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Lavender Road #4
London Calling
It is December 1942. The war is showing no signs of ending. Allied forces are battling Rommel’s army in North Africa. But times are tough on the home front too. Especially for the residents of Lavender Road in South London.
Actress Jen Carter, desperate to make her name on the stage, is hampered by a secret fear that she is not really good enough for the big time.
Katy Frazer, worn down by the effort of running a pub, is concerned that her glamorous, intrepid husband, Ward Frazer, will soon find her too drab and dull and may begin to look elsewhere.
Joyce Carter, recently liberated from an abusive relationship, is prevented from forging a new attachment by the unexpected arrival back in London of her unruly teenage daughter after three years of evacuation.
But for young, trainee nurse, Molly Coogan, things are even worse. Molly is desperate to escape the oppressive discipline of the old fashioned Wilhelmina hospital. But when her wish comes true, and she finds herself on the way to North Africa, she quickly realises that she has jumped out of the frying pan into a very dangerous and challenging fire.
Actress Jen Carter, desperate to make her name on the stage, is hampered by a secret fear that she is not really good enough for the big time.
Katy Frazer, worn down by the effort of running a pub, is concerned that her glamorous, intrepid husband, Ward Frazer, will soon find her too drab and dull and may begin to look elsewhere.
Joyce Carter, recently liberated from an abusive relationship, is prevented from forging a new attachment by the unexpected arrival back in London of her unruly teenage daughter after three years of evacuation.
But for young, trainee nurse, Molly Coogan, things are even worse. Molly is desperate to escape the oppressive discipline of the old fashioned Wilhelmina hospital. But when her wish comes true, and she finds herself on the way to North Africa, she quickly realises that she has jumped out of the frying pan into a very dangerous and challenging fire.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
522 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2016
198 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Helen Carey
8 books83 followersWelcome to my site. I am probably best known for my bestselling LAVENDER ROAD series set in London during the second world war. VICTORY GIRLS, the final book in the series was published in April 2018 by Headline Books and TSAP. It was sad to finish the series but I felt six books was enough!
VICTORY GIRLS is already in the Amazon US bestseller charts along with the other books in the series.
Having lived in various parts of the world, I am now based in West Wales where my husband and I run our small coastal farm as a conservation project. I am a fellow of the Royal Literary Fund and a member of the Society of Authors. I also teach from time to time on Creative Writing programmes at various universities, specialising in story structure.
I hope you enjoy my novels ...
VICTORY GIRLS is already in the Amazon US bestseller charts along with the other books in the series.
Having lived in various parts of the world, I am now based in West Wales where my husband and I run our small coastal farm as a conservation project. I am a fellow of the Royal Literary Fund and a member of the Society of Authors. I also teach from time to time on Creative Writing programmes at various universities, specialising in story structure.
I hope you enjoy my novels ...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 12, 2016
London Calling is the fourth book in the Lavender Road series of novels by Helen Carey. Unfortunately, I haven’t read the first three books, and although the characters are present in the other books, I never felt confused. This novel can definitely be read as a stand alone.
We are whisked back to London in the early 1940’s, starting in 1942. World War Two is raging, and all the resident’s are dealing with the war in their own way. The book hosts some wonderful secondary character’s, whilst concentrating mainly on nurse Molly, aspiring actress Jen, and Jen’s frugal mother Joyce.
I would have to say that my favourite characters were Molly and Jen. Nurse Molly works in the sepsis ward at Wilhelmina Hospital. She hates her job, and wants to get away from living a daily life of caring for patients she knows will die in the end from their wounds. Jen dreams of being a famous actress. She is immensely rude, and has one agenda in life, herself. The two women don’t exactly see eye to eye, as Jen tries to belittle Molly at every given opportunity. However the girls have to learn to get along, as their lives may just depend on it.
I’ve often struggled with historical fiction, but Helen Carey has written London Calling, with such passion and knowledge of the era, including vivid descriptions, that you feel that you, yourself has stepped foot into the past.
The book is long, at 640 pages, but that didn’t stop me whizzing through it. There is something to grab your attention and keep you intrigued and emotionally transfixed on every page. In no time at all I suddenly arrived at the last page, and was sorry to have gotten there. Though it is thrilling to know that there is another book in the series due out next year.
The book was a heart warming read. It will have you laughing, crying, holding your breath, but that’s what makes a great story. It will have you investing your time in the lives of the characters who are in Lavender road and beyond, as we travel to Italy, France and North Africa.
Whether you are big on your historical fiction, or not, this book is an incredible tale of bravery, love and trust, and is a must read.
Reviewed by Stacey at www.whisperingstories.com
We are whisked back to London in the early 1940’s, starting in 1942. World War Two is raging, and all the resident’s are dealing with the war in their own way. The book hosts some wonderful secondary character’s, whilst concentrating mainly on nurse Molly, aspiring actress Jen, and Jen’s frugal mother Joyce.
I would have to say that my favourite characters were Molly and Jen. Nurse Molly works in the sepsis ward at Wilhelmina Hospital. She hates her job, and wants to get away from living a daily life of caring for patients she knows will die in the end from their wounds. Jen dreams of being a famous actress. She is immensely rude, and has one agenda in life, herself. The two women don’t exactly see eye to eye, as Jen tries to belittle Molly at every given opportunity. However the girls have to learn to get along, as their lives may just depend on it.
I’ve often struggled with historical fiction, but Helen Carey has written London Calling, with such passion and knowledge of the era, including vivid descriptions, that you feel that you, yourself has stepped foot into the past.
The book is long, at 640 pages, but that didn’t stop me whizzing through it. There is something to grab your attention and keep you intrigued and emotionally transfixed on every page. In no time at all I suddenly arrived at the last page, and was sorry to have gotten there. Though it is thrilling to know that there is another book in the series due out next year.
The book was a heart warming read. It will have you laughing, crying, holding your breath, but that’s what makes a great story. It will have you investing your time in the lives of the characters who are in Lavender road and beyond, as we travel to Italy, France and North Africa.
Whether you are big on your historical fiction, or not, this book is an incredible tale of bravery, love and trust, and is a must read.
Reviewed by Stacey at www.whisperingstories.com
August 19, 2017
It's been some years between book three and book four in this series. There in lies the problem for me. It starts off exactly where it left off. Exactly. Everyone is still the same. Katy is still running the pub with little or no help, Jen is still Jen, nasty and unkind, Pam and Alan are the same and Louise is as selfish and horrible as ever, if not worse. The characters hadn't stretched or grown in anyway and dare I say the first half of the book was a bit monotonous.
However, the second half picks up and a lot of the story is taken up with the war abroad and in particular with Molly and Jen. There were interesting descriptions of the different theatres of war.
My favorite, Joyce Carter, is still motoring along with her cafe but in this book she gets to shine a bit more. There is one hilarious episode that she's involved in. It had me in fits of laughing.
This is a whopper of a book at six hundred and twenty five pages. It could almost have been two books. The next in the series is out now.
However, the second half picks up and a lot of the story is taken up with the war abroad and in particular with Molly and Jen. There were interesting descriptions of the different theatres of war.
My favorite, Joyce Carter, is still motoring along with her cafe but in this book she gets to shine a bit more. There is one hilarious episode that she's involved in. It had me in fits of laughing.
This is a whopper of a book at six hundred and twenty five pages. It could almost have been two books. The next in the series is out now.
February 21, 2018
I have read - and loved - all of Helen Carey's books and am convinced that I am her #1 fan!! London Calling has been a long time in the writing - some 19 years, I think, since the first of the Lavender Road series came out but well worth the wait. The story telling is sublime, the character's complete and utterly believable, the humour, action, emotion, pathos, and heart warming exchanges carry the reader effortlessly along. This is a novel aimed fair and square at readers - it has a depth and maturity that defies expectation, and Helen Carey, in London Callling, is at the top of her game - a return to form, and much much more besides.
September 29, 2016
I really liked the Lavender Road trilogy, and this 4th book is every bit as good. The historical events and situations seem very authentic, and the characters are well-rounded. As before, I really disliked the characters of Louise and Jen, and loved Joyce and Katie.
The story takes us this time from London to Italy, France and Tunisia, and underlines the stamina women needed during WWII, at home and abroad, to keep going, despite shortages and real hardship. Well-written and very entertaining.
The story takes us this time from London to Italy, France and Tunisia, and underlines the stamina women needed during WWII, at home and abroad, to keep going, despite shortages and real hardship. Well-written and very entertaining.
November 20, 2017
Loved this book. Very well written and hard to put down.
August 16, 2016
I really enjoyed this book it had good characters and story and was not too 'heavy'. although set in war times, it reminded me a bit of 'Call the Midwives' type of book. It was a good read and very easy to get into. I would normally read a book much quicker than a month but have been rather busy during the summer months so took more time than usual but it was easy to pick up and carry on where you left off and was a job to put down again once you got going. For me it was a good holiday read rather than a gripping yarn that you couldn't put down but I really enjoyed it and would certainly read more by Helen Carey I like her style of writing. This is more my type of summer reading as I don't get so much time and I can easily pick up and read a few chapters and still remember what is going on the following week. I shall definitely be passing this book on to my sister-in-law.
December 28, 2016
I really enjoyed this book- which is 4th in the Lavendar Road series of books set around the war years. We follow Molly who is a nurse, Jen who wants to become a famous actress and the social life around the Flag and Garter. There are enforced partings due to the war and life back home is tough. There is still luxury available for those who are affluent and we get glimpses into the 'moneyed' world in the 40's. I loved the characterisastion and the settings and the whole storyline had me turning the pages. I will admit it's one of my favourite timescales for sagas and this one was a real delight.
October 17, 2016
An enjoyable read with great characterisation. Have not read any of the authors other books but certainly would read more after reading London Calling.
December 1, 2016
Thank you to Netgalley, Headline publishing and Helen Carey for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review
You will find my review on Goodreads from today under Karen Whittard. You will also find it on Amazon on publication day under my name k.e.whittard.
I love the Lavender Road series of books. They are very special books. Each one filled with an insight into London at the time of the war. This book is a wonderful addition to the series. This book is a little bit different from the norm as it takes us from London and we visit Italy, France and even Tunisia.
I loved catching up with all the characters from the series. Finding out how they are coping with the war and what is going on in their lives. Especially Katie and Joyce who are my particular favourites.
The historical events that happen in this series always seem really realistic and you can imagine yourself there in the middle of the action helping out.
What I love about Lavender road is that they all club together. No matter what happens they are there for each other. They do not let each other's spirits get broken. There is always a wonderful sense of community spirit.
It's not all suger and kisses. In this book. Molly and Jen are not getting on and it is causing friction between them. Molly is unimpressed by Jens flighty demenor. While Jen is going through some struggles and is taking it all out in Molly.
No one sees the trouble that lies ahead and when the war stricks the Mediterranean Sea. It seas the nurses leaving London and helping where the trouble had hit the hardest. They need to pull together to get through this.
Another wonderful book in the series. Full of ups and downs as you expect in the war time. I really am enjoying this series. Looking forward to the next book
Happy reading everyone
You will find my review on Goodreads from today under Karen Whittard. You will also find it on Amazon on publication day under my name k.e.whittard.
I love the Lavender Road series of books. They are very special books. Each one filled with an insight into London at the time of the war. This book is a wonderful addition to the series. This book is a little bit different from the norm as it takes us from London and we visit Italy, France and even Tunisia.
I loved catching up with all the characters from the series. Finding out how they are coping with the war and what is going on in their lives. Especially Katie and Joyce who are my particular favourites.
The historical events that happen in this series always seem really realistic and you can imagine yourself there in the middle of the action helping out.
What I love about Lavender road is that they all club together. No matter what happens they are there for each other. They do not let each other's spirits get broken. There is always a wonderful sense of community spirit.
It's not all suger and kisses. In this book. Molly and Jen are not getting on and it is causing friction between them. Molly is unimpressed by Jens flighty demenor. While Jen is going through some struggles and is taking it all out in Molly.
No one sees the trouble that lies ahead and when the war stricks the Mediterranean Sea. It seas the nurses leaving London and helping where the trouble had hit the hardest. They need to pull together to get through this.
Another wonderful book in the series. Full of ups and downs as you expect in the war time. I really am enjoying this series. Looking forward to the next book
Happy reading everyone
July 4, 2019
London Calling: Lavender Road Book 4 is by Helen Carey. This is the fourth book in the series about the families, especially the girls on Lavender Road in England. Helen has done extensive research into the home front in England during the war and has adapted that historical truth to her novels. They are pretty accurate as to what might have happened during that time.
Molly Green was leaving the hospital to go to help Katy at the pub when the porter stopped her. He warned her about the fog; but she went anyway. As she walked away from the door, the fog seemed to be clinging to her and she could see virtually nothing. She still needs to get to the pub. A blind man helps her find her way through the fog and tells her that her life is going to change and change for the better; but she had to help those changes along. Molly isn’t happy being a nurse any longer. She wants to help the patients; but her hands are tied by the regulations in the wards. However, she has nothing else to do except work at Katy’s pub which would bring her into contact with Katy’s husband who Molly has a crush on. What will she do?
Ward Frazer brings Helen home from France where she has been wounded and develops a severe infection. Molly has been off work for talking back to the Doctor and she reads about the development of penicillin. She fights for the use of penicillin for Helen as they need a miracle to keep her alive. Molly confronts the man who discovered penicillin as well as the female doctor whose husband is developing it. Will she get anyone to listen to her and use the drug so Helen has a chance to live or will she fail?
Molly is asked to go overseas to help the doctors run a test of penicillin and since she has some knowledge of the tests, she is asked to come teach others. She just happens to be on the same ship as Jen Carter, the actress and a friend of Katy’s. They manage to be on the same lifeboat and are picked up by the Italians and turned over to the Nazis. The two must set aside their problems and work together to survive. Can they do it?
This book definitely keeps you on your toes. When Helen takes you back to Lavender Road and the other characters, you want her to continue with Milly and Jen’s story instead. The book is very exciting.
Molly Green was leaving the hospital to go to help Katy at the pub when the porter stopped her. He warned her about the fog; but she went anyway. As she walked away from the door, the fog seemed to be clinging to her and she could see virtually nothing. She still needs to get to the pub. A blind man helps her find her way through the fog and tells her that her life is going to change and change for the better; but she had to help those changes along. Molly isn’t happy being a nurse any longer. She wants to help the patients; but her hands are tied by the regulations in the wards. However, she has nothing else to do except work at Katy’s pub which would bring her into contact with Katy’s husband who Molly has a crush on. What will she do?
Ward Frazer brings Helen home from France where she has been wounded and develops a severe infection. Molly has been off work for talking back to the Doctor and she reads about the development of penicillin. She fights for the use of penicillin for Helen as they need a miracle to keep her alive. Molly confronts the man who discovered penicillin as well as the female doctor whose husband is developing it. Will she get anyone to listen to her and use the drug so Helen has a chance to live or will she fail?
Molly is asked to go overseas to help the doctors run a test of penicillin and since she has some knowledge of the tests, she is asked to come teach others. She just happens to be on the same ship as Jen Carter, the actress and a friend of Katy’s. They manage to be on the same lifeboat and are picked up by the Italians and turned over to the Nazis. The two must set aside their problems and work together to survive. Can they do it?
This book definitely keeps you on your toes. When Helen takes you back to Lavender Road and the other characters, you want her to continue with Milly and Jen’s story instead. The book is very exciting.
October 23, 2018
I have been reading the Lavender Road books in succession and I am completely hooked.
I understand from other readers that there are some long gaps in between the books when they were written. I am very glad that I happened to start reading this series just a couple of months ago when it was suggested on Book Bub.
The author has done a superb job in her research of this period of history during WWII.
The characters in the book are incredibly well-developed, and I feel like I know each and every one of them. Descriptions of people, places, and things put the reader right there.
Give this series of Lavender Road books a try - you'll be glad you did.
I understand from other readers that there are some long gaps in between the books when they were written. I am very glad that I happened to start reading this series just a couple of months ago when it was suggested on Book Bub.
The author has done a superb job in her research of this period of history during WWII.
The characters in the book are incredibly well-developed, and I feel like I know each and every one of them. Descriptions of people, places, and things put the reader right there.
Give this series of Lavender Road books a try - you'll be glad you did.
September 26, 2018
WW2 Historical Fiction
Although I really enjoyed the continuing saga of the Lavender Road people, there were a couple of things that annoyed me. Louise and Jen are two of the most unlikeable characters I’ve ever read about. There just isn’t that one thing that you can usually find to like about Louise, and Jen just has her weird friendship with Molly. And I don’t understand why Katy thinks so little of her husband. He has given her no reason to. But all in all, the story is exciting and touching. I do want to read the next book.
Although I really enjoyed the continuing saga of the Lavender Road people, there were a couple of things that annoyed me. Louise and Jen are two of the most unlikeable characters I’ve ever read about. There just isn’t that one thing that you can usually find to like about Louise, and Jen just has her weird friendship with Molly. And I don’t understand why Katy thinks so little of her husband. He has given her no reason to. But all in all, the story is exciting and touching. I do want to read the next book.
May 14, 2022
I love this series, it makes me smile, it makes me cry. But most of all I feel it educates me on a time of such courage against adversity, I know I admire my family members more for it. So beautifully written and you find you really begin to root for certain relationships . I really want Joyce to fall in love with Mr Lorenze and I love Ward and Katie, George makes me giggle and I can say I really dislike Louise no matter what she does.
This series is a must for anyone who loves a good saga because it’s an excellent one.
This series is a must for anyone who loves a good saga because it’s an excellent one.
November 5, 2023
4.0 #4 in this series December 1942 the fourth year of war and German raids devastating parts of London. Nurse Molly Coogan and actress singer Jen Carter find themselves on a ship bound for North Africa when the boat is torpedoed and they survive only to be captured by the Germans. Katy is managing the pub while her husband Ward is still on active secret service duty. Joyce and Mrs. Rutherford are running their little cafe and life has to go on in Lavender Road.
November 12, 2021
Another great book
The characters are wonderful in this series and their twist and turns are wonderfully written. As I read this book it is Veterans Day in the US. Thanks to all who served including my Daddy. And thank you to those who gave their all for peace. Don't wait to read this series.
The characters are wonderful in this series and their twist and turns are wonderfully written. As I read this book it is Veterans Day in the US. Thanks to all who served including my Daddy. And thank you to those who gave their all for peace. Don't wait to read this series.
January 15, 2022
4th book In the Lavender Road series and I am loving these books so much - I finish one and move onto the next! This one finds the women facing more turmoil and hardships as the war continues and the story continues to expand to France, Italy and North Africa. I read a lot of books in this genre and these are excellent
September 29, 2024
Well researched
This fourth in the Lavender Road series focuses on Molly and Jen, and it is quite an adventure. All our favorite characters reprise their roles. Ms. Carey's books on World War II are extremely well researched, and provide a primer on what life was like during that time of upheavel. I really love this series.
This fourth in the Lavender Road series focuses on Molly and Jen, and it is quite an adventure. All our favorite characters reprise their roles. Ms. Carey's books on World War II are extremely well researched, and provide a primer on what life was like during that time of upheavel. I really love this series.
October 12, 2018
A GREAT read
I recommend the complete series. I have just finished the third in the series and I have no doubt that the sixth will be as Great as the first Three!!! Definitely a must read😊
I recommend the complete series. I have just finished the third in the series and I have no doubt that the sixth will be as Great as the first Three!!! Definitely a must read😊
July 30, 2019
London calling
The best series of books on wartime London I have ever read..... And I read a lot of world war 2 historical novels. Ms Cary makes it so eAsy to relate to the Characters in her novels. Greatly intertaining
The best series of books on wartime London I have ever read..... And I read a lot of world war 2 historical novels. Ms Cary makes it so eAsy to relate to the Characters in her novels. Greatly intertaining
April 20, 2022
My Musings
Another fascinating account of war torn England and all they suffered. Love the characters, even the naughty one. All of them are very entertaining. Glad I found u one in Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
Another fascinating account of war torn England and all they suffered. Love the characters, even the naughty one. All of them are very entertaining. Glad I found u one in Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
June 23, 2017
I enjoyed this book very much . I was particularly impressed at the way Helen Carey intertwined her plot with the time line of World War 2. She must have done a great deal of research to do this successfully. The small slip about "The Mikado" paled into insignificance compared with the way the larger events of the war were handled in this fascinating book. I look forward to reading the next two novels in the Lavender Road series.
July 4, 2017
Entertaining.
Entertaining. Well written with believable characters with extraordinary lives. #4 in a wonderful WWII series. I can't wait to start #5.
Entertaining. Well written with believable characters with extraordinary lives. #4 in a wonderful WWII series. I can't wait to start #5.
March 2, 2018
WONDERFUL!!
I have loved this series...but this was my favorite so far. I can't wait to read the next two books.
I have loved this series...but this was my favorite so far. I can't wait to read the next two books.
May 25, 2018
I couldn’t stop reading...
I could not stop reading this book. I flew through it enjoying the storyline throughout. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I could not stop reading this book. I flew through it enjoying the storyline throughout. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
June 15, 2018
Great writer
I love all the history and accuracy of the research that went into the series. I can't wait to read the last of the series
I love all the history and accuracy of the research that went into the series. I can't wait to read the last of the series
February 25, 2019
Book #4 in lavender road series. Excellent job! Molly's story here and some of Jen and Helen too. Joyce and Angie. I loved it and well written. Off to read #5!
January 6, 2020
Plot was nuts but I really enjoy the characters and the setting.
December 12, 2020
Not my usual read but lover every twist and turn of this too real to be fictional novel. The historical research is excellent.
February 14, 2022
Gripping
This is the 4th book in the series and I couldn't put it down. Start with book 1 you won't be sorry. Incredible writing and character s.
This is the 4th book in the series and I couldn't put it down. Start with book 1 you won't be sorry. Incredible writing and character s.
August 27, 2022
I love this series and this is my favourite so far.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews