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West India Dock Road #2
Wartime Comes to West India Dock Road
1940. The Blitz rages, but life goes on in the heart of London’s East End.
Charity has spent her life keeping her family together – raising her younger brothers, running the family boarding house on West India Dock Road, and now shielding her fragile parents from the relentless bombardment outside their door. When her teenage brother runs away to enlist, she faces a battle she never expected – one that could tear her family apart. But help comes from an unexpected new arrival…
Across the road, Divya, a young Indian woman with a gift for cooking, has found a happy home among the dockside community. But as she feeds the neighbourhood at her bustling curry house, she secretly yearns for news of the man she loves, who is fighting for their freedom. Will she see him again?
As the bombs fall and the East End burns, the residents of West India Dock Road must rely on each other like never before. In a world shattered by war, friendships will be tested, love will be lost and found, and courage will be discovered in the most surprising places.
Charity has spent her life keeping her family together – raising her younger brothers, running the family boarding house on West India Dock Road, and now shielding her fragile parents from the relentless bombardment outside their door. When her teenage brother runs away to enlist, she faces a battle she never expected – one that could tear her family apart. But help comes from an unexpected new arrival…
Across the road, Divya, a young Indian woman with a gift for cooking, has found a happy home among the dockside community. But as she feeds the neighbourhood at her bustling curry house, she secretly yearns for news of the man she loves, who is fighting for their freedom. Will she see him again?
As the bombs fall and the East End burns, the residents of West India Dock Road must rely on each other like never before. In a world shattered by war, friendships will be tested, love will be lost and found, and courage will be discovered in the most surprising places.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2025
About the author
Renita D'Silva
21 books424 followersRenita D’Silva loves stories both reading and creating them. Wartime Comes To West India Dock Road, the second book in her historical saga series set on West India Dock Road, is out on July 23, 2025. Her books have been translated into several languages. Her short stories have been published in The View from Here, Bartleby Snopes, this zine, Platinum Page, Paragraph Planet, Verve among others, have been nominated for the Pushcart prize, the Best of the Net anthology, shortlisted for the LoveReading Very Short Story award and The Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize and longlisted for the BBC National Short Story award. Her short story, Eavesdropping Shamelessly, is published in the Arts Council England funded Bridges Not Borders anthology of prizewinning stories. Her first psychological thriller, The Neighbours, won the Joffe Books Prize 2023. Her second psychological thriller, The Dream Wedding, is out now.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 25, 2025
It was 1940, and as the Blitz continued over London's East End, the people of West India Dock Road supported one another through it all. With good friend Jack away fighting for Britain, Charity felt the burden of caring for her parents, as well as her young brothers, deeply. She had been running the boarding house since she was fourteen and loved her three brothers - Fergus, Connor and Paddy - along with her parents who were both frail and unwell; Paddy snr from the war and Moira from giving birth. Charity's best friend, Divya, ran the curry house across the street, and her skill as a cook could be seen as she fed the street's residents, making delicious meals even with rationing. When an injured soldier, kind hearted Veet, turned up after having both the curry house and boarding house recommended to him, life changed, especially for Charity. What would be the future for these people so affected by war?
Wartime Comes to West India Dock Road is the 2nd in the West India Dock Road series by Renita D'Silva and I really enjoyed the characters, their camaraderie with each other, the support and kindnesses that were shown. Charity is an exceptional young woman, putting aside her own dreams to care for her family. Recommended to fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
Wartime Comes to West India Dock Road is the 2nd in the West India Dock Road series by Renita D'Silva and I really enjoyed the characters, their camaraderie with each other, the support and kindnesses that were shown. Charity is an exceptional young woman, putting aside her own dreams to care for her family. Recommended to fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
June 17, 2025
i loved it, the people, the atmosphere. thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
July 23, 2025
3.5 Stars
Wartime Comes to West India Dock Road is installment #2 in a series and continues to follow the lives of Charity, a boarding house owner, and Divya, a restaurant owner, as bombs fall on London’s East End. Charity is stressed and exhausted by attending to her sick parents and looking after her three younger brothers. Divya supports her, feeds the community, and writes to her best friend, Jack, and love interest, Raghu. who are both serving in the war.
Life on the home front during WWII is an interesting sub-genre for me, and I always wonder how I would have supported the war effort and survived these difficult years. Women supported women, held the community together, stepped up to leadership, and worried about their men.
If you love diverse stories, you will find a great deal to appreciate in this series. Divya’s Indian food is a favorite in the community, and her restaurant seems to be the favored meeting spot for a colorful cast of characters.
Most of the story is told from Charity’s and Divya’s perspectives. The majority of Divya’s perspective is told through letters (to her friend and love interest). While I normally love epistolary, it affected the pace of the story as we heard about events after they happened. The letters resulted in a lot of “telling” and we missed out on the first-hand action. It would have been more dynamic to read about events in real time, and then Divya could reflect on the events in her letters. I also noticed that Divya’s letters didn’t have a different voice from the rest of the story. Also, the letters contained detailed conversations between members of the community. It seems that summarizing conversations rather than writing them out might be more engaging. Because a great deal of the story was related through these letters, I would describe the story as quietly told. My observations about the structure are personal preferences.
Content Consideration: war injuries and trauma, racism
Fans of the first installment will enjoy following the characters. While the first book is my favorite of the two (5 stars), I appreciate catching up with our beloved main characters and look forward to book 3.
Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #WartimeComesToWestIndiaDockRoad upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
Wartime Comes to West India Dock Road is installment #2 in a series and continues to follow the lives of Charity, a boarding house owner, and Divya, a restaurant owner, as bombs fall on London’s East End. Charity is stressed and exhausted by attending to her sick parents and looking after her three younger brothers. Divya supports her, feeds the community, and writes to her best friend, Jack, and love interest, Raghu. who are both serving in the war.
Life on the home front during WWII is an interesting sub-genre for me, and I always wonder how I would have supported the war effort and survived these difficult years. Women supported women, held the community together, stepped up to leadership, and worried about their men.
If you love diverse stories, you will find a great deal to appreciate in this series. Divya’s Indian food is a favorite in the community, and her restaurant seems to be the favored meeting spot for a colorful cast of characters.
Most of the story is told from Charity’s and Divya’s perspectives. The majority of Divya’s perspective is told through letters (to her friend and love interest). While I normally love epistolary, it affected the pace of the story as we heard about events after they happened. The letters resulted in a lot of “telling” and we missed out on the first-hand action. It would have been more dynamic to read about events in real time, and then Divya could reflect on the events in her letters. I also noticed that Divya’s letters didn’t have a different voice from the rest of the story. Also, the letters contained detailed conversations between members of the community. It seems that summarizing conversations rather than writing them out might be more engaging. Because a great deal of the story was related through these letters, I would describe the story as quietly told. My observations about the structure are personal preferences.
Content Consideration: war injuries and trauma, racism
Fans of the first installment will enjoy following the characters. While the first book is my favorite of the two (5 stars), I appreciate catching up with our beloved main characters and look forward to book 3.
Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #WartimeComesToWestIndiaDockRoad upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
October 11, 2025
Wartime Comes to West India Dock Road is the second book in the West India Dock Road series. The first book introduces us to the main characters and how their friendships developed before war broke out. Charity is trying to hold her family together, especially when the bombs fall on London and her father has PTSD episodes and anger. Her friend, Jack is off fighting and everyone misses him desperately. Her oldest brother runs off to enlist and she is extremely upset. Divya is still running her restaurant across the road and surprisingly still managing to feed people with all the rationing. Her love, Raghu, is also off fighting and when she doesn't receive any letters from him, doesn't know if she will ever see him again. She writes to Jack and every letter she gets from him becomes a time for the whole street to gather and hear what he has to say. When will the war end and how will it affect the residents of West India Dock Road?
If you haven't read the first book in this series, you can still read this one as there is background given for the characters. Charity and Divya are both strong women, kind and caring, and always taking care of everyone else. The secondary characters really flesh out this story, giving us a peek at what life was like on the home front with bombings, rationing, air raids, loss of loved ones and the panic that everyone lived with. There is racism evident in the story as well. It's okay to have a friend with brown skin, but not to love or marry one. I will say that I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one. Perhaps it was the epistolary format, which I usually enjoy, but with the mix of events happening, then reading about them again in her letters was repetitious and took me out of the story at times. I enjoyed the last quarter of the book more than the rest and it brought my rating up to 4 stars. Although there were some heartbreaking moments in the story, as expected for a book set during war, overall it is a hopeful and uplifting story about friendship, community, family and love. The narration by Nikki Patel was well done. She handled the accents and voices nicely and added to my enjoyment of the story.
If you haven't read the first book in this series, you can still read this one as there is background given for the characters. Charity and Divya are both strong women, kind and caring, and always taking care of everyone else. The secondary characters really flesh out this story, giving us a peek at what life was like on the home front with bombings, rationing, air raids, loss of loved ones and the panic that everyone lived with. There is racism evident in the story as well. It's okay to have a friend with brown skin, but not to love or marry one. I will say that I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first one. Perhaps it was the epistolary format, which I usually enjoy, but with the mix of events happening, then reading about them again in her letters was repetitious and took me out of the story at times. I enjoyed the last quarter of the book more than the rest and it brought my rating up to 4 stars. Although there were some heartbreaking moments in the story, as expected for a book set during war, overall it is a hopeful and uplifting story about friendship, community, family and love. The narration by Nikki Patel was well done. She handled the accents and voices nicely and added to my enjoyment of the story.
June 26, 2025
Book 2 in the West India Dock Series and continues to follow the lives of the inhabitants of West India Dock Road with boarding house proprietor Charity O'Kelly and Indian restaurant owner Divya Ram the main protagonists. Told from the POVs of these two characters, with Divya’s largely in the form of letters to her friend Jack and the man she loves Raghu who are both away fighting in the war.
Briefly, the blitz is in full force and the East End of London is being hit day after day. Charity is still running the boarding house, whilst looking after her sick parents and three brothers. Divya is a massive support to Charity, as are the other residents of the area, but she is still exhausted with everything she has to do. Then her eldest brother disappears and she is told he has gone to sign up, lying about his age, and searching for him a new man comes into her life.
I love how this story is progressing although I have to be honest and say that I wasn’t overly keen on Divya’s story being told through her letters, they felt too neat, too contrived and not written by someone who is writing in her second language. Issues around racism once again raise their heads and from a surprising source at one point. A story about a family, a community and a country under attack. An entertaining read. 3.5⭐️
Briefly, the blitz is in full force and the East End of London is being hit day after day. Charity is still running the boarding house, whilst looking after her sick parents and three brothers. Divya is a massive support to Charity, as are the other residents of the area, but she is still exhausted with everything she has to do. Then her eldest brother disappears and she is told he has gone to sign up, lying about his age, and searching for him a new man comes into her life.
I love how this story is progressing although I have to be honest and say that I wasn’t overly keen on Divya’s story being told through her letters, they felt too neat, too contrived and not written by someone who is writing in her second language. Issues around racism once again raise their heads and from a surprising source at one point. A story about a family, a community and a country under attack. An entertaining read. 3.5⭐️
July 23, 2025
The second story in the West India Dock Road is set in the early 1940s. The community have realised that the war is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, and it's challenging for everyone. Divya's Curry House remains the focus of the community, a place of unity despite the prejudices that exist within the East End. Charity's boarding house is another focal point for the community, and she continues to raise her siblings. It's an emotional story with many poignant instances balanced with humour. It evokes the danger and deprivation prevalent in a war setting where there are nightly bombing raids and increasing shortages of food and essentials. Divya misses her friend Jack, who loves her but realises friendship is all she wants from him. She writes to him, but his replies are haphazard, and she becomes increasingly worried for his safety. Her heart belongs to Raghu, and she pours out her love in her letters to him, but sadly, she has nowhere to send them. I like the different narrative styles in this story. Charity is living in the moment, caring for her family and running the boarding house. Whilst Divya is living through her correspondence, even though she is part of the community, she still feels alone. I like the snapshot of the characters' lives this story provides against the wartime ethos.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
July 18, 2025
West India Dock Road #2
1940. The Blitz rages, but life goes on in the heart of London's East End.
Charity has spent her life keeping the family together - raising her younger brothers, running the family boarding house on West India Dock Road, and now shielding her fragile parents from the relentless bombardment outside their door. When her teenage brother runs away to enlist, she faces a battle she never expected - one that could tear her family apart. But help comes from an unexpected arrival.
Across the road. Divya, a young Indian woman with a gift for cooking, has found a happy home among the dockside community. But as she feeds the neighbourhood at her bustling curry house. she secretly yearns for news of the man she loves. Will she see him again?
We learn what it was like during The Blitz and how it affected the relationships people had during these very hard times during WWII. There were mixed emotions running throughout this story. The characters are well-developed. Some of the story is told through letters. The ending is left on a bit of a cliffhanger.
Published 23rd July 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #RenitaDSilva for my ARC of #WartimeComesToEastIndiaDockRoad in exchange for an honest review.
1940. The Blitz rages, but life goes on in the heart of London's East End.
Charity has spent her life keeping the family together - raising her younger brothers, running the family boarding house on West India Dock Road, and now shielding her fragile parents from the relentless bombardment outside their door. When her teenage brother runs away to enlist, she faces a battle she never expected - one that could tear her family apart. But help comes from an unexpected arrival.
Across the road. Divya, a young Indian woman with a gift for cooking, has found a happy home among the dockside community. But as she feeds the neighbourhood at her bustling curry house. she secretly yearns for news of the man she loves. Will she see him again?
We learn what it was like during The Blitz and how it affected the relationships people had during these very hard times during WWII. There were mixed emotions running throughout this story. The characters are well-developed. Some of the story is told through letters. The ending is left on a bit of a cliffhanger.
Published 23rd July 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #RenitaDSilva for my ARC of #WartimeComesToEastIndiaDockRoad in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2025
In this powerful and fascinating continuation of this World War II historical fiction series, readers follow Charity as she tries to keep her younger brothers, fragile parents, and the family’s boarding house in line and safe from the terrors of the Blitz. When her teenage brother runs away to enlist, Charity must face a threat that could tear her family apart until an unexpected new arrival shows up to help. Across the road, Divya is still running her successful curry house and tries to mask her wish for news of the man she loves, far away on the front line. As the East End and West India Dock Road burn from the bombs, the residents must pull together to keep their community whole in the face of darkness. Powerful, detailed, and emotional, this is a great continuation of this charming series, and readers will love the complex questions about race, immigration, and community that arise. Charity is a great new protagonist, and her relationships with her family and the new boarder are absolutely fantastic and central to her character development, while Divya’s alternating perspective is equally emotional and heartbreaking in this brilliant, emotional, and immersive new World War II historical fiction novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
July 15, 2025
This is the 2nd book in the West India Dock Road series. I haven't read the first book, but I wish I had. It isn't strictly necessary, but I would have appreciated the characters more if I had read their back stories.
It took me a while to get into the book because I found the way it was written unlike any other I have read in WW2 novels. One of the points of view was, for the most part, written in the form of letters to two people away at war. It definitely took some getting used to.
The story tells about life during the London Blitz and how it affected families, relationships, and how people came together to help each other. It also brought up racism and stigma towards unmarried mothers. It was quite an emotional read.
It kind of ended on a cliffhanger with regards to one of the characters and a possible romance. Other than that, everybody had their story wrapped up. Some sad endings, some happy ones.
I advise that you have some tissues at the ready as you read this book, because although there are some beautiful moments, there is one particular heartbreaking part in the book. I admit to ugly crying as I read it.
It took me a while to get into the book because I found the way it was written unlike any other I have read in WW2 novels. One of the points of view was, for the most part, written in the form of letters to two people away at war. It definitely took some getting used to.
The story tells about life during the London Blitz and how it affected families, relationships, and how people came together to help each other. It also brought up racism and stigma towards unmarried mothers. It was quite an emotional read.
It kind of ended on a cliffhanger with regards to one of the characters and a possible romance. Other than that, everybody had their story wrapped up. Some sad endings, some happy ones.
I advise that you have some tissues at the ready as you read this book, because although there are some beautiful moments, there is one particular heartbreaking part in the book. I admit to ugly crying as I read it.
August 9, 2025
War has come to West India Dock Road; Jack is away fighting and the residents of the road are struggling with rationing and endless air raids. The book paints an interesting picture of life on the Home Front in the East End, but most of the narrative concerns the love lives of Divya and Charity. There are a lot of letters written by Divya to Jack and Raghu; as a technique it can work well to impart a lot of information quickly, but it is overdone here and the reader longs for some interaction and response from other characters, rather than a litany of description and maudlin whining.
The plot was fairly simplistic and predictable, and the characters did not really develop in this book. I didn't enjoy it as much as the first one. Certainly the author brought out the small minded prejudices so prevalent then (and now) within a small community, and it was interesting to read how they were all managing, especially with the air raids changing the landscape of their lives overnight.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The plot was fairly simplistic and predictable, and the characters did not really develop in this book. I didn't enjoy it as much as the first one. Certainly the author brought out the small minded prejudices so prevalent then (and now) within a small community, and it was interesting to read how they were all managing, especially with the air raids changing the landscape of their lives overnight.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2026
Started may 27 ended may 31
Wartime Comes to West India Dock Road by Renita D’Silva (West India Dock Series book 2) Audiobook listened to on Everand app
The time is now 1940. Divya‘s restaurant has become the social hub of the community and she is doing well. however, she misses the love of her life as he serves in the war.
Her friend, Charity is still super busy caring for her parents, her siblings and running the boarding house. She also might have an unexpected romance on the horizon.
Though all of this, the war ramps up and many a night is spent in shelters as the bombs rain down on the city. It the midst of the chaos, the residents of West India Dock Road have to band together to get through it.
A good second book in the series. I admire the authors treatment of describing the community‘s reaction to the bombings and how it must have started to seem almost normal to have to go to the shelters most nights because of air raids. I also appreciate her pointing out at how discrimination was still prevalent during the war and how she showed how it presented itself.
I look forward to book 3
Wartime Comes to West India Dock Road by Renita D’Silva (West India Dock Series book 2) Audiobook listened to on Everand app
The time is now 1940. Divya‘s restaurant has become the social hub of the community and she is doing well. however, she misses the love of her life as he serves in the war.
Her friend, Charity is still super busy caring for her parents, her siblings and running the boarding house. She also might have an unexpected romance on the horizon.
Though all of this, the war ramps up and many a night is spent in shelters as the bombs rain down on the city. It the midst of the chaos, the residents of West India Dock Road have to band together to get through it.
A good second book in the series. I admire the authors treatment of describing the community‘s reaction to the bombings and how it must have started to seem almost normal to have to go to the shelters most nights because of air raids. I also appreciate her pointing out at how discrimination was still prevalent during the war and how she showed how it presented itself.
I look forward to book 3
June 11, 2025
Outstanding once again - when does the next book in the series come out?! Read in less than 24 hours as I could not put it down. Excellently put together with letters running alongside narrative. Such loveable characters and so easy to relate too. Both sadness, happiness and the harsh realities of war blended into an excellent storyline. it's left me wanting to know what happens next......
As with the first book I've found myself looking up recipes for the food mentioned (I know drink Chai tea every morning and love it!) All the mention of Indian porridge in this book has got me researching different things for my breakfast and craving onion bhajis! Perhaps in future titles the author could include some recipes at the back of the book!
A truly outstanding series. Thank you to the publishers, NetGalley and of course the author for bringing such pleasure to the reader. If I could give more than 5 stars I would!
As with the first book I've found myself looking up recipes for the food mentioned (I know drink Chai tea every morning and love it!) All the mention of Indian porridge in this book has got me researching different things for my breakfast and craving onion bhajis! Perhaps in future titles the author could include some recipes at the back of the book!
A truly outstanding series. Thank you to the publishers, NetGalley and of course the author for bringing such pleasure to the reader. If I could give more than 5 stars I would!
July 28, 2025
This is a heart-breaking, heart-mending and richly evocative story of resilience, love, and the enduring spirit of a community under siege. Perfect for fans of Patricia McBride, Jean Fullerton and Call the Midwife.
Wartime Comes to West India Dock Road is the second in the West India Dock Road series by Renita D'Silva, but can be read as standalone for those readers new to the series. This is a moving historical saga, rich in atmosphere and strong characters. The story is told through Charity’s and Divya’s alternating points of views. Divya’s particularly are told through letters which I loved as a fan of epistolary novels. Both women are remarkable, showing great bravery and determination during some dark and trying times. The writing is vivid and I was immediately pulled into the story. I could easily visualize both the despair caused by the air raids and the beautiful camaraderie and community of the characters. A beautiful read.
Wartime Comes to West India Dock Road is the second in the West India Dock Road series by Renita D'Silva, but can be read as standalone for those readers new to the series. This is a moving historical saga, rich in atmosphere and strong characters. The story is told through Charity’s and Divya’s alternating points of views. Divya’s particularly are told through letters which I loved as a fan of epistolary novels. Both women are remarkable, showing great bravery and determination during some dark and trying times. The writing is vivid and I was immediately pulled into the story. I could easily visualize both the despair caused by the air raids and the beautiful camaraderie and community of the characters. A beautiful read.
June 12, 2025
Four and a half stars rounded up to five. This is book two in the West India Dock Road series. World War II is raging, and the occupants of the East End are trying to make it through. Charity is still running the boarding house, whilst taking care of her three brothers and her parents. Divya is still feeding the neighborhood from her curry house. Jack is a prisoner of war. Raghu is serving overseas. Will the residents make it through this war?
I loved revisiting the characters in this series. I read it in one sitting. Wonderful writing, that left me craving Indian food! Highly, highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book, in exchange for an unbiased review.
I loved revisiting the characters in this series. I read it in one sitting. Wonderful writing, that left me craving Indian food! Highly, highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book, in exchange for an unbiased review.
June 15, 2025
It was wonderful to revisit these characters and see how their lives were progressing, especially in war times. Love and loss feature strongly, and racism rears its ugly head. There are life changing moments for both Divya and Charity. A lot of this is told through letters, which works well as then thoughts and opinions can be put in as well. The feeling of community is well done, working together to overcome difficulties, even if there are still prejudices. The ending is lovely for Charity's father, however, there are a lot more threads to follow, so I hope a sequel is coming soon. This could be read as a standalone book, as any important bits from the first book are explained to give context. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my copy to freely review.
June 11, 2025
West India dock road London east end book two.
1940 WW2.
Best friends.
Charity O'Kelly running the family boarding house.
Divya Ram running her bustling curry house.
The war is shattering as bombs fall, that turns this unique story all about love, resilience and spirit of the community under siege, that is tested in surprising places.
This has heartbreaking letters, heartbreaking family worries, and it is the most heartbreaking read.
The two main characters definitely are strong women and friends for life.
I loved it.
1940 WW2.
Best friends.
Charity O'Kelly running the family boarding house.
Divya Ram running her bustling curry house.
The war is shattering as bombs fall, that turns this unique story all about love, resilience and spirit of the community under siege, that is tested in surprising places.
This has heartbreaking letters, heartbreaking family worries, and it is the most heartbreaking read.
The two main characters definitely are strong women and friends for life.
I loved it.
July 6, 2025
I was overjoyed to be revisiting the lives of the characters who we were introduced to in the first book. It's a harsh time with the war raging and Divya and Charity are not spared from the harsh realities. But with family, friends, community and love they will find their way through to happier times. I enjoyed reading about the food which had my mouth watering and I would love the recipes.The atmosphere was great and the letters are a nice touch. I can't wait for the next one to find out how the characters are travelling.
July 1, 2025
What a treat to find Renita D'Siva, a new to me author. I thoroughly enjoyed this book..the characters, the setting, the way she used letters alongside the present day plot. I had not read the first book in the series, New Arrivals on West India Dock Road, but had no trouble following the story line.
I look forward to reading more novels by Ms D'Silva.
I look forward to reading more novels by Ms D'Silva.
August 12, 2025
I’m really sorry but I def struggled to get through the 2 books in this series. They were not what I expected from D’Silva. The previous books usually had a 2 or 3 threads of story that came together near the end. For me the letters written were too repetitive and so was the detailed food descriptions. Overall the story was not up to what I like from this author
June 12, 2025
A heart felt story of the East End with our beloved friends on East India Dock Road. I am so glad for Divya, though I wanted more from her than her letters to Jack and Raghu. I was hoping for Jack and Charity, but Charity’s man is good.
June 17, 2025
A great book, I really enjoyed meeting these characters again. Book two did not disappoint. The story was very good, and I liked the characters and their relationships. Can’t wait for the next book!
Thankyou to netgalley for the opportunity to read this. I thoroughly enjoyed the book
Thankyou to netgalley for the opportunity to read this. I thoroughly enjoyed the book
August 5, 2025
West India Dock Road
It was good to see what happened to the residents Charity and her family Divah and her heartache just a pity we didn't get to see what happens to Jack but quite good all the same
It was good to see what happened to the residents Charity and her family Divah and her heartache just a pity we didn't get to see what happens to Jack but quite good all the same
August 28, 2025
I didn't like the writing style of this book. A lot of it was in the form of letters used to tell the story, which didn't come across as real letters and felt like a lazy way of writing. Disappointing.
August 18, 2025
EXCEPTIONAL
What a storyteller.
I imagined being there on the West India Dock Road along with all the residents.
Can't wait for the next one.
What a storyteller.
I imagined being there on the West India Dock Road along with all the residents.
Can't wait for the next one.
August 28, 2025
A brutal war
This book took a while to get into, going and throwing between the difference people. Over all it was so sad and so real
This book took a while to get into, going and throwing between the difference people. Over all it was so sad and so real
September 6, 2025
Another good part of the story. It's lovely to see the characters develop. I can't wait for the next installment.
February 5, 2026
Dyva is cooking at Charitys lodgings and tells the story by writing to Jack as she reveals life on West India Dock Rd, she also writes to Raghu love of her life.
July 25, 2025
This book is the second in the West India Dock Road series. I loved the first book New Arrivals on West India Dock Road, and this follows on very well. However, it also works well as a standalone novel.
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If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
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December 28, 2025
I loved this book so much!
It is set in West India Dock Road, the main characters are Charity and her family who have a boarding house, and Divya who runs a curry house across the street.
The story is told from Charity's perspective, and interspersed with letters written by Divya to both her friend Jack and her love interest Raghu.
The story was emotional and although had lots of happy moments, there was always the shadow of war looming over everyone.
It's also great to see diverse characters in a historical saga and important to include the prejudice they faced.
It is set in West India Dock Road, the main characters are Charity and her family who have a boarding house, and Divya who runs a curry house across the street.
The story is told from Charity's perspective, and interspersed with letters written by Divya to both her friend Jack and her love interest Raghu.
The story was emotional and although had lots of happy moments, there was always the shadow of war looming over everyone.
It's also great to see diverse characters in a historical saga and important to include the prejudice they faced.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews