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The Girl from the Corner Shop
WWII Manchester: Newlyweds Helen and Jim Harrison have big plans—to leave the family shop where Helen works and set up home together. But when Jim is tragically killed in an air raid, Helen is heartbroken, her life in ruins. Battling grief and despair, Helen resolves to escape her domineering mother and rebuild her shattered world. Wartime Manchester is a dangerous place, besieged by crime and poverty. So when Helen joins the Women's Auxiliary Police Corps, working with evacuees, the destitute, and the vulnerable, she finds a renewed sense of purpose. She's come a long way from her place behind the counter in the corner shop. But there's still something missing in her heart. Is Helen able to accept love and happiness and find the courage to change her life?
416 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2019
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443 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 19, 2021
Helen is married to love of her life Jim Harrison and he’s a fireman. Helen works for her mum Elsie Slater at her corner shop and for a pittance. The newlyweds have plans, they have looked at a little cottage to rent and no longer want to live with bossy Elsie.
Being a firefighter Jim’s job is extremely dangerous, especially during WW II and the Blitz. One night Helen’s waiting ages for her husband to return home, she assumes he’s working late and unfortunately he’s been killed. Helen is in complete shock, they had so many plans for the future and now what is she going to do? Helen’s totally devastated, you would think Elsie would be more understanding and she’s not. Helen has a huge row with her mum; she’s had an enough, quits her job and leaves home.
During this time Helen realizes Manchester is a very dangerous place to live, it has terrible poverty and crime. Of course the war has made the situation worse, Helen joins the Women’s Auxiliary Police Corps, working with mothers who have lost their homes, struggling to feed hungry children, orphaned and abandoned children and women who have no choice but to turn to prostitution. Helen is a natural at her new job, she has a good memory, and she’s kind, understanding and really wants to help people. She still misses Jim, being a young widow isn’t easy and she meets handsome Dr Lawrence Fitzpatrick.
The Girl From The Corner Shop is story about Helen Harrison surviving the worst day of her life, making a fresh start, getting away from her domineering mother, discovering she’s very good at helping others and has a knack for solving crimes. A quick, easy read and three stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Being a firefighter Jim’s job is extremely dangerous, especially during WW II and the Blitz. One night Helen’s waiting ages for her husband to return home, she assumes he’s working late and unfortunately he’s been killed. Helen is in complete shock, they had so many plans for the future and now what is she going to do? Helen’s totally devastated, you would think Elsie would be more understanding and she’s not. Helen has a huge row with her mum; she’s had an enough, quits her job and leaves home.
During this time Helen realizes Manchester is a very dangerous place to live, it has terrible poverty and crime. Of course the war has made the situation worse, Helen joins the Women’s Auxiliary Police Corps, working with mothers who have lost their homes, struggling to feed hungry children, orphaned and abandoned children and women who have no choice but to turn to prostitution. Helen is a natural at her new job, she has a good memory, and she’s kind, understanding and really wants to help people. She still misses Jim, being a young widow isn’t easy and she meets handsome Dr Lawrence Fitzpatrick.
The Girl From The Corner Shop is story about Helen Harrison surviving the worst day of her life, making a fresh start, getting away from her domineering mother, discovering she’s very good at helping others and has a knack for solving crimes. A quick, easy read and three stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
July 10, 2019
What a delightful read! I enjoyed THE GIRL FROM THE CORNER SHOP so much I have to add
"The Girl in the Pink Raincoat"
to my (ever-growing) list! I always enjoy a good WW2 historical fiction tale, though unlike Shirley Dickson in both her books, Alrene Hughes doesn't place a lot of focus on historical fact with the air raids or the war in general. It is more about a story set during that time. And an enjoyable one at that.
Helen Harrison is a young woman in her 20s who lives with her husband Jim, a fireman, above her mother's corner shop where also she works. It is approaching Christmas and Helen is looking forward to moving out of her mother's place and into a two-up two-down place with Jim in the New Year. When an air raid hits just as Helen is expecting her husband home from his shift and dinner about to go on the table, Helen and her mother take their meals down to the basement where they wait out the raid...which lasts 12 hours.
As a fireman with Manchester Fire Brigade, Helen knows that Jim would have gone back on shift as soon as the raid hit. By morning after that raid, Helen emerges from their basement and is shocked to see the city in ruins. She decides to take Jim a sandwich and a flask of coffee as he would be exhausted after the night. But nothing prepares her for what she sees as she approaches the city's centre. Buildings destroyed as fire rages.
A young policeman ushers her away, informing her it isn't safe and that she should return home. But instead, she decides to head to the fire station in case Jim has returned there. Upon arrival she learns the devastating news that will change her life. Jim is dead.
Helen runs home in a daze, through the shop door, past her mother and up the stairs where she flings herself on her bed and cries. When her mother appears demanding to know what's to do, Helen only just manages to tell her. And in a rare show of affection, her mother takes her in her arms as she mourns the loss of her beloved Jim.
It is at Jim's funeral that Helen's godmother, Pearl, offers her a friendly shoulder should she ever need it. She discloses that she too knows what it is like to lose the one you love and grieve their loss, having lost her fiance in the battle of the Somme in 1916. She told Helen that you never completely get over it but it does get easier.
In the days that followed Jim's death, life for Helen stifled in that shop with her mother was too much to bear. With never a positive word to say, her mother was overbearing and impossible and after one too many heated arguments, Helen packed her few belongings and moved into the little place she and Jim had planned on moving into in the New Year. With the rent paid two weeks in advance, Helen only had to find herself a job to enable her to continue living there. Remembering her godmother Pearl, Helen seeks her out where she offers her a weeks' work as a model in the Fashion Agency where she worked, followed by an office clerk filling in for the regular girl who was injured in the Christmas blitz - the same one that claimed her Jim
One day, Helen is the only person on the floor when a woman walks in inspecting the clothing and asking questions, which Helen answered as best she could and she left promising she would return with a large order. A few days later, she arrived at work to discover the place in disarray. The business had been robbed! All the stock from the basement had been taken and the boss was furious! Helen suddenly had a sinking feeling as she recalled the woman who came in that day wanting to place a large order. The police came to question her and Helen was surprised to find it was the kindly young police constable who helped her the day Jim died. Now a detective constable in CID, Ken Kershaw questioned Helen and took her to the police station where she was able to identify the woman from their mug shots.
It was during this time that Ken told her about the Women Auxiliary Police Corps (WAPC) and that with her eye for detail and her courage she would make a great addition. They are always looking for women to join. Helen gave it some thought. But Frank, Jim's best mate and also a fireman, was livid at the prospect. She would be putting herself in harm's way and "Jim wouldn't want that".
However, as she found herself out of a job once again Helen began to ponder the good she could do as a WAPC. She certainly needed a job and feeling sure she could make a positive difference, she found herself at the Police Headquarters signing up to be a WAPC. After a successful interview, Helen then spent two solid weeks training before beginning an undertaking of a variety of duties assisting the police.
During the course of duties as a WAPC, Helen comes across a face she met briefly during her time with the Fashion Group at one of their after hours parties. Laurence Fitzpatrick. A doctor, no less, and a handsome one at that. Believing she would never see him again, when he sees her wedding ring she lets him assume she is married rather than a widow. She didn't want male attention or to marry again, so she didn't see the harm. But she does see Laurence again when she frequently visits a basement that houses women and children who have lost their homes during raids where he gives his free time as a doctor. As a WAPC, she is able to make a difference to these women and children, and help them get back on their feet again.
Then Helen is faced with her toughest challenge yet as a WAPC. But will it also be her last?
THE GIRL FROM THE CORNER SHOP is a tale of the past as it sweeps you up in the story and makes you feel as if you are there, alongside Helen. The setting, the era, the people - it was an accurate portrayal of how life had been during the war. Helen was a sheltered young woman who had been dominated by her mother throughout her early life. Some may not be able to comprehend it but life was so different then by comparison to today. But it was during the war that women found their voices and their strengths to rise to the challenge and make the best of it by not only keeping the home fires burning but keeping life going as well. I found the portrayal of Helen to be an accurate one of a woman finding her wings after years of suppression.
THE GIRL FROM THE CORNER SHOP is the first book I've read by Alrene Hughes but I will be seeking out more by her in the future, adding "The Girl in the Pink Raincoat" and even her Martha Trilogy to my (ever-growing) TBR pile as soon as I am able to get my hands on them!
Beautifully written, THE GIRL FROM THE CORNER SHOP flows easily pulling the reader from the first page right through to the last. A tale about life, love, work and new beginnings, Helen's story unfolds under the clouds of the darkest days during WW2. Over the course of a year, we witness Helen go from being under her mother's stifling hand to growing her wings and learning to fly amidst every obstacle thrown in her path. A beautiful, heartwarming story that I did not want to put down!
I highly recommend this beautiful story for fans of historical fiction.
I would like to thank #AlreneHughes, #NetGalley and #HeadOfZeus for an ARC of #TheGirlFromTheCornerShop in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Helen Harrison is a young woman in her 20s who lives with her husband Jim, a fireman, above her mother's corner shop where also she works. It is approaching Christmas and Helen is looking forward to moving out of her mother's place and into a two-up two-down place with Jim in the New Year. When an air raid hits just as Helen is expecting her husband home from his shift and dinner about to go on the table, Helen and her mother take their meals down to the basement where they wait out the raid...which lasts 12 hours.
As a fireman with Manchester Fire Brigade, Helen knows that Jim would have gone back on shift as soon as the raid hit. By morning after that raid, Helen emerges from their basement and is shocked to see the city in ruins. She decides to take Jim a sandwich and a flask of coffee as he would be exhausted after the night. But nothing prepares her for what she sees as she approaches the city's centre. Buildings destroyed as fire rages.
A young policeman ushers her away, informing her it isn't safe and that she should return home. But instead, she decides to head to the fire station in case Jim has returned there. Upon arrival she learns the devastating news that will change her life. Jim is dead.
Helen runs home in a daze, through the shop door, past her mother and up the stairs where she flings herself on her bed and cries. When her mother appears demanding to know what's to do, Helen only just manages to tell her. And in a rare show of affection, her mother takes her in her arms as she mourns the loss of her beloved Jim.
It is at Jim's funeral that Helen's godmother, Pearl, offers her a friendly shoulder should she ever need it. She discloses that she too knows what it is like to lose the one you love and grieve their loss, having lost her fiance in the battle of the Somme in 1916. She told Helen that you never completely get over it but it does get easier.
In the days that followed Jim's death, life for Helen stifled in that shop with her mother was too much to bear. With never a positive word to say, her mother was overbearing and impossible and after one too many heated arguments, Helen packed her few belongings and moved into the little place she and Jim had planned on moving into in the New Year. With the rent paid two weeks in advance, Helen only had to find herself a job to enable her to continue living there. Remembering her godmother Pearl, Helen seeks her out where she offers her a weeks' work as a model in the Fashion Agency where she worked, followed by an office clerk filling in for the regular girl who was injured in the Christmas blitz - the same one that claimed her Jim
One day, Helen is the only person on the floor when a woman walks in inspecting the clothing and asking questions, which Helen answered as best she could and she left promising she would return with a large order. A few days later, she arrived at work to discover the place in disarray. The business had been robbed! All the stock from the basement had been taken and the boss was furious! Helen suddenly had a sinking feeling as she recalled the woman who came in that day wanting to place a large order. The police came to question her and Helen was surprised to find it was the kindly young police constable who helped her the day Jim died. Now a detective constable in CID, Ken Kershaw questioned Helen and took her to the police station where she was able to identify the woman from their mug shots.
It was during this time that Ken told her about the Women Auxiliary Police Corps (WAPC) and that with her eye for detail and her courage she would make a great addition. They are always looking for women to join. Helen gave it some thought. But Frank, Jim's best mate and also a fireman, was livid at the prospect. She would be putting herself in harm's way and "Jim wouldn't want that".
However, as she found herself out of a job once again Helen began to ponder the good she could do as a WAPC. She certainly needed a job and feeling sure she could make a positive difference, she found herself at the Police Headquarters signing up to be a WAPC. After a successful interview, Helen then spent two solid weeks training before beginning an undertaking of a variety of duties assisting the police.
During the course of duties as a WAPC, Helen comes across a face she met briefly during her time with the Fashion Group at one of their after hours parties. Laurence Fitzpatrick. A doctor, no less, and a handsome one at that. Believing she would never see him again, when he sees her wedding ring she lets him assume she is married rather than a widow. She didn't want male attention or to marry again, so she didn't see the harm. But she does see Laurence again when she frequently visits a basement that houses women and children who have lost their homes during raids where he gives his free time as a doctor. As a WAPC, she is able to make a difference to these women and children, and help them get back on their feet again.
Then Helen is faced with her toughest challenge yet as a WAPC. But will it also be her last?
THE GIRL FROM THE CORNER SHOP is a tale of the past as it sweeps you up in the story and makes you feel as if you are there, alongside Helen. The setting, the era, the people - it was an accurate portrayal of how life had been during the war. Helen was a sheltered young woman who had been dominated by her mother throughout her early life. Some may not be able to comprehend it but life was so different then by comparison to today. But it was during the war that women found their voices and their strengths to rise to the challenge and make the best of it by not only keeping the home fires burning but keeping life going as well. I found the portrayal of Helen to be an accurate one of a woman finding her wings after years of suppression.
THE GIRL FROM THE CORNER SHOP is the first book I've read by Alrene Hughes but I will be seeking out more by her in the future, adding "The Girl in the Pink Raincoat" and even her Martha Trilogy to my (ever-growing) TBR pile as soon as I am able to get my hands on them!
Beautifully written, THE GIRL FROM THE CORNER SHOP flows easily pulling the reader from the first page right through to the last. A tale about life, love, work and new beginnings, Helen's story unfolds under the clouds of the darkest days during WW2. Over the course of a year, we witness Helen go from being under her mother's stifling hand to growing her wings and learning to fly amidst every obstacle thrown in her path. A beautiful, heartwarming story that I did not want to put down!
I highly recommend this beautiful story for fans of historical fiction.
I would like to thank #AlreneHughes, #NetGalley and #HeadOfZeus for an ARC of #TheGirlFromTheCornerShop in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
April 30, 2019
I have loved reading the story of Helen Harrison and how she rebuilds her life after losing her husband Jim early in the war.Feeling as though she was being stifled to death by her overbearing mother Helen leaves and moves in to the house that she and Jim had rented,life at first is hard but she goes to see her godmother Pearl who gets her a job.As time moves on Helen decides she wants to help the women and children who are in need of help and understanding.Helen becomes a Women's Auxiliary Police Corps (WAPC for short) and doing this job gives her a new leace on life.I don't want to spoil the book for others but just to say Alrene Hughes has now amazed me with two of her books and if i could i would give this book more than 5*.I LOVED IT.
October 3, 2020
Loved, loved, loved this book.
This story is about Helen, a newlywed, who has grown up in a corner shop run by her mother.
It's set during the second world war, but doesn't dwell too much on the events of wartime but instead focused on a very traumatic year in the life of Helen Harrison. I have enjoyed many books set in this era and I loved how this one was so different. The story drew me in immediately, the naive Helen, gains her independence and learns a lot about herself. Easy five stars.
This story is about Helen, a newlywed, who has grown up in a corner shop run by her mother.
It's set during the second world war, but doesn't dwell too much on the events of wartime but instead focused on a very traumatic year in the life of Helen Harrison. I have enjoyed many books set in this era and I loved how this one was so different. The story drew me in immediately, the naive Helen, gains her independence and learns a lot about herself. Easy five stars.
December 31, 2019
A brilliant audio book and a lovely story from an author I've not heard of before last book of 2019
July 13, 2019
The Girl from the Corner Shop is an endearing historical novel. I thought it was well-written with a good flow and relatable characters. Helen Harrison is a caring woman who loved her husband with all her heart and his death affects her deeply. Helen was raised by her mother with a caustic tongue. She has worked in their shop since she was fourteen and has never received a decent wage. Grief emboldens Helen allowing her to move out and begin a new job. I enjoyed watching Helen spread her wings. It gives her a chance to discover her inner strength and potential. There may be obstacles thrown in her path and she still has dark days, but Helen finds a way to move forward. I thought The Girl from the Corner Shop was an emotional story that grabbed my attention and held it. I could feel Helen’s grief and understood her struggles. I enjoyed the various crimes that Helen got to investigate and how they were integrated into the story. I felt they suited the time period and added complexity. The Girl from the Corner Shop is a dramatic and touching novel with a lovely ending. I look forward to reading more of Arlene Hughes charming stories in the future.
July 12, 2019
Helen Heaton works in her mother's corner shop and is married to her husbamd Jim, a firefighter. When Jim loses his life during a terrible night of bombing, Helen's world shatters and she's at a loss for where to find support as she knows she won't find it at home with her overbearing, highly critical mother.
So she decides to try and improve her own life and leaves her home for the house Jim bought and where she and he would have moved had he survived. The house is a small, two-up-two-down place but to Helen and Jim it was to be the perfect starter home.
Helen, still distraught, wonders how she'll ever be able to cope and sets about looking for a job and trying to make a life for herself. Thanks to the neighbors and her own efforts, her life improves.
Her godmother Pearl offers her a job at her fashion agency and it was really fun to see the previously shy, reserved scared Helen slowly comes out of her shell.
Will she find love again?
Alrene Hughes has an AMAZING talent for witing engaging historical fiction that's laden with drama, relatable characters and realistic struggles but which keeps you hooked, and is so different and much more enjoyable than one which focuses on historical fact. So her books are like a life lesson rather than a history lesson and the settings are detailed enough to really make me feel as if I were there.
After The Girl in the Pink Raincoat which was another 5 star book for me, I honestly can say that Alrene Hughes is my favourite historical fiction writer as the stories are personal, relatable and the struggles made me feel so so sad or so so happy which is the mark of a gripping book.
Alrene Hughes also has a real skill at never boring her audience and I always find myself rooting for the characters.
On more than one occasion I had tears in my eyes during this novel, Jim sounded so caring and a real gentleman and Helen went through her fair share of hell and I identified with her trying to be strong throughout it. It really was humbling to see her struggle and slowly but surely rebuild her life and home.
****Have tissues at the ready! ***** Alrene Hughes knows how to tug at your heartstrings more than wny other historical author I have read.
What I love about her books are that they are more drama, feeling and experience set against a historical fiction background than an excess of historical fact which makes them heartbreaking and highly enjoyable at the same time and each has a real plot rollercoaster.
I'm looking forward to much, much more from Alrene Hughes!
Thanks to Alrene Hughes and Head of Zeus for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 stars .
So she decides to try and improve her own life and leaves her home for the house Jim bought and where she and he would have moved had he survived. The house is a small, two-up-two-down place but to Helen and Jim it was to be the perfect starter home.
Helen, still distraught, wonders how she'll ever be able to cope and sets about looking for a job and trying to make a life for herself. Thanks to the neighbors and her own efforts, her life improves.
Her godmother Pearl offers her a job at her fashion agency and it was really fun to see the previously shy, reserved scared Helen slowly comes out of her shell.
Will she find love again?
Alrene Hughes has an AMAZING talent for witing engaging historical fiction that's laden with drama, relatable characters and realistic struggles but which keeps you hooked, and is so different and much more enjoyable than one which focuses on historical fact. So her books are like a life lesson rather than a history lesson and the settings are detailed enough to really make me feel as if I were there.
After The Girl in the Pink Raincoat which was another 5 star book for me, I honestly can say that Alrene Hughes is my favourite historical fiction writer as the stories are personal, relatable and the struggles made me feel so so sad or so so happy which is the mark of a gripping book.
Alrene Hughes also has a real skill at never boring her audience and I always find myself rooting for the characters.
On more than one occasion I had tears in my eyes during this novel, Jim sounded so caring and a real gentleman and Helen went through her fair share of hell and I identified with her trying to be strong throughout it. It really was humbling to see her struggle and slowly but surely rebuild her life and home.
****Have tissues at the ready! ***** Alrene Hughes knows how to tug at your heartstrings more than wny other historical author I have read.
What I love about her books are that they are more drama, feeling and experience set against a historical fiction background than an excess of historical fact which makes them heartbreaking and highly enjoyable at the same time and each has a real plot rollercoaster.
I'm looking forward to much, much more from Alrene Hughes!
Thanks to Alrene Hughes and Head of Zeus for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 stars .
July 17, 2019
This story focuses on women in WW2, how their lives changed, and how many were exposed to deprivation, uncertainty and violence. The writing is full of vivid historical details and believable characters, some you dislike passionately, but most you admire, and can empathise.
Helen is newly married, living and working at her mother’s corner shop in Manchester. After a tragedy, leaves her widowed, and she finally rebels against her controlling mother in the midst of her grief, she finds herself jobless and in a home, she can’t afford.
Offered a lifeline by her godmother, she finds that not everything is as it first appears. Her brush with the seedier side of life, makes her rethink, can she give something to society and fill her lonely hours? Joining the Women’s Auxiliary Police Corps seems an opportunity too good to miss.
Helen naivety is shortlived, and her compassion and courage make her an excellent police auxiliary. The story is interesting and full of emotion and historical insight that make this wartime saga a page-turner. The challenges for Helen and women in war are realistic and give this story its authenticity.
This is a compelling story with great characters and a lovely hesitant love story that gives the story its hope for the future.
I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Helen is newly married, living and working at her mother’s corner shop in Manchester. After a tragedy, leaves her widowed, and she finally rebels against her controlling mother in the midst of her grief, she finds herself jobless and in a home, she can’t afford.
Offered a lifeline by her godmother, she finds that not everything is as it first appears. Her brush with the seedier side of life, makes her rethink, can she give something to society and fill her lonely hours? Joining the Women’s Auxiliary Police Corps seems an opportunity too good to miss.
Helen naivety is shortlived, and her compassion and courage make her an excellent police auxiliary. The story is interesting and full of emotion and historical insight that make this wartime saga a page-turner. The challenges for Helen and women in war are realistic and give this story its authenticity.
This is a compelling story with great characters and a lovely hesitant love story that gives the story its hope for the future.
I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
July 14, 2019
I loved it
Set in Manchester, Helen and Jim Harrison are looking forward to new years day when they move out of the corner shop that they share with her man Elsie and Helen works with her mam keeping the shop going. They are moving to Droycsden Road in Newton Heath. Helen will still work with her mam in the shop but a home of their own will hopefully be a new start to bring up a family. Jim is a fire watchman and one night just before Christmas the sirens go off and a big raid keeps everyone down the shelters there's a war on. Next morning Helen is worried as Jim didn't arrive home so goes out with bate and a flask and heads for the fire station finding that Jim has been killed falling into a collapse building. Elsie is a hard woman and Helen packs up and sets off to live in the new house on her own she starts work with her cousin Pearl Spence at Fenners Fashions, then decides to join the womens auxiliary police corps out on the beat looking out for women and children on the streets. Its a dangerous job and contains some harrowing stories, Helen has to face a lot of dangers but her determination keeps her going. I found this book gripping but enjoyed every bit of it. It really will open your eyes as you read. Will Helen find love again? Read it and find out.
Set in Manchester, Helen and Jim Harrison are looking forward to new years day when they move out of the corner shop that they share with her man Elsie and Helen works with her mam keeping the shop going. They are moving to Droycsden Road in Newton Heath. Helen will still work with her mam in the shop but a home of their own will hopefully be a new start to bring up a family. Jim is a fire watchman and one night just before Christmas the sirens go off and a big raid keeps everyone down the shelters there's a war on. Next morning Helen is worried as Jim didn't arrive home so goes out with bate and a flask and heads for the fire station finding that Jim has been killed falling into a collapse building. Elsie is a hard woman and Helen packs up and sets off to live in the new house on her own she starts work with her cousin Pearl Spence at Fenners Fashions, then decides to join the womens auxiliary police corps out on the beat looking out for women and children on the streets. Its a dangerous job and contains some harrowing stories, Helen has to face a lot of dangers but her determination keeps her going. I found this book gripping but enjoyed every bit of it. It really will open your eyes as you read. Will Helen find love again? Read it and find out.
August 29, 2019
Helen
Helen was in a very happy marriage then her world came crashing down when her husband was killed in the line of duty it was hard for Helen to carry on but she did 5 stars
Helen was in a very happy marriage then her world came crashing down when her husband was killed in the line of duty it was hard for Helen to carry on but she did 5 stars
August 18, 2019
This is first book I have read by Arlene Hughes so I had no expectations but historical fiction is my drug of choice at the moment and I loved the cover image..
From the opening chapter, I was reeled in and keen to see where Helen's ups and downs would take us.
Helen, newly wed, is looking forward to moving from under her mother's thumb (they live and work together in the corner shop of the title) to her first marital home. However, Jim's sudden death in the blitz changes everything. In her grief, Helen finally finds the courage to stand up to her domineering mother and leaves to stand on her own two feet.
Struggling with temporary work, the prejudices of next door neighbour Ada and handbrakes of the time which hampered women in excelling rather than being a pretty young thing there to please men, Helen joins the Women's Auxiliary Police Force where she can help others and in turn helps herself find her true potential and the road to a new life.
I enjoyed ready of the WW2 era. The hardships of rationing and coupons. The way people share a fried egg!
Overall, an easy and captivating read and will be on the lookout for Arlene Hughes other books.
#TheGirlFromTheCornerShop #NetGalley
From the opening chapter, I was reeled in and keen to see where Helen's ups and downs would take us.
Helen, newly wed, is looking forward to moving from under her mother's thumb (they live and work together in the corner shop of the title) to her first marital home. However, Jim's sudden death in the blitz changes everything. In her grief, Helen finally finds the courage to stand up to her domineering mother and leaves to stand on her own two feet.
Struggling with temporary work, the prejudices of next door neighbour Ada and handbrakes of the time which hampered women in excelling rather than being a pretty young thing there to please men, Helen joins the Women's Auxiliary Police Force where she can help others and in turn helps herself find her true potential and the road to a new life.
I enjoyed ready of the WW2 era. The hardships of rationing and coupons. The way people share a fried egg!
Overall, an easy and captivating read and will be on the lookout for Arlene Hughes other books.
#TheGirlFromTheCornerShop #NetGalley
July 25, 2019
Once again, Alrene Hughes has completely blown me away. Helen Harrison is my new book hero and there truly are not enough words to describe how much I love this character! From her wretched mother, losing her husband, trying to find work, trying to keep a roof over her head, nosy neighbor, creepy bosses, and so on - this girl goes through it. However, despite everything that is thrown at her, this young woman kept going and just kept making a better life for herself. After being miserable working in her mother's shop for next to nothing, she does modeling, waitressing, office work, and eventually becomes a part of the Women's Auxiliary Police Corps (WAPC), which I had never heard of until reading this novel. Founded in 1939, this allowed women that were between 18-55 to be a part of the police force in a variety of roles ranging from telephone operator to walking a beat. In this story, Helen becomes fascinated with the prospect of being a part of the WAPC after working with the police on a robbery and meeting a female police officer, eventually becoming a part of the WAPC herself.
