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Lavender Road #5

The Other Side of the Street

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It’s 1944, four years into the Second World War. The British are weary of air raids and rationing. But now, with rumours of an Allied invasion of France, the tide of war finally seems to be turning. In London’s Lavender Road, however, two young women find that the war seems determined to throw a spanner in their plans for future happiness.

Young war-widow Louise Rutherford longs to make a new life for herself away from her disapproving parents. When an attractive American officer arrives at her factory to recruit volunteers for a secret project, she leaps at the opportunity, but soon discovers that things aren’t going to be anywhere near as easy as she thought.

Actress Jen Carter’s relationship with theatrical producer Henry Keller hits a hurdle when a former boyfriend unexpectedly reappears, and when V1 retaliation rockets start hitting London, even Jen’s mother’s tentative romantic dreams also come under threat.

In this atmospheric Second World War novel, hugely popular British author, Helen Carey, brings to vivid life the robust spirit of the war years.

586 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 6, 2017

142 people are currently reading
129 people want to read

About the author

Helen Carey

8 books83 followers
Welcome 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 ...

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5 stars
708 (70%)
4 stars
238 (23%)
3 stars
48 (4%)
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9 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,026 reviews56 followers
December 13, 2017
I have been a fan of the 'Lavender Road' series for quite some time now and so when I was asked if I would like to take part in the blog tour for 'The Other Side Of The Street', I immediately grabbed the opportunity with both hands. I even did a happy dance which wasn't pretty and was only thankfully witnessed by my two Labradors. I was so looking forward to reading this book and I was not to be disappointed.
Helen Carey clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in her writing. Each character has their own distinct personality and they are perfectly realistic. In fact you could probably find similar characters in any wartime street or road the length and breadth of Great Britain. There were certain characters that I couldn't help but like and develop a soft spot for and there were other characters that I really took a dislike to. I absolutely fell for Ward Frazer who sounds adorable and I really liked George, who seems to be a little divil (as my Aunt Annie used to say), but you can’t help but like him. The characters I didn’t really take to were Louise’s parents because they treated her appallingly and as an unpaid slave. They didn’t really value her opinion and treated her as a little girl, when she is really anything but.
I must say that I think that ‘The Other Side Of The Street’ is brilliantly written, superbly researched and a real insight into what conditions were like in Wartime Britain. After reading the book, if I closed my eyes I could picture myself transported back in time and experiencing conditions as they were in Wartime Britain. I’m not quite sure how I would have fared with rationing and I just know that I wouldn’t have coped well with the ever present danger from Herr Hitler, although by this point of course he had been severely weakened. At the start of reading this book I had a feeling that even though things were rather bleak for certain characters, things would work out just fine in the end. Reading this book became seriously addictive. I was hooked from the very first word on the very first page and it was almost as if the book had cast a spell over me, because I wasn’t released from the book’s influence until the last word on the last page. The pages were turning so quickly that it was almost as if they were turning themselves and before I knew it I had finished the book, which I was genuinely gutted about. Don’t get me wrong, I was pleased to finish the book because I then knew if things had worked out for the best and I wanted to see how this particular episode of the series ended but I was gutted because I was enjoying the writing style and the story so much that I just wanted the book to continue. I enjoyed the book so much that I began interacting with it. I know, I know it’s a book and you can’t interact with paper but I became so wrapped up in the story that I ended up thinking of some of the characters as friends and I wanted to jump into the pages of the book to defend them. Not only that but I began arguing with the book, as if the individual characters could hear me. Oops. After I had finished this book, I really did feel as though I had gone through an emotional wringer with all the feelings of hope, despair, sadness, happiness, joy, fear and well you get the picture.
In short I absolutely loved, no make that adored, reading ‘The Other Side Of The Street’ and I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out next year. The only downside is that the next book is due to be the last one of the Lavender Road series (boo). I would definitely recommend this author and this series to anybody. ‘The Other Side Of The Street’ can be read as a standalone but to fully understand the situations of the various characters, you really should read this series in order and from the beginning. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a whopping, well deserved 5* out of 5*.
Profile Image for Marc Mordey.
79 reviews4 followers
February 21, 2018
I am a massive - possibly the #1 - fan of Helen Carey and her novels, and this, the latest and penultimate book in this enthralling 6 part series is as good, perhaps eve better than it's predecessors. I am an unashamed fan of WW2 fiction - Herman Wouk, Elizabeth Jane Howard, Philip Kerr and Olivia Manning being a few of my favourite authors in this genre. Helen Carey brings an authenticity to her stories, impeccably well researched, lively, on occasion heart rending and populated by strong (especially the women) characters. My view is that this writer has matured, and her 'voice' deepened in her writing (perhaps reflected in the long break she took between penning the first three of the series and the latter three). This book, as well as telling an unknown, or little known story about weaponry and the like, for me at least talked to me about tolerance (and/or the lack of it) and how respect (or not) for individuals and nations, for 'the other' is necessary if we want to prevent the need for future generations of novelists to write about WW3.
This is great writing. Helen Carey deserves the widest audience possible.
74 reviews2 followers
May 27, 2017
Excellent!

I didn't just read this series, I devoured it! I couldn't put my kindle down for long because I couldn't wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Jean.
Author 14 books13 followers
June 5, 2018
It is a long time since I have enjoyed a book so much and the first time I have ever awarded five stars to any book I have read and reviewed on goodreadsThe Other Side of the Street. I have read the previous novels in the Lavender Road series and think that this one is even better than the earlier ones. Helen Carey tells a spell-binding tale with the principal inhabitants of Lavender Road in 1944 clearly delineated. I am amazed at the close attention she pays to the timeline of WW2 as she intersperses events, both large and small, with her fascinating story. I unreservedly recommend this book and others in the series.
30 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2017
Avid reader

I have enjoyed all these books . Hope it's not too long a wait for the concluding book . Highly recommended
Profile Image for Alison Boniface.
139 reviews
May 20, 2022
Yet another fantastic addition to the Lavender road series.
By the end of this book I even liked the new Louise a little.
I still love Joyce and Mr Lorenz and Katie and Ward. Even though I read a lot of WW2 saga books I am finding I’m learning even more things about the war and how people survived in such difficult times. An absolute must for anyone who loves this genre because these books are second to none.
25 reviews
April 8, 2018
Loved the series

I tend to read books about WW2 England. These were totally engrossing. I can hardly wait for the next book which is available April 18.
Profile Image for Pam.
4,625 reviews68 followers
July 4, 2019
The Other Side of the Street: Lavender Road Book 5 is by Helen Carey. This book is probably the best of the series so far. It is packed with action and suspense as well as romance. The girls of Lavender Road are making their mark on England during World War II.
Louise Rutherford was tired of trying to please her parents and even though she was now back under their roof, she was still going to live her own life. She had taken her maiden name back after Jack died, she was working in the factory and doing a good job there, and she had decided to wear trousers rather than walk to and from work with bare legs in the cold. She had, however, decided to try to be a little nicer to others if she could. She is chosen, although she rather pushes herself into the position, to work on a top secret project at the factory and it requires she join the ATS and train as a soldier. She agrees even though she doesn’t fully understand that it means she actually joins the military. She thinks she will be exempt from a lot of the things they are required to do. She finds out soon enough that it is not all a bed of roses. Can she adapt and survive?
Jen Carter was trying to recover from her extraordinary experiences when she had gone overseas with her acting group only to have her ship torpedoed and she and Molly Green were taken prisoner by the Italians and turned over to the Nazis. They escaped a prison camp and made their way across Europe to France where they made contact with the French Underground and made their way back to England. Now, Jen has to figure out if she can go on stage again or not. Her romance with Henry Keller, one of the major directors in England at the time, is on hold. She doesn’t know what to do nor who to turn to.
Pam Nelson and Katy Frazer are struggling to raise their children between bombings and without their husband’s help. Andy Nelson is home; but between his job and the Home Guard, he isn’t home much and when he is, he doesn’t discipline their adopted son George very well. George means no harm; but he is always getting into mischief. Katy’s three-year-old son, Malcolm adores George and follows him whenever he can. Between running the pub and trying to raise Malcolm and her new baby, Caroline, Katy’s patience is running out. Ward Frazer is gone again working undercover in Corsica and France. Katy is constantly worried about him.
Joyce Carter is working full time at the café she and Mrs. Rutherford opened up. She loves it but is still worried about her children. Jen is home but doing nothing and not helping in the house at all. Her three boys are all in the military, the eldest is in a POW camp so she has to worry about all three of them. Her younger daughter, Angie, has been sent home from having been evacuated three years ago. Now at fifteen, Angie is boy-crazy and flirts like she is much older. So far, she has managed to stay safe; but Joyce worries. Angie keeps saying she is just having fun but her heart belongs to Gino, an Italian POW she met in the country and who she claims she is engaged to.
The excitement continues unabated on Lavender Road.
Profile Image for Book Inspector.
281 reviews6 followers
December 3, 2017
This was a first H. Carey’s book which I read, and definitely not the last one. This novel is fifth in Lavender Road series, and I will read rest of them as soon as will be able to.

In the blurb, Carey highlights two characters – Louise and Jen, but they are not the only ones this book is about. There a lot of characters to choose from, and all of them are incredibly appealing, charismatic, and you need all of them, in order to enjoy this story. I absolutely loved how the author included every single of them in this novel, not leaving out any. I couldn’t decide which one I loved the most, they all have their strengths and qualities, which made this book richer, more interesting and relatable. Another thing which I absolutely loved, was multiple perspectives. I really enjoyed reading, how different characters reacted to some of the situations. I loved getting to know every single character, their problems and achievements, I think that’s why this book simply absorbed me. It was like watching a TV series unfold throughout the pages.

It is quite hard for me to describe the narrative of this book. Through different perspectives, there were a lot of life stories unfolded and told, so the narrative always changed, throwing in different characters feelings and thoughts. Which I found truly fascinating. Carey didn’t leave me bored even for a second, she creatively added turns and twists to the stories, which made me turn page after page. I really liked, that author was addressing difficulties which women were facing during that period, and I enjoyed the way Louise was breaking the stereotypes.

The writing style of this book was very pleasant, easy to read and enjoyable. One thing what I found inconvenient for me was ENSA/ RADA/ ATS etc. I grew up abroad, so I have no idea what they mean, and I am too lazy to google it, so I would have liked a little explanation page at the back, however, not knowing it, didn’t ruin my reading experience at all. The chapters of this book are quite long, but it did not drag to me, because there were a lot of things happening in every chapter, so they flew quite quickly. I really liked the way Carey ended this book, it was unexpected, satisfying, and I will be waiting to find out, what will happen next to all the characters. So, to conclude, I really enjoyed this novel, it has well rounded, exciting, fun characters, and the narrative always keeps changing, that left me hooked and interested till the last page. I really hope Netflix or BBC will make a TV series from Lavender Road books in a near future 🙂
Profile Image for Angela Sandford.
166 reviews5 followers
March 23, 2018
Outstanding! One of the best wartime novels I’ve read in a long time. ‘The Other Side Of The Street’ is part of a series of books - this is number five in the series. I will definitely go out and buy series 1-4 .
I absolutely adore wartime saga’s. Helen Carey has portrayed well, just how when faced against diversity, people pull together. It echoes the stories my grandparents told me. I just love the camaraderie.

The story is based mainly on three characters. Katy, who runs a pub and is struggling to keep her head above water after just giving birth and having a boisterous two year old. Her husband is a soldier.
Jen, who is desperate to become an actress, but after escaping a prisoner of war camp and made her way home across Europe, is deeply traumatised.
And then there’s Louise who is desperate to get away from her parents and marry. She has joined the ATS and is on a secret mission.
Then there’s the rest of the ‘other’ side of Lavender Road - all pulling together to get through each day as best as they can

Loved the storyline - loved the characters. I especially liked Louise, who went from a pompous little madam, to a caring respectable member of the ATS. I would thoroughly recommend the author and her Lavendar Road series 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Vanessa-Ann Dowsett.
472 reviews17 followers
March 7, 2020
This series is getting better and better. The characters have almost become friends even those who are most exasperating. The books are centred around a group of houses and the pub in Lavender Road in Clapham during the second world war. Personally, I think one needs to read the entire series as you can get a better idea how the characters have got to this point. The books are extremely well researched , well written and in my case, the narrator , Annie Aldington is fantastic. I love Joyce Carter and her large family, yes even petulant actress Jen. This is book five in the series and this story concentrated on well to do Louise, who , besides her airs and graces , works and loves her job in a factory. No spoilers from me but to get the best advantage , here are the books in the correct order Lavender Road, Some Sunny Day, On A Wing and a Prayer, London Calling, The Other Side of the Street and Victory Girls.
Profile Image for Ann Boytim.
2,002 reviews5 followers
November 11, 2023
4.0 5th book in this series and its now January 1944. Britain is tired and worn out from the raids and rationing but rumors have the allies invading France to put the Nazis on the run. For the residents of Lavender Road things are changing. Katie has to struggle to keep her pub going while her husband is overseas. Actress Jen is in a upside down relationship with producer Henry. Joyce Jen's mother is having romantic dreams about her pawnbroker good friend and Louise Rutherford is a young widow who finds things are harder than she thought to move forward.
3 reviews
August 26, 2017
MUST READ SERIES

Anyone who likes WW2 sagas, this is for you! Helen Carey has a given us a gift with this series. The characters and their intertwined stories will grab you. I could not put them down and read all 5 one after the other within 5 to 6 days and then re-read them again! Enjoy.
Profile Image for Paula.
108 reviews4 followers
February 3, 2019
I’m really enjoying reading lavender road series I love these ww2 books I love reading about all the characters lives their struggles and all the love they have for each other I’ve got to wait now for the last book in the series victory girls to be delivered
389 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2019
Other side of the street

Love,the Lavender road books. Ms. Carey writes about war time London & makes it a realistic experience for her readers. Very interesting facts woven into the stories.
11 reviews
November 15, 2019
Long read

I found this book took ages to read but it was because I was at home and not on holiday I read the other four on holiday quite quickly but time runs out when your a busy mum
807 reviews8 followers
November 17, 2021
Great book

I sure hope there will be a next book in the series, we need to see the end of the war with these friends. If you are interested in WW 2 on the homefront and behind enemy lines this is the series for you.
1,087 reviews7 followers
January 22, 2022
5th book in this delightful series about the women on Lavender Road in London during WWII. It’s now 1944 and the invasion Forces are gathering in England for D-Day. The women continue to pursue their dreams but the war takes its toll. Onto book 6 and sorry it’s the last in the series
Profile Image for Nancy Goodwin.
2 reviews
October 4, 2017
Wonderful

I have enjoyed the Lavender Road series. I lived on Lavender Road from the first book. The families were my neighbors and I shared the ups and downs of daily life.
6 reviews
October 21, 2017
Loved It

I enjoyed this series very much! I read all five books. I loved how the characters were developed through the series. I look forward to reading more from this author.
3 reviews
March 24, 2018
Brilliant

I would recommended this book to anyone who was interested in reading about the war. It is interesting to read.
9 reviews
July 22, 2018
Wonderful book

It brought back memories of all the stories I was told as a child. I cried and laughed. So very well written
Profile Image for Fiona Compton.
Author 12 books2 followers
November 10, 2018
A wonderful book. I can't wait to read the last book - The Victory Girls - in this excellent series.
5 reviews
December 8, 2018
The Side of the Street












Such. A wonderful series that is almost impossible to stop reading once you start. The people are so real. What a very talented author.








6 reviews
August 12, 2019
It was a bit slow getting under way, but story developed well. Perhaps too many characters.
2 reviews
February 1, 2021
Great series

I have enjoyed this series of books. I like the historical facts and how they are intertwined around the same group of characters.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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