that the story plot was a bit unrealistic.
But all in all the story was entertaining and I could not put it down. I would have liked to have had more atmosphere in the book shop (that is the title after all) we didn't really stay in that location or go there much throughout the book...in my opinion.
I have really enjoyed these types of books lately. Though a lot of them that I have read the author makes it woke and liberal. It is an instant dislike for me. But this one was not like that. I enjoyed the story plot even though I knew from the beginning knew who the baby belonged to and I could not figure out why the main character was determined to marry Alfie even though he was a huge huge huge jerk and just mean. Even back when I just kind of thought that the story plot was a bit unrealistic.
But all in all the story was entertaining and I could not put it down. I would have liked to have had more atmosphere in the book shop (that is the title after all) we didn't really stay in that location or go there much throughout the book...in my opinion.
November 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this second book in the Foyles Bookshop Girls series. Set in the mid 1900’s during World War One. The main focus of the story revolves around young Rosie Burrows. Her fiancé has enlisted to fight and she has promised to wait for him until he returns. However all is not as it seems and she is struggling to understand why he isn’t writing to her. In Rosie’s eyes a promise is a promise even though there may be a special person for Rosie closer to home. I loved the characters in this series and the fact it’s set around a book shop makes it even more of a wonderful read . The author writes in a way I can picture myself in this bookshop during those years. This story kept me enthralled the whole way through. Whilst this isn’t a fast paced read it’s one that will keep you captivated and interested the whole way through as it did me.
November 28, 2024
You can't marry him! No, don't do it. Right from the beginning I was heavily engrossed in the lives of Rosie, her friends and family.
Rosie had quite a lot on her plate. She did all that she could for her community. She really loved working with her childhood friend, Sam. She enjoyed her volunteer work. While giving her time and attention to others, she soon realized what her future may look like.
She experienced drama and needed answers before she could find happiness.
A great story of the sacrifices families made during WWII. I read this quickly. I couldn't put it down. I hope that there will be another book. I have to know more about the residents.
Rosie had quite a lot on her plate. She did all that she could for her community. She really loved working with her childhood friend, Sam. She enjoyed her volunteer work. While giving her time and attention to others, she soon realized what her future may look like.
She experienced drama and needed answers before she could find happiness.
A great story of the sacrifices families made during WWII. I read this quickly. I couldn't put it down. I hope that there will be another book. I have to know more about the residents.
October 6, 2024
Another enjoyable book in the Foyles Bookshop series. I could see where the storyline was heading after reading the Prologue which was a bit disappointing as I like the suspense some of the other titles in the series have given. The book was easy to read and the characters all very easy to relate too. It was an enjoyable book to read on a night before bed without too much drama or stress.
I highly recommend the series and look forward to the next one!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publishers for allowing me to read an Arc copy.
I highly recommend the series and look forward to the next one!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publishers for allowing me to read an Arc copy.
November 23, 2024
This book had likeable characters and it had a warm, family feel to it, both at home and in their working environment. There was also the way people did extra voluntary work to help out and also the food rationing. It also reflects the attitudes of the day towards how people acted. However, I had guessed the plot of the story and I felt as though I was waiting for the characters to catch up! It does have a sweet romance. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 23, 2024
It’s 1918 and WW1 is on, Rosie has said goodbye to her fiancée Alfie. Rosie is busy working in the bookshop and helping Alfie’s brother to teach the school children to read. When Alfie arrives home on leave, it’s not the homecoming she was expecting.
This was a lovely book, Rosie is a caring helpful person and is perfect for this story. The plot was interesting and I liked the secrets that’s in the story. It was an easy read and looking forward to reading the next books in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.
This was a lovely book, Rosie is a caring helpful person and is perfect for this story. The plot was interesting and I liked the secrets that’s in the story. It was an easy read and looking forward to reading the next books in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.
November 7, 2024
Book 2 follows Rosie while she continues to wait for news on Alfie who is fighting in the war. When Alfie's parents get a letter stating that he is missing in action Rosie is in turmoil. Should she move on? This is a nice addition to the historical saga genre and the author has obviously done extensive research. I loved watching the happenings of The Foyles Bookshop and the characters as the war rages on. I think the moral of the story is too follow your heart.
December 2, 2024
Whilst I'm yet to read the first in the series, I found it didn't distract or take away my enjoyment of 'Promise'.
I absolutely love my historical fiction and books, so a series based around the girls of Foyles Bookshop and set in WWI was right up my street.
Roberts has created a charming community of characters that are likeable and have a sense of family togetherness, making them lifelike.
A highly enjoyable and engaging wartime drama of friendships and romance.
I absolutely love my historical fiction and books, so a series based around the girls of Foyles Bookshop and set in WWI was right up my street.
Roberts has created a charming community of characters that are likeable and have a sense of family togetherness, making them lifelike.
A highly enjoyable and engaging wartime drama of friendships and romance.
December 2, 2024
I have loved all the Foyles bookshop series with each one getting to know the characters a little better. This book focuses on Rosie and her life. Having promised Alfie she’d wait for him she struggled the longer the war went on. It was made especially difficult as she lost her best friend who became pregnant and disappeared and to top it off Alfie hadn’t written to her or his family for the last two years. I have enjoyed all the characters stories but I think Rosie’s is one of my favourites
November 13, 2024
Another fabulous book about the Foyles bookshop ladies by Elaine Roberts. It’s so nice in books that are Sagas as you reacquainted with favourite characters although this one focuses on Rosie. WW1 is still in full swing but the bookshop ladies try and make life as positive as they can even when their own lives are in disarray. Thanks to Elaine and her publisher.
November 24, 2024
This is a World War One story, but there’s really not a lot of mention of it. It’s more about the girls who work in the famous Foyle’s Bookshop. I read it as a standalone, not knowing it was part of a series. It’s an interesting story, but I did guess the plot. It’s quite well done.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley & Boldwood Books. I am writing a voluntary, honest review
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley & Boldwood Books. I am writing a voluntary, honest review
October 19, 2024
This was a historical novel set during wartime.
Rosie Burrows worked at Foyles bookshop, a haven amid the chaos of World War I.
She was torn internally about her promise to her fiancé, Alfie, who is fighting in France.
As the years passed without hearing from him, she found herself torn between waiting for a man who might never return and developing feelings for Sam, a gentle teacher she met while volunteering.
The novel deftly explored the anguish of women on the home front, who are left in limbo while their loved ones are fighting.
This novel provided a heartfelt exploration of how war reshaped lives and relationships, resulting in a moving story.
Rosie Burrows worked at Foyles bookshop, a haven amid the chaos of World War I.
She was torn internally about her promise to her fiancé, Alfie, who is fighting in France.
As the years passed without hearing from him, she found herself torn between waiting for a man who might never return and developing feelings for Sam, a gentle teacher she met while volunteering.
The novel deftly explored the anguish of women on the home front, who are left in limbo while their loved ones are fighting.
This novel provided a heartfelt exploration of how war reshaped lives and relationships, resulting in a moving story.
November 26, 2024
This book is set in London during World War One and is wonderfully atmospheric.
If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
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If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
November 8, 2024
A nice light romance about two young women and two brothers trying to arrange their lives near the end of WWI. No politics, no war, only life and love.
August 3, 2025
Nice to read about Rosie's story
December 1, 2024
I loved being back with the characters linked to Foyles Bookshop with this story focussing on Rosie Burrows. It’s 1918 and Rosie has promised to wait for Alfie when he goes off to fight but then he stops writing to her and his family. Then his parents receive a telegram saying his missing in action. Should she wait for him or not? Best friend Fran has also cut off all communication after finding herself a single mother and Rosie has no idea why. To keep busy she starts to help at the local school as well as volunteering at the hospital and working at Foyles. The class she helps has Alfie’s brother Sam as their teacher and it’s obvious that they have feelings for each other. However neither of them admit these feelings. A heartwarming story with a great cast of characters that looks at family, friendship and loyalty
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November 28, 2024Another fabulous read!
As it turns into 1918, the war is raging on but the young women working in The Foyles Bookshop continue to rely on their friendshipms to see them through. Rosie is engaged to Alfie; he asked her to wait for him when he went to war and what kind of person would she have been to turn him down? But as the war has continured and she hasn't seen him or heard from him, she wonders what the future holds. Keeping busy, she takes on reading to the children in the local school on top of her job and her volunteering duties at the hospital and, as much as she gets on with Sam, the school teacher, she knows that she cannot get close to him ... she's promised to Alfie.
This is a truly lovely series, explaining exactly how life was in wartime Britain. The characters are a great bunch of women and while the author doesn't shy away from the realities of war, this is a warm, comforting read and one I enjoyed immensely. 4.5* and my recommendation.
As it turns into 1918, the war is raging on but the young women working in The Foyles Bookshop continue to rely on their friendshipms to see them through. Rosie is engaged to Alfie; he asked her to wait for him when he went to war and what kind of person would she have been to turn him down? But as the war has continured and she hasn't seen him or heard from him, she wonders what the future holds. Keeping busy, she takes on reading to the children in the local school on top of her job and her volunteering duties at the hospital and, as much as she gets on with Sam, the school teacher, she knows that she cannot get close to him ... she's promised to Alfie.
This is a truly lovely series, explaining exactly how life was in wartime Britain. The characters are a great bunch of women and while the author doesn't shy away from the realities of war, this is a warm, comforting read and one I enjoyed immensely. 4.5* and my recommendation.
January 10, 2025
Goodreads is really confusing with this series, and which book is which number in the series, so I’m ignoring all that and just going in to say that I really enjoyed The Foyles Bookshop Girls’ Promise. This one sees Rosie as our protagonist, and along with her friends, family and colleagues, she deals with the trials and tribulations of London during WWI. Rosie is working at Foyles Bookshop, but she’s also lending a hand in the hospital. That’s all before she begins to help the children in the local school with their reading!
Elaine writes with such warmth about all of her characters, and it’s extremely easy to lose a few hours while you’re immersed in one of her stories. The book is well-researched, and although it is fiction, I enjoy reading about the way life would have been during the war.
Regardless of what number this is in the series, I loved it and at some point, I’ll investigate what I’m missing and what’s going on with the other books.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review The Foyles Bookshop Girls’ Promise by Elaine Roberts.
Elaine writes with such warmth about all of her characters, and it’s extremely easy to lose a few hours while you’re immersed in one of her stories. The book is well-researched, and although it is fiction, I enjoy reading about the way life would have been during the war.
Regardless of what number this is in the series, I loved it and at some point, I’ll investigate what I’m missing and what’s going on with the other books.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review The Foyles Bookshop Girls’ Promise by Elaine Roberts.
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