A Ration Book Christmas

East End Ration #2

by Jean Fullerton

In the darkest days of the Blitz, Christmas is more important than ever.

With Christmas approaching, the Brogan family of London's East End are braving the horrors of the Blitz. With the men away fighting for King and Country and the ever-present dangers of the German Luftwaffe's nightly reign of death and destruction, the family must do all they can to keep a stiff upper lip.

For Jo, the youngest of the Brogan sisters, the perils of war also offer a new-found freedom. Jo falls in love with Tommy, a man known for his dangerous reputation as much as his charm. But as the falling bombs devastate their neighbourhood and rationing begins to bite, will the Brogans manage to pull together a traditional family Christmas? And will Jo find the love and security she seeks in a time of such grave peril?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christmas, Fiction, Historical, World War II, Amazon

441 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2018

About the author

I was born into a large, East End family and grew up in the overcrowded streets clustered around the Tower of London. I still live in East London, just five miles from where I was born. I feel that it is that my background that gives my historical East London stories their distinctive authenticity.

I first fell in love with history at school when I read Anya Seton’s book Katherine. Since then I have read everything I can about English history but I am particularly fascinated by the 18th and 19th century and my books are set in this period. I just love my native city and the East End in particular which is why I write stories to bring that vibrant area of London alive.

I am also passionate about historical accuracy and I enjoy researching the details almost as much as weaving the story. If one of my characters walks down a street you can be assured that that street actually existed. Take a look at Jean’s East End and see the actual location where my characters played out their stories.

Reviews

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ An Enchanting WW2 Saga, I couldn't put down!

Oh how I love the war time reads they are by far some of my favourite books.
They bring back memories of my Nans stories. I could of listened to her for hours.

This is my first book by Jean, and my first book within the series. But I had no problem quickly settling into the story. Time just flew by!

The story starts when we meet evacuees Jo and her brother Billy. Sent to Mrs Garfield..... owner of The Melton Winchet’s general store on the outskirts of Colchester (where my Dad grew up).

They don't have it easy and Billy is bullied at school as the other kids class the evacuees as dirty. He keeps getting himself into trouble. Jo isn't doing much better, Mrs Garfield is rude and stuck up.

So it's no wonder they make plans to get back home to the East End. Where everyone knows everyone.

When they finally make it back home, Jo can't wait to get back in the arms of local ruffianTommy.
If only her family would accept him too.
Tommy doesn't have the best reputation, but you can't help who you fall in love with!!
Will their families ever accept their love?
Will the Brogan's have a Christmas to remember?

A Ration Book Christmas is more than just a romance, it's about survival, the ups and downs of war, the emotions, the reality, being in close family, Family drama.

Jean took me on a journey of discovery.
I literally felt like I was apart of the story.
All of the precise intricate details were perfectly plotted.
The ambience, what life was like living on rations, the emotions of war and it's effects, the sounds, sights and smells. It felt so real. I've read plenty of these types of books but Jean had it spot on.

The characters were perfectly written, they fitted into the story with ease.
I loved Tommy and Jo, they say opposites attract, but Jo just seemed to bring out the good side to Tommy. I was rooting for them from the start!

I adored this gorgeous book, the cover is simply spot on, I loved the ambience, the romance, it had plenty of East End Drama, wheeling and dealing, Family drama, A bit of Christmas Sparkle, Enchanting and Captivating the perfect read if you love WW2 sagas.
But be warned once you start reading, you won't want to put it down!

I'm thrilled to of discovered this gorgeous series, I am excited to read the others in the series. Jean Fullerton is definitely going on my Authors to look out for list.

Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

My Review is also on my Blog Website :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/1...

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely book. I’ve read the first in the series and thought this one was even better than the first one. It had much more in it still dealing with the same families but different members.
This one dealt with the middle of WW2 with the blitz at its height. It was such a difficult time for people living in the east end as they had the worst of the bombing. This was very enjoyable book to read and I throughly recommend these books.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series continues six months later, this time focusing on the youngest daughter of the Brogan family – Jo. With a welcome return of many characters, Fullerton once again transports her readers back to London during the Blitz of World War Two.

I could not put this book down and read it over a couple of days. The research that Fullerton has undertaken is evident as I felt like I was experiencing the fear and dangers of heavy bombardment in London. The writer brings the scenes alive so vividly and portrays the constant feeling of fear that civilians experienced. I had not properly considered this aspect of the war and was amazed at the tough exterior that people were forced to adopt. The bombardment is described as being endless and I could only begin to imagine the horrors as once familiar streets became victims to the war.

Jo, our brave, young protagonist, volunteers to help with the London ambulance service. Naturally, she sees a lot of the horrors of the blitz and she is constantly exhausted from all the shifts and work that has to be carried out. Jo certainly personifies that phrase “keep calm and carry on” and I loved how she extruded this in her duties. Whilst she is trying to determine how she feels towards her sister, Mattie, and potential love, Tommy, she continues to help others and not be deterred by the threat of the air raids.

The previous novel was about Mattie but she does not completely disappear in this book. Now heavily pregnant, she desperately awaits news from her husband. I did miss reading about Mattie, but as she frequently appears in the narrative and there is not much to update readers with, it made more sense for Fullerton to move on to Jo’s story.

Jo is definitely a likeable character. I still love Queenie, her Nan, and the dialogue that Fullerton gives her made me chuckle. She is a character and a half! The relationship between Tommy and Reggie was believable: one brother striving to do his best whilst the other is content to lead a life of crime and deception.

Despite its title, this book does not need to be read just at Christmas. Whilst the book leads up to this festive period, it certainly does not dominate the narrative. As such, I think it could be easily read all year round, particularly if you have already read the first book of the series and cannot wait until it is “right” to open a book with ‘Christmas’ in the title! Nonetheless, it was interesting to see how the Brogan family adapted to the food rationing and what they could do to make their Christmas dinner as special as possible. Indeed, Fullerton provides some wartime recipes at the closing of the book which I think is a cute touch.

I can’t wait to read and review the next book in the series. Coming next month, I wonder what is going to happen to Jo and Mattie, plus who the main protagonist will be. I enjoyed the fact that Fullerton was still able to make this different from the first book whilst retaining the cast of characters. An excellent example of writing set in the war that brings alive such a terrible time in history.

With thanks to Corvus books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to revisit the Brogan family after reading Pocketful of Dreams which I loved.

Book one was based on Mattie the eldest daughter and now we read Jo’s story, the youngest daughter. At the start we find out that Jo and her brother Billy were evacuated away from their family. They are very eager to get back to their family and especially Jo is missing her boyfriend Tommy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. If your looking for a well written wartime saga then I highly recommend you read this series. The author brought the Brogan family into our hearts in two lovely stories. I’m hoping we get to read more of this family. I loved it.

[Cora Tea Party Princess · Rating 3 out of 5]

5 Words: Family, war, love, misunderstanding, heart-warming.

Book Review: A Ration Book Christmas by Jean Fullerton

I loved Jo and her determination. She knew what she wanted (for the most part) and she was ready to fight for it and do what she needed to do to get it. She strives to exceed everyone's expectations of her, and it's so inspiring.

This book really explores family dynamics. You had the Brogans, close and caring and always looking out for each other, even if they didn't necessarily believe in each other's actions, and held their own little resentments. Then you had the Sweetes, and the control and toxicity and manipulation. I loved seeing both families side by side, delving in to the complications of families.

A Ration Book Christmas really grabs hold of the Keep Calm And Carry On mentality of the war, and the characters really display such steadfastness against the despair of the reality of war.

I also loved how there were a few ration book recipes in the back of the book, although the thought of offal makes me gag so I won't be trying the heart one!

This is the perfect read for the run up to Christmas.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Ration Book Christmas is a heart-warming and dramatic story of daily life in the East End of London during the Blitz.  The author creates a convincing sense of the period and of the East End.  For example, I loved the scenes set in a traditional pie and mash shop with its ‘steaming vats of stewed eels’.

At the heart of the book is the story of erstwhile sweethearts, Jo Brogan and Tommy Sweete.  For them the course of true love is definitely not smooth, not helped by the misguided (or downright malicious) intervention of people who think they know what’s best for them.   And they find themselves at the mercy of events as the war separates Jo and Tommy.  But might it also throw them together again?

Jo engages the reader’s sympathy from the moment we first meet her, standing up for her little brother Billy.  Aside from Tommy, her family and their East End home mean everything to her. ‘For Jo, home was streets  of two-up two-down houses packed so tightly you could hear your neighbours arguing after chucking-out time on a Saturday night. […] home was the sour smell of simmering hops from the Charlton Brewery or, if the wind was blowing up the Thames, the smell of the sea.  Home was where the rain glistened on the cobbled streets after a storm and each front door has a scrubbed white step denoting the diligence of the women of the house.’

Tommy and his brother Reggie had the same difficult childhood but the experience has propelled them down different paths; a choice that threatens to bring them into conflict not only with each other but with the forces of law and order.  Their story illustrates there was a darker side to the war as well: the black market, looting and criminal opportunities offered by the blackout and curfews.

However, mostly the book conveys the courage and fortitude of those who lived through this turbulent and dangerous time in our country’s history.  Alongside those on active service in the Army, Navy and Air Force (and in necessarily less conspicuous but just as dangerous roles), the Brogans and other families are involved in work on the ‘Home Front’ that is often just as dangerous: fire-watching and dealing with incendiary devices; working as drivers and First Aid assistants for St. John’s Ambulance; serving in the Auxiliary Fire Service and heavy rescue crews.

The book gives a real sense of the indiscriminate carnage of the Blitz – innocent families caught in explosions and collapsing buildings – but also the bravery of those attempting to rescue and care for them.   Ingenuity was needed as well with horse boxes pressed into service as mobile dressing stations and boy scouts used as runners.

Along with the danger of bombing raids and the ever-present fear of invasion, there’s the daily struggle to cope with food shortages and rationing.  ‘Since the introduction of rationing, it took the best part of the day just to find your basic necessities.  Once greengrocer might have potatoes but no carrots, so you’d have to go to another shop for those and possibly another for cabbage.  Having tracked down whatever it was you were after, you then had to queue with your fingers crossed they wouldn’t sell out before you got to the front.’

The book is not all doom and gloom though.  There’s some much-needed humour to lighten the mood.  For example, the wonderfully named Stella Miggles is described as ‘the girl with the slackest knicker elastic west of Bow Bridge’.  There are some fabulous female characters including Jo, Eddie, Ida and Queenie, emphasising the vital role women performed in time of war.  My absolute favourite scene in the book is Queenie’s response when Aunt Pearl comes looking for Billy.  Readers averse to a bit of lavatorial humour and earthy language should skip the following excerpt!

Marching across to the privy, Pearl banged on the door.
‘Feck off,’  Queenie shouted back. ‘I’m having a shite.’
‘I’m looking for Billy,’ Pearl bawled through the outhouse door. ‘I know he’s-‘
A rip-roaring fart cut across her words.
‘For the love of mercy,’ hollered Queenie from inside the toilet, ‘will you not leave me in peace to grapple with the squits?’

I’ll leave you to guess where Billy turns out to be hiding…

As a reader not usually drawn to books with romantic storylines, I nonetheless found myself drawn into the ups and downs of the romance between Jo and Tommy whilst being similarly engaged by the historical detail and atmosphere of wartime London.  I enjoyed the period detail about the food (Carnation milk, Ovaltine, pease pudding or fig rolls anyone?), the music and the clothing of the time. Included at the back of the book are recipes that the formidable matriarch of the Brogan clan, Ida, might have used, including for Christmas dinner – a lovely bonus.

Finally, I really liked that the cover of the book appears to use a vintage image from the period rather than present-day models who, to my mind, even if dressed in costumes from the period, somehow never look quite authentically of that time.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a great family saga set during the war and nobody sets the scene better in blitz torn London than Jean Fullerton. I have read her books in the past and been blown away with the attention to detail, the atmospheric feel and perfect descriptions of the characters. She always has deep relatable families who have the odd niggle but ultimately they strive for love and respect to pull them through. In a time of war there is nothing more important than survival of family, home and business alike.

We start off with Jo and her brother plotting to get home, they had been evacuated out to the countryside for their safety but when it became apparent their host was only in it for the money and couldn’t give two hoots about them it was time to return to their hometown. Jo had been missing her guy terribly anyway so she was desperate to meet up with Tommy again.

The big happy Brogan family weren’t so keen on their daughter being involved with Tommy who was one stop away from a prison sentence. Can his affection for Jo alter his ways and put him straight or will his family antics influence him?

It is obvious from the writing that the author knows and loves the areas mentioned in the story, the historical facts based around rationing etc are superb. My emotions were flung in all directions, it doesn’t sugar coat the reality of war but the next minute there is laughter as the women are gossiping about something.

I absolutely adored this book, I was entranced by the whole story and desperate to see how or if Christmas could be celebrated in a suitable manner with the bare essentials provided on ration. Never underestimate a cockney mum who seems capable of stretching everything beyond all possibilities.

As a surprise bonus at the end there are a few wartime recipes if you care to try out your culinary skills. The heart dish may be a step too far for any vegetarians though!

A Ration Book Christmas deserves far more than the five stars I can give it. I know anyone who enjoys this genre will love it as much as I did.

Thanks to the author, publisher and Rachel at Random Resources. I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Kayleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

1940 and Jo Brogan and her little brother Billy have been evacuated to the country where they find judgement from the locals who are quick to point the finger at Billy when money gets stolen.
After weeks of not receiving any letters from her sweetheart, Jo decides she’s had enough and packs them off back home where the blitz awaits to cause death and destruction.

This is a very easy read and in the end quite a heartwarming one.
It’s full of family and love, misunderstandings and loss.

The characters are well written and I love Jo and Tommy in particular, who I was routing for from the very beginning.
But at the heart of this story, it really is all about family, about the petty arguments that really mean nothing when you’re facing much bigger problems ... like a war!

It’s definitely worth reading if you like books set in this time period or if you just fancy a quick read while you snuggle up with a blanket and a cup of tea!

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story of life in wartime Britain, and the daily fight for survival.

Jo Brogan has fallen in love with a man whose family is not exactly well respected in the East end neighbourhood; her relations are hardly going to welcome him with open arms. With a war on and the Germans bombarding the capital every night, residents are beginning to get used to a constant lack of sleep and finding the ability to just keep going whilst doing their bit for the war effort. Her mother is determined to provide a family Christmas, despite the shortages which are biting in the shops now that rationing has been introduced.

I love a good story set on the domestic front during the second world war and this is exactly that. With plenty of focus on the harsh realities of war, the story of Jo and Tommy runs throughout this novel alongside that of both their families, keeping the reader's attention firmly glued to the page. A thoroughly good story, well written, very entertaining and so enjoyable.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo Brogan and her younger brother Billy decide they cannot be evacuated any longer and return to their home in London’s East End. Set in 1940 with nightly bombing raids and food rations, the Brogan family are doing their bit like most of the other families. Jo joins the ambulance service and there is a hope that her romance with Tommy could be rekindled.

This is an absolutely wonderful read with so many things that caught my attention. First off, there is Jo, determined if at times stubborn. Tommy who does not have the best of reputations,. The Brogan family themselves with a few skeletons in the family closet. Reggie is Tommy’s brother and is not really someone who you want to get involved with.

The one thing I felt when reading this book is how well researched it felt. I often say that it is the little details that make a huge difference to a story and this book has loads of little details. Sight, sounds, smells, dialects, clothing and food are just some of those “little things”. It meant I was well and truly transported to the time and place of the setting. A chance for me to feel totally engrossed in the story.

Set during the Second World War, there are obvious mentions of those who have been hurt or killed during the blitz. Alongside this is the British resolve and tenacity that people show in trying to make the best out of the situation they find themselves in with a cuppa tea in hand.

The story of Jo and how others felt about her relationship with Tommy before she was evacuated is told, then how misunderstandings can interfere and cloud judgments. Following Jo’s story was wonderful, meeting her family and friends as the war is happening around them. The author created a balance that not only told of the pain and horror of war but also showed that determination and hope that people hold. There are wonderful descriptions throughout the story and along with this, the author has injected some wonderful humorous tones with little phrases from the characters that had me smirking.

This really is a fabulous book and one that I didn’t want to put down. At the end, you will find some recipes and some interesting items in the authors’ notes.

Definitely one for readers of Historical Fiction, Historical Romance with a World War ” setting in London’s East End. One I would definitely recommend.

[Kelly Furniss · Rating 4 out of 5]

1940 London's War time East End and Christmas is fast approaching.
Jo and her Brother are evacuated to a greengrocers in Colchester. They are both not happy and know they have only been taken in due to the money given to the host family.
Jo plans their escape back home to London and in to the arms of her charming Tommy. Tommy however has a reputation that proceeds him much to her families disgust and as Jo returns and joins the ambulance service she meets up with him again but gets wind that his & his Brothers War efforts may not be entirely legal.
Can Tommy convince her that he doesn't want to be like that anymore whilst battling against Reggie and his criminal plans?. At a time when the fight for survival is at its strongest can her family believe he thinks enough of Jo to be put that life behind him?.
As this Wartime saga comes to an end Christmas will certainly be not one to forget with tragedy, love, secrets and unity.
A well researched book that gives you a taste of just what it was like with great characterisation.
A book I would recommend to fans of this genre.

[Carol Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable! The characters of Jo & Tommy were excellent as were the rest of this rag tag lovely family. The descriptions of the terror of the nightly bombings & the resultant devastation was so well researched and written I almost felt I was there.. I’m feeling very grateful that I never had to go through what they did every night for months at a time. How resilient were these people? I’m proud to come from such fine British stock.

[Mary Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A WONDERFUL READ BY A MASTER STORYTELLER
Author Jean Fullerton says that she endeavours to bring East London alive again - well, she certainly does that in 'A Ration Book Christmas.'

I loved this book and felt part of the lives of the vividly drawn characters - I laughed with them, felt fear for them, was anxious for them at times and happy for them at others.

What a mix the Brogan girls, Jo, Mattie and Cathy are - all strong young women, their lives and loves are played out during the Blitz, but it is the indomitable East End that has shaped them - not to mention their Mother Ida, the matriarch of the family, and Queenie their grandmother, who isn't to be dictated to by the likes of Hitler - or the law, if it comes to that - something she is often on the wrong side of.

In the pages of this book, you will find comedy to rival that of Del Boy and Rodney as Reggie Sweete wheels and deals and more than dabbles in the criminal world and does his best to co-hearse his younger brother, Tommy to do the same.

But Tommy has met and fallen in love with Jo Brogan, and having tasted life in Borstal, wants to better himself and be worthy of Jo's hand. Not that their courtship goes smoothly - it is difficult for any relationship to thrive in the horror of wartime, and even more so with a Reggie Sweete working against you.

Wartime in East London, as the Luftwaffe set the docks alive, is so vividly portrayed that the reader feels as though it is happening now, right above your head. You can hear the exploding bombs and the whine of the aircraft, feel the shudder of the ground and know the emotion of loss, as you are in the hands of an author who is master of her craft and richly deserves the awards and accolades she has received.

And yet, whilst feeling the horror of it all, because of the humour threaded through - that special and unique East End humour that Jean injects so well and so naturally, you will find yourself laughing, even during some the very hard times you are experiencing, because that is what the East Enders do, and Jean Fullerton has taken you into the heart of these gritty folk till you feel you are one of them.

A brilliant book, I can highly recommend to all.