Of course, there are several wonderful characters intermixing with Helen's life and experiences. There's Sgt Duffy with the police department, DC Kershaw that tells Helen about the WAPC, Helen's godmother Pearl, Ana that Helen modeled with, the hot doctor Laurence, Jim's best friend Frank, and so on. There are also several creepy, slimy characters, but I don't want to really discuss them for fear of spoiling any of the plot!
Speaking of plot, just as with The Girl in the Pink Raincoat, this is one that I can't really go into the happenings of the story because I don't want to ruin anything. Helen loses her husband, decides not to put up with her mother another minute, and takes off on her own. Throughout the book there are so many twists and turns in Helen's life with people coming and going, relationships changing, relationships ending, and so on. She has so many incredible experiences - some good, some bad - but nevertheless, she truly lives her life and takes life on head first.
The only thing in this novel that I did not like, was that it ended. I could have happily continued reading about Helen's life and not thought a thing about it! I cannot say enough about Alrene Hughes and her mesmerizing storytelling. She brings her characters to life in such unique ways and her plot development will have you completely hooked after the first page.
The Girl From the Corner Shop is a perfect example of what historical fiction should be. This is an outstanding and engaging read that I highly, highly recommend and continue to be impressed but this talented author.
Of course, there are several wonderful characters intermixing with Helen's life and experiences. There's Sgt Duffy with the police department, DC Kershaw that tells Helen about the WAPC, Helen's godmother Pearl, Ana that Helen modeled with, the hot doctor Laurence, Jim's best friend Frank, and so on. There are also several creepy, slimy characters, but I don't want to really discuss them for fear of spoiling any of the plot!
Speaking of plot, just as with The Girl in the Pink Raincoat, this is one that I can't really go into the happenings of the story because I don't want to ruin anything. Helen loses her husband, decides not to put up with her mother another minute, and takes off on her own. Throughout the book there are so many twists and turns in Helen's life with people coming and going, relationships changing, relationships ending, and so on. She has so many incredible experiences - some good, some bad - but nevertheless, she truly lives her life and takes life on head first.
The only thing in this novel that I did not like, was that it ended. I could have happily continued reading about Helen's life and not thought a thing about it! I cannot say enough about Alrene Hughes and her mesmerizing storytelling. She brings her characters to life in such unique ways and her plot development will have you completely hooked after the first page.
The Girl From the Corner Shop is a perfect example of what historical fiction should be. This is an outstanding and engaging read that I highly, highly recommend and continue to be impressed but this talented author.
July 19, 2019
I loved The Girl at the Corner Shop. It's a fabulous wartime saga which completely drew me in to the story. And what a story!
Helen Harrison and her husband, Jim, are about to escape her mother's clutches, and the corner shop that she owns, to move into their first house overlooking the park. Jim is a fireman and in the midst of World War Two that's a very dangerous job to be in. During a massive air raid on the centre of Manchester Jim is killed and Helen is lost without him. This all happens very early on and Helen now needs to find a way to live her life without Jim and preferably without her mother making her life a misery. She decides to move into the house anyway and starts to look for other work.
Here's where the story really gets interesting. First of all, Helen finds temporary work at a fashion business but it's when she joins the Women's Auxiliary Police Corps that it gets particularly exciting. I had no idea there was such an organisation and that women were so involved in policing during the war. To be fair, most of them probably ending up filing and clerking but Helen, as befits our feisty heroine, finds herself really taking to the job and getting out into the thick of the action.
I thought Helen was a wonderful character. She's practically perfect in every way and very likeable with it. I felt so sorry for her as her chance of happiness was yanked from her but I hoped she would find it again during the course of the novel and let's just say I wasn't disappointed by the ending.
This is my first book by Alrene Hughes and I'd most definitely read another. She has a very warm writing style, one that kept me interested in Helen's story and rooting for her all the way through. I liked the fact that the storylines are quite gritty at times and yet there's still a soft edge to the story with some genuinely nice characters. A very enjoyable read indeed.
Helen Harrison and her husband, Jim, are about to escape her mother's clutches, and the corner shop that she owns, to move into their first house overlooking the park. Jim is a fireman and in the midst of World War Two that's a very dangerous job to be in. During a massive air raid on the centre of Manchester Jim is killed and Helen is lost without him. This all happens very early on and Helen now needs to find a way to live her life without Jim and preferably without her mother making her life a misery. She decides to move into the house anyway and starts to look for other work.
Here's where the story really gets interesting. First of all, Helen finds temporary work at a fashion business but it's when she joins the Women's Auxiliary Police Corps that it gets particularly exciting. I had no idea there was such an organisation and that women were so involved in policing during the war. To be fair, most of them probably ending up filing and clerking but Helen, as befits our feisty heroine, finds herself really taking to the job and getting out into the thick of the action.
I thought Helen was a wonderful character. She's practically perfect in every way and very likeable with it. I felt so sorry for her as her chance of happiness was yanked from her but I hoped she would find it again during the course of the novel and let's just say I wasn't disappointed by the ending.
This is my first book by Alrene Hughes and I'd most definitely read another. She has a very warm writing style, one that kept me interested in Helen's story and rooting for her all the way through. I liked the fact that the storylines are quite gritty at times and yet there's still a soft edge to the story with some genuinely nice characters. A very enjoyable read indeed.
September 21, 2020
I actually liked this. In the beginning I wasn't sure about Helen being strong enough to really start over and be able to stand up for herself. I know that Jim was her first love and she wasn't sure if she was every capable of loving someone else. It was nice to see that the romance aspect wasn't jumped right into and that respect and trust was established over time (expect for her not clarifying about Jim). I was glad that some characters got what they deserved and others learned to change their ways. I wasn't a huge fan of the mother storyline. Since she wasn't a large part of the story I felt the whole interactions between Helen and her mother were out of place and more of a filler to help the other more important parts along. Then there was the whole issue with Frank, Gwen and Helen. I honestly felt like Helen/Frank should have been upfront about how Frank was chasing after Helen. I know why she didn't but for me it just didn't sit well.
Overall it was a lovely read and I recommend it!
Overall it was a lovely read and I recommend it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2019
A heartbroken young widow joins the police force during World War Two in Manchester? Sign me up! And yet…
I just couldn’t get into The Girl from the Corner Shop. Despite the excellent concept and decent historical set-up, the story just plodded along and it (quite plainly) failed to get me emotionally invested as a reader.
A key part of this could have been the character of Helen, who could only be described as oddly sheltered for someone who is in her 20s, has been working in a shop for more than half a decade and is/was married. I found the character quite irritating and she seemed more like one-dimensional adolescent than an adult character with any depth.
Not the worst thing I’ve ever read but I found myself more disappointed than I might have been since I was really excited about the plot.
*An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I just couldn’t get into The Girl from the Corner Shop. Despite the excellent concept and decent historical set-up, the story just plodded along and it (quite plainly) failed to get me emotionally invested as a reader.
A key part of this could have been the character of Helen, who could only be described as oddly sheltered for someone who is in her 20s, has been working in a shop for more than half a decade and is/was married. I found the character quite irritating and she seemed more like one-dimensional adolescent than an adult character with any depth.
Not the worst thing I’ve ever read but I found myself more disappointed than I might have been since I was really excited about the plot.
*An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2021
I guess this is a woman's book but I confess I really enjoyed it. Although my memories of WW2 are very slim , I know that the same faceless killers who caused the heroine of the book to become a young widow in the beginning of the story , also tried to end my life before school age with their indiscriminate bombing of Edinburgh . What struck me most about this tale was its authenticity . So much of the writing brought back actual recollections of the period after the war was over. The main character shows the inner strength of so many women who suffered dreadfully at this time. As a naive inexperienced girl she faces the problems of earning a living on her own while trying to keep at bay the multiple males looking to take advantage of her .Female teenagers should read this book and learn - in a very easy read manner - the real hardships faced by people of that generation , particularly in the UK .
May 26, 2025
“Newlyweds Helen and Jim have big plans to leave the family shop where Helen works and move into a house of their own. But when Jim is tragically killed in an air raid, Helen is heartbroken. Through grief and despair, Helen remains determined to escape her domineering mother and rebuild her shattered world. When she joins the Women’s Auxiliary Police Corps, she finds a way to make life worth living again. But there’s still something missing and soon she will have to choose between two very different men vying for her heart.”
Picked this book up at 19:00 and couldn’t put it down till I was done with it at 0:28. It’s rare that historical fiction is so engrossing. This was a beautiful read with all the emotions. I enjoyed every bit of it and couldn’t put it down until I was done. Helen was an amazing character to read, experience her voice and growth. Loved every bit of it. I look forward to reading another one like this.
Picked this book up at 19:00 and couldn’t put it down till I was done with it at 0:28. It’s rare that historical fiction is so engrossing. This was a beautiful read with all the emotions. I enjoyed every bit of it and couldn’t put it down until I was done. Helen was an amazing character to read, experience her voice and growth. Loved every bit of it. I look forward to reading another one like this.
July 11, 2019
This is my second book by Alrene Hughes, and it's a great read!
Helen, newly wed, is looking forward to moving from her under her mother's thumb to her first marital home. However, Jim's sudden death changes everything. In her grief, Helen finally finds the courage to stand up to her domineering mother and stand on her own two feet. Helen finds temporary work but as time goes on, she wants more satisfaction from her job and decides to join the Women's Auxiliary Police Force where she can help others. What does the future hold for the young widow?
This is a well-written tale of life in Manchester during WWII. The hard life endured, especially by women and children, is all between the pages and the pioneering spirit shines through. With a great variety of characters and some skilful writing, it's a very easy read and packed with detail. Several interweaving stories all twist together beautifully to make a very endearing read with, along with grief and sadness, a bit of mystery and a bit of romance. By the final page, all the loose ends are neatly tied off - my much preferred ending! An excellent wartime saga and well worth reading. For me, this is a five star novel.
Helen, newly wed, is looking forward to moving from her under her mother's thumb to her first marital home. However, Jim's sudden death changes everything. In her grief, Helen finally finds the courage to stand up to her domineering mother and stand on her own two feet. Helen finds temporary work but as time goes on, she wants more satisfaction from her job and decides to join the Women's Auxiliary Police Force where she can help others. What does the future hold for the young widow?
This is a well-written tale of life in Manchester during WWII. The hard life endured, especially by women and children, is all between the pages and the pioneering spirit shines through. With a great variety of characters and some skilful writing, it's a very easy read and packed with detail. Several interweaving stories all twist together beautifully to make a very endearing read with, along with grief and sadness, a bit of mystery and a bit of romance. By the final page, all the loose ends are neatly tied off - my much preferred ending! An excellent wartime saga and well worth reading. For me, this is a five star novel.
July 30, 2022
A very pleasant, easy-reading tale. I enjoyed Helen Harrison's year-long journey through grief & re-discovery, from doormat to self-sufficient woman. Set in Manchester in WWII, there was just enough historical detail to make it interesting, the way the police operated, the WAPCs during the war - imagine doing a lineup & having to tap the culprit on the shoulder, goodness me!
This story is more about Helen than the war, her family, life & love. She discovers great strength of character after the loss of her husband in a Blitz fire & becomes an individual rather than an adjunct to him her mother. She is a very likeable heroine.
I enjoyed this so much that I'll be looking for The Girl in the Pink Raincoat next.
This story is more about Helen than the war, her family, life & love. She discovers great strength of character after the loss of her husband in a Blitz fire & becomes an individual rather than an adjunct to him her mother. She is a very likeable heroine.
I enjoyed this so much that I'll be looking for The Girl in the Pink Raincoat next.
July 23, 2020
Great book!
I really enjoyed this book. I've not read a WWII novel about a woman joining the police, so it was a good change. The plot didn't revolve around the war a whole lot, just a few bombing raids, rationing, black market shenanigans. I liked Helen's character. She started out mousey and under her mother's thumb, but grew into herself and became strong with a mind and will of her own through her work with the police. She was bright and intuitive. The plot was good with a little mystery and a bit of excitement. The ending might've been a bit predictable, but it didn't take away from the story. I recommend it.
I really enjoyed this book. I've not read a WWII novel about a woman joining the police, so it was a good change. The plot didn't revolve around the war a whole lot, just a few bombing raids, rationing, black market shenanigans. I liked Helen's character. She started out mousey and under her mother's thumb, but grew into herself and became strong with a mind and will of her own through her work with the police. She was bright and intuitive. The plot was good with a little mystery and a bit of excitement. The ending might've been a bit predictable, but it didn't take away from the story. I recommend it.
October 21, 2019
The description implies this is a romance novel. It is not. However it is an excellent history of the times and the struggle for independence. It is a fantastic exploration of personal growth, the building of confidence despite barriers to the growth of that confidence, and succeeding at meeting personal and job goals. It explores that first step toward female acceptance given to those few brave enough to join the women’s auxiliary corps of the police, and the real life barriers to professional growth due to marital status.
October 5, 2020
Corner store
I’m not sure I have read this author before. I love books from the war in England, but this one had me interested in a unique way. The author has a way of letting you get to know the characters’ lives both good and bad. I found myself rooting for the women who struggled just to make it through their days, with small children, their husbands at war or nowhere to be found. I was inspired by Helen, the main character, who I admired so much for her strength and her desire to do well and help people.
I’m not sure I have read this author before. I love books from the war in England, but this one had me interested in a unique way. The author has a way of letting you get to know the characters’ lives both good and bad. I found myself rooting for the women who struggled just to make it through their days, with small children, their husbands at war or nowhere to be found. I was inspired by Helen, the main character, who I admired so much for her strength and her desire to do well and help people.
May 14, 2025
3.5* rounded up. A solid saga with an endearing heroine, Helen Harrison, set in Manchester during WWII. Helen is widowed at the beginning of the book, when her firefighting husband is killed in the line of duty during an air raid, and for the rest of the book we follow Helen as she slowly steps out into her new world. The most interesting part, to me, was when Helen joined the Women's Auxiliary Police Corps. The Girl From the Corner Shop was a good slice-of-life story, though more a workhorse than prime example of its kind.
August 4, 2019
This is first book I have read by Arlene Hughes and I am so pleased I have been given the chance to read this book. it was very easy reading and I felt very in tune with the main character Helen. She had a few traumas and disappointments and without giving it away - it was so unteresting following her life ups and downs. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in record time for me - would highly recommend .
March 28, 2020
I love ww2 sagas and the story was ok, loved the fight and gumption Helen had although I found it all a bit depressing. She was grieving at the start of the book and still the grieving widow at page 400. I would have loved to have seen her find happiness with Laurence earlier and have their story as she navigated her police role.
August 27, 2024
The book is about a female who doesn’t get along with her mother, forced to work in their shop. When her husband is killed in a fire raid, she finds herself leaving home and working in the police. There’s a lot of twists in the story to keep you guessing on the future events. I enjoyed the book, but I found it a little slow in places.
August 26, 2020
Great stoy
Truly enjoy this book. Loved the story line, wasn't your typical WW2 story. Good plot, likable characters. Great read I've never read any of Alrene Hughes books, but I'm finding a new book by her.
Truly enjoy this book. Loved the story line, wasn't your typical WW2 story. Good plot, likable characters. Great read I've never read any of Alrene Hughes books, but I'm finding a new book by her.
August 30, 2021
I enjoyed this book and reading about how Helen rebuilt her life after losing Jim in the war. I really felt for her at times, but she was so strong in the situations she found herself in. It was good to get an insight into what work a WAPC did in those times.
July 10, 2022
The Girl from the Corner Shop.
I can certainly recommend this book. It is well written full of everything you need from a book to curl up with. I loved the way it turned from sadness to positive plus the way it described the War and the way life was then was wonderful to read.
I can certainly recommend this book. It is well written full of everything you need from a book to curl up with. I loved the way it turned from sadness to positive plus the way it described the War and the way life was then was wonderful to read.
July 31, 2022
The girl from the corner shop
A really good wartime storyline about a young woman who has married a fireman but sadly dies. How she turns her grief into a new job and love. This book kept me wanting to read more to the end. Fully recommend x
A really good wartime storyline about a young woman who has married a fireman but sadly dies. How she turns her grief into a new job and love. This book kept me wanting to read more to the end. Fully recommend x
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