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The Dover Cafe #2
The Dover Cafe On the Front Line
The second book in an emotional and heartwarming WWII Series. For fans of Ellie Dean, Annie Groves and the Home Fires series.
Dover, 1940
With the Battle of Britain raging overhead and the German guns firing across the Channel, the people of Dover find themselves on the front line. But despite the danger, Nellie Castle is determined that the café will remain open, no matter what happens.
For Lily Castle, it is an exciting time as she starts her nursing career. Though the work is demanding, there is romance on the horizon, and she still finds time to enjoy herself. Until a prisoner escapes from the hospital and suddenly everything she holds dear - including her freedom - is put at risk.
Meanwhile there are strange goings-on at the café: rumours are circulating and secrets are exposed. Secrets that could tear the Castle family apart once and for all . . .
'Brilliantly written and researched . . . I loved it.' Rosie Goodwin on The Dover Cafe at War
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Readers love The Dover Café at War:
'A brilliant evocation of a family and community pulling together in wartime. Full of drama, laughter, and nail biting cliff hangers. A triumph!' Annie Clarke, author of The Factory Girls series
'Well-researched and expertly written . . . Perfect for those days when all you want is a book to lose yourself in.' Fiona Ford, author of The Liberty Girls
'A joyous read, the sort of book to read in one sitting.' Kitty Danton, author of A Wartime Christmas
'A rattling good novel that gives the reader a front seat at the Dover café during World War 2 . . . a really good start to what looks to be a fascinating saga.' Shirley Mann, author of Lily's War
'Brilliantly researched, written with warmth and insight, brimming with emotion and drama, and starring a cast of superbly drawn characters who are guaranteed to touch the hearts of readers everywhere.' Lancashire Post
Dover, 1940
With the Battle of Britain raging overhead and the German guns firing across the Channel, the people of Dover find themselves on the front line. But despite the danger, Nellie Castle is determined that the café will remain open, no matter what happens.
For Lily Castle, it is an exciting time as she starts her nursing career. Though the work is demanding, there is romance on the horizon, and she still finds time to enjoy herself. Until a prisoner escapes from the hospital and suddenly everything she holds dear - including her freedom - is put at risk.
Meanwhile there are strange goings-on at the café: rumours are circulating and secrets are exposed. Secrets that could tear the Castle family apart once and for all . . .
'Brilliantly written and researched . . . I loved it.' Rosie Goodwin on The Dover Cafe at War
- - - - - - - - -
Readers love The Dover Café at War:
'A brilliant evocation of a family and community pulling together in wartime. Full of drama, laughter, and nail biting cliff hangers. A triumph!' Annie Clarke, author of The Factory Girls series
'Well-researched and expertly written . . . Perfect for those days when all you want is a book to lose yourself in.' Fiona Ford, author of The Liberty Girls
'A joyous read, the sort of book to read in one sitting.' Kitty Danton, author of A Wartime Christmas
'A rattling good novel that gives the reader a front seat at the Dover café during World War 2 . . . a really good start to what looks to be a fascinating saga.' Shirley Mann, author of Lily's War
'Brilliantly researched, written with warmth and insight, brimming with emotion and drama, and starring a cast of superbly drawn characters who are guaranteed to touch the hearts of readers everywhere.' Lancashire Post
464 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2021
131 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 16, 2021
I love this series of books. I've laughed, I've cried and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ginny brings all the characters to life and you can't help but love them. Can't wait for next in the series
July 13, 2021
I'm loving this new find of the Dover Cafe the first book was brilliant I couldn't put it down. The 2nd book was just the same can't wait for the next instalment
September 15, 2021
THESE BOOKS ARE JUST SO GREAT! absolutely loved this as much as the first!
October 5, 2021
Enjoyed this read, cant wait to book three to find out what happens.
April 24, 2024
Book 14: The Dover café on the front line (book 2 in series)
This was another epic 13.5-hour audio book I listened to (and I have already started the third in the trilogy!).
This chaotic family – six adult kids and their louder than life, rude, loveable and annoying mother Nelly, have gotten under my skin!
What can I say, it is a saga (in every sense of the word) set in WWII Dover, packed with good humour, nasty incidents, the uncertainty of war and its huge set of consequences … lots of stolen kisses, fabulous dialogue, a real sense of what it was like to live during the war and so, so much more. Let’s not forget the (really big) secrets, lies and scandals. Or the fierce friendships, loyalty and love.
This second book was all about the middle sister, Lily the nurse. The first book was about Marianne the café’s wonderful cook, the next one I have already started features Edie, the mechanic. Of course, we also spend lots of quality time with the people in their world including the three brothers, nelly , Jasper (who is like a father to the six kids), best friends, local gossips, nurses, doctors, a long lost relative … it was fabulous! I also found the domestic and family violence story beat really interesting, and how in those days this came with a lot of shame for women.
Some of the scenes made me think: What else could go possibly wrong?? As if someone would say that!? But it all works, and I am here for the ride!
9.5/10
#bookreview #trilogy #amreading #thedovercafeonthefrontline #ginnybell #gillianholmes #zaffrebooks #bonnierbooķs #borrowbox #wwii #historicalfiction #saga #dover
This was another epic 13.5-hour audio book I listened to (and I have already started the third in the trilogy!).
This chaotic family – six adult kids and their louder than life, rude, loveable and annoying mother Nelly, have gotten under my skin!
What can I say, it is a saga (in every sense of the word) set in WWII Dover, packed with good humour, nasty incidents, the uncertainty of war and its huge set of consequences … lots of stolen kisses, fabulous dialogue, a real sense of what it was like to live during the war and so, so much more. Let’s not forget the (really big) secrets, lies and scandals. Or the fierce friendships, loyalty and love.
This second book was all about the middle sister, Lily the nurse. The first book was about Marianne the café’s wonderful cook, the next one I have already started features Edie, the mechanic. Of course, we also spend lots of quality time with the people in their world including the three brothers, nelly , Jasper (who is like a father to the six kids), best friends, local gossips, nurses, doctors, a long lost relative … it was fabulous! I also found the domestic and family violence story beat really interesting, and how in those days this came with a lot of shame for women.
Some of the scenes made me think: What else could go possibly wrong?? As if someone would say that!? But it all works, and I am here for the ride!
9.5/10
#bookreview #trilogy #amreading #thedovercafeonthefrontline #ginnybell #gillianholmes #zaffrebooks #bonnierbooķs #borrowbox #wwii #historicalfiction #saga #dover
February 14, 2022
I had been waiting for the release of this book after reading ‘The Dover Cafe at War’ a couple of years back… I am a huge fan of WW2 historical fiction & also a born & bred Dovorian so can visualise the descriptions of ‘home’
The series centres around The Castle Family & their fearless matriarch Nellie ….
This book didn’t disappoint and I have to say was better than the first, there was so much going on but all interlinked, there was suspense - what are Dick & Pauline up to? There was sadness at the devastation of shelling in the town, family disagreements, secrets and the pure joy of love and community spirit.
Ginny Bell clearly researches thoroughly and writes with such clarity, at the end of the book is a section called ‘Memory Lane’ where she mentions that she steers clear of using characters who actually existed however in this book she has made an exception & I will be going away to find out more!!
I cannot wait for the release of book 3 later this year, I need to know what happens next!!!
The series centres around The Castle Family & their fearless matriarch Nellie ….
This book didn’t disappoint and I have to say was better than the first, there was so much going on but all interlinked, there was suspense - what are Dick & Pauline up to? There was sadness at the devastation of shelling in the town, family disagreements, secrets and the pure joy of love and community spirit.
Ginny Bell clearly researches thoroughly and writes with such clarity, at the end of the book is a section called ‘Memory Lane’ where she mentions that she steers clear of using characters who actually existed however in this book she has made an exception & I will be going away to find out more!!
I cannot wait for the release of book 3 later this year, I need to know what happens next!!!
September 30, 2025
I bought this book as I wanted something to read on the beach one day and I have really enjoyed reading it.
it's quite a long book (523 pages) and it's set in Dover during World War 2.
It tells the story of the Castle family, particularly the youngest daughter Lily. Her mother is struggling to run the local café and keep everyone safe amongst the bombing raids on Dover in 1940.
Plenty of drama, many highs and lows and family secrets.
The book doesn't seem too long, as there's always something happening.
This is the second book in an ongoing series. I haven't read the others but if I come across them I definitely will.
it's quite a long book (523 pages) and it's set in Dover during World War 2.
It tells the story of the Castle family, particularly the youngest daughter Lily. Her mother is struggling to run the local café and keep everyone safe amongst the bombing raids on Dover in 1940.
Plenty of drama, many highs and lows and family secrets.
The book doesn't seem too long, as there's always something happening.
This is the second book in an ongoing series. I haven't read the others but if I come across them I definitely will.
September 5, 2021
Brilliant 5*
This is the 2nd book at Dover cafe
So glad to be reading about the Castle family again just loved it.
The story is based around a family in the wartime so if that’s your cup of tea
Get these two books you won’t be disappointed trust me 😊
Even more excited to hear the 3rd book will be out in 2022 …roll on 2022
Can’t wait a Big thank you to Ginny bell for another great read 👍😍
This is the 2nd book at Dover cafe
So glad to be reading about the Castle family again just loved it.
The story is based around a family in the wartime so if that’s your cup of tea
Get these two books you won’t be disappointed trust me 😊
Even more excited to hear the 3rd book will be out in 2022 …roll on 2022
Can’t wait a Big thank you to Ginny bell for another great read 👍😍
November 28, 2022
This is the second book in the series and I think I enjoyed it even more than the first. There is so much going on for the Castle family in this book. There are secrets galore flying around and also some tear jerking moments too. I’m looking forward to reading what comes next for the family in book three.
February 14, 2024
Sadly I have to knock a star of this book.
For one thing the story was quite good.
One mistake in the story. I sort of distracted by it. Which made it a bit hard to want to read it.
However I like the story but I felt it didn't have enough to keep the cliff-hanger going.
But I think this really is enjoyable
For one thing the story was quite good.
One mistake in the story. I sort of distracted by it. Which made it a bit hard to want to read it.
However I like the story but I felt it didn't have enough to keep the cliff-hanger going.
But I think this really is enjoyable
June 27, 2025
Heartache and some laughter all the way
What a sad time for the castle family twists and turns every step of the way and dastardly dick didn't see that coming I've now read two books in this series and they just keep getting better and better if you haven't already read them then I would definitely recommend reading them five stars is not nearly enough
What a sad time for the castle family twists and turns every step of the way and dastardly dick didn't see that coming I've now read two books in this series and they just keep getting better and better if you haven't already read them then I would definitely recommend reading them five stars is not nearly enough
July 31, 2021
This was better than the first book,which was good in itself.Couldn’t put the second one down,and I particularly liked all the references to places in Dover,as I spent my first thirty years living there.it will seem a long time,until the next one comes out!
December 29, 2021
I’ve enjoyed this series and reading a fictional story about the Dover tunnels and the people who used them during the air raids. It’s been almost a decade since I walked the streets of Dover and this book makes me want to go back and see history a little differently!
March 22, 2024
The second book of the series of the Dover Cafe series, and yet again couldn't put it down . Will there be any happy event at all during the second world war as well as death and fighting, and will the Castle family come through it I hope so .
September 24, 2021
Dover cafe
Great read it is well written couldn't put it down would recommended is book to my mum and friends
Can't wait for the next book
Great read it is well written couldn't put it down would recommended is book to my mum and friends
Can't wait for the next book
December 2, 2021
Can't wait to get started on book 3 in 2022!! Write fast Ginny!!
December 2, 2021
No.2 in the series..can't wait for No.3
Read
February 2, 2022Audiobook
April 28, 2022
A lovely story of a family at war not only with Hitler but themselves. Secrets emege which threaten to split the Castle family apart but, love conquers all.
October 19, 2022
“Bloody Hitler”
I enjoy reading this series.
I found it funny and pleasant read.
I enjoy reading this series.
I found it funny and pleasant read.
November 9, 2022
Emotional is all I can say
November 30, 2022
I truly loved the three books in this series. This was Christine's book. She put me onto the series.
January 9, 2023
Another brilliant book in the Dover Cafe saga, can't wait for the last one.
May 25, 2023
I love this series, although this focuses on Lily it features all of my favourite characters from the 1st book. I really enjoyed catching up with them all and look forward to reading book 3.
July 6, 2023
4.5 stars
Just as enjoyable as the first book. Even includes a cameo from a certain singer who made the cliffs of Dover known to all during World War II.
Just as enjoyable as the first book. Even includes a cameo from a certain singer who made the cliffs of Dover known to all during World War II.
October 1, 2023
Excellent
November 3, 2023
Brilliant, I love the castle family, such an easy read, I look forward to the next book by Ginny Bell
September 6, 2024
Great book
Couldn't put t the dam book down it was too good can't. Wait for the next.one it's so true to life.
Couldn't put t the dam book down it was too good can't. Wait for the next.one it's so true to life.
December 4, 2024
Loving the stories of the Castle family, so well researched and enough plot twists to keep the pages turning with some sweet romance intertwined.
September 4, 2025
I absolutely loved this. I've read the first one too. It's an easy read whilst also having an interesting plot which I think is a very clever thing to achieve.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews