Most Anything You Please

by Trudy J. Morgan-Cole

In 1936, Ellen Holloway and her husband Wes open a corner grocery store on the ground floor of their house in Rabbittown, a new neighbourhood on the outskirts of St. John's. Over the decades that follow, the city and the neighbourhood grow around them, as does the Holloway family. When the Second World War comes to St. John's and Audrey Holloway falls in love with an American soldier, she's sure her glamorous new life will unfold far from the streets of Rabbittown.
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But fate leads Audrey back to the corner store, where for the next several decades she and the store will remain a fixture in their working-class neighbourhood. The fate of the Holloway family -- of Audrey, her musician son Henry and Henry's talented daughter Rachel -- seems tied to the fate of the corner store and a changing neighbourhood. Finally, in post-moratorium St. John's of the 1990s, Audrey has to face the possibility that the price of saving the family business may be a higher price than she is willing to pay.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Canada, Fiction

432 pages, Paperback

First published November 28, 2017

Reviews

[Jim Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent read. A saga about the Holloway family of Rabbittown, their corner store and the history that surrounds and emanates from it over the years, from WWII to the present. Wonderfully told and with some imaginative editing, the 400+ pages fly by. 5 Stars for a great saga!

[Penny (Literary Hoarders) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story. A story of 3 generations of women and the corner store they operate beginning during the Depression, to WWII, to Confederation for Newfoundland all the way out to the 90s.

In the beginning I was truly feeling this was going to be my first 5-star read for 2018, yet there just seemed to be a wee-bit of extra padding added to the story so that it dragged it out a touch too long for me. However, that ending was extremely touching and brought it perfectly to a close.

Thanks very much to the author for sending - I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway!

[Wisewebwoman]

A great old fashioned story of a corner shop and the generations of strong women who run it.

It engrossed me from beginning to end. her writing style is realistic and the warts of her characters are portrayed along with their assets.

I must say I was sad to leave this intriguing family behind.

recommended.

5/5

[Linda Churchill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trudy Morgan-Cole at her finest! Absolutely loved this book!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel captured my interest from the outset, with characters that seemed to live and breathe themselves right into my life. Before going to sleep at night I'd start wondering what would happen next, as this family saga set in a neighborhood called Rabbittown, in St. John's, Newfoundland, threaded through the years and generations. The language used by each character sounded so authentic for the period, as well as their particular age in any given chapter. The voices begin with Ellen and Wes who open a corner store in 1936 and this family narrative continues through to the 90's with a thread of music throughout. It is beautifully written and captivating in every way.

I am really happy a friend recommended this to me, as otherwise I'm certain I would never have encountered it.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. My husband is from St.John’s and as I was reading the book I shared tidbits and sayings from the book. I felt like I wanted to know more about the family so kept reading. It spans many years from 1930s to 1990’s and delves into the lives of the Holloway women, Ellen, Audrey and Rachel. I enjoyed the style of the book . To be honest it had me hooked very early as character names had the same surname as I do . It reminded me a lot of the writing of Maeve Binchy and I felt like I was sitting at the table over a cup of tea. There was humour,tragedy and so much of real life. I always know I am enjoying a book when I sneak a few minutes reading whenever I can. Thank you Trudy for bringing the Holloway women to life. I enjoyed the musical references throughout. I will read other books by this author.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just spent the last couple of days with the Holloways. I am sorry to leave them behind. I loved this family. An ordinary story about an ordinary family, but so well written. The story spans 3 generations, from the 1930's to 1990's. As the times change so does the family. And, not always for the good. Rich character development. Touching ending. I will miss the Holloways, perhaps they will show up in a later book.

[Janalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story based around a neighbourhood corner store in Rabbittown, St. John's. Told from the eyes of three female family members (from three different generations), the story follows the rise and gradual decline of the family-owned store from the 1930s to 2000(ish).

First of all, a note on the cover. If I had judged this book by its cover, I would never have read it. Those fonts. I can't. Luckily for me, I read a synopsis in a magazine and knew I'd like what's on the inside.

I was pleasantly surprised by the music theme running through this book. In some ways, the connections it formed were more important than those made by the family business.

I loved all the old St. John's references, and the mentions of family moving to Brooklyn and later, Toronto, are relatable to so many Newfoundlanders. Not to mention, when you do move away, that eventual pull to go back home.

This book has some really beautiful moments of preserving past traditions, and some really tough moments of letting the past go.

And I discovered that even a mention of "Sonny's Dream" is enough to make me tear up.

3.5 stars.

[Heather Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. Not sure if it was because I grew up in downtown St. John’s or because my Mom worked at the local convenience store or because I could relate to so many of the characters. It was a great description of several decades of life in the Rabbittown area which could be any neighbourhood in “town” Great read.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept for this book seems simple but there is a lot packed into it. A family runs a corner store in St. John's, Newfoundland. They undergo the tribulations and joys of a family as time passes. The action, while seemingly mundane (a customer buys a tin of beans, a soldier flirts with a pretty girl, a Hank Williams song plays on the radio) runs the gamut - love, loss, guilt, joy, optimism.

Since St. John's is my home town, I loved seeing references to places I know well and hearing the local accent through the characters. There were themes I grew up with, such as the division of the Catholics and the Protestants, the people from the bay coming to "town" for work, and the locals who don't like anyone who thinks they are "too good" for the rest of us. Whether or not I agree with any of the themes is immaterial; they existed at the time (and still do to some extent) and the author captured them well.

I think, though, I'd enjoy this book just as much if I were not from here. The major themes of the story are universal, such as motherhood, work ethic, self-awareness, reputation, loyalty, responsibility, and loving people. The characters are interesting and real.

I'd like to read more by this author.

[Orla Hegarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've lived in a tiny outport Newfoundland community for 5 years now after packing up my life in downtown Toronto and starting over at aged 46 out here. My community has a local gas/convenience/grocery store that is very much like the Holloway store. I actually worked in this local store part time for a couple of years when I first moved here as a way to meet locals and earn a bit of pocket money - so that part of the story really resonated with me.

I loved the characters and was swept up in the historical aspects captured about the capital of my new province. Many of the themes are things I've learned since moving here and many are still quite relevant (ie the outflow of families to the mainland for work and the current struggle of these small convenience stores in the tiny outports).

I especially loved how Ms. Morgan-Cole provided "musical interludes" to enrich the entire story and characters. Music is such a core part of Newfoundland culture and this writing style brought it to life in a unique way for me.

This book is part of #NLReads so I'm glad it got bumped up on my to read list. I hope an audience beyond Newfoundland reads this book too though...it is a great saga of a North American family in the 20th century on an island in the North Atlantic known as The Rock.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old Brown sells from off the shelf most anything you please
He’s got jews-harps for the little boys, lollipops and cheese.
His daughter minds the store and it’s a treat to see her serve
I’d like to run away with her but I don’t have the nerve.

Blurb: Trudy Morgan-Cole offers the saga of three generations of Holloway women, who run a small grocery and confectionary store in the storied working-class neighborhood [sic] of Rabbittown in St. John’s, Newfoundland. . . . Most Anything You Please is an affirmation of the connections between mothers, daughters, and the communities they build, a story about the bonds that break and the ties that bind.

Ellen & Wes Holloway move to St. John’s and build a store with an apartment above. They raise 6 or 7 children, of whom Audrey takes over the running of the store. Audrey’s son Henry is a ne’er-do-well and leaves his baby daughter Rachel with Audrey & Ellen when his wife drives her car off a cliff. Audrey raises Rachel who eventually gets into the traditional music scene in Newfoundland.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read by Newfoundland writer (and FB friend) Trudy Morgan-Cole. I read it before the COVID19 weirdness was a "thing".

It's a lovely, homey story of multi-generations of a St. John's Nfld (Rabbittown) from World War 2 when soldiers from the US and elsewhere were posted in St. John's until contemporary times. The family in the story live their lives around a small neighbourhood store. There is ample drama and humour. I was reminded of my early days of watching "Coronation Street" (the early 70s) when all the characters were believable and the writers and actors conspired to draw people close with fictional lives that started to seem like they were your own.

[Kimberly Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who has grown up with the neighbourhood corner store or even better, had family or friends who owned the corner store, this book will transport you back to those memories of your formidable youth. Most Anything You Please sends the reader back to simpler times and as we grow with the women of the Holloway family, we also go through more complicated times with the family and business.

Most Anything You Please shows the ties which bind are not only with family but with circumstances and even the family business for generations; moulding us into who we become, often times not realizing it until we look back at where we came from.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first audiobook and I sure did enjoy it!
A multigenerational family story that takes place mostly in St. John’s NL. I loved learning about some of the local history. The excellent writing along with the narration was so genuine I felt like I was part of the family and living amongst them.
I did feel that Audrey’s personality changed in adulthood and she became more crotchety than I expected. At times the writing seemed a little vulgar and the story went on a shade too long.
Overall an excellent read. The ending was heartfelt and superb. A solid 4* novel that I would (and have) recommend to others.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this saga about three generations of Holloway women, who run a corner store in downtown St. John's, NL. Ellen, who opened the store in 1938, before confederation with Canada, passes it on to her daughter who continues to run it into the 1990's. I admit, I connected with this novel easily as I also live in St. John's and I worked in a corner store in the 1990's.
Aside from this personal connection, Morgan-Cole did a fabulous job of creating realistic characters and capturing the cultural and generational changes throughout this time period.
This was my first time reading Morgan-Cole's work and I will definitely check out her other novels!

[Janis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into this book but as I read on I liked it a lot. I found it very reflective of Newfoundland culture. The changes in the shop, the owners and the patrons over the years are very well portrayed. The corner store is part of my childhood memories so I found it very easy to relate to many of the situations but I was never ready for ups and downs of the characters. I always expected things to turn out differently. This kept my interest throughout the book and I would recommend it as an interesting read.

[Ramona Jennex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A vibrant and engaging multigenerational family story set in "Rabbittown" ( an area within walking distance of Memorial University) St.John's, Newfoundland with the family corner store as the base. The author has done a fine job of developing the characters -I was sad to bid adieu at the end of the book. (Needed the tissues!)

This book provides excellent social commentary of life in the "town" over the three generations portrayed. Trudy J. Morgan-Cole has done a fine job providing authenic voice.

[Barbara Brydges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful Newfoundland writer (I something think that a Newfoundlander could write a grocery list and it would be fabulous)! The story moves from 1936-2000, following several generations of a family (especially the women) who run a corner store in the Rabbitown area of St. John’s. They and their lives are very real; sometimes they drive each other crazy, and there are moments of tragedy but love is always present.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like family sagas and historical fiction, this book will appeal. The novel follows Four generations of a family that runs a corner store in St. John's, NL. The focus is on the women, although the husbands do appear. We see them from startup of their business, through WOrld War II and its changes, entry into Canada, the 60s social upheavals, into the 80s.
The writing is smooth, and the characters fairly interesting, although. Found them a bit predictable at times.

[Eleanor Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a fascinating social commentary on the changes that have taken place during our lifetime in North America reflected in a local setting that could be anywhere on the continent. I also appreciated it because it was the neighbourhood where my grandparents lived before immigrating to the Canadian mainland and I had an opportunity to stay in an AirBnB in that neighbourhood with my daughter and granddaughters a couple of years ago.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the last few days I’ve been immersed in this Newfoundland family saga. There were a few turns of phrase and words that were unfamiliar to this Brit, and this added to the character of the story.
I started reading this as I wanted to know the fate of two unwell little boys, as told by the author Trudy in one of her Christmas readings on social media . I was drawn in and thoroughly enjoyed the whole book.

[Cali Gudunov · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book rich with its history of the town I live in.

Three generations that played out in a corner store. Realistic characters that were easy to fall in love with.

It is a atory of a family that endures, squabbles but always has each others backs. I'll be checking out more of the author's books.

[Leanne Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always a pleasure to read her books. I have been lucky enough to be a part of a Book Club where she has regularly visited us. I loved the premise of this book- a store as being the focal point for a neighbourhood through generations. In fact it reminded me of my own childhood!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed following the exploits of the Holloway family from start to finish. Due to recent RL events, I found the last interaction between Ellen and Rachel a bit difficult. It hit very close to home.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books in years! Loved it!

[Trudy]

Awesome

[Deborah Pantin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morgan-Cole has really well-developed characters and an excellent sense of place. I was reminded of people and places from my childhood neighborhood.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 generations in Newfoundland experience highs and lows of family life.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good! Cornerstores and Holloways