What do you think?
East End Saga #4
Christmas to Come
From the Sunday Times bestselling author of A Wartime Christmas!
Previously published with the title of Bella of Bow Street, this inspirational tour de force set in the 1940’s - 60’s brings London’s East End alive and will have you on the edge of your seat as you read Bella’s brave story.
For street urchins eight-year-old Bella Doyle and her five-year-old brother Terry, Christmas is something they can only dream of. It’s December 1940 and the London Blitz has provided them with one essential; scraps of food they scavenge on the debris of bombed buildings. There’s no love and little for them to eat in the derelict dockside slum they once called home. This is a danger area and to Bella almost worse than the Luftwaffe’s nightly raids. Their mother is a drunkard and earns her meagre living on the streets, turning a blind eye to the abuse her boyfriend dolls out to her two unwanted and neglected children. It’s left to Bella to protect Terry, who has endured so many beatings he is mentally scarred. Bella has learned at a young age that life doesn’t play fair. Her hero is Micky Bryant, a good-looking, streetwise teenager, and the one person she truly trusts. And it’s to Micky that Bella turns in her desperation. But is Micky the kind benefactor Bella believes him to be and will her decision have serious consequences in the years ahead?
Previously published with the title of Bella of Bow Street, this inspirational tour de force set in the 1940’s - 60’s brings London’s East End alive and will have you on the edge of your seat as you read Bella’s brave story.
For street urchins eight-year-old Bella Doyle and her five-year-old brother Terry, Christmas is something they can only dream of. It’s December 1940 and the London Blitz has provided them with one essential; scraps of food they scavenge on the debris of bombed buildings. There’s no love and little for them to eat in the derelict dockside slum they once called home. This is a danger area and to Bella almost worse than the Luftwaffe’s nightly raids. Their mother is a drunkard and earns her meagre living on the streets, turning a blind eye to the abuse her boyfriend dolls out to her two unwanted and neglected children. It’s left to Bella to protect Terry, who has endured so many beatings he is mentally scarred. Bella has learned at a young age that life doesn’t play fair. Her hero is Micky Bryant, a good-looking, streetwise teenager, and the one person she truly trusts. And it’s to Micky that Bella turns in her desperation. But is Micky the kind benefactor Bella believes him to be and will her decision have serious consequences in the years ahead?
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
About the author
Carol Rivers
32 books90 followersI’ve been fortunate enough to have made my living by writing and I’ve enjoyed a long and harmonious relationship with my publisher, Simon&Schuster. But in recent months I can only stand in awe of the growing and robust numbers of Indie authors whom I admire so much and who have revolutionized the publishing industry. There is fire in the belly of this movement, giving a whole new aspect to the accepted norms in the publishing world. I’m mind-blown at the variety of genres born of digital technology and I’ve made many friends in the Indie world. On-line life for me has become rich and diverse with tales of Indie adventures and successes that are simply staggering. This is mouth-watering stuff and I feel privileged to be here on Goodreads. If you want to know more about my East End novels, with their tough, rough, but warm-hearted Cockney characters, then perhaps you’d like to visit my website at www.carolrivers.com where you’ll gain an insight into the Rivers novels and their history.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 7, 2018
I really enjoy books set in this era and this one was no exception.
Brilliant storyline and very well written.
Recommended.
Brilliant storyline and very well written.
Recommended.
November 1, 2014
Gripping, cold, captivating and to the point. Carol Rivers has successfully covered the plot-line with chilling war and post-war scenarios without over-emphasizing and boring the reader.
I love how the characters enjoy little things in their lives, like at one place, picnics, friends, discussing a movie after watching it, etc.
Carol's writing makes you wonder how these people lived and how good they were in dealing with the drawbacks and destruction of war. One example is how they did not even have proper places to bathe and had to bathe themselves through their sinks! I can't even stand a broken faucet or a shower head...
It broke my heart when even after the war poor Terry is scared of the sounds of the planes as I myself have experienced such a thing... What I don't like Bella is her over-confidence which surprisingly vanishes once she's pregnant. I am not a mother material so all her daydreaming and being a housewife and not working put me off really bad.
The good thing is that the author manages perfectly to show the consequences and results of her egotistic and pride driven decisions and acts.
I like how Carol Rivers has shown the dark side of a mother as most of the people are not brave enough to talk about it and some even disagree completely.
This novel features a lot of the old-fashioned thinking, such as 'Women belong in the kitchen' but that's okay with me as the story itself takes place in 1940s-50s and the writer is not stressing or telling other women to be like that. The thing that I can't stand is when the side characters are portaited badly. They are always childish, lack self-confidence, have no self-esteem and are often blessed with somewhat unattractive features.
For instance, Dolly is always like a nerd and at one time it is said that the engagement ring she's wearing makes her 'plump, square' hand look 'almost' beautiful... Disgusting... (The international beauty standard of hands are slim and slender)
Another instance, Gina is a hotshot but has calloused feet?
If there's one thing I can't stand, it is women bragging and boosting about their husbands/boyfriends and children.
Everyone in this novel easily gets envious... Like, seriously? GROW UP!
I like the plot twists. The characters and their personalities are so different from each other and they seem like real people you have encountered in your lives. Carol Rivers has the magical talent of navigating years and years throughout the book very smoothly.
I would have liked it more if her feelings for Ronnie were discussed at short intervals as well.
My favourite Quote:
Micky nodded vigorously. "You're a doll, Gina"
"I'm a hard bitch, Micky and you'd better remember that."
My Favourite Character: Gina & Ronnie
I love how the characters enjoy little things in their lives, like at one place, picnics, friends, discussing a movie after watching it, etc.
Carol's writing makes you wonder how these people lived and how good they were in dealing with the drawbacks and destruction of war. One example is how they did not even have proper places to bathe and had to bathe themselves through their sinks! I can't even stand a broken faucet or a shower head...
It broke my heart when even after the war poor Terry is scared of the sounds of the planes as I myself have experienced such a thing... What I don't like Bella is her over-confidence which surprisingly vanishes once she's pregnant. I am not a mother material so all her daydreaming and being a housewife and not working put me off really bad.
The good thing is that the author manages perfectly to show the consequences and results of her egotistic and pride driven decisions and acts.
I like how Carol Rivers has shown the dark side of a mother as most of the people are not brave enough to talk about it and some even disagree completely.
This novel features a lot of the old-fashioned thinking, such as 'Women belong in the kitchen' but that's okay with me as the story itself takes place in 1940s-50s and the writer is not stressing or telling other women to be like that. The thing that I can't stand is when the side characters are portaited badly. They are always childish, lack self-confidence, have no self-esteem and are often blessed with somewhat unattractive features.
For instance, Dolly is always like a nerd and at one time it is said that the engagement ring she's wearing makes her 'plump, square' hand look 'almost' beautiful... Disgusting... (The international beauty standard of hands are slim and slender)
Another instance, Gina is a hotshot but has calloused feet?
If there's one thing I can't stand, it is women bragging and boosting about their husbands/boyfriends and children.
Everyone in this novel easily gets envious... Like, seriously? GROW UP!
I like the plot twists. The characters and their personalities are so different from each other and they seem like real people you have encountered in your lives. Carol Rivers has the magical talent of navigating years and years throughout the book very smoothly.
I would have liked it more if her feelings for Ronnie were discussed at short intervals as well.
My favourite Quote:
Micky nodded vigorously. "You're a doll, Gina"
"I'm a hard bitch, Micky and you'd better remember that."
My Favourite Character: Gina & Ronnie
December 1, 2019
The lives in East End London
Such an emotional story, right through the entire Novel. So dramatic in places you want to cry, to be angry, to be disgusted at all these people went through, especially the children. Their struggle to survive not only starvation, but the bullies in their own home. This story gives you an insight as to how the lives were, and I’m sure there is a lot of truth right throughout this story. Great reading.
Such an emotional story, right through the entire Novel. So dramatic in places you want to cry, to be angry, to be disgusted at all these people went through, especially the children. Their struggle to survive not only starvation, but the bullies in their own home. This story gives you an insight as to how the lives were, and I’m sure there is a lot of truth right throughout this story. Great reading.
December 24, 2017
Loved it!
Was so much more than I expected, I didn't want to put the book down! Really would like a sequel to this, but wouldn't want Bella to go through any more sadness, she had more than her share, so maybe it couldn't be done. Well done carol rivers, I've added you to my favourite authors list!
Was so much more than I expected, I didn't want to put the book down! Really would like a sequel to this, but wouldn't want Bella to go through any more sadness, she had more than her share, so maybe it couldn't be done. Well done carol rivers, I've added you to my favourite authors list!
Read
October 3, 2019...
CHRISTMAS TO COME I started this book and enjoyed it, but realised I had read this before as Bella of Bow Street it was a long time ago that I read the first title, but carried on with this new title. Although I had read to story already I still could not put it down. Carols Rivers books are so easy to read and her characters you get to love and hate. I give this five stars.
CHRISTMAS TO COME I started this book and enjoyed it, but realised I had read this before as Bella of Bow Street it was a long time ago that I read the first title, but carried on with this new title. Although I had read to story already I still could not put it down. Carols Rivers books are so easy to read and her characters you get to love and hate. I give this five stars.
January 29, 2026
Loved it. This was the second book of a two book set. Felt instantly sucked into the lives of Bella, her brother Terry and the other characters. This book checked off all the boxes, romance, love, suspense, and tragedy. Real life in the East End of London. Hoping the author publishes another in this genre soon.
September 13, 2017
Love Carol Rivers books I've read this book before but read it again
CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE SEQUEL OF BELLA AND RONNIE AND ALL THE OTHER PEOPLE IN THE BOOK.KEEP WRITING THEM CAROL.
CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE SEQUEL OF BELLA AND RONNIE AND ALL THE OTHER PEOPLE IN THE BOOK.KEEP WRITING THEM CAROL.
September 13, 2017
Gritty read
I enjoy every page and every chapter of Carol's gritty book. Every character came to life. I loved the end where Bella at last learnt to be happy. I would love to find out what happened to her and young Micheal. A book worth reading. Thank you Carol x
I enjoy every page and every chapter of Carol's gritty book. Every character came to life. I loved the end where Bella at last learnt to be happy. I would love to find out what happened to her and young Micheal. A book worth reading. Thank you Carol x
January 2, 2018
Heartwarming
A excellent story of a good old typical eastend. This story has you taken in from the first few pages, following the lives of the Bryant family. Bella and terry. Lots of twists that keep you thinking what is going to happen next.
A excellent story of a good old typical eastend. This story has you taken in from the first few pages, following the lives of the Bryant family. Bella and terry. Lots of twists that keep you thinking what is going to happen next.
September 14, 2023
An East End family at its best
All the characters had such depth. Some you loved some you hated some you hoped would get their comeuppance. The storyline didn't disappoint a great read
All the characters had such depth. Some you loved some you hated some you hoped would get their comeuppance. The storyline didn't disappoint a great read
September 28, 2017
Christmas to come
I love the way Carol brings her characters to life this was Carol Rivers at her best and 5 stars well deserved
I love the way Carol brings her characters to life this was Carol Rivers at her best and 5 stars well deserved
November 22, 2017
This book 💗
This is the first Carol rivers book I've read i can't wait to get stuck into her others great book loved all the characters could not put it downxxxx
This is the first Carol rivers book I've read i can't wait to get stuck into her others great book loved all the characters could not put it downxxxx
January 14, 2018
Very enjoyable read. Look forward to more like it..
June 24, 2018
This is a lovely story of the twists and turns of life through the decades. Enjoyable and easy read. Lots happening
November 9, 2018
Loved it.
Wonderful storyline. Strong characters made this book a firm page turner. Will definitely be looking out for other books by Carol Rivers.
Wonderful storyline. Strong characters made this book a firm page turner. Will definitely be looking out for other books by Carol Rivers.
June 8, 2021
Drama
Love death and all the bits I between. shows you how the poor folks lived during the war and after when crime grows worse .
Love death and all the bits I between. shows you how the poor folks lived during the war and after when crime grows worse .
December 19, 2022
Christmas to come
Loved reading this book didn't want it to end I fell in love with the characters I wish there was a follow up to this book .
Loved reading this book didn't want it to end I fell in love with the characters I wish there was a follow up to this book .
January 14, 2024
Amazing
Loved this book, having grown up in the sixties on outskirts of London could relate to it all. Amazing times. Didn’t want this book to end.
Loved this book, having grown up in the sixties on outskirts of London could relate to it all. Amazing times. Didn’t want this book to end.
November 16, 2024
Brilliant book
Wonderful story line from beginning to end, lots of twists and turns, all ended well for Bell in the end. Would recommend to read.
Wonderful story line from beginning to end, lots of twists and turns, all ended well for Bell in the end. Would recommend to read.
October 11, 2021
Really enjoyed this book - although luckily I had not read it under previous title. Loved the story of Bella and her all consuming love of Micky which is put to the test many times, This story was very absorbing and gritty and kept me hooked so much I almost didn’t want to finish it. Highly recommend
May 7, 2018
I don't know how to download the book into my phone
Can somebody please share
Can somebody please share
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews