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Picture House Girls #1
The Picture House Girls
A warm and heartfelt WW2 saga of hope, love, and female friendship and how women pull together through good times and bad. Perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Nadine Dorries.
In 1940s Hampshire the war is settling into its stride bringing dark days for many.
Connie Baxter has just moved in with her Aunt Gertie after the death of her mother. Gertie works as a cleaner at the Criterion Picture House in Gosport and she helps Connie to get a job there as an usherette. For Connie, it's the perfect place to work because she adores the movies with their glamorous, romantic stars.
The only fly in the ointment is the Criterion's creepy manager with his wandering hands. But soon Connie is firm friends with Queenie, who sells ice creams and soon tells her how to warn him off.
Charming Tommo Smith is a 'taxi-dancer'. For a fee he steers ladies of a certain age around the dance floor - and sometimes more besides which pays for his smart clothes. Connie's friend Queenie says he's a chancer, but his gorgeous blue eyes tell Connie something different. When suddenly he disappears, Connie accepts that Queenie may be right - he was too good to be true.
As the war rages on and Connie struggles with the harsh realities of life and the turbulence of romance, she comes to realize that life isn't always like it is in the pictures.
In 1940s Hampshire the war is settling into its stride bringing dark days for many.
Connie Baxter has just moved in with her Aunt Gertie after the death of her mother. Gertie works as a cleaner at the Criterion Picture House in Gosport and she helps Connie to get a job there as an usherette. For Connie, it's the perfect place to work because she adores the movies with their glamorous, romantic stars.
The only fly in the ointment is the Criterion's creepy manager with his wandering hands. But soon Connie is firm friends with Queenie, who sells ice creams and soon tells her how to warn him off.
Charming Tommo Smith is a 'taxi-dancer'. For a fee he steers ladies of a certain age around the dance floor - and sometimes more besides which pays for his smart clothes. Connie's friend Queenie says he's a chancer, but his gorgeous blue eyes tell Connie something different. When suddenly he disappears, Connie accepts that Queenie may be right - he was too good to be true.
As the war rages on and Connie struggles with the harsh realities of life and the turbulence of romance, she comes to realize that life isn't always like it is in the pictures.
- GenresFiction
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2021
19 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 29, 2021
An enjoyable read with good characters, set in Gosport, near Plymouth during world war two.
Connie has moved in with her aunt after her mother dies in an air raid, it's a time of change for her and that includes a new job at the local cinema. Friendships are forged and romance is in the air but not everything goes to plan. I felt this book ended too abruptly, although I can see this is so that we will all be waiting to see what happens in the next book in this series.
Connie has moved in with her aunt after her mother dies in an air raid, it's a time of change for her and that includes a new job at the local cinema. Friendships are forged and romance is in the air but not everything goes to plan. I felt this book ended too abruptly, although I can see this is so that we will all be waiting to see what happens in the next book in this series.
February 10, 2021
The Picture House Girls by Rosie Archer is a great WWII-era historical fiction that gives us a glimpse of what life was like for the people of Hampshire 1940s England. I have really enjoyed books by this author in the past, so I was excited to see that she had a new book coming out.
I enjoyed reading the day-to-day lives of "ordinary" citizens during wartime. It affects everyone in slightly different ways depending on their location, circumstances, family situations, and outlook.
I enjoyed reading Connie's story. She has a lot of experiencing and growing up to do in this book, and through the ups and downs, the mistakes, and the triumphs, we get to see her transition as the story, and the war progresses. She experiences love, loss, hurt, obstacles, new friends, her own strengths, and through all of that we see her mature and grow.
I hope that this is the start to a new series, as I could see further books possibly being created from this wonderful cast of characters.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Quercus Books for this arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
I enjoyed reading the day-to-day lives of "ordinary" citizens during wartime. It affects everyone in slightly different ways depending on their location, circumstances, family situations, and outlook.
I enjoyed reading Connie's story. She has a lot of experiencing and growing up to do in this book, and through the ups and downs, the mistakes, and the triumphs, we get to see her transition as the story, and the war progresses. She experiences love, loss, hurt, obstacles, new friends, her own strengths, and through all of that we see her mature and grow.
I hope that this is the start to a new series, as I could see further books possibly being created from this wonderful cast of characters.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Quercus Books for this arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
June 20, 2022
In 1940s Hampshire the war is settling into its stride bringing dark days for many.
Connie Baxter has just moved in with her Aunt Gertie after the death of her mother.Gertie works as a cleaner at the Criterion Picture House in Gosport and she helps Connie to get a job there as an usherette.For Connie,it's the perfect place to work because she adores the movies with their glamorous, romantic stars.
The only fly in the ointment is the Criterion's creepy manager with his wandering hands.But soon Connie is firm friends with Queenie, who sells ice creams and soon tells her how to warn him off.
Charming Tommo Smith is a 'taxi-dancer'.For a fee he steers ladies of a certain age around the dance floor-and sometimes more besides which pays for his smart clothes.Connie's friend Queenie says he's a chancer, but his gorgeous blue eyes tell Connie something different.When suddenly he disappears,Connie accepts that Queenie may be right - he was too good to be true.
As the war rages on and Connie struggles with the harsh realities of life and the turbulence of romance,she comes to realize that life isn't always like it is in the pictures.
A cinema was a secure and warm place to go to.Picture houses were the prime form for entertainment and reached all members of society.Most moviegoers had family members participating in the war and were suffering hardships in there daily life and the cinema was an effective form of escapism from reality. Not only in the films but also in the magazine "Picture-goer" which followed the film industry throughout this period. The film industry in that era did not solely focus on propaganda but also created psychological support and motivation through its film stars.
Cinema-going was not just to see feature films but the audience also watched news articles such as Pathe News which were important for the government to inform the population.
A taxi dancer is a paid dance partner in a partner dance.The taxi dancers would earn a commission on every dance ticket earned.
The role of the projectionist became more specialised and began to incorporate elements of showmanship.
Connie Baxter has just moved in with her Aunt Gertie after the death of her mother.Gertie works as a cleaner at the Criterion Picture House in Gosport and she helps Connie to get a job there as an usherette.For Connie,it's the perfect place to work because she adores the movies with their glamorous, romantic stars.
The only fly in the ointment is the Criterion's creepy manager with his wandering hands.But soon Connie is firm friends with Queenie, who sells ice creams and soon tells her how to warn him off.
Charming Tommo Smith is a 'taxi-dancer'.For a fee he steers ladies of a certain age around the dance floor-and sometimes more besides which pays for his smart clothes.Connie's friend Queenie says he's a chancer, but his gorgeous blue eyes tell Connie something different.When suddenly he disappears,Connie accepts that Queenie may be right - he was too good to be true.
As the war rages on and Connie struggles with the harsh realities of life and the turbulence of romance,she comes to realize that life isn't always like it is in the pictures.
A cinema was a secure and warm place to go to.Picture houses were the prime form for entertainment and reached all members of society.Most moviegoers had family members participating in the war and were suffering hardships in there daily life and the cinema was an effective form of escapism from reality. Not only in the films but also in the magazine "Picture-goer" which followed the film industry throughout this period. The film industry in that era did not solely focus on propaganda but also created psychological support and motivation through its film stars.
Cinema-going was not just to see feature films but the audience also watched news articles such as Pathe News which were important for the government to inform the population.
A taxi dancer is a paid dance partner in a partner dance.The taxi dancers would earn a commission on every dance ticket earned.
The role of the projectionist became more specialised and began to incorporate elements of showmanship.
February 11, 2021
I love Rosie’s books and this one looks like the makings of yet another great series. This book is set mainly in the Criterion picture house in Gosport. There are some great characters that I can’t wait to learn more about. There is Queenie she’s the head usherette but really runs the place thanks to the hopeless manager. The cleaner Gertie takes in her niece Connie after her house is bombed killing her Mum and gets her a job as an usherette. A lot goes on in the Criterion it’s not just the films they show and I can’t wait for August when I’ll be seeing you comes out. A well deserved five star read
February 14, 2021
1942 Gosport, Connie Baxter starts a new job at Crilerion Picture House as a usherette living with her aunt Gertie Mullins after her mother death . Lodger Ade Gallagher and Tommo Smith both share effection for Connie. Working along side Queenie, Edna Shirley and Lucie she soon fits in. War is still on going in the town. I loved reading this book, that gives us a story of love and affecting to hold on to. The characters are all together keeping everything together in trying times. Just beautiful
February 19, 2021
There isn't much that I can say that'll do justice to this book. I devoured it in one sitting. I was engrossed by the story. It's so well written, has a brilliant plot and fantastic characters. Stories based around the time of the Second World War will always interest me and this is one of the best I've read. I need a follow up as soon as possible. I need to know what happens each of the characters. It's going to be a hell of a long wait.
Thank you to Netgalley for this Advanced Reader's Copy.
Thank you to Netgalley for this Advanced Reader's Copy.
February 9, 2021
NetGalley
Member Review
Cover Image: The Picture House Girls
The Picture House Girls
by Rosie Archer
Pub Date: 18 Feb 2021
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 9 Feb 2021
My Recommendation
With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion.
Not read any books by this author was a nice easy read and a good plot and good character was very enjoyable.
Member Review
Cover Image: The Picture House Girls
The Picture House Girls
by Rosie Archer
Pub Date: 18 Feb 2021
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 9 Feb 2021
My Recommendation
With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion.
Not read any books by this author was a nice easy read and a good plot and good character was very enjoyable.
July 25, 2021
A delightful book by Rosie Archer about a young girl Connie Baxter who after losing her mother goes to live with her Aunt Gertie. She gets a job as an usherette in the Criterion Picture House in Gosport where she is amongst the glamour of the the film stars. She meets and becomes friendly with Queenie another usherette. This bool bring smiles and sadness with the different characters. Connie's Aunt Gertie who is a cleaner at the Picture house. Also, you meet the characters of her aunts lodger Ace, Jerome and not to forget Tommo. This book is an easy read and I give it five stars. I look forward to the next one I'll Be Seeing You due out in August 2021.
December 17, 2021
Despite the rather abrupt (and unsatisfactory) ending I would probably have given this book 4 stars, but for: "Insects chirruping in the hedges", and "Birds singing their hearts out" (even a skylark) .... in December?? This jarred so much that, for me, it quite spoiled the moment it was supposedly creating; hence I deducted a star
June 17, 2022
Couldn't finish this book.
It started really well. Until it slowly started to become predicable for my liking.
A moment remined of another book I had recently read.
Which made me see that it was sort of the same story line.
This is just what I think. Others may have different ideas for this story.
It started really well. Until it slowly started to become predicable for my liking.
A moment remined of another book I had recently read.
Which made me see that it was sort of the same story line.
This is just what I think. Others may have different ideas for this story.
May 8, 2021
A brilliant start to a new series, Connie, Gertie and Queenie all work at the Criterion picture house in Gosport. I didn't realise this was a series at first so was a bit surprised that it ended quite abruptly so I'm glad to know book 2 will be out in August! Looking forward to it
March 5, 2021
Ok
Not a bad read, only fault was it seemed to end very abruptly so unless there's going to be a follow up then your left second guessing as to what happens next
Not a bad read, only fault was it seemed to end very abruptly so unless there's going to be a follow up then your left second guessing as to what happens next
May 14, 2021
Brilliant
Fantastic, Rosie is a brilliant writer love all of her books. This one though is a cliff hanger ending, can't wait for the sequel to be published
Fantastic, Rosie is a brilliant writer love all of her books. This one though is a cliff hanger ending, can't wait for the sequel to be published
July 25, 2021
I have read all of Rosie Archers books. But I just couldn’t
Get into this one. Sorry only one ⭐️ from me for this.
Get into this one. Sorry only one ⭐️ from me for this.
October 1, 2021
Nice easy read and looking forward to reading the next one
December 24, 2021
Disappointed by the end
A really good read and the storyline was good. I was disappointed in the abrupt end. I wanted to know more
A really good read and the storyline was good. I was disappointed in the abrupt end. I wanted to know more
January 26, 2022
A nice easy to read book. Not too taxing but good for bedtime reading.
October 1, 2024
Very enjoyable
August 3, 2021
I was really excited for this to be released and it didn’t disappoint, so much happened in this book that I just didn’t expect but I honestly loved it. I started this and didn’t think I would be invested in the characters but by the end I was hooked and loved the characters. I adored Queenie, Ace and Connie the most as they just made such an impact on me and I’m excited to see if another book comes out as it ended open and I’m hoping another book will be released to carry on the story with the characters and I just loved this story was based around Connie working in the picture house as I thought that added to the story and I just loved following the journey.
August 22, 2022
A Lovely book thoroughly enjoyed reading this book Set in WW2 in Hampshire England
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews