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Hot Pies on the Tram Car
London, 1925
On Paradise Corner, just past the tram stop, Florence runs a pie shop, famous for miles around.
Warm and comforting, just like her pies, Florence is always there as a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on, especially to her full house of family and friends.
There's six year old niece Josefina, left with Florence by her wayward sister, Stella.
Rose Marie, Florence's younger sister, in search of adventures of her own.
And Manny, invalided out of the First World War, and in need of a job and a place to rest his head.
But working in the pie shop every day and taking care of others leaves Florence little time to look after herself.
What will happen when it all becomes too much? And will Florence ever find her own shoulder to cry on?
On Paradise Corner, just past the tram stop, Florence runs a pie shop, famous for miles around.
Warm and comforting, just like her pies, Florence is always there as a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on, especially to her full house of family and friends.
There's six year old niece Josefina, left with Florence by her wayward sister, Stella.
Rose Marie, Florence's younger sister, in search of adventures of her own.
And Manny, invalided out of the First World War, and in need of a job and a place to rest his head.
But working in the pie shop every day and taking care of others leaves Florence little time to look after herself.
What will happen when it all becomes too much? And will Florence ever find her own shoulder to cry on?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2007
21 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
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October 17, 2019A nostalgic saga set in London in 1925. The main character is the owner of a pie shop called Florence. She lives there with her six year old niece Josefina, Stella Josefina's mother, Florence's younger sister Rose Marie and Manny a WW1 veteran who is grateful for somewhere to live. After falling ill Florence makes a decision to marry Manny. What follows next is a tale of intrigue, secrets in the family and love affairs. The story centres around Florence and she proves to be a strong minded and strong willed character providing help and support to her extended family and friends alike.
I have given this book four stars as it did take me a while to get the hang of who the characters were and who was related to whom and I did find the second half of the book to be unputdownable.
I have given this book four stars as it did take me a while to get the hang of who the characters were and who was related to whom and I did find the second half of the book to be unputdownable.
May 5, 2021
If you expected gorgeous literature about pies and pie making I'm sorry, you ain't going to find it here. Likewise if you expected cozy commutes on the Tramcar... Not here either.
So I picked this book up because the simple, catchy title sounded divine. But the story is actually about Florence and her two sister and the lodger Lilly upstairs.
Florence is housing her sister Rose Marie and her niece whilst her sister Stella travels around with her husband. Florence owns the pie shop while both Lilly and Rose Marie work elsewhere. Soon all of this responsibility and work grows to much for Florence and it is Manny, the shop assistant invalided out of the First World War, that steps into the breach.
I don't know how to talk to you about this book so *spoilers*.
Florence becomes ill with a condition that she has been ignoring for awhile and has to have an operation. Manny sends her flowers in hospital so she comes out and proposes to him.
Meanwhile Lilly, who has been estranged from her husband has her child stolen by said husband, is then kidnapped. Rose Marie falls in love with a suitable young man and then breaks off her engagement and runs away when she realizes Florence is her Mother, not her sister.
This sounds fairly exciting but the execution is beyond slap dash. For a start we never find out who employs the gentleman who kidnaps Lilly. He keeps her drugged and afraid for weeks on end and then discovering she has no idea what he wants just leaves her in a flat and runs off.
When Rose Marie's fiance eventually tracks her down to find out why she ran away she asks him what took him so long and then he forgives her!
Everyone who is estranged from their husband's (often for good reasons) fall at their feet and reunite with them once they step back into their lives.
I guess what I'm trying to say is this story drops us into several people's lives and we just watch as a series of unconnected events happen. We also watch unbelievable romantic scenarios and are given lots of back story to things that don't reach fruition.
It's a shame because the author writes a long explanation as to her roots and why she always wanted to write a story about a pie shop and even gives us a pie recipe. But the story has cock all to do with the pies!
So because of that and the very hotch potch and confusing storyline I have no choice but to say this story was a disappointment.
So I picked this book up because the simple, catchy title sounded divine. But the story is actually about Florence and her two sister and the lodger Lilly upstairs.
Florence is housing her sister Rose Marie and her niece whilst her sister Stella travels around with her husband. Florence owns the pie shop while both Lilly and Rose Marie work elsewhere. Soon all of this responsibility and work grows to much for Florence and it is Manny, the shop assistant invalided out of the First World War, that steps into the breach.
I don't know how to talk to you about this book so *spoilers*.
Florence becomes ill with a condition that she has been ignoring for awhile and has to have an operation. Manny sends her flowers in hospital so she comes out and proposes to him.
Meanwhile Lilly, who has been estranged from her husband has her child stolen by said husband, is then kidnapped. Rose Marie falls in love with a suitable young man and then breaks off her engagement and runs away when she realizes Florence is her Mother, not her sister.
This sounds fairly exciting but the execution is beyond slap dash. For a start we never find out who employs the gentleman who kidnaps Lilly. He keeps her drugged and afraid for weeks on end and then discovering she has no idea what he wants just leaves her in a flat and runs off.
When Rose Marie's fiance eventually tracks her down to find out why she ran away she asks him what took him so long and then he forgives her!
Everyone who is estranged from their husband's (often for good reasons) fall at their feet and reunite with them once they step back into their lives.
I guess what I'm trying to say is this story drops us into several people's lives and we just watch as a series of unconnected events happen. We also watch unbelievable romantic scenarios and are given lots of back story to things that don't reach fruition.
It's a shame because the author writes a long explanation as to her roots and why she always wanted to write a story about a pie shop and even gives us a pie recipe. But the story has cock all to do with the pies!
So because of that and the very hotch potch and confusing storyline I have no choice but to say this story was a disappointment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2019
A nostalgic saga set in London in 1925. The main character is the owner of a pie shop called Florence. She lives there with her six year old niece Josefina, Stella Josefina's mother, Florence's younger sister Rose Marie and Manny a WW1 veteran who is grateful for somewhere to live. After falling ill Florence makes a decision to marry Manny. What follows next is a tale of intrigue, secrets in the family and love affairs. The story centres around Florence and she proves to be a strong minded and strong willed character providing help and support to her extended family and friends alike.
I have given this book four stars as it did take me a while to get the hang of who the characters were and who was related to whom and I did find the second half of the book to be unputdownable.
I have given this book four stars as it did take me a while to get the hang of who the characters were and who was related to whom and I did find the second half of the book to be unputdownable.
February 27, 2019
I love all of Sheila Newbury's books, and Hot pies on the tramcars did not disappoint. I loved the intricate family dynamics and I really identified with Florence. Newbury really brought that era to life, between wars was a tumultuous time for every day people where life was changing so rapidly, and Newbury brought that life as if it was yesterday.
Florence really spoke to me, her story was very similar to my great aunt's story and it really helped me understand the prejudices of the time and made me feel closer to my family that I never meet.
I would highly recommend this book to saga fans, and if you aren't a regular saga reader, this is the book that will get you hooked on the genres- and possibly meat pies too.
Florence really spoke to me, her story was very similar to my great aunt's story and it really helped me understand the prejudices of the time and made me feel closer to my family that I never meet.
I would highly recommend this book to saga fans, and if you aren't a regular saga reader, this is the book that will get you hooked on the genres- and possibly meat pies too.
August 27, 2018
A lovely, nostalgic story about family life in 1920's London. This book is undemanding, it's an easy read, but not at all boring. For me the ending felt a bit rushed, a few more chapters would have been better, also it felt unrealistic that in the end all the main characters were happy and paired off. But it was a very heartfelt story with lots of emotion in every page.
April 11, 2019
Secrets
I enjoyed this Novel. Especially the character Florence, who tenacity helped her to endure so much in her life, devoting all that to two younger siblings, putting her own life on hold to raise them. I think this must have been the case in so many families within the war and after. I can feel the truth in this novel which touches my heart. We have the ANZAC Day marches and commemorations, but who do we have to March in memory of all these others who may not have fought on the front line, but fought to hold home and family together, with probably less food and clothing. These ladies may not have had guns shot at them, but they did dodge bombs and those silent unmanned planes who when they stopped, dropped and exploded, killing families and friends. Like Sheila Newberry, I would listen to my own mother’s memories of that time. This novel paints a good picture of those who survived the war, The poverty, the famine.
I enjoyed this Novel. Especially the character Florence, who tenacity helped her to endure so much in her life, devoting all that to two younger siblings, putting her own life on hold to raise them. I think this must have been the case in so many families within the war and after. I can feel the truth in this novel which touches my heart. We have the ANZAC Day marches and commemorations, but who do we have to March in memory of all these others who may not have fought on the front line, but fought to hold home and family together, with probably less food and clothing. These ladies may not have had guns shot at them, but they did dodge bombs and those silent unmanned planes who when they stopped, dropped and exploded, killing families and friends. Like Sheila Newberry, I would listen to my own mother’s memories of that time. This novel paints a good picture of those who survived the war, The poverty, the famine.
August 12, 2018
Just finished reading this...
It took me quite a while to get into it as there seemed to be so many characters, and then to work out who belonged to who.
As the story progressed it was more interesting and some of the plot was a surprise but other parts I had it worked out to some extent well before I got there.
I always enjoy reading about the 20th century and how life was lived and the attitudes that were so prevalent then so the story fulfilled that need.
It was a joy to read a book where the author didn't feel the need to fill it with bad language or sex scenes that are so detailed that they leave nothing to the imagination. Its a story that wouldn't offend anyone.
This is an excellent book for a holiday read as its very light reading and very easy to pick up where you left off.
It took me quite a while to get into it as there seemed to be so many characters, and then to work out who belonged to who.
As the story progressed it was more interesting and some of the plot was a surprise but other parts I had it worked out to some extent well before I got there.
I always enjoy reading about the 20th century and how life was lived and the attitudes that were so prevalent then so the story fulfilled that need.
It was a joy to read a book where the author didn't feel the need to fill it with bad language or sex scenes that are so detailed that they leave nothing to the imagination. Its a story that wouldn't offend anyone.
This is an excellent book for a holiday read as its very light reading and very easy to pick up where you left off.
January 10, 2019
A warm and nostalgic tale .
I enjoyed this book very much . The characters came alive on the page . At the heart of the story is Florence . She runs a pie shop which is very well known in the area . She is always there for her family . A stalwart barrier against any outside troubles . Florence looks out for her younger sister Rose Marie who is just experiencing her first romance and her absent sister Stella who abandoned her little daughter Jennifer to Florence's care . There is also Manny who works at the pie shop and lives in the basement .
They all love and respect her but do not understand just how much they rely upon her .
An illness acts as a catalyst and suddenly Florence realizes that there is a different life to be lived and it just might not revolve around the pie shop .
I enjoyed this book very much . The characters came alive on the page . At the heart of the story is Florence . She runs a pie shop which is very well known in the area . She is always there for her family . A stalwart barrier against any outside troubles . Florence looks out for her younger sister Rose Marie who is just experiencing her first romance and her absent sister Stella who abandoned her little daughter Jennifer to Florence's care . There is also Manny who works at the pie shop and lives in the basement .
They all love and respect her but do not understand just how much they rely upon her .
An illness acts as a catalyst and suddenly Florence realizes that there is a different life to be lived and it just might not revolve around the pie shop .
May 27, 2024
DNF at 42%
I persevered with this book throughout April, with the aim to finish it by the end of the month. Unfortunately though, I really didn’t enjoy it. I read almost halfway through and felt like nothing had really happened in the story and to me, it was pretty boring.
Since deciding to stop struggling through it, I have actually had a look at the ending, with some saying they couldn’t put it down in the second half. It seems that maybe an exciting event or two happen in the latter half, but I just couldn’t get there because the storyline doesn’t give you a reason to feel invested in these people.
It’s a shame because the title really grabbed my attention, but sadly it’s headed to the book swap!
I persevered with this book throughout April, with the aim to finish it by the end of the month. Unfortunately though, I really didn’t enjoy it. I read almost halfway through and felt like nothing had really happened in the story and to me, it was pretty boring.