FIVE STAR READ *****

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEARTWARMING READ. jOSEPHINE MARGARET BROGAN [JO] AND HER BROTHER BILLY ARE EVACUATED TO MELLOW WINCHET IN COLCHESTER, WHERE 17 YEARS OLD JO IS WORKING IN THE GARFIELD GENERAL STORE. TOMMY SWEETE JO'S SWEETHEART IS BACK HOME IN EAST END LONDON BOTH MISSING EACH OTHER AND LETTERS POSTED BACK AND FORTH ARE NOT GETTING RECEIVED. JO AND BILLY BOTH PACK UP AND HEAD BACK HOME JO IS DESPERATE TO BE BACK IN WAPPING AND BE BACK IN TOMMYS ARMS, BUT NOTHING HAPPENS THAT EASILY. JO JOINED THE ST JOHN'S AMBULANCE SERVICE AND IS ALLOCATED A STATION AT ST KATHERINE'S SCHOOL IN STEPNEY. JO AND TOMMY FACE A LOT OF CHALLENGES OFF THEIR FAMILIES, TOMMY AND HIS BROTHERS ARE NOT SO SWEET AND LIKED AFTER GETTING INTO TROUBLE A LOT, BUT HE FIGHTS FOR JO'S AFFECTION. I LOVED READING THIS BOOK THROUGH WW2, 1940 RIGHT UP TO CHRISTMAS. IT IS A BOOK FOR ANYTIME OF THE YEAR TO READ, FILLED WITH TRAGEDIES, LOVE AND WHOLESOME WAR RECIPES. AND I LOVED IT ALL

[Rachel (not currently receiving notifications) Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

The lives and loves of the Brogan sisters in the heart of the East End at the start of the Blitz in 1940.

Romance might not be my usual genre of reading material but a historical romance set alongside an authentically researched look at how the Second World War impacted on day to day life during the onslaught of the Blitz is a totally different proposition. For a well rounded snapshot of life in the heart of the East End amongst the doughty and good-humoured Irish Catholic Brogan clan, A Ration Book Christmas, comes highly recommended. Not only it is uplifting and at times indulgent reading, it is also surprisingly informative and eye-opening on the realities of life during the war effort for a family at the coalface, both fighting to survive and experiencing the terror of nightly bombing.

When seventeen-year-old, Jo Brogan, and her ten-year-old brother, Billy, are evacuated to a small village just outside Colchester and given a less than welcoming reception by the locals, it is the final straw for the disgruntled siblings who never wanted to leave home. Jo suspects her relocation is a result of her sister, Mattie, informing their parents of her burgeoning romance with Tommy Sweete, brother of notorious, Reggie, and both of whom have a decidedly dodgy reputation and a history of trouble. As Jo and Billy decide to take themselves home it sees them return to the heart of a loving family and for Jo and Tommy it also marks the start of their involvement in the war effort. Naturally the path to true love hits numerous bumps, miscommunications and parental disapproval, but the story itself moves forward and flows continuously. As both Tommy and Jo acquire new responsibilities and jobs of their own, the story also focuses on the locals experience of the domestic hardships of rationing, crowded Anderson shelters and blackouts.

Jean Fullerton clearly knows her stuff and has thoroughly researched how things operated with actual details about the lives of Londoner’s under constant bombardment. Admittedly the romance element is a little top-heavy for my liking and the novel slightly overlong, but with each characters life explored and plenty of drama elsewhere in the East End, the story never drags. With Jo employed in the mobile dressing unit where she patches up casualties and attempts to keep the most seriously injured alive until their reach a hospital, and Tommy working as part of a heavy lifting team, digging out the survivors and shoring up the ravaged buildings and homes, it is hard not to grow to admire and warm to these big-hearted characters.

Although there is a first book focusing on the life of Mattie this book works perfectly as a stand-alone because it primarily concentrates on seventeen-year-old, Jo Brogan. Fullerton’s excellent characterisation provides a humanly flawed cast full of rounded individuals and whilst the emphasis is definitely slightly rosy, with the solidarity and “making do” spirit at the fore, it does nothing to detract from a very readable wartime saga that comes with the added bonus of providing a wealth of information on the home front and demands on the country.

Definitely worth a read and particularly recommended for anyone interested in the wartime East End.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ration Book Christmas by Jean Fullerton is a book that can be read as a standalone one, but it's also the second book about the Brogan sisters, book 1 being about Marie. This book is Jo's story.

It's the 1940s in wartime London. Jo works as a volunteer in the ambulance service and her boyfriend Tommy works on the heavy mover crews, the men who move all the heavy rubble etc from bombed buildings to rescue the people that might still be alive under it. They were a couple until Jo had to spend time in the country when she had been evacuated with her brother to the country. A terrible misunderstanding when she returned to London saw them breaking up but Tommy is determined to win her back.

I can't even begin to put into words adequately just how much this book moved me. Reading about what people went through in the war both good and bad made me so emotional. I cried, I laughed, and I even got angry during some parts of the story. There were loveable characters like Tommy, who despite a bad reputation is doing his best to change his life for the better. There were horrid men like his brother who, well I can't give spoilers, but suffice to say you won't think much of him when you read about his antics. Of course, I couldn't read quickly enough to find out if Jo could ever forgive Tommy and if they could have their happy ever after.

Normally I don't like to read books that are sad, but this one had such a good balance of both sad and happy events that I didn't mind that I had to have the occasional cry. A very beautiful story showing how the British kept calm and carried on. I can't recommend it enough. I definitely want to go back and read Marie's story now. The author Jean Fullerton's books will now have to be added to my must-read list.

[C. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not finish.I read fiction for enjoyment and pleasure and try to avoid books that are full of misery and angst,such as this one was,plus unlikable characters.

[Clare Ballinger]

Easy heartwarming read!

[Graceann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a genial and comforting, if unsurprising start to my Holiday reading.

Jo Brogan, at the beginning of Ration Book Christmas, is evacuated to the countryside with her little brother, presumably for their safety. As sometimes happened, however, the two of them are dreadfully unhappy and plan an escape. Back in London, Jo's family is big and busy, with new babies, babies on the way, old grudges, new misunderstandings and the tiny detail of the Blitz, and rationing. Throw in Jo being in love with Tommy Sweete, who is part of the notorious Sweete family, and you've got a LOT of story in just over 400 pages.

I didn't realize until I sat down to write this review that this is actually the second book in a series about the Brogan family. Unfortunately, my not knowing that led me to be completely adrift when one sister is mad at another for unexplained reasons, among other stories-in-process in the book. I don't think A Ration Book Christmas stands on its own; I would have enjoyed it much more if I'd been privy to the world-building that seems to have taken place in the first book (Pocketful of Dreams). Also, because of the other books of a similar nature that I've already read, primarily those by Lilian Harry, I didn't find a lot that was new or different on Mafeking Street. There are sad deaths, miraculous rescues, formidable women and men both loving and brutish.

A note about the style. In the format in which I read it (in ten separate installments from Pigeonhole, which I highly recommend), there are no separations between one character's story and picking up the strand of someone else's. Not even an extra space, so I was three lines into the new bit before I realized that the old one had ended. Very disruptive, and it constantly took me out of the story.

For those who care about such things, there are references to sex in A Ration Book Christmas. Nothing explicit, but there are people who love each other here, and they express that love. It's not on the Outlander scale of bow-chicka-wow-wow, but babies aren't found under cabbage leaves, either.

[Deborah J Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ration Book Christmas is a really super read. It is set in London's East End in 1940, during WWII, amid nightly heavy bombing raids and families getting on with their daily business.

This story has been really well researched and delivered. The King and Queen's visit to the East End is cleverly incorporated into the story, and provides a bit of light relief in Ida's recounting of it. I thought the story was well-written, and it brought to mind many of my own family's wartime escapades.

I avidly followed Jo and Tommy's romance, and their brush with the law after the robbery, but completely missed all the clues leading up to Tommy's posting. Although, as soon as it was revealed, all the little pieces fell into place, and it was forehead slapping moment!

My favourite character would have to be Queenie, the savvy grandmother, who is not beyond rolling up her sleeves to dig survivors out of the wreckage, standing between two angry men to prevent a fight, and daily, working hard for the family she loves. She is known to the police for being a bookie's runner and probably Actually, I thought she took a stronger role in the family and household than did Ida, her daughter-in-law.

I hope there is another book to come, continuing the Brogan's family saga, as I want Francesca to be reunited with her brother and father, and to find happiness with the man she loves. I also want to see Stella get her comeuppance, because this story leaves her looking like the cat who got the cream!

Although it has the word 'Christmas' in the title, this is another book which I would not necessarily pigeonhole as a 'Christmas read'. It's a multi-threaded family saga beginning in the summer of 1940, drawing to a close in January of 1941, and one which I wholeheartedly recommend.

My thanks to author Jean Fullerton for a free digital copy of this book to review.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given the chance to read this new book and review it,Well i can say i have loved catching up with Brogan family.Jo,Mattie,Cathy,Charlie and of course Francesca.They are all doing their duty for the war effort as life goes on around them.Tommy is still trying to re-shape his life but his brother Reggie has other plans but he hasn't thought of Tommy's feelings only his own love of crime.I won't give away the story but if you want to know what happens read the book.worth the 5* and more.

[Emma Sadler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of the youngest Brogan sister, Jo, and Tommy Sweet. A little more of the family background is revealed. And Matty tries to keep calm and carry on.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jo has been evacuated from the city during the first bombings, leaving behind most of her family and her beloved Tommy. Now, months have passed, Tommy stopped writing and Jo can’t take it anymore. Determined to discover the truth, Jo returns with her brother to the city… only to find out that Tommy seems to have moved on with his life. That’s not exactly true, however, and when their paths meet again, the love that was never truly lost rekindles. And, despite Jo’s youth and Tommy’s reputation, life is too short – and too dangerous – not to grab their happiness where they can.
Although it is largely an independent story, with new main characters and new dangers to face, there is a special delight in reading this second book after Pocketful of Dreams. Not only because Mattie and Daniel are still quite present in this book, but especially because the Brogans are a delightful family and following the family’s evolution is a pleasure in itself. Also, this isn’t just a love story. It’s also a story of family – and the love that binds them – in the darkest of times. So it’s important – and delicious – to follow their paths from the beginning.
Jo and Tommy are both very strong characters – and they are also the fruit of their own families. Tommy’s reputation comes from his brother’s actions, the same brother that, curiously, seems to look at Jo with a certain prejudice. This makes their journey a lot harder – not to mention the war going on – but it also highlights their strengths. Jo, with her joy, her determination, her kind and generous heart. Tommy, with his sense of family, his pride in being honest and his will to rise above his tarnished reputation. Together, they make a beautiful couple, and the story becomes much stronger because of who they are.
And, well, there’s the war – and it is quite impressive how the author manages to merge the personal tales of her characters with a meticulously built scenario that reflects perfectly the hardship and fear and destruction caused by the bombings. It gives the book complexity, without losing any of the beauty and emotional impact of what his always and above all a tale of love in times of war.
Strong characters, a brilliantly built setting and a story that’s full of love and affection, even with the shadow of death looming above. This is what makes this book such a beautiful thing – and the Brogans a family worth following in their tribulations. Always.


** I received this book from Corvus in exchange for an honest review.

[Marjorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This isn't my usual choice of reading matter and it is a genre that I generally give a fairly wide berth to; for some reason it has a tendency to make me feel a little uncomfortable. When written well there is a feeling that can only be likened to voyeurism about these books (for this reader anyway) - and this book has that feeling to it. Maybe this is because WWII is still in our collective consciousness or because I remember my grandparents stories of being in their late teens/early twenties during the conflict and how it impacted their lives. Somehow it all feels terribly close and undeniably scary and I readily admit this colours my judgements of the tale.

The story itself is actually pretty much as you would expect - the overarcing theme being the love between an Irish Catholic girl (Jo) and a ne'er do well East Londoner (Tommy) from a decidedly "dodgy" family. The characters are both told with empathy and you do find yourself interested in their lives - although I found Tommy's family, the Brogans, a little bit much - almost heavy handed portrayals of the mother's alcoholism and elder brother's villany.

The plus points for the book do outweigh those reservations though. It touches on how evacuation was not always the best thing for the people involved and how some of the people that took the evacuees in did so under duress and how whole communities could turn against these children just by virtue of them being from London. It also covers something pretty much glossed over - the looting of bombed out homes and how there was a thriving trade in stolen goods on the back of it, not so much a bombers moon as a thieves blackout.

The best best bits of the book are undeniably those that cover the actual bombing raids. You can feel the grit in the air, the smell of the smoke in your nostrils so evocative are the descriptions. Even more importantly there is real in depth knowledge of how the various Home Front Forces worked together to help people - the WVS, the ARP, the Heavy Lifting Teams - it is these sections that made the book enjoyable for me. Unfortunately, this meant that the plot and the characters were far less important to me and I did end up reading it more as a social history text than a tale about the families involved as I did find that the plotting was easy to predict throughout.

THIS IS AN HONEST AND UNBIASED REVIEW OF A FREE COPY OF THE BOOK RECEIVED VIA THE PIGEONHOLE.

[Melanie Farmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

As we near the centenary of the end of First World War, I am finding myself reading more and more historical novels set during war time.  I think it is good to be reminded what our not-too-distant relatives had to live through, and novels such as A Ration Book Christmas work hard to paint a picture of what it was like living through such a perilous time.  I usually read historical novels that are from the view point of frontline nurses or the soldiers that are off fighting, so it was a pleasant change to be able to read something from the perspective of those families that were working hard for some kind of normality back home whilst the men were away fighting.  Despite the bombs dropping on London every night, these families were carrying on with daily life, stepping over the rubble of their homes to try to ensure they could, in this instance, celebrate Christmas.

A Ration Book Christmas really highlights what families went through, embodied by the Brogan's.  We follow Jo, the youngest Brogan daughter as she seeks her own position in the world whilst bombs literally drop around her.  Like any teenager, she wants freedom, and she wants love.  The war provides her with more freedom, and she is hopeful that Tommy, a local man, will return the love she has for him.

This is a book about the love a family has for each other, about how they work to protect each other, and how in the face of adversity they will work hard to be there for each other.  It is about a young girl becoming a young woman as she fights for the future she so desperately wants.  Ultimately this novel highlights the strength of those men, women and children who endured night after night of bombing to succeed in creating a future despite the German's persistent attempts to keep them down.

I am more than happy to recommend this novel - I felt that it gave an accurate portrayal of the strength those family in the London's East End had, enabling them to withstand such a brutal assault.

Thank you to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to be a part of this blog tour, and for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ration Book Christmas concentrates on the story of Jo, the younger of the Brogan daughters, who, with characteristic Brogan stoicism, decides that it is time for her to do her bit for the war effort, this allows the story to focus on the fascinating work of those rescue teams who scurried around London as bombs were falling.

It's a real joy to return to this feisty London family, you may remember that we first met them in, Pocketful of Dreams, which is the first book of the series. In this continuation we are only a little further on in time and yet, lots have happened to the family. It was interesting to see just how some of the stories continued, particularly around, Mattie, who we followed in Pocketful of Dreams. As always, with this author's writing, there's a real sense of both family and community, and the details of living through the horror of the Blitz really comes alive, the constant sense of danger and undeniable grief is interspersed with characteristic humour, especially from Queenie, the Brogan family matriarch who is determined to fight Hitler in her indomitable way.

Time and place is captured quite perfectly and there is never a time when the story doesn't place you back in the London of 1940, a time when food rationing meant real hardship, and making ends meet was never more important. However, despite the constant threat of danger life goes on, and Jo is about to find out, to her cost, just what fate has in store. Her association with the notorious Sweete brothers, and Tommy in particular, will test her resolve more than ever.

A Ration Book Christmas is a wonderful war-time saga, written with all the warmth and skill we have come to expect from this talented author, whose fine attention to detail and meticulous research brings the East End of London to life in a quite a special way.

[Ursula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the last few pages on Christmas day so I followed the Brogan family's preparations for Christmas in tandem with my own, 78 years later and 100 miles north of London's East End. What a difference! Jo's family suffered privation in so many ways; lacking sleep, clothing and food. And surrounded by the constant risk of injury, destruction, loss and death in the daily wartime bombings.

Jean Fullerton makes this the background for a very creditable love story laced with family disapproval, misunderstandings and passion in time-honoured Romeo and Juliet style. Jo Brogan's family is a rich set of fully-developed characters, and workmates of both Jo and Tommy provide yet more sub-plots with their own stories. I shouldn't have been surprised to find out later that this book has a companion: Pocketful of Dreams (The Brogans of Mafeking Terrace #1) is set in 1939. I imagine that some of the sub-plots which seem a little cursory spring from a much fuller treatment in this first novel. Strangely, my copy of 'A Ration Book Christmas' doesn't mention that it is the second in a series.

My interest was in the wartime Christmas theme rather than a family saga. I recently read a social history, 'Christmas at War: True Stories of How Britain Came Together on the Home Front' by Caroline Taggart. Jean Fullerton highlights many of the situations I'd already learnt about and makes them memorable by weaving them into a stonkingly good story.

I also now understand all kinds of detail of how the Home Defence organisations coped during the blitz with details about training, duties, equipment, shelters, shifts and teamwork described as the air-raided world the Brogans and Sweetes lived in.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jean Fullerton (2018) A RATION BOOK CHRISTMAS (AUDIOBOOK)
BorrowBox - Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 out of 5 stars

BorrowBox writes, "Jean Fullerton, the queen of the East End, returns with a wonderful new Christmas novel. Because in the darkest days of the Blitz, Christmas is more important than ever. With Christmas approaching, the Brogan family of London's East End are braving the horrors of the Blitz. With the men away fighting for King and Country and the ever-present dangers of the German Luftwaffe's nightly reign of death and destruction, the family must do all they can to keep a stiff upper lip. For Jo, the youngest of the Brogan sisters, the perils of war also offer a newfound freedom. Jo falls in love with Tommy, a man known for his dangerous reputation as much as his charm. But as the falling bombs devastate their neighbourhood and rationing begins to bite, will the Brogans manage to pull together a traditional family Christmas? And will Jo find the love and security she seeks in a time of such grave peril?"
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A bit of wartime EastEnders this one is! Apart from this being a Christmas book - Crimbo being why I'm listening to it in the first place - this is a really good story to listen to. It's not sold as being based on a true story but the reality is that WWII did happen and you can't get away from the fact that the events happening to the characters in the book certainly happened to real people at the time. So you can't not be affected or moved in some way when you listen to it.
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#JeanFullerton #ARationBookChristmas #Book #Books #Read #Reads #Reading #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads #Audiobook #Audiobooks #BorrowBox

[Jan Rosser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows on from the first in the Ration Book Series, Pocketful of Dreams and we catch up with the Brogan family. It is 1940 and the war is entering its darkest days. Jo Brogan and her brother have been evacuated to the countryside to escape the Blitz in London. However, they are not happy living with their domineering 'landlady' and so escape back to London.

Jo is in love with Tommy, who comes from a family involved with crime and recklessness and when she was away, the letters stopped arriving from him and it appears that he did not receive hers either.

Jo meets Reggie (Tommy's brother) one day near where he and Tommy live and invites Jo to go in and see Tommy. Unbeknown to Jo, there is a lady in the house also and when Jo sees her and Tommy in a state of undress, she runs away in floods of tears and is heartbroken. But is it all as it seems?

Jo finds a job in St. John's Ambulance Service and tries to move on with her life. She meets Tommy once more and they try to resolve their differences. As the pages unfold we learn more about the other Brogan family lives and their many twists and turns. Will this end up a Happy Christmas for them all? A Ration Book Christmas is a real page turner and Jean describes the bombings and stark realities of war so vividly, I felt I was there. PLUS an added bonus at the end of Wartime recipes!

An excellent read and a 5 star rating from me.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this warm, informative and entertaining WWII family novel. The Brogan family and friends are such an interesting and resilient bunch, doing what they can against the war effort and not a complaint from anyone. Their humour and strength are truly inspiring and I actually felt like I was living it with them, back in 1940′ s London.

The Brogan family have to take the almost daily trek to the air raid shelters, all except gran Queenie who prefers to take her chances! She would rather spend her time making booby traps against the Germans in the backyard! This is just one of the wonderful moments in the book, there are many more.

Jo returns from evacuation to try and hook up with sweetheart Tommy but it is never going to be easy because the two families are worlds apart. She volunteers for the Ambulance Service, patching up the wounded residents at a first aid station. The family has its share of secrets, which gives the story an intriguing plot, and there is plenty of drama and suspense, as the bombs continue to fall

The fine details and research that has gone into this book are outstanding. There is even a chapter at the end of the book which explains how the Brogan family would have sourced and cooked their ‘make do’ Christmas meal, bought of course with the trusty ration book.

This book can be read and enjoyed any time of the year, Christmas plays a very small part of the story, but it wraps up the book perfectly.

I loved every minute!