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An East End Christmas
Carla Scofield has looked after her family since she was a teenager but it's never been a bother because there isn't anything she wouldn't do for those closest to her. Warm, friendly, and with the ability to make everyone around her laugh, she carries her burden proudly. As the years roll past, Carla sees life around her change dramatically. Wartime brings new challenges and a new job for Carla in a sewing factory, and she shines. It also brings with it love and Carla has a chance at real happiness - but not everyone is rooting for her. With Christmas ahead of her, and her sights set firmly on love and the future, will she be too distracted to sense the danger before it's too late? An East End Christmas is an emotional, compelling and page-turning story that will be perfect for fans of Katie Flynn, Annie Groves and Carol Rivers.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published August 27, 2015
3 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 22, 2015
This book was unsolicited and not a book that I knew I would enjoy reading so I passed to it my mum who loves historical fiction.
Disappointed is how I felt after reading this novel. I enjoy novels of all genres so was not put off by the historical element attached to this one, however it just didn't live up to expectations. It felt as if the author was writing a synopsis of a book, almost like diary entries and the characters were flat and empty.
The story hinges around WWII and in particular Carla the main East End character. I come from London a Cockney myself and I was therefore intrigued to read this novel, hoping and expecting to feel the warmth and humour that East Enders showed during the war years - I didn't get that feeling.
The story basically is that Carla finds work in a factory not far from where she lives and when they relocate to Southampton she along with other workers are offered the opportunity of moving with the factory which means she has to relocate her home and leave her family. She basically grows up during this period, meets and falls in love with a fellow worker, has some mishaps along the way (won't put any spoilers in although really there are few) and eventually makes good in Southampton. War breaks out and we get some descriptive passages about lack of food and rationing, bombing in London but not much else. The characters were so skimpy that I really didn't have much reason to care what happened to them during the Blitz. The story was like a snapshot in a historical overview of the East End - she missed a great opportunity to showcase the warmth and humour of the people through this traumatic period in time.
As I said, I didn't connect emotionally with Carla, I felt she had no real substance or depth and I couldn't really warm to her. None of the characters really stood out for me, grand dad was looking promising but the writer kills him off too quickly before he has made enough of an impression.
The story was very predictable with no unexpected twists and nothing to set it apart from numerous other novels of this genre - a passable love story. Everything appeared to be rushed we wizz from 1943 to surrender in 1945 of the Germans with no mention of what Carla and her friends are up to. When one co worker Paul Townsend goes missing from work we don't know how long he's been missing for 'quite a while' according to the writer. It seems silly that someone seemingly so important to Carla could be gone without her asking questions before she does!
As I say, predictable, disappointing, just not fleshed out enough in my opinion to be memorable. I found it difficult to keep going with this one to the end - it was just too boring for me and therefore I can only give this 1 star.
I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.
Disappointed is how I felt after reading this novel. I enjoy novels of all genres so was not put off by the historical element attached to this one, however it just didn't live up to expectations. It felt as if the author was writing a synopsis of a book, almost like diary entries and the characters were flat and empty.
The story hinges around WWII and in particular Carla the main East End character. I come from London a Cockney myself and I was therefore intrigued to read this novel, hoping and expecting to feel the warmth and humour that East Enders showed during the war years - I didn't get that feeling.
The story basically is that Carla finds work in a factory not far from where she lives and when they relocate to Southampton she along with other workers are offered the opportunity of moving with the factory which means she has to relocate her home and leave her family. She basically grows up during this period, meets and falls in love with a fellow worker, has some mishaps along the way (won't put any spoilers in although really there are few) and eventually makes good in Southampton. War breaks out and we get some descriptive passages about lack of food and rationing, bombing in London but not much else. The characters were so skimpy that I really didn't have much reason to care what happened to them during the Blitz. The story was like a snapshot in a historical overview of the East End - she missed a great opportunity to showcase the warmth and humour of the people through this traumatic period in time.
As I said, I didn't connect emotionally with Carla, I felt she had no real substance or depth and I couldn't really warm to her. None of the characters really stood out for me, grand dad was looking promising but the writer kills him off too quickly before he has made enough of an impression.
The story was very predictable with no unexpected twists and nothing to set it apart from numerous other novels of this genre - a passable love story. Everything appeared to be rushed we wizz from 1943 to surrender in 1945 of the Germans with no mention of what Carla and her friends are up to. When one co worker Paul Townsend goes missing from work we don't know how long he's been missing for 'quite a while' according to the writer. It seems silly that someone seemingly so important to Carla could be gone without her asking questions before she does!
As I say, predictable, disappointing, just not fleshed out enough in my opinion to be memorable. I found it difficult to keep going with this one to the end - it was just too boring for me and therefore I can only give this 1 star.
I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2015
A view weeks ago I received ‘An East End Christmas’. Since Christmas is my all-time favorite holiday, and I seriously just love everything about this time of year, I was super excited to start reading this book.
In ‘An East End Christmas’ we meet Carla Scofield, a young woman in her early twenties. Carla has taken care of her family ever since her mother died. She loves her family and will do anything to make sure her family is taken care of. When the war starts, everything changes, Carla has to move to a little village near the sea and she has to move in with a woman she doesn’t really know. But with the kindness of others, Carla soon finds her way around.
This book is a perfect read for Christmas time. It definitely has a feel good ring to it. Carla’s family is really close and they do everything for each other, strangers are kind for one another and everyone seems to find love.
Although I did enjoy this book, I had some troubles with this read. It just was a little too much for me at times. People just were to kind, and everyone seemed to love Carla without having a reason for it.. I mean really?? The romance also was not what I expected. Carla and Paul meet, they supposedly go on a view dates, were we read nothing about, Paul leaves the country and through letters they got engaged. It just felt to unreal for me.
The other trouble I had was that this book was relatively short, but several years go by. And at times it really felt too rushed for me. One moment we would be in the beginning of the 1940’s and the next the war was almost over. I really would have liked to have more details. For example about the dates between Carla and Paul. Now we just have to assume they had a nice time.
This book was a nice read, and definitely perfect for Christmas time.
In ‘An East End Christmas’ we meet Carla Scofield, a young woman in her early twenties. Carla has taken care of her family ever since her mother died. She loves her family and will do anything to make sure her family is taken care of. When the war starts, everything changes, Carla has to move to a little village near the sea and she has to move in with a woman she doesn’t really know. But with the kindness of others, Carla soon finds her way around.
This book is a perfect read for Christmas time. It definitely has a feel good ring to it. Carla’s family is really close and they do everything for each other, strangers are kind for one another and everyone seems to find love.
Although I did enjoy this book, I had some troubles with this read. It just was a little too much for me at times. People just were to kind, and everyone seemed to love Carla without having a reason for it.. I mean really?? The romance also was not what I expected. Carla and Paul meet, they supposedly go on a view dates, were we read nothing about, Paul leaves the country and through letters they got engaged. It just felt to unreal for me.
The other trouble I had was that this book was relatively short, but several years go by. And at times it really felt too rushed for me. One moment we would be in the beginning of the 1940’s and the next the war was almost over. I really would have liked to have more details. For example about the dates between Carla and Paul. Now we just have to assume they had a nice time.
This book was a nice read, and definitely perfect for Christmas time.
February 19, 2017
I liked this book for many reasons. I found that the style it was written in was very easy to read. The length of the book was good. The cover design looked good, and the size of the book was too. Also the story had everything from crime, death, recovery, several marriages, and much more. The story was really heart-warming which was nice for a Christmas read, but without being over mushy. I didn't want to put the book down. Wanting to know how the characters were doing. So it kept me interested throughout. I definitely want to read more Elizabeth Waite's books now.
November 26, 2018
This is barely about Christmas. I picked this up, expecting a Christmas tale but that it is not.
It was an alright story but it was a little all over the place. It would jump into the future without really finishing with the present.
A bit meh considering I hadn't been reading much this year.
Easy read but not really worth your time.
It was an alright story but it was a little all over the place. It would jump into the future without really finishing with the present.
A bit meh considering I hadn't been reading much this year.
Easy read but not really worth your time.
December 7, 2018
A nice little Wartime Christmassy read.
January 6, 2020
I enjoyed the book, but it had nothing to do with Christmas which is extremely misleading. Christmas was actually mentioned briefly in the Epilogue.
December 20, 2023
Lovely heartfelt story
November 22, 2015
East End Christmas by Elizabeth Waite
Carla Scofield has looked after her family since she was a teenager but it's never been a bother because there isn't anything she wouldn't do for those closest to her. Warm, friendly, and with the ability to make everyone around her laugh, she carries her burden proudly. As the years roll past, Carla sees life around her change dramatically. Wartime brings new challenges and a new job for Carla in a sewing factory, and she shines. It also brings with it love and Carla has a chance at real happiness - but not everyone is rooting for her. With Christmas ahead of her, and her sights set firmly on love and the future, will she be too distracted to sense the danger before it is too late?
WHAT I SAY
wow I love this book i read it in a night from the first few words I was hooked
it a very emotional story it's a lovely family saga
Carla was always there for her family I really felt for her family means everything to this young lady her love for her Grandad shine it was so lovely to read about but then the War started and her life change forever she was sent to a sewing factory reading about this was very interesting i got a good picture of it all in my head and I could see them all making the clothes could you find happiness at last ?
you have to read to find out
we are took on Carla journey of her life I was rooting for her I bet you will be too I really wanted it to be happy I love that she grew as the book when on she became a very strong and Powerful young lady her family loved her so much and were always there for her you will soon be part of the family is a lovely story about Clara and her family before during and after the war I felt it was so realistic I could picture the whole wonderful story in my mind
This young lady get what she wants out of her life it was tough but it shows you that you should always follow your dreams and go for things
A very well written story great for any time of the year but this story show you Christmas is for love and family's
5 dolls
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elizabeth Waite was born in Tooting, South London and lived there until she was 34. During the war she worked as a bus conductress at Merton Garage. In 1956 she and her husband moved to Devon and bought their first guesthouse. Now retired, Elizabeth lives in East Sussex. An East End Christmas is her eighteenth novel.
Carla Scofield has looked after her family since she was a teenager but it's never been a bother because there isn't anything she wouldn't do for those closest to her. Warm, friendly, and with the ability to make everyone around her laugh, she carries her burden proudly. As the years roll past, Carla sees life around her change dramatically. Wartime brings new challenges and a new job for Carla in a sewing factory, and she shines. It also brings with it love and Carla has a chance at real happiness - but not everyone is rooting for her. With Christmas ahead of her, and her sights set firmly on love and the future, will she be too distracted to sense the danger before it is too late?
WHAT I SAY
wow I love this book i read it in a night from the first few words I was hooked
it a very emotional story it's a lovely family saga
Carla was always there for her family I really felt for her family means everything to this young lady her love for her Grandad shine it was so lovely to read about but then the War started and her life change forever she was sent to a sewing factory reading about this was very interesting i got a good picture of it all in my head and I could see them all making the clothes could you find happiness at last ?
you have to read to find out
we are took on Carla journey of her life I was rooting for her I bet you will be too I really wanted it to be happy I love that she grew as the book when on she became a very strong and Powerful young lady her family loved her so much and were always there for her you will soon be part of the family is a lovely story about Clara and her family before during and after the war I felt it was so realistic I could picture the whole wonderful story in my mind
This young lady get what she wants out of her life it was tough but it shows you that you should always follow your dreams and go for things
A very well written story great for any time of the year but this story show you Christmas is for love and family's
5 dolls
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elizabeth Waite was born in Tooting, South London and lived there until she was 34. During the war she worked as a bus conductress at Merton Garage. In 1956 she and her husband moved to Devon and bought their first guesthouse. Now retired, Elizabeth lives in East Sussex. An East End Christmas is her eighteenth novel.
November 30, 2015
This story is set in East End London just before the start of WWII. Carla Schofield is a lovely, family orientated, caring young woman who has had responsibilities from a young age caring for her family since the death of her mother. She idolises her Grandad and would do anything for her family. When London learns of the war her uncles are soon enlisted for war duties. Soon Carla gets a letter informing her she has to help with the war and is set to work in a factory making uniforms. She soon finds a friend in Peggy and a great longstanding partnership is made. The girls pick up some wonderful skills and expertise in the factory which proves useful for years to come.
London is hit hard with the war and Carla and Peggy notice a huge difference to their beloved city when they visit home. Sadly, tragedy strikes the family. However, a new friendship proves beneficial to Carla and her family and her dreams of designing her own clothes and working for herself soon start to become a reality.
A further tragedy strikes Carla and the family shows their strength in pulling together at the most emotional of times.
This was a lovely read from a new author for me. Elizabeth Waite transported me back to the 1940s I loved the mix of wartime drama with fashion, with emotional heartbreak with romance, with tragedy with heart warming moments. A lovely, nostalgic 4/5* read.
London is hit hard with the war and Carla and Peggy notice a huge difference to their beloved city when they visit home. Sadly, tragedy strikes the family. However, a new friendship proves beneficial to Carla and her family and her dreams of designing her own clothes and working for herself soon start to become a reality.
A further tragedy strikes Carla and the family shows their strength in pulling together at the most emotional of times.
This was a lovely read from a new author for me. Elizabeth Waite transported me back to the 1940s I loved the mix of wartime drama with fashion, with emotional heartbreak with romance, with tragedy with heart warming moments. A lovely, nostalgic 4/5* read.
January 4, 2016
Waite is a great writer but the book reads more like an A-star English comprehension than a novel. There’s not enough tension, not enough excitement. An East End Christmas lacks this quality. I recommend An East End Christmas for historical fiction lovers.
Full review on Priscilla and her Books
Full review on Priscilla and her Books
December 6, 2016
This story follows several years in the life of Carla Scofield.
I found that this book felt rushed, and although the characters are likeable I didn't' get a real insight into their lives. I usually love books by Elizabeth Waite, but I was a bit disappointed with this one.
I found that this book felt rushed, and although the characters are likeable I didn't' get a real insight into their lives. I usually love books by Elizabeth Waite, but I was a bit disappointed with this one.
December 7, 2016
I had this book on my "to read pile" and as it is December thought I would read it now based on the title, although there is not much about Christmas in it. saying that it is a nice feel good story and is nice to read at this time of year.
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November 13, 2015Read for Novelicious - review to follow
November 6, 2016
Not my cup of tea...couldn't connect with the characters and just found the story really boring!
November 19, 2016
It's easy enough to read but goes over the same thoughts many times in the book.
September 22, 2016
Not quite as I expected. Could not where an East End Christmas came into it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews