A Christmas Gift for the East End Library Girls

Library Girls #3

by Patricia McBride

As the war continues, the library girls face their greatest challenge yet...

With the echoes of war reverberating around London, Cordelia, Mavis, and Jane are delighted to be blessed with some good the King and his Queen will be making a visit to the East End.

As excitement builds, so does their apprehension. With each passing day, the threat of destruction from air raids increasingly plagues their worried minds.

But with Christmas on the horizon, their morale is at an all-time high, and the girls are determined to display to their esteemed guests all they have done with the library – and with so little.

For Mavis especially, she is more focused on the library than ever – her beloved Joe is still fighting overseas and she is waiting for news on whether she might adopt young Joyce.

But perhaps the royal visit will not be the only Christmas gift she'll be surprised with this year…?

A captivating tale of resilience and determination, perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane, Elaine Roberts and Lesley Eames.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christmas, Fiction, British Literature, Historical, Friendship

264 pages, Paperback

Published August 25, 2024

Reviews

[linda hole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book number 3 in the series i believe. For me this book is about the atmosphere, the east enders resillience, their look on life. Their proudness of being an eastender . The children , how they are still able to play and laugh during a war. All this combined i love the series.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[Carol (Reading Ladies) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas Gift For the East End Library Girls is installment #3 in a heartwarming histfic/women’s fiction series set in London during WWII.

Cordelia, Mavis, and Jane continue their good work at the East End Library as they endure effects of the war. As we catch up on their personal lives, good news that the King and Queen plan to visit the library lifts their spirits but also heightens their anxiety. Can they get everything ready in time while also dealing with damage caused by air raids? The community will need to pitch in as they spruce up the library as best they can with few resources.

I appreciate a gently written series featuring women supporting women and themes of friendship during the hardships of WWII. The young women and the community face some difficult things at times, but though determination and smart thinking they are quickly resolved. I look forward to each new installment. I do recommend reading them in order for the most satisfying reading experience. If you love books by Lesley Eames or Jennifer Ryan, you might also love this heartwarming series.

One of my favorite themes is women supporting women, especially during the WWII years. As women supported the war effort in various ways, they leaned into friendship and joined their resources and efforts. These are inspiring stories that always cause me to ponder my own actions in similar circumstances.

Who can resist books about books and libraries?! Put “books” or “library” in the title and I’m hooked! The main setting for this series is a library located in London’s impoverished East End. This particular library offers more than books and under the women’s leadership, becomes the heart of the community.

I recommend this series for fans of gently written historical fiction/women’s fiction with strong and inspiring female characters. The romance is firmly closed door and no profanity.

Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks @rararesources for a complimentary e ARC of #AChristmasGiftForTheEastEndLibraryGirls upon my request. All opinions are my own.

For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Gift For the East End Library Girls the third book in a charming, heartwarming women's fiction series set in London during WWII. Cordelia, Mavis, and Jane continue working together at the East End Library as war rages on. Christmas is approaching and in this outing, the King and Queen plant to visit their branch of the library. This is exciting for everyone, but also stressful for the three ladies. Will they get the library ready for the visit? Can they repair damage from the air raids? While they go about their personal lives, the members of the community pitch in to help get the library ready.

I really enjoy books about the home front and how those left behind survive and move forward with their lives. All three of the ladies have someone they love fighting and each is able to come home at some point in this book. While they work to keep up the spirits of everyone in the East End, and work hard to make the library a central place to spend time, each of them is dealing with a personal issue. With the support of each other and people in the community, they work through various problems and situations. I did enjoy the Christmas feel to this book. It would be difficult to enjoy Christmas amidst the danger of bombings, the fear that something might happen to your loved one or yourself, but they do what they can, especially for the children. Themes in this book and series include women supporting one another, domestic abuse, sexual assault and the results, communities helping one another, danger of war, love, PTSD, and more. If you enjoy books set during war, but dealing with those left at home or women stepping up and supporting one another, then I highly recommend this book and series. Julie Maisey has narrated all three of the books in this series and does a nice job with the stories. She gave each of the women their own voice using accents, tone and expression. I recommend this book in whatever format you prefer.

[Vicki F · Rating 3 out of 5]

World War II is ongoing, London is being bombed, and the Queen and King want to visit the East End Library for Christmas. The patrons and community come together to prepare for the Royal visit. Characters that are zany and relatable. Each one unique with their own personal challenges and dreams. What could they possible be given for Christmas?

Releases Aug. 25th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Pat Langhelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

3rd in this series, Cordelia Mavis and Jane have to get the library ready for a visit from the King and Queen during war time inthe East end of London. Absolutely loved it you feel as if you are there.

[Jan Mawdesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas Gift for the East End Library Girls continues the World War II saga Library Girls Book 3, created by Patricia McBride, set during the Blitz in the East End of London, an area hit hardest in the Bombing.
It’s October 1941 with London still reeling from the German Bombardments when Mavis, Cordelia and Jane are left stunned by a call from Buckingham Palace saying the King and Queen want to visit their Library. They are all seriously flustered at this unexpected honour and wonder how they are going to clean up the tired looking building with nothing much to work with to make presentable.
True to their very roots the people of the East End and Library users rally to the cause with even the crustiest, most difficult people offering their skills, help and treasures, to get the library ship shape over the next few weeks. Christmas is fast approaching as well just to add another layer of challenge to life in Silvertown.
A slow burn to begin with it takes a little while to understand the protagonists: Mavis who desperately wants to adopt a little girl orphaned in the Bombings. Jane whose husband is away fighting on the front, their daughter having been sent to a family in the country, is in despair as she misses her beautiful girl and wonders how she is faring.
Cordelia, whose beloved Robert is a Doctor serving on the front, runs the library and to her, the ladies along with Tom their young volunteer are like family, banding together to get through the hardship of daily life.
Within the structure of the story Patricia McBride looks at the issues of domestic abuse, post-traumatic stress and the heart breaking devastation war causes, through the eyes of the men and women of the East End, out to make their Library a showcase for visiting Royalty.
Heart breaking at times, but written as a tribute to all the women who struggled to survive physically and emotionally through indescribable hardship on a daily basis, A Christmas Gift For The East End Library Girls is a most enjoyable, if slightly old fashioned, read.

[Bev Walkling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in a series about the East End Library girls and I have read and enjoyed the first two books in the series. While this third could be read as a stand-alone, I think the reader will enjoy it more if the books are read in order. This is a book about women who lived in one of the poorer parts of East London during the Second World War and as such I think it will be of particular interest to female readers interested in this time period. The characters and lives of Mavis, Jane and Cordelia have already been well developed in the earlier books. The library where they work is almost a character on it's own, filled with quirky locals speaking with Cockney twang and doing their best to manage all the hardships of war.

The author has clearly researched the time period and location well (I believe she had relatives who lived through this to tell her tales.) The novel is filled with little tidbits on how to make do and mend, including the suggestion that a piece cut from an old hot water bottle could be used to repair the leaky sole of a shoe. In this book, the librarians and all their regulars are gearing up for an expected visit from the King and Queen. Only as a community can they make this all work.

As a reader in 2024, I have to admire how they worked together to survive and make the best out of things. They didn't take little luxuries for granted. I think there is much we can learn from them and put to use in building community in this day and age. I suspect we have not seen the last of the library girls!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book due for publication later this month. All opinions are my own.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wartime London might be bleak, but the East End Library Girls are here to remind everyone that books, friendship, and a little royal sparkle can still brighten even the darkest days. In A Christmas Gift for the East End Library Girls, Cordelia, Mavis, and Jane are back, juggling air raids, personal heartaches, and the massive responsibility of preparing for a royal visit to their beloved library. No pressure, right? With bombs dropping and spirits low, the library becomes more than just a place for books—it’s a lifeline, a community hub, and the setting for a heartwarming story about resilience and the magic of small acts of kindness.

The historical setting feels incredibly immersive—Patricia McBride brings 1940s London to life with rich details that make you want to pull on a rationed cup of tea and step into the library yourself. The friendships between the women remain the heart of the story, with their struggles and triumphs woven together beautifully. That said, this book is definitely more rewarding for those who have read the earlier installments in the series. While newcomers can still enjoy the uplifting message and historical depth, some character arcs and relationships may feel less impactful without that background.

I’m giving A Christmas Gift for the East End Library Girls a solid four out of five stars. It’s a cozy, heartfelt read that captures the strength of women, the importance of libraries, and the enduring power of community. If you love historical fiction with a feel-good edge, this book will be like a warm cup of cocoa on a winter’s night.

[AnnMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in Patricia McBride's latest wartime saga. It can easily be read as a standalone story, but if you really want to immerse yourself in the lives of Mavis, Cordelia and Jane it won't hurt to read the series in order.

The three women might not have been friends had it not been wartime, and had they all not had a love for books leading them to work in the East End Library. Brought together there has helped them form firm friendships and they will always be there for each other.

There is an array of sub-characters who are the library's regulars, which makes for many a fun scene, and the occasional moment of sadness. In this story, these characters happily come together to do what they can to get the library ready for a royal visit. Nobody can quite believe that the King and Queen are coming to visit, but they are, and the Eastenders are particularly excited.

As well as enjoying the preparations the characters make in the library, we also get more involved in the personal lives of Mavis, Cordelia and Jane. A particularly moving scene was when the girls exchanged Christmas gifts. That was so beautiful especially as they have different incomes.

Although there were some sad moments, this is quite a feel-good story and I enjoyed it. It was a little slow at times, but for the most part it was just right.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the latest East End Library book, the holidays are upon Cordelia, Mavis, and Jane when they receive the news that the King and Queen will be visiting the East End and their library just before the holidays. After a hard year of bombings and personal challenges, this news is incredibly exciting, though the pressure of a royal visit is certainly on. Knowing how much this visit will mean to the community, the three women -- Mavis especially -- throw themselves into preparations, but holiday cheer and surprises are around the corner for all of them. A fascinating and heartwarming continuation of the series, readers are sure to enjoy Cordelia, Jane, and Mavis’s lives during a World War II winter. McBride’s characters are, as always, charming, lively, and heartwarming, and their interactions with each other and their loved ones really add to the heart of this novel. The emotional stakes are really present in this novel, and the added emotion of the winter holidays amplifies the interpersonal connections that are so critical to this novel. A strong sequel with real emotion and lovely, compassionate characters, readers are sure to love McBride’s latest book and her description of a winter day in the East End Library.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this for NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This historical saga is the third book in the Library Girls series, following the lives of the librarians at a London library during WWII. I enjoyed the previous books in the series, so I was quite looking forward to this.

When I started reading this, it wasn't long before I escaped to 1940s London. I was pleased to see the return of some characters that I recognised from the previous books. I also really liked Ann, who was a newly introduced character.

I appreciated some of the references to books and literature throughout the book. There was a lovely festive feel, and it seemed to me that helping others, and giving to others in need, were key themes in the story. Whether you're looking for a festive read or not, this was comforting and heartwarming to read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Gift for the East End Library Girls is the third book in the engaging Library Girls series by talented writer, Patricia McBride.

Set in 1941 Silvertown, London East End after the Blitz, the story unfolds at the library where Mavis eagerly awaits news on adopting young Joyce while her son Ken, serves overseas. Amidst the gloom, Mavis finds solace in her work alongside Cordelia, Jane and volunteers Tom. As they strive to boost spirits with community activities, an unexpected honour contest their way when the King and Queen express an interest in visiting the library after hearing about the Stirling work the team have been doing. Will they manage to prepare in time?

Patricia’s novels effortlessly transport readers back to World War Two era, offering a captivating tale that resonate are with the characters experiences. The anticipation for more stories from the Library Girls is real!

Don’t miss out on this captivating read. .

[Emma Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by this author and did not disappoint was good to continue with the lives of the woman.

We see what Cordelia, Mavis and Jane get up to in this book. They have exciting news that the King and Queen are going to visit the Library so they need to organise things and see if they can improve the library. The community all work together with the different projects they have.

All the books are excellent and it is interesting to what they all get up to in the series. Certainly look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I like these kind of books where there is romance and also some sadness and the interesting facts about this period in history.

Would recommend this book.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cordelia, Mavis, Jane and the East End community are excited and preparing the library for a visit from the King and Queen. The community all came together for this project and how they rally around shows there support and kindness for one another. I love how even those who are less fortunate and don't have much still give and do what they can. It showcases the best of humanity during the wartime. The library girls are the sweetest as they supply more than just books. I appreciate that this book is more about joy, peace and happiness than war. I am very eager to read the next book in the series and find out if Mavis finally got to adopt Joyce.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book series and have read and enjoyed all of the other three. I have actually been delaying reading this one as I wanted to read it during the run up to Christmas as a little treat to myself. I am so glad I did as I really enjoyed accompanying the characters on their own Christmas story.

The author does a great job in conjuring up the East End of London during the Second World War. It has a wonderfully appropriate Christmas message weaved throughout too - that helping others and building a strong community echoes the Christmas message perfectly.

Another wonderful novel from Patricia McBride and I loved spending more time with the main characters, Cordelia, Mavis and Jane.

[James A. Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Visit from the King and Queen

Cordelia, Mavis and Jane have grown to be close friends during the difficult year of 1941. The Blitz has finally ended but there are still periodic bombing raids in East London. The library has become a vital center for the local community. Personally it has been a trying year for all three women. The good news is that the King and Queen have heard of their good works and decided to visit the Library. The community people jump in to help them prepare and after a successful visit the three librarians can go to their respective Christmases in pride! This book will bring their cheer to your holiday.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a hopeful and heartwarming story about 3 women who work in a library in the East End during WW2. It’s a slice of life story where we learn about life inside as well as outside the library as the women and the whole town prepare for Christmas and a royal visit. I really enjoyed all of the characters and appreciated the author’s ability to show their courage and determination despite their daily struggles. It’s a story about working together during tough times and finding unexpected joy. Thank you to netgalley for providing a review copy.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this heartwarming work of historical fiction. If you loved The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan or The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Bradley, this is a work of historical fiction you must pick up. This was my first entry into the series and I had no issues following along. I read this in one sitting and it was fun to escape to Christmas in London while it was a billion degrees in my real life.

The story features such strong characters even in the face of the hardships of war–you can’t help but admire them. And while they face those hardships, they also make the best of what they have. They are creative and thoughtful and there for each other in the face of the ups and downs of life. It’s a gentle, character driven story that I could not put down and I was sorry when it ended. I actually hugged my kindle when I finished. I will be investigating the previous entries to the series and eagerly hoping for more to come.

[Storied Conversation · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas Gift for the East End Library Girlsby Patricia McBride is a poignant continuation of the World War II saga, focusing on the resilient women of London's East End during the Blitz. When the Library Girls—Mavis, Cordelia, and Jane—learn that the King and Queen plan to visit their war-torn library, the community rallies together to prepare for the royal visit amidst the hardships of war and the approaching Christmas season. The novel explores themes of resilience, loss, and community spirit, making it a heartfelt tribute to the women who endured the trials of wartime London.

[Kathleen Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas Gift For the East End Library Girls is the third in the series, set in London during WWII.

Cordelia, Mavis, and Jane continue to work at the East End Library as they endure effects of the war. With news that the King and Queen plan to visit, can they get the library ready in time?

A zero angst read of friendship and community during WWII.

I received an ARC from NetGalley, and all opinions are my own.

[Debbie Westerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a really heart warming story the way they lived their lives during a horrendous time with all the bombing and people being made homeless, not being able to feed or clothe themselves properly being dependent on charity. But the spirit of the people pulled them through it an they made the best of what they could with what they had. I'm looking forward to next and last installment of the series which I for one will be sad about because I've enjoyed reading about the library girls and their readers

[Sarah Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I lasted 5% on the Kindle copy and just couldn't really connect with the characters and the situations. With this title being the third in the series, I wasn't extremely well-informed or reminded of what all had happened in previous installments. The townspeople are going to rally together to spruce up the East End Library before a royal visit, which just seems really predictable.

[Kristyn Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I enjoy most about this book series is the variety of characters. It always makes me want to go to a library and just watch who comes and goes. this book is a little oasis in the chaos of the regular world. The situations give you just enough tension to be concerned for the beloved characters, but mostly resolves soon to relieve the stress. So, it is a pleasant and easy read. At this time, there’s one more book in the series and afterwards, I will certainly miss some of the characters.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas Gift is the third in the Library Girls saga and my favourite of the series so far.

Whilst they may be in the thick of the Blitz, there's nothing or no-one that will get in the way of those eastenders and their community spirit as they pull together in preparation for the royal visit.

Both heartwarming and harrowing in equal measure, it's a story of hope, resilience and friendships.

The characters are wonderful, courageous and so easy to emotionally invest in.

Lovely series, great author. Both highly recommendable.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to catch up with Cordelia, Mavis and Jane again. This time they are excited about a royal visit to Silvertown library will they get it all scrubbed up ready for the special visitors. If you like reading sagas set during World War Two then I can highly recommend this series. They have their ups and downs but the Camaraderie between these people is great.

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd in the series and it continues the life of the library girls whilst the war is still on going. Thank you to @thebdbookclub for giving me the chance to read this book. I’m loving the series.

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 in the East End Library Girl series . I can honestly say this series gets better and better with each book . Everything about this book was wonderful. The brilliant characters and a superb story . This is one of these books once you start reading it’s impossible to put down . I absolutely loved it.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pack up your troubles

Waited patiently for this Library Girls Christmas .wasn't disappointed..Same..good folks helping bring a little peace to A war torn East End..Not always smoothly but it doesn't get the Library Ladies and Men down for long..

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Chistmas Gift for the East End Library Girls is book #3 in the Library Girls series by Patricia McBride, however, I read this without reading the other books in the series. Set in World War II, this historical fiction novel features a visit from the King George and Queen Elizabeth. 

Following three kindhearted women in the devestated, war torn East End of London, who find ways to help there local community as they struggle through these hard times with very little. 

The community bonding and efforts of the locals that do what they can when they have the spare time and with their available materials is so heartwarming. 

There are mentions of rape, abortion, and family disownment within this story but there are no real details and is only a quick reference to the past. 

This book would be great for historical fiction lovers who are interested in a holiday time setting without an over emphasis on Christmas, extravagant gifts, and decorations. If you have read the other books in the Library Girls series or enjoy other books by Patricia McBride.

Overall Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed the characters within this story and the community they shared. The relationships within this book and the connection is really the driver for my rating so, if you're like me and enjoy this aspect of books you may love this one. It was a bit slow but I know that happens with historical fiction so I was expecting it and does not negate this being a great read and I would recommend you pick this one up!

[A Mcgrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book again a book I couldn't put down
The characters are so real you feel different you are there.
Keep writing!!! hopefully another book soon