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Woolworths #2
Christmas at Woolworths
"Even though there was a war on, the Woolworths girls brought Christmas cheer to their customers
Best friends Sarah, Maisie and Freda are brought together by their jobs at Woolworths. With their loved ones away on the front line, their bonds of friendship strengthen each day. Betty Billington is the manager at Woolworths, and a rock for the girls, having given up on love . . . Until a mysterious stranger turns up one day – could he reignite a spark in Betty?
As the year draws to a close, and Christmas approaches, the girls must rely on each other to navigate the dark days that lie ahead . . .
With so much change, can their friendship survive the war?
PRAISE FOR ELAINE EVEREST
‘A warm, tender tale of friendship and love’
Milly Johnson
‘Heartwarming . . . a must-read’
Woman’s Own
Christmas at Woolworths is the heartfelt sequel to Elaine Everest's bestselling debut The Woolworths Girls."
Best friends Sarah, Maisie and Freda are brought together by their jobs at Woolworths. With their loved ones away on the front line, their bonds of friendship strengthen each day. Betty Billington is the manager at Woolworths, and a rock for the girls, having given up on love . . . Until a mysterious stranger turns up one day – could he reignite a spark in Betty?
As the year draws to a close, and Christmas approaches, the girls must rely on each other to navigate the dark days that lie ahead . . .
With so much change, can their friendship survive the war?
PRAISE FOR ELAINE EVEREST
‘A warm, tender tale of friendship and love’
Milly Johnson
‘Heartwarming . . . a must-read’
Woman’s Own
Christmas at Woolworths is the heartfelt sequel to Elaine Everest's bestselling debut The Woolworths Girls."
Paperback
First published January 1, 2017
93 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Everest
23 books190 followersElaine Everest is the Sunday Times Bestselling author of historical sagas including The Woolworths Girls series, The Teashop Girls series and other popular books.
She is represented by the Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency Ltd.
She is represented by the Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency Ltd.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
December 14, 2024
There is a lot going on in this book, births, war, friendship, Woolworths, and much more.
November 7, 2017
This was a lovely book about a group of friends who met through their connection with Woolworths . We hear about rationing, women's war work which I found very interesting and the evacuees who went to the country.
The girl's friendships run very deep and they warmly embrace a new lady into their fold who is hiding heartbreak. They are all embracing life despite the many hardships they face. They accept their trials and tribulations and look to the future.
You really felt as though you were experiencing everything through their eyes, getting excited about a dance and getting a new outfit ready from either old material dyed with beetroot or refashioned!
I look forward to reading Elaine Everett's next book.
The girl's friendships run very deep and they warmly embrace a new lady into their fold who is hiding heartbreak. They are all embracing life despite the many hardships they face. They accept their trials and tribulations and look to the future.
You really felt as though you were experiencing everything through their eyes, getting excited about a dance and getting a new outfit ready from either old material dyed with beetroot or refashioned!
I look forward to reading Elaine Everett's next book.
November 10, 2018
I could not wait to read this book as loved the first two so much and love how it follows on and full of friendship and love and plenty about the war and how hard times can be. It’s heartwarming and such a great read.
Sarah Maisie and Freda are brought together by their jobs at Woolworths and their loved ones are away fighting for the country and their friendship gets so strong and love hearing how they cope together. Betty also has a stranger turn up and can it change her life for the better. Christmas is approaching and the girls have to pull together to get through everything can they do it and will everyone be happy together and will one person get a happy ending with the baby she so wants.
Sarah Maisie and Freda are brought together by their jobs at Woolworths and their loved ones are away fighting for the country and their friendship gets so strong and love hearing how they cope together. Betty also has a stranger turn up and can it change her life for the better. Christmas is approaching and the girls have to pull together to get through everything can they do it and will everyone be happy together and will one person get a happy ending with the baby she so wants.
November 2, 2017
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This is such a lovely book to read, I thoroughly enjoyed it!! I bought and read the prequel to this book, Carols at Woolworths before I read this one and knowing how good that was (you can check my blog for a review of this book), I knew that I would definitely be in for a treat - and I was right - I loved it!!
I loved the writing style and the lot and best of all I love how Elaine makes you feel at ease reading about the characters and as though you are living the story with them - such a treat for me to be able to read a story like this - I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone who loves a good saga or historical romantic fiction set in WWII - just a magical read for me - 5 stars!!
This is such a lovely book to read, I thoroughly enjoyed it!! I bought and read the prequel to this book, Carols at Woolworths before I read this one and knowing how good that was (you can check my blog for a review of this book), I knew that I would definitely be in for a treat - and I was right - I loved it!!
I loved the writing style and the lot and best of all I love how Elaine makes you feel at ease reading about the characters and as though you are living the story with them - such a treat for me to be able to read a story like this - I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone who loves a good saga or historical romantic fiction set in WWII - just a magical read for me - 5 stars!!
September 27, 2018
Enjoyed this book , but after about 8 chapters I wanted to finish it. So read to the end... but a good book,
December 2, 2021
Really enjoyed this once I’d got my head around all e characters thrown at me in the first 40 pages. Might have been better if I’d read book one first.
November 10, 2017
Christmas at Woolworths by Elaine Everest sees the return of my favourite characters from The Woolworth Girls. This festive sequel is a heart-warming read with the most beautiful cover that makes you feel all warm and cosy. It has been two years since I have read about these characters as The Butlins Girls, a stand alone novel, came between the first and second and book. So admittedly it did take me a couple of chapters to reacquaint myself with all the various characters and their connections to each other and the different things they are experiencing during the war that led to such death, devastation and destruction.
The opening chapter briefly focuses on June 1942, and then takes us back to Easter of that year, and then in turn brings us right up to Christmas. At first I thought had I missed a huge chunk of the story as one character Freda is travelling to Canterbury when it is bombed and she is fearful for the safety of two of her friends. The story is based in Erith so I wondered why had two girls gone there, it felt like I should have read something previously for the opening chapter to make sense but then as the story properly began we go back a few months and eventually the scenes with Freda did make more sense but I think some readers like myself might have some slight confusion with this.
After several chapters I settled back into the lives of Freda, Maisie, Sarah and Betty and their extended families and friends. The women have formed a unique bond and friendship all thanks to Woolworths where they are all employed. Times are continuing to rapidly change for everyone with no end to the war in sight. This story, from the midpoint onwards, I felt really moved the individual storyline of each woman on but for those that are new to this series there was just the right amount of information provided as to what had happened previously so as to make the reader feel they weren't missing out. These women are a group who are there for each other through thick and thin, through the good times and bad. They share everything and open up to each other and when someone can't see the happiness that awaits in front of them a gentle nudge in the right direction is always provided. Their friendships are ones to be admired and to strive for in our own lives and the sense of community and togetherness radiates from the pages.
I always wonder if the people living during the war, and these characters, knew in 1939 how long the war would be, and all the horrors that would ensue, would they have stayed so positive and upbeat as they did. But I suppose that's what got people through the tough times and the constant state of fear and apprehension continuing to have a sense of optimism and self belief that things would turn out okay, the alternative didn't bear thinking about. This book isn't all doom and gloom by any means, yes the realities of living at the time are explored, the rationing, the make do with regards to clothes and special treats and luxuries, the constant threat of air raids and bombings, but alongside this the author does a very good job of bringing to life a story of hope, friendship and love. One in which the women who feature are resilient and strong and only wish the best for each other and for a positive outcome to the war.
Ruby Castleton, grandmother of Sarah, in my opinion really was the dominant character in this book but in a good way. She became like the matriarch to everybody and was the glue that held everything together. Her house became a focus for many and she was there for everyone, always pushing her own worries and fears aside. She offered a kind word or a shoulder to cry on. Ruby was someone who knew everything that was going on but could always be trusted to keep a confidence. She was in total contrast to her irritating neighbour Vera, whose scenes at times had me laughing at her pure ignorance but at others I detested her for the words that came out of her mouth. She needed a good talking to and I couldn't understand why Ruby at some stages didn't give her a big slap. It was enjoyable to see a nice little romance brewing for Ruby as she needed something nice to happen for herself as opposed to always doing things for others. Ruby demonstrates her caring nature when she takes in evacuees Gwyneth Evans and her daughter Myfi, there was clearly a lot more going on than we were first led to believe and I became ever more intrigued as their story unfolded. It was nice to have new characters included as it helped keep the story fresh.
Of course all the old favourites are present, Sarah still works at Woolworths as well as taking care of her daughter Georgina. Perhaps she didn't have as much focus as before but there was always a worry for her with her husband Alan away working training pilots and then leaving to fight in the war himself. Sarah, like so many others, must have always been on edge thinking what could happen to my husband given how brief a time they had been able to spend with each other since the outbreak of war. Maisie, who always seems so glamorous and together was battling with her own demons, her fear that she can't have children and therefore her marriage to David would never feel complete. There seemed to be an awful lot of pressure on her to have children and it must have been a strain to think that that was the one role you had in life or so many were led to believe at the time. I felt she put herself down a lot and she wasn't as vibrant and happy as she had been in the previous book. I hoped her storyline would have a successful outcome.
At times the story did feel quite slow in places and nothing much happened, it did become slightly repetitive before picking up the pace again. I kept looking for mentions of Christmas given the title of the book but it only came very near the end and given such a beautiful cover I was disappointed but this is my only minor gripe about the book for I loved everything else about it. The two stand out characters for me this time amongst all the smaller storylines were Betty and Freda.
Betty in the first book seemed cold and aloof and the girls were in awe of her. As manager of Woolworths she had a certain reputation to uphold which I could understand but at the time I didn't understand her reticence to warm up a bit and share the load and her worries. Thankfully here we really saw a new side of Betty emerging. Yes she still longs for the love of her life, lost to her in World War One and she carries alot of guilt around, but she seemed more approachable now and more willing to join in with the girls activities and lives outside of shop hours. A new arrival sees lots of changes for Betty and it brought a smile to my face. I felt she was getting ready to embark on a new stage of her life and she felt ready to let go of a past that she cannot change. It was about time she got some happiness in her life, she was more than deserving of it.
Freda too really stepped up to the plate in this book. She longs for a boyfriend as she feels everyone around her is settling down and a life of domestic bliss will be there waiting for them when the war is eventually declared over. What will she do if she has no love of her life? Freda pushes her feelings aside and I am glad a 'hunt' for a man didn't ensue as more pressing matters were at hand. Freda displayed great maturity in this book. The fact she continued her job at Woolworths as well as taking on voluntary work with the fire brigade showed a more grown up sensible side to her and she was a character to be admired in the book. Yet never did she forget her friends in fact not one of the characters did which only enforced the message of the book ever more deeply.
Christmas at Woolworths was a lovely read. Fans of family wartime sagas will love it as did I. I'm already looking forward to the next visit in April 2018 as the story continues in Wartime at Wooloworths.
The opening chapter briefly focuses on June 1942, and then takes us back to Easter of that year, and then in turn brings us right up to Christmas. At first I thought had I missed a huge chunk of the story as one character Freda is travelling to Canterbury when it is bombed and she is fearful for the safety of two of her friends. The story is based in Erith so I wondered why had two girls gone there, it felt like I should have read something previously for the opening chapter to make sense but then as the story properly began we go back a few months and eventually the scenes with Freda did make more sense but I think some readers like myself might have some slight confusion with this.
After several chapters I settled back into the lives of Freda, Maisie, Sarah and Betty and their extended families and friends. The women have formed a unique bond and friendship all thanks to Woolworths where they are all employed. Times are continuing to rapidly change for everyone with no end to the war in sight. This story, from the midpoint onwards, I felt really moved the individual storyline of each woman on but for those that are new to this series there was just the right amount of information provided as to what had happened previously so as to make the reader feel they weren't missing out. These women are a group who are there for each other through thick and thin, through the good times and bad. They share everything and open up to each other and when someone can't see the happiness that awaits in front of them a gentle nudge in the right direction is always provided. Their friendships are ones to be admired and to strive for in our own lives and the sense of community and togetherness radiates from the pages.
I always wonder if the people living during the war, and these characters, knew in 1939 how long the war would be, and all the horrors that would ensue, would they have stayed so positive and upbeat as they did. But I suppose that's what got people through the tough times and the constant state of fear and apprehension continuing to have a sense of optimism and self belief that things would turn out okay, the alternative didn't bear thinking about. This book isn't all doom and gloom by any means, yes the realities of living at the time are explored, the rationing, the make do with regards to clothes and special treats and luxuries, the constant threat of air raids and bombings, but alongside this the author does a very good job of bringing to life a story of hope, friendship and love. One in which the women who feature are resilient and strong and only wish the best for each other and for a positive outcome to the war.
Ruby Castleton, grandmother of Sarah, in my opinion really was the dominant character in this book but in a good way. She became like the matriarch to everybody and was the glue that held everything together. Her house became a focus for many and she was there for everyone, always pushing her own worries and fears aside. She offered a kind word or a shoulder to cry on. Ruby was someone who knew everything that was going on but could always be trusted to keep a confidence. She was in total contrast to her irritating neighbour Vera, whose scenes at times had me laughing at her pure ignorance but at others I detested her for the words that came out of her mouth. She needed a good talking to and I couldn't understand why Ruby at some stages didn't give her a big slap. It was enjoyable to see a nice little romance brewing for Ruby as she needed something nice to happen for herself as opposed to always doing things for others. Ruby demonstrates her caring nature when she takes in evacuees Gwyneth Evans and her daughter Myfi, there was clearly a lot more going on than we were first led to believe and I became ever more intrigued as their story unfolded. It was nice to have new characters included as it helped keep the story fresh.
Of course all the old favourites are present, Sarah still works at Woolworths as well as taking care of her daughter Georgina. Perhaps she didn't have as much focus as before but there was always a worry for her with her husband Alan away working training pilots and then leaving to fight in the war himself. Sarah, like so many others, must have always been on edge thinking what could happen to my husband given how brief a time they had been able to spend with each other since the outbreak of war. Maisie, who always seems so glamorous and together was battling with her own demons, her fear that she can't have children and therefore her marriage to David would never feel complete. There seemed to be an awful lot of pressure on her to have children and it must have been a strain to think that that was the one role you had in life or so many were led to believe at the time. I felt she put herself down a lot and she wasn't as vibrant and happy as she had been in the previous book. I hoped her storyline would have a successful outcome.
At times the story did feel quite slow in places and nothing much happened, it did become slightly repetitive before picking up the pace again. I kept looking for mentions of Christmas given the title of the book but it only came very near the end and given such a beautiful cover I was disappointed but this is my only minor gripe about the book for I loved everything else about it. The two stand out characters for me this time amongst all the smaller storylines were Betty and Freda.
Betty in the first book seemed cold and aloof and the girls were in awe of her. As manager of Woolworths she had a certain reputation to uphold which I could understand but at the time I didn't understand her reticence to warm up a bit and share the load and her worries. Thankfully here we really saw a new side of Betty emerging. Yes she still longs for the love of her life, lost to her in World War One and she carries alot of guilt around, but she seemed more approachable now and more willing to join in with the girls activities and lives outside of shop hours. A new arrival sees lots of changes for Betty and it brought a smile to my face. I felt she was getting ready to embark on a new stage of her life and she felt ready to let go of a past that she cannot change. It was about time she got some happiness in her life, she was more than deserving of it.
Freda too really stepped up to the plate in this book. She longs for a boyfriend as she feels everyone around her is settling down and a life of domestic bliss will be there waiting for them when the war is eventually declared over. What will she do if she has no love of her life? Freda pushes her feelings aside and I am glad a 'hunt' for a man didn't ensue as more pressing matters were at hand. Freda displayed great maturity in this book. The fact she continued her job at Woolworths as well as taking on voluntary work with the fire brigade showed a more grown up sensible side to her and she was a character to be admired in the book. Yet never did she forget her friends in fact not one of the characters did which only enforced the message of the book ever more deeply.
Christmas at Woolworths was a lovely read. Fans of family wartime sagas will love it as did I. I'm already looking forward to the next visit in April 2018 as the story continues in Wartime at Wooloworths.
January 2, 2024
Christmas at Woolworths is another lovely read from Elaine Everest set in the heart of Erith, in one of the most popular shops that was around – Woolworths.
In this book, Elaine has introduced us to some new characters, one of which, I thought was up to no good. Quickly did those thoughts die down and I became hopeful for Betty.
I saw Betty in a new light in this book, she is a strong woman and puts herself into her work, but with a newcomer in the picture, will Betty open her heart to love?
I felt there was a lot more in the way of celebrations, everyone seems to have a means of celebration at Christmas, which left me smiling.
Over the last few months, Elaine has fast become a favourite author of mine and The Woolworths girls have become friends. I cannot wait for the next instalment of The Woolworths series.
Elaine and her wonderful books come recommended by this reader and her nanna.
My thanks go to Elaine and the wonderful people at Pan Macmillan for my copy of Christmas at Woolworths which I promise will be treasured.
In this book, Elaine has introduced us to some new characters, one of which, I thought was up to no good. Quickly did those thoughts die down and I became hopeful for Betty.
I saw Betty in a new light in this book, she is a strong woman and puts herself into her work, but with a newcomer in the picture, will Betty open her heart to love?
I felt there was a lot more in the way of celebrations, everyone seems to have a means of celebration at Christmas, which left me smiling.
Over the last few months, Elaine has fast become a favourite author of mine and The Woolworths girls have become friends. I cannot wait for the next instalment of The Woolworths series.
Elaine and her wonderful books come recommended by this reader and her nanna.
My thanks go to Elaine and the wonderful people at Pan Macmillan for my copy of Christmas at Woolworths which I promise will be treasured.
August 3, 2023
Quite a lot of exciting stuff going on in this one! Onya Ladies for carrying the can while the men were at War. Another example of British fortitude and the real beginning of the emancipation of Women.
October 27, 2017
I enjoy seasonal reads and this book was such an enjoyable and enlightening read!
I found myself fully immersed in the story all the way through the book. The characters are well developed, authentic and endearing. I loved that the women were depicted as strong, interesting and inspirational characters.
Right from the start, I was intrigued to find out what life was like for those amazing women living in Erith, Kent. Freya, Ruby, Maisie, Sarah, Betty, Maureen, Vera and Pat to name but a few of the characters are all very different people drawn together during WWII. Some of them have bonded whilst working at Woolworths and others by living together and supporting one another in this tightknit community of Erith.
Although I am too young to have lived during this war era, I found myself reflecting on what life must have been like for these people. Their strength and camaraderie is inspirational and heart-warming. Each character is highly motivated to do their part to try and end the war so life could return to normal. They endured the constant threat of scary air raids and buildings being bombed, but all the while trying to lead as normal lives as possible.
Woolworths is the hub of the town that people relied upon to create a sense of normality and where women could prove that they are as capable of doing a magnificent job of running a business as men could. As you are most likely aware, in those days, women were expected to stay at home and men ran the businesses. These wonderful women fundraised to support the war effort and also provided auxiliary support for fire services and ARP, as well as taking in refugees into their homes.
This wonderfully written, well researched book gives an amazing insight into the lives of these brave characters. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters, which offered intimate glimpses into their budding friendships and romances. The intrigue and mystery created by some new arrivals made me very curious indeed to keep reading!
I was kept thoroughly entertained from beginning to end. This book is full of exciting plots and interesting characters. I didn’t want the story to end!
I can highly recommend this book, not only as a fantastic Christmas read, but also as a heart-warming story that will leave you filled with good cheer and a sense of positivity for the festive season!
I found myself fully immersed in the story all the way through the book. The characters are well developed, authentic and endearing. I loved that the women were depicted as strong, interesting and inspirational characters.
Right from the start, I was intrigued to find out what life was like for those amazing women living in Erith, Kent. Freya, Ruby, Maisie, Sarah, Betty, Maureen, Vera and Pat to name but a few of the characters are all very different people drawn together during WWII. Some of them have bonded whilst working at Woolworths and others by living together and supporting one another in this tightknit community of Erith.
Although I am too young to have lived during this war era, I found myself reflecting on what life must have been like for these people. Their strength and camaraderie is inspirational and heart-warming. Each character is highly motivated to do their part to try and end the war so life could return to normal. They endured the constant threat of scary air raids and buildings being bombed, but all the while trying to lead as normal lives as possible.
Woolworths is the hub of the town that people relied upon to create a sense of normality and where women could prove that they are as capable of doing a magnificent job of running a business as men could. As you are most likely aware, in those days, women were expected to stay at home and men ran the businesses. These wonderful women fundraised to support the war effort and also provided auxiliary support for fire services and ARP, as well as taking in refugees into their homes.
This wonderfully written, well researched book gives an amazing insight into the lives of these brave characters. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters, which offered intimate glimpses into their budding friendships and romances. The intrigue and mystery created by some new arrivals made me very curious indeed to keep reading!
I was kept thoroughly entertained from beginning to end. This book is full of exciting plots and interesting characters. I didn’t want the story to end!
I can highly recommend this book, not only as a fantastic Christmas read, but also as a heart-warming story that will leave you filled with good cheer and a sense of positivity for the festive season!
October 25, 2017
This book has surprised me. I had no idea I’d be reading such a fantastically written story with a sensational plot.
Within a few pages, I was immersed into the lives of the women living in Erith. There’s Freda, Sarah, Maisie, Betty, Ruby, Maureen, Irene, Vera, Pat and young Georgina … and that’s just naming the ones mentioned in the first 50 odd pages!
Set in war time, I found this tale made me reflect on how inspirational women were back then – they just got on with things and kept the country functioning, it is truly something to be proud of. I felt this message flowed throughout the story; Everest has created strong, motivational female characters that we could all aspire to.
Many of the women keep Woolworths in business, as the town’s hub, and with inspirational war themed window displays and many fundraising events, the women’s support for the war effort is felt. Freda and Sarah’s additional volunteering were moving to read.
This book gives a glimpse of what wartime life was like, and war isn’t everything. Life continues – new faces arrive, new relationships blossom and a baby is on its way! I loved the many romances that simmered through the book and I avidly waited for them to come to the boil! I also enjoyed the secrets that arrived with Gwyneth and Myfi… I was intrigued by the mystery that surrounded these two. Oh and I haven’t even mentioned Douglas…
With the lives of all these characters updated over the year, it’s a jam packed plot – hats off to Everest, it really is fantastic!
Definitely worth adding to your wish list and these next two months are the perfect time to read it! With an ending packed full of Christmas cheer, it’ll leave you smiling and excited for the festive season!
Within a few pages, I was immersed into the lives of the women living in Erith. There’s Freda, Sarah, Maisie, Betty, Ruby, Maureen, Irene, Vera, Pat and young Georgina … and that’s just naming the ones mentioned in the first 50 odd pages!
Set in war time, I found this tale made me reflect on how inspirational women were back then – they just got on with things and kept the country functioning, it is truly something to be proud of. I felt this message flowed throughout the story; Everest has created strong, motivational female characters that we could all aspire to.
Many of the women keep Woolworths in business, as the town’s hub, and with inspirational war themed window displays and many fundraising events, the women’s support for the war effort is felt. Freda and Sarah’s additional volunteering were moving to read.
This book gives a glimpse of what wartime life was like, and war isn’t everything. Life continues – new faces arrive, new relationships blossom and a baby is on its way! I loved the many romances that simmered through the book and I avidly waited for them to come to the boil! I also enjoyed the secrets that arrived with Gwyneth and Myfi… I was intrigued by the mystery that surrounded these two. Oh and I haven’t even mentioned Douglas…
With the lives of all these characters updated over the year, it’s a jam packed plot – hats off to Everest, it really is fantastic!
Definitely worth adding to your wish list and these next two months are the perfect time to read it! With an ending packed full of Christmas cheer, it’ll leave you smiling and excited for the festive season!
November 5, 2017
I absolutely adored The Woolworth Girls and have been looking forward to Christmas at Woolworths ever since. It has come at just the right time for me, it’s actually November now so I can allow myself to feel a bit festive and nostalgic.
It is fantastic to be back with the girls from Erith, the little huddle of friends whose lives have been linked via the store. True friendships, love interests and family dramas are all part of the story set during WW11. While their loved ones are away fighting it falls to the women to keep strong and make ends meet.
I am so fascinated by the intense detail of each of the characters, rationing of goods and food and very low budgets should point to a very frugal Christmas but the innovative attempts to cook anything possible and decorate sparsely ensured there could be some Christmas cheer. Even singing in the air raid shelters .. these women were not going to let the threat of war blight their time.
A highly enjoyable book, allow yourself to be transported back in time to a different era, this community will welcome you with open arms and you will finish the story believing you have a whole bunch of new friends. I can’t praise Christmas at Woolworths highly enough, Elaine manages to set the scene and let the drama roll with much compassion and feeling. Love it!!
Thanks so much to the author, publisher and Faye for my copy of the book which I read and reviewed voluntarily and will happily display on my bookshelf. I can’t wait for the next instalment. I know there is a novella out called Carols at Woolworths so I plan on getting my hands on that next.
It is fantastic to be back with the girls from Erith, the little huddle of friends whose lives have been linked via the store. True friendships, love interests and family dramas are all part of the story set during WW11. While their loved ones are away fighting it falls to the women to keep strong and make ends meet.
I am so fascinated by the intense detail of each of the characters, rationing of goods and food and very low budgets should point to a very frugal Christmas but the innovative attempts to cook anything possible and decorate sparsely ensured there could be some Christmas cheer. Even singing in the air raid shelters .. these women were not going to let the threat of war blight their time.
A highly enjoyable book, allow yourself to be transported back in time to a different era, this community will welcome you with open arms and you will finish the story believing you have a whole bunch of new friends. I can’t praise Christmas at Woolworths highly enough, Elaine manages to set the scene and let the drama roll with much compassion and feeling. Love it!!
Thanks so much to the author, publisher and Faye for my copy of the book which I read and reviewed voluntarily and will happily display on my bookshelf. I can’t wait for the next instalment. I know there is a novella out called Carols at Woolworths so I plan on getting my hands on that next.
December 2, 2017
Sarah, Maisie and Freda work together at the Erith branch of Woolworths and have formed a strong bond of friendship which has seen them through difficult times, however, their loyalty and camaraderie is about to be tested again in this difficult year of World War Two. With their loved ones caught up on the war, the girls must keep their morale high, even though, at times, they are caught up in the worry and uncertainty of not knowing what's going on with those they love.
The story very quickly involves the reader in the lives of this feisty group of women, and even though I haven't read the previous book, The Woolworth Girls, I very quickly picked up the nature of the story and enjoyed getting to know the different personalities. I think that the wartime feel of the novel sits nicely against the festive element and shows just how good people were at making the best of what was available.
The author writes with warmth and wit and creates an authentic war-time atmosphere, giving life to believable characters who linger long in the imagination. Becoming involved in their dramas and heartbreaks make this lovely novel an absolute joy to read.
I enjoyed spending Christmas at Woolworths with this group of women and hope to be able to catch up again with them in future sagas.
The story very quickly involves the reader in the lives of this feisty group of women, and even though I haven't read the previous book, The Woolworth Girls, I very quickly picked up the nature of the story and enjoyed getting to know the different personalities. I think that the wartime feel of the novel sits nicely against the festive element and shows just how good people were at making the best of what was available.
The author writes with warmth and wit and creates an authentic war-time atmosphere, giving life to believable characters who linger long in the imagination. Becoming involved in their dramas and heartbreaks make this lovely novel an absolute joy to read.
I enjoyed spending Christmas at Woolworths with this group of women and hope to be able to catch up again with them in future sagas.
October 23, 2017
Another excellent read from Elaine Everest just in time for Christmas. I enjoyed reading about the friends and the story set against the backdrop of WW2. It was also nice to see that romance isn't just for the young 'uns as Betty Billington begins to wonder if she could ever love again. As I read the book I could easily see it unfold as a TV drama. Wonderfully evoked and some great characters.
October 27, 2017
I loved every minute of this book. Such a great cast of lovable characters, including a few newcomers since the first book, their lives all mixed up and linked together and everything working out so beautifully by the end. Roll on 1943 and the next in the series.
December 28, 2018
As an ex-employee of Woolworths and a lover of a Christmas story I had high hopes: complete letdown. Barely any of the book is set at Christmas and despite the word Woolies being awkwardly shoehorned onto almost every page, the fact the girls work there is largely immaterial. If you want trite stories, tiny low-stakes drama that is resolved within a page and awful expositional dialogue then read this. I wish I’d thought of cashing in on Woolworths first: I would’ve written something better.
June 12, 2022
Absolutely brilliant although not as Christmassy as the title suggests.
December 15, 2023
Another instalment for the Woolies girls.
November 8, 2017
I was so excited to start reading Christmas at Woolworths to find out how the girls and everyone else was.I am happy to say that the author had me glued to my book.It's so nice to be drawn into a book that gives you the feeling you are there in the thick of it.Maisie,Sarah,Freda,Ruby and Betty are such good friends and care so much for each other.I am so happy that Maisie finally got her wish and Ruby and Betty have new lives ahead of themselves.I don't want to say too much as this would spoil it for readers but i will say the story is fabulous and well written it also keeps you engrossed.well done to Elaine Everest well worth 5*
November 20, 2017
No matter what life throws at you good family and friends will get you through it!
The continuing saga of the Woolworths friends, the bond of friendship continues to grow along with their extended friends and family. Can't wait for the next instalment
The continuing saga of the Woolworths friends, the bond of friendship continues to grow along with their extended friends and family. Can't wait for the next instalment
December 4, 2017
Love reading about the girls at Woolworths during WW11.
January 15, 2019
I really enjoyed this second book in the Woolworths series, it was good to catch up with everyone in Earith, Kent. Now to start the next one in the series Wartime at Woolworths and I can't wait to find out how things pan out for everyone.
November 17, 2017
It is war time and the women who work for Woolworths fell that they need to help out with the war in some capacity. The characters become friends of yours, and you can see the scenes in your mind. Everyone has something to do, there are new loves, old loves, and Ruby seems to keep it all in place.
November 7, 2017
Another brilliant story of the Woolworths girls. You can imagine what they all went through in WWII. Sarah doing her bit in the ARP's, Freda becoming a motorbike messenger for the Fire Service and not to forget Maisie, with her bright character altering clothes for the girls and then getting the thing that she most wanted. Not to forget Ruby, Betty Billington and sharp tongued Vera. The characters are such loveable people. So let's hope Elaine Everests' next book keeps the girls going. I have enjoyed all Elaine's books so far, she tells a good story. Can't wait for the next one.
November 28, 2017
Just love these books. Didn't want to finish it. Such lovely characters and great stories. Can't wait for the next one.
December 29, 2017
This is the 2nd book in the woolworth girls series, I haven't read the first although it didn't spoil my enjoyment of this story. Easy to follow and likeable characters helped. I liked it so much I plan to read the first book before the next one comes out.
December 16, 2017
http://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/2017/1...
I knew I was in for an interesting time when the story begins with Freda riding a Triumph motorbike on her way to Canterbury. She has something to deliver as well as looking for Betty and Maisie (intrigue! why is she riding a motorbike and why are Betty and Maisie in Canterbury and not Erith??). My interest was piqued.
It was so easy to get back into this world. I didn’t realise how much I had taken the characters to heart in The Woolworths Girls! Elaine Everest brings these characters alive with their fighting spirit and looking out for each other.
The story takes us from Easter 1942 and ends at Christmas with plenty of threads which are underpinned and drawn together by WWII. There’s a suspicious figure following Betty around, strange goings on where Pat and the children are staying in Cornwall, a new character with a mysterious past, Ruby has a new love interest and Maisie and Freda both have emotional experiences (for very different reasons). Vera is still just as annoying (the community in Alexandra Road are tolerant but there comes a point … )! Woolworths is important although less scenes take place there.
I enjoyed this story more than the first and look forward to reading more from Elaine Everest. I think Christmas at Woolworths would make a fabulous TV series! Highly recommended.
pssst you don’t have to read the first book to make sense of this second story.
I knew I was in for an interesting time when the story begins with Freda riding a Triumph motorbike on her way to Canterbury. She has something to deliver as well as looking for Betty and Maisie (intrigue! why is she riding a motorbike and why are Betty and Maisie in Canterbury and not Erith??). My interest was piqued.
It was so easy to get back into this world. I didn’t realise how much I had taken the characters to heart in The Woolworths Girls! Elaine Everest brings these characters alive with their fighting spirit and looking out for each other.
The story takes us from Easter 1942 and ends at Christmas with plenty of threads which are underpinned and drawn together by WWII. There’s a suspicious figure following Betty around, strange goings on where Pat and the children are staying in Cornwall, a new character with a mysterious past, Ruby has a new love interest and Maisie and Freda both have emotional experiences (for very different reasons). Vera is still just as annoying (the community in Alexandra Road are tolerant but there comes a point … )! Woolworths is important although less scenes take place there.
I enjoyed this story more than the first and look forward to reading more from Elaine Everest. I think Christmas at Woolworths would make a fabulous TV series! Highly recommended.
pssst you don’t have to read the first book to make sense of this second story.
December 30, 2018
In spite of the title, this is not a book based on Christmas; only the last chapter occurs on the actual days themselves. This is a wartime saga about a group of women, their loved ones and the lives they lead relating to a branch of Woolworths in Kent during 1942. It is the second in the popular Woolworths girls series, and it is an undoubtedly an enjoyable novel with many dramatic events. Not an unhappy saga in most ways, but full of human interest as a group of women and some men experience life and love on the Home Front. While there are undoubtedly challenges, tensions and fear, this is a positive story of relationships which have developed under the most difficult of circumstances.
As the book opens in June 1942 with a Prologue in which the youngest of the girls, Freda Smith, is riding a dispatch motorbike towards the bombed city of Canterbury. Two of the women who work at Woolworths are known to be there, but prove to have been caught in an enemy action. The narrative then returns to Easter 1942, as manager Betty Billington is locking up the Woolworths store, and reflecting that the War may soon be over as the Americans have entered the battle. Sarah is keen to invite her to her grandmother Ruby’s house, where as usual a group are gathering to eat a meal. Ruby enjoys welcoming all comers to her home, which is fortunate as not only Freda lives there, but her son George often stays there while working locally. Sarah actually lives with her husband Alan in his mother Maureen’s house with their small daughter Georgina. Maureen is an essential worker at Woolworths, running the café, and all the women visit each other frequently. More difficult characters like Vera challenge the comfortable group, which is sometimes threatened by loss and the risk of some individuals taking on more active war work. Although new people such as the attractive Gwyneth are welcomed in, it appears to be a full time job keeping up with the whereabouts of the women as they are torn between the needs of their families and the demands of the war on everyone. As often the case, Everest is better when writing about the local area rather than elsewhere in the U.K., as a journey to Cornwall takes on a strange adventurous nature. There are movements between the houses as the war takes its toll on the arrangements of all. Romance is found in unexpected ways after sad disappointments, and there is some satisfaction when the American forces are seen not to be all they first promised.
As with all Elaine’s books about the Woolworths Girls, I really enjoyed the whole group dynamics explored in this book. She is such a skilful writer when it comes to varying the personalities of the girls, and it definitely makes the book very readable. Not that this book is all about the younger women; Ruby is a fascinating and steadying character in the novel. There is a certain amount of melodrama here, but it is all to the purpose of the novel and is always well handled. This is a saga about the time of the Second World War, but it is not a war book and there is far more about the relationships. Apparently Elaine has not finished with this series, and I look forward to reading further adventures.
As the book opens in June 1942 with a Prologue in which the youngest of the girls, Freda Smith, is riding a dispatch motorbike towards the bombed city of Canterbury. Two of the women who work at Woolworths are known to be there, but prove to have been caught in an enemy action. The narrative then returns to Easter 1942, as manager Betty Billington is locking up the Woolworths store, and reflecting that the War may soon be over as the Americans have entered the battle. Sarah is keen to invite her to her grandmother Ruby’s house, where as usual a group are gathering to eat a meal. Ruby enjoys welcoming all comers to her home, which is fortunate as not only Freda lives there, but her son George often stays there while working locally. Sarah actually lives with her husband Alan in his mother Maureen’s house with their small daughter Georgina. Maureen is an essential worker at Woolworths, running the café, and all the women visit each other frequently. More difficult characters like Vera challenge the comfortable group, which is sometimes threatened by loss and the risk of some individuals taking on more active war work. Although new people such as the attractive Gwyneth are welcomed in, it appears to be a full time job keeping up with the whereabouts of the women as they are torn between the needs of their families and the demands of the war on everyone. As often the case, Everest is better when writing about the local area rather than elsewhere in the U.K., as a journey to Cornwall takes on a strange adventurous nature. There are movements between the houses as the war takes its toll on the arrangements of all. Romance is found in unexpected ways after sad disappointments, and there is some satisfaction when the American forces are seen not to be all they first promised.
As with all Elaine’s books about the Woolworths Girls, I really enjoyed the whole group dynamics explored in this book. She is such a skilful writer when it comes to varying the personalities of the girls, and it definitely makes the book very readable. Not that this book is all about the younger women; Ruby is a fascinating and steadying character in the novel. There is a certain amount of melodrama here, but it is all to the purpose of the novel and is always well handled. This is a saga about the time of the Second World War, but it is not a war book and there is far more about the relationships. Apparently Elaine has not finished with this series, and I look forward to reading further adventures.
October 21, 2018
Christmas at Woolworths written by the very talented Elaine Everest for me is another fabulous read based on the lives of the girls and their families whose lives revolve around the very famous store of F.W. Woolworths in Erith, Kent. I love all the characters which fill the pages of this very entertaining book, yet it not only entertained it showed the many heart-wrenching moments which filled the Second World War. I mainly loved this book because the author showed the real value of neighbours and friends, as well as the old-fashioned manners which have changed so much throughout the years. Elaine Everest not only wrote a historical fiction book which weaved constantly with historical facts she showed what life was really like back then, how the characters lived their daily lives their old-fashioned speech patterns showed how history has not only changed the way we live but also the very way we speak.
The book takes us back into the lives of Maisie, Sarah, and the wonderful Freda as well as the many other characters who we all met through these three girls who showed so much love and bravery through this time in history. Each girl has their own problems to face while they try their best to work through rationing, nightly bombing and fear when their husbands faced the enemy while serving in the R.A.F. Ruby and Maureen are the two mother figures and I so wish I knew these women personally as their outlook on life was one of no-nonsense while showing nothing but love and understanding to their family and friends. There is a new character or two, especially Gwyneth and Myfi who have a heart-breaking story of their own which I must admit caused a tear or two to fall. Each character was made so real through wonderful and vivid writing and as they tried their best to make Christmas as happy as possible, but there are no big expensive presents for each of the characters which filled the pages of this very readable book simply had one wish to be surrounded by those they love and for peace in their time.
Christmas at Woolworths is truly a wonderful read, the perfect read for those who love historical fiction based on the era of the Second World War.
This is one book I am happy to recommend, if you like audio versions I would also recommend the audio version which is narrated by Annie Aldington who has a wonderful gift of giving each character their own voice, she also narrated the old-fashioned speech patterns perfectly which made the audio version a pleasure to listen too.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-at...
The book takes us back into the lives of Maisie, Sarah, and the wonderful Freda as well as the many other characters who we all met through these three girls who showed so much love and bravery through this time in history. Each girl has their own problems to face while they try their best to work through rationing, nightly bombing and fear when their husbands faced the enemy while serving in the R.A.F. Ruby and Maureen are the two mother figures and I so wish I knew these women personally as their outlook on life was one of no-nonsense while showing nothing but love and understanding to their family and friends. There is a new character or two, especially Gwyneth and Myfi who have a heart-breaking story of their own which I must admit caused a tear or two to fall. Each character was made so real through wonderful and vivid writing and as they tried their best to make Christmas as happy as possible, but there are no big expensive presents for each of the characters which filled the pages of this very readable book simply had one wish to be surrounded by those they love and for peace in their time.
Christmas at Woolworths is truly a wonderful read, the perfect read for those who love historical fiction based on the era of the Second World War.
This is one book I am happy to recommend, if you like audio versions I would also recommend the audio version which is narrated by Annie Aldington who has a wonderful gift of giving each character their own voice, she also narrated the old-fashioned speech patterns perfectly which made the audio version a pleasure to listen too.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-at...
June 24, 2019
I finished Christmas at Woolworths 4 days ago. I was feeling too lazy to do my book review as it takes me a good hour, so here I sit at last to write it.
When the name of the book is called, "Christmas at Woolworths", and Christmas doesn't come to the very end of the story, and there isn't much Woolworths involved in the story, I think, the title of the book should had been named something different.
The story is very much the same of the first novel, and how can it not be when it's set during WW2 with the same characters with the exception of a new friend to the gang, Gwyneth and her daughter Myfi. It picks up from where it ended in book #1.
As I gave in my review for book #1, Elaine Everest makes it very convincing of the times.
Interesting fact added into the story:
"Besides F. W. Woolworths are paying the men's wages all the time they are away serving their country. I think that's rather splendid of them."
I think so too!
My grandparents lived in London, England. My Mum grew up there (immigrated at 8). My grandparents were friends with Rose who used to live in Rochester, Sidcup, Kent. We would visit her when we would visit my grandparents (My Mum immigrated to Toronto, Canada where I grew up.) When I got older, we used to write to each other. When Betty, Maisie and David drove to Margate Beach for a little get-away trip, something in my brain thought, I know that place. I have been collecting post cards since I was 6 years old. I store them in photo albums and pulled out one of my older albums. Sure enough, there it was, a post card from Margate Beach. Rose and her friend used to drive from her home in Rochester to Margate Beach for little holidays too, just like Betty, Maisie and David did.
It came as no surprises at the new romances in the story. Vera, Ruby's neighbour, is as nasty as ever. Ruby is everyone's version of a loving and caring grandmother, and the "girl's" friendships are what every female needs.
When the name of the book is called, "Christmas at Woolworths", and Christmas doesn't come to the very end of the story, and there isn't much Woolworths involved in the story, I think, the title of the book should had been named something different.
The story is very much the same of the first novel, and how can it not be when it's set during WW2 with the same characters with the exception of a new friend to the gang, Gwyneth and her daughter Myfi. It picks up from where it ended in book #1.
As I gave in my review for book #1, Elaine Everest makes it very convincing of the times.
Interesting fact added into the story:
"Besides F. W. Woolworths are paying the men's wages all the time they are away serving their country. I think that's rather splendid of them."
I think so too!
My grandparents lived in London, England. My Mum grew up there (immigrated at 8). My grandparents were friends with Rose who used to live in Rochester, Sidcup, Kent. We would visit her when we would visit my grandparents (My Mum immigrated to Toronto, Canada where I grew up.) When I got older, we used to write to each other. When Betty, Maisie and David drove to Margate Beach for a little get-away trip, something in my brain thought, I know that place. I have been collecting post cards since I was 6 years old. I store them in photo albums and pulled out one of my older albums. Sure enough, there it was, a post card from Margate Beach. Rose and her friend used to drive from her home in Rochester to Margate Beach for little holidays too, just like Betty, Maisie and David did.
It came as no surprises at the new romances in the story. Vera, Ruby's neighbour, is as nasty as ever. Ruby is everyone's version of a loving and caring grandmother, and the "girl's" friendships are what every female needs.
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