Since deciding to stop struggling through it, I have actually had a look at the ending, with some saying they couldn’t put it down in the second half. It seems that maybe an exciting event or two happen in the latter half, but I just couldn’t get there because the storyline doesn’t give you a reason to feel invested in these people.
It’s a shame because the title really grabbed my attention, but sadly it’s headed to the book swap!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2020
I actually really struggled with this book. It wasn’t the story itself as I enjoyed that, the issue was defining character relationships. They were very complex and in my opinion not very clear until the end, when the story turned and everything was defined. If it wasn’t for the fact it was defined in the end, this book would have ended to with 2 stars not 3!
August 12, 2020
Again, I was given this book as a present, although I'm not sure why because it definitely isn't my usual choice?
But I read it and although the family itself was a bit confusing to start and some bits do feel a bit rushed I did enjoy the story and it is a very easy read.
Don't think I'll be reading it again but it was enjoyable at least.
But I read it and although the family itself was a bit confusing to start and some bits do feel a bit rushed I did enjoy the story and it is a very easy read.
Don't think I'll be reading it again but it was enjoyable at least.
December 4, 2018
I give this four stars because the ending i felt was rushed and too short a story for my liking. Also it seemed like every character got what they wanted in the end. Although it was a lovely and light hearted read I just feel there should have been more depth to the ending.
January 28, 2018
This was a awesome book full of family love.
June 14, 2018
Nice enough light read. An awful lot of telling and not much showing.
April 12, 2019
I enjoyed the story of Florence and her family and friends but I did think the story ended a bit abruptly with Russell and Rosemarie wanting to go home after their travels in Australia.
October 2, 2022
Easy-going and enjoyable story. Good page-turner!
May 9, 2024
Such an enjoyable read set in 1925 with heartwarming characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 17, 2022
Hot Pies on the Tram Car
by
Sheila Newberry
I commenced the audio version of Hot Pies on the Tram Car with reasonably positive expectations. However, my expectations were squashed beyond repair I am afraid.
Set in London, in 1925, Hot Pies on the Tram Car was at least the third ‘period’ novel, this year. It may well be my last for a while.
Living above the family pie shop, Florence is renowned for the pies she makes. She is always ready to help her house full of family and friends. Hence Hot Pies on the Tram Car revolves around life in a pie shop
I have rated Hot Pies on the Tram Car as a TWO-STAR audiobook at best.
At the time of writing my review, other Goodreads readers had awarded Hot Pies on the Tram Car an average of 3.96 stars from 179 ratings and 17 reviews.
by
Sheila Newberry
I commenced the audio version of Hot Pies on the Tram Car with reasonably positive expectations. However, my expectations were squashed beyond repair I am afraid.
Set in London, in 1925, Hot Pies on the Tram Car was at least the third ‘period’ novel, this year. It may well be my last for a while.
Living above the family pie shop, Florence is renowned for the pies she makes. She is always ready to help her house full of family and friends. Hence Hot Pies on the Tram Car revolves around life in a pie shop
I have rated Hot Pies on the Tram Car as a TWO-STAR audiobook at best.
At the time of writing my review, other Goodreads readers had awarded Hot Pies on the Tram Car an average of 3.96 stars from 179 ratings and 17 reviews.
June 20, 2025
Won as part of a goodreads givaway.
Lovely, heartwarming family saga. Enjoyed the story from of the different characters and it was nice for them all to get their happy ending especially Florence.
Great read
Lovely, heartwarming family saga. Enjoyed the story from of the different characters and it was nice for them all to get their happy ending especially Florence.
Great read
October 7, 2017
An excellant book though i love all books that go back in time, has a good story with quite a few plot twists that were unexpected. I just couldnt put it down definatly will be reading more of sheila newberry books , shes is quite descriptive in parts and an alltogether gripping story
April 23, 2018
A nice read. that's about it. lovely characters. meaningful stories. nostalgic. can't say I'll pick the book up a good but worth a light hearted read x
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews