Christmas with the Teashop Girls

The Teashop Girls #2

by Elaine Everest

Christmas with the Teashop Girls is a heartwarming and moving story of wartime love, bravery and hope, by the bestselling author of the Woolworths series, Elaine Everest.

It is late 1940 and the war feels closer to home than ever for Rose Neville and her staff at the Lyon’s Teashop in Margate. The worry of rationing hangs overhead as the Nippies do their best to provide a happy smile and a hot cup of tea for their customers. When a heavy bombing raid targets the Kent coastline, Lyon’s is badly hit, throwing the future of the cafe into jeopardy.

The light in Rose’s life is her dashing fiancé Capt. Ben Hargreaves and planning their Christmas Eve wedding. But she must also plan to take two new step-daughters into her life and get on the right side of her wealthy mother-in-law, Lady Diana. Is Rose ready to become a mother so soon?

When Rose’s half-sister Eileen makes contact, it seems that Rose’s dreams of having a sibling are coming true at long last. But her friends begin to suspect that something is not right between Eileen and her just what are they hiding?

As the Christmas Eve wedding draws near, the bombings intensify in Kent and London, putting everything and everyone Rose loves in danger. Only one thing is for it will be a Christmas she never forgets . . .

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

Paperback

Published October 15, 2020

About the author

Elaine 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.

Reviews

[Bookread2day · Rating 5 out of 5]

www.bookread2day.wordpress.com
Elaine Everest is one of my favourite author and she lives in Kent, which I live in Kent too.
Christmas with the Teashop Girls, has a scary start as Rose and her mum Flora were both tied up on a boat.

Its midnight and Christmas Day, they have a busy day planned, but there seemed to be no hope of that unless someone came to rescue them from the boat.
I loved this military romance between Rose and the dashing Captain Ben Hargreaves. As so much happened in this page turning story I didn’t want to take liberties in spoiling the book.

I always love reading novels by Elaine Everest and looking forward to reading many more, I also recommend all reading all novels but Elaine Everest.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Elaine’s work ever since I had the good fortune to pick up a copy of her first book ‘The Woolworths Girls’. Since then I have read, reviewed and loved every single book that she has released to date. Elaine’s most recent book is called ‘Christmas With The Teashop Girls’ and it was released in hardback on 3rd September 2020 with the paperback and the e-book due to be released on 15th October 2020. I was fortunate enough to get an early review copy of the book and all I can say is ‘wowzers’. I was blown away by this fabulous read but more about that in a bit.
It somehow seems a bit unfair to single any of the characters out for special attention but I must admit that I did have some favourites in ‘Christmas With The Teashop Girls’. I won’t go too far into details because that might give far too much away. I particularly loved the character of Lady Diana, who is the exact opposite of what I had imagined a member of the upper class to be. Her back story was a bit of a surprise too. Lady Diana is a feisty lady and mess with her at your peril. I also loved the character of Mildred, who is the local fisherwoman. She has a heart of gold and is fiercely loyal to her friends. She doesn’t pull any punches and if there is any sorting out of people to be done then Mildred will be at the front of the queue and right by your side in times of trouble. As for the characters that I didn’t like, no make that hate, all I will say is that for reasons which will soon become clear when you read the book for yourselves, I hated Councillor Mould and Rose’s supposed half-sister Eileen and her husband. I won’t go into any more detail than that because I would only start ranting and then give too much of the storyline away.
It’s no word of a lie, when I say that I was addicted to this book from the moment I picked the book up, never mind from when I read the synopsis or started to read the story itself. The fact that it had Elaine Everest’s name on was enough for me. When you pick up one of Elaine’s books, you are guaranteed one heck of an addictive, heart warming and dramatic read. I picked this book up and I literally couldn’t put it down again. The book wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because the book travelled everywhere with me. I had taken so well to the characters and I was enjoying the story that much that I read the book over the course of a single day, which is pretty good going for me. I always think that Elaine’s books read a bit like soap operas and you read one chapter, which ends on a bit of a cliffhanger (think duff duff moments from Eastenders) and because you need to know what happens you cannot resist starting the next chapter. To say that reading ‘Christmas With The Teashop Girls’ became addictive is a massive understatement. I found ‘Christmas With The Teashop Girls’ to be an unputdownable page turner of a read, which gripped me from start to finish.
‘Christmas With The Teashop Girls’ is superbly written but then I think that to be true of Elaine’s books in general. She grabs your attention from the start and draws you into the story. I think part of my addiction to Elaine’s books is the fact that I never knew my grandparents, who all lived through the Second World War, so reading books such as this one help give me a greater appreciation of what they had to live through and the conditions in which they lived. When I pick up one of Elaine’s books, I literally feel that I have borrowed a time machine and travelled back in time. Elaine writes so realistically and uses such vivid descriptions that I really did feel as though I was part of the story. For me, the sign of a good book is when I find myself becoming far too involved- personally and emotionally- in the story. Well you can guess what happened with ‘Christmas With The Teashop Girls’. On several occasions I wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to deal with whoever was upsetting my ‘friends’. I even found on occasion that I was talking out loud as if the different characters could hear me. I found ‘Christmas With The Teashop Girls’ to be an absolutely brilliant read, which gripped me from start to finish and which had me on the edge of my seat for most of the story.
In short, I absolutely adored every single second of ‘Christmas With The Teashop Girls’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Elaine’s work in the future. Elaine’s next book is called ‘A Mother Forever’ and it is due for release in hardback on 21st January 2021 with the book due to be released in e-format and in paperback on 4th March 2021. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Guylou (Two Dogs and a Book) · Rating 3 out of 5]

📚 Hello Book Friends! CHRISTMAS WITH THE TEASHOP GIRLS by Elaine Everest was a sweet Christmas historical/mystery novel. I love the strong female characters and the heartfelt friendship they have. The story takes place in 1940 in the small coastline town of Margate, England. The plot has dangers, mystery, and love. I enjoyed it!

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[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this book as loved all Elaine’s books and she certainly didn’t disappoint me at all was a fantastic read from the first page and she certainly researches her info brilliantly and gets all her facts correct. Shows plenty of romance and friendship while going through a war and plenty about families to. It’s a warm read and you can curl up and enjoy.
Rose is still working at the tea shop in Margate and it’s the war and she’s feeling close to her friends who work with her. Problem is the bomb lands on the teashop and how will it effect the teashop.
Rose is planning her Christmas wedding to captain Ben and doesn’t help when she gets injured to. She needs to get her mother in law on side to and rose also learns of a half sister who makes contact but her friends suspect something isn’t right with her half sister but what is it. Christmas is coming and so is he wedding but what will happen with the bombs will it be a Christmas to remember for different reasons and will she get her wedding she so wants or not.
Well worth more than five stars.

[Margaret Galbraith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a wonderful Christmassy story but with a bit of sadness, a bit of happiness all rolled into one. I really enjoyed this especially as it had a bit of mystery all rolled into the one cozy read.

Rose and the girls are all great characters and the author has a way of making you feel you are there. Set in WWII when London and Kent were being bombed by Germany. It was a tough time with the aid raid sirens going off and rationing of food on top of if all. It must have been awful to see neighbouring houses bombed and friends and neighbours no longer with you. But it showed the strength in communities back then and how they all came together to help each other.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliantly written novel with a startling beginning. Set in late 1940 it tells the story of a group of young women who work in the Lyons tea shops of Ramsgate and Margate. In a previous book we have been introduced to Rose, Katie and Lily; Rose is the manager of the Margate branch, and Katie and Lily are some of the “Nippies” or waitresses in the Lyons tea rooms.They have good friends and Rose’s mother, Flora, who live locally, and together they are trying to cope with the problems of an area under heavy bombing. Despite this being the second book in the series, it is so well written that it is possible to pick up the story relatively easily without reading the first book. The story revolves mainly around Rose, whose marriage to Ben Hargreaves is being discussed, as well the hard work which is caused by being on the coast of England which is actively in danger of invasion. There is a lot of research into a period and a place beset by frequent bombing raids and local arrangements to shelter in tunnels. This book, like all of those written by this author, demonstrates real understanding of her characters and the setting in a desperate time in Britain's history. I was so very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this well written book.

The author has taken a risk by opening this book with Rose and her mother Flora in peril. The focus then reverts from Christmas Eve to the previous September, as the young women associated with Lyons teashops are introduced. The matriarch who runs the boarding house, Sea View, is Flora, who becomes involved with the lives of her tenants. Rose, Lily and Katie live in a cottage given to them by Mildred, an exceptional woman who goes out fishing locally and runs a somewhat smelly van. Anya also works at Lyons; she is a forthright refugee from Occupied Europe and sets out her opinions with an entertaining honesty. The preparations for the wedding involve Rose meeting the widowed Ben’s daughters and mother, Lady Diana. Diana soon emerges as a memorable character, contradictory in her behaviour but always active and on the scene. Rose’s happy time with Ben in London is affected by heavy bombing as the blitz of London begins, but it is still very lively in Kent as not only bombs fall from the sky. There are emotional problems which are not altogether caused by the bombing, and there are some very satisfactory confrontations involving Flora and some of her supporters.

The most enjoyable part of this engaging book is the interplay between the characters as they strive to cope with all the challenges and uncertainties of being at war. The personalities are so well drawn that even minor characters are given life and personality. This is so in the case of Eileen, who claims to be Rose’s half sister. This is a superb read full of vibrant characters and in a setting of the later part of 1940, when so much was uncertain, life was precious and had to be seized, yet there were still those with ulterior motives. This is an entertaining and engaging book with many memorable characters, and I recommend it to everyone who enjoys these ensemble books set during the Second World War.

[Rachel Bridgeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This, to me, is a very timely novel as it reflects a time where there was no such thing as 'normality', where the world was in a state of flux and life is lived one day at a time. The town of Ramsgate was at risk of constant bombing due to its proximity to France, and at the time when the book is set, there were almost daily air raid warnings. The pluckiness and sense of community really shines through in the scenes where the residents of Sea View guest house(run by Flora, mother of central character Rose), the workers at the Lyon Cafe and friends shelter below ground.

The conflict between personal and social responsibilities weigh large on Rose's mind as she and her Nippies create a sense of the every day in their teashop-with so much turmoil, a visit to the teashop presents a sense of normalcy. However, her impending wedding,her role change to step-mother of 2 daughters she has yet to meet and her manageress title means she is juggling a lot of responsibilities.

The conflict between all these roles is balanced by the warm hearted support group Rose and Flora have around them, no one in this book is truly on their own. As the story develops, the sense of danger from the Nazis and someone more close to home, is really amplified by the constant need to remain quiet about the postings of various teashop workers other halves, talking on trains and in public. It really hits home that casual talk can be weaponised against the innocent.

There are a lot of heartbreaking scenes which really reflect the reality of the lives of many women in 1940-they are keeping the home fires burning whilst digging through rubble looking for survivors of bombs, raising the next generation and supporting their loved ones who are off fighting. All of this whilst running businesses and looking after themselves! That is a tall order!

This may not be the usual type of book that I review, but it is absolutely a recommended read from me. It is a break from doom and gloom, horror and death and is a breath of fresh air-as you read you become aware of just how steadfast these women had to be in order to make it through these incredibly challenging times. The sense of them just sitting there waiting for their menfolk to come home is swept aside, these are smart women who not onlt empower themselves, but create spaces for others to become empowered also. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Ramsgate and spending the holiday season with the Teashop Girls, and look forward to dropping in on them again.

[Nicola Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas With the Teashop Girls picks up right where the first book, The Teashop Girls, left off. The girls are Rose, Katie and Lily and all of them work for the legendary Lyons teashops. I love all the little details about the teashops, the Nippies, and the way the shops work. Elaine Everest has obviously done lots of research to make it feel completely authentic.

There's plenty going on in this book. It's 1940 and bombing raids are stepping up a gear, especially in London and along the Kent coast where the book is set. Rose is planning her wedding to Ben and getting used to the idea of her new role as his wife and stepmother to his two girls. Rose is the main character but there are lots of other characters who play a major part in the story and most of them seem to live at Sea View, the guesthouse run by Rose's mother, Flora. Being under her roof must be like having a giant warm hug around you all the time.

Despite the troubling times and quite a few ups and downs for the girls, this is a gentle read for the most part and it was just a delight to read. Everest writes with warmth and really makes the reader care about the characters. There's also a great deal of empathy in her writing as we once again witness catastrophic wartime losses, and yet there's also such camaraderie as they all troop down into the tunnels where they shelter during air raids. Nobody would choose to live through such events but there's a real sense of pulling together as a community, friendship, and looking out for those around you.

I'm hoping this isn't the last we see of the Teashop Girls. I have a feeling that they have a lot more to tell us and I'd love to see how they all fare throughout the remainder of the war years. I raced through Christmas With the Teashop Girls and didn't want to put it down. I was well and truly drawn back into the lives of the characters and I thought this was a gorgeous addition to the saga genre.

[Vivien Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts with two women in a very frightening situation. Rose and her mum Flora wake up alone and adrift on a fishing boat at night. It is pitch dark, they have been tied up, and they have no idea how they got there, or why. And not only is it Christmas Eve, but one of them is supposed to be getting married the next day! From that dramatic start we are taken back three months and enter the wartime world of Lyons Teashop manageress Rose and her friends - some she has known since schooldays, some she works with at the café, and others who lodge at her mother’s seaside guesthouse. A very lively bunch, all from different backgrounds but pulling together in times of trouble and all blessed with hearts of gold.
This story has everything you would expect from a World War II saga. Bombings and underground shelters, a handsome airman who drops from the sky into a tree and the inevitable worries about loved ones away fighting, sit alongside family, romance, friendships that cross the generational divide and tons of all-in-it-together community spirit. Of course, there are baddies about – a pompous councillor determined to prevent Flora adopting an orphaned baby, a pair of long-lost relatives who seem to care more about money than family, and the nasty womaniser Tom White who appeared in the first book in the series and has not improved at all in the meanwhile.
I loved the family Rose is about to marry into, especially future mother-in-law Diana who was once part of a successful singing sisters stage act but is now a titled lady, with no airs and graces until she needs to use them! The mink coat and chauffeur-driven Bentley certainly impress the locals.
A real warmth permeates this book and, as we follow its characters through the autumn towards Christmas, we finally come to know how Rose and her mum ended up on that boat – and find out whether Rose will be freed in time for her wedding.
If you have not read The Teashop Girls where Rose and friends were first introduced, don’t worry. This new book stands alone with lots of tiny hints to fill in the blanks of what has gone before. Recommended!

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous novel - as always - from Elaine Everest.

Life is never dull for the Nippies at Lyon's during the second world war! Rose and her friends do their best to be cheery for their customers while they cope with their own worries. With the coast being on the receiving end of some heavy bombing and their shop being considerably damaged, there is the question of whether they still have jobs to go to. With husbands and fiances called to war, the concern mounts up and, for Rose, there is the realisation that not only will she become a wife when her marriage to Ben finally takes place but she also becomes a step-mother to two young girls, bringing a whole new family into her life. And when her half-sister Eileen makes contact Rose is overjoyed and can't wait to have her longed-for sibling in her life, but Rose's friends aren't quite as trusting about Eileen and her husband.

This author always creates terrific tales, and this is one of the best. Absolutely packed from beginning to end with so much detail and the most wonderful characters, each one beautifully developed. With a bit of a mystery and a lot of uncertainty, there is so much to focus on. Lady Diana McDouglas is a sparkling addition to the already entertaining cast of characters - she made me laugh so much with her antics and the message of kindness and friendship shone out of each page. A delightful read, definitely earning all five sparkling stars and a hearty recommendation to all lovers of wartime domestic sagas.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a lovely story and it's not overly festive so that it can be read at any time of year and yet there is a lovely Christmas finale which warmed my heart.

The story starts in 1940 with a dramatic prologue which had me pondering throughout the story just how Rose and her mother, Flora could have found themselves in such a dangerous situation but the author very cleverly fills in all the missing pieces as the story concludes. Meeting up with Rose, Lily, Katie, and of course the indomitable Flora has been a real treat as we pick up where the first book, The Teashop Girls, left off. These stoical young women who work at the Lyons Tea Room in Margate have more than their fair share of drama especially when the town is targeted by enemy bombardment and most of their time is spent hunkered down in the air raid shelters.

Throughout it all there is a real sense of camaraderie and everyone just seems to pull together and gets on with what needs doing. I especially loved the introduction of Lady Diana, Rose's soon to be mother-in-law, who despite her posh status, is far from being standoffish and soon brings her own special charm to to the Sea View guesthouse. Whilst Rose features strongly in the story it's not all about her and the other characters soon get their moments to shine, it was especially lovely to catch up with Mildred and Anya again.

Christmas with the Teashop Girls is a really lovely continuation of this WW2 saga. There's a genuine feeling of love and empathy from all the characters and the overriding sense of wartime spirit comes across in a heart warming story about love, life and friendship.

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elaine Everest is a very good storyteller, her words take you back to an era that was filled with uncertainty and there’s a real sense of atmosphere. What I love about the attitude of the people from the war years was the community spirit, their resilience and their make do and mend survival tactics. These are times we need to keep remembering and learn from.

We are back in Margate with the girls we fell in love with in book one, The Teashop Girls, the Nippies from the Lyon’s teashop. The year is 1940 and war is visibly amongst the streets and cities but romance is keeping the girls going specifically with Rose and her blossoming romance with Ben.

With this book we get to learn more about Ben’s family and a trip to the city of London opens Rose and her mother Flora’s eyes to the full extent of the conflict. Meeting Ben’s mother brings up many surprises and Lady Diana proves to be a very resourceful woman.

Romance, danger and adventure are not far away for Rose, Lily, Katie, Flora and Mildred. With the introduction of new characters blending brilliantly with our much loved main characters Elaine Everest has written another great WWII saga. I found myself immersed in the story and become involved in the lives of all. When the sky blackened with the battle of the skies I could feel the intensity of what the characters were witnessing.

A story that is filled with nostalgia, community spirit, the highs and lows of life during conflict but most of all it’s a story with warmth, friendship and love.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I love this author’s books and I was thrilled to see that she had a new release!

I thought that this book was lovely, it was well written, the characterisation was brilliant and I loved going back in time to meet them, Rose and Flora were excellent, I warmed to them from the outset and loved following the story as the book progressed.

The attention to details was great and the book was very well developed and you can tell that the author has done her researched and knows a lot about the period to make the books as realistic as they are.

Elaine is one of my favourite historical fiction authors and I cannot wait to see what she releases next – whatever it is, it is bound to be a treat!

It is 5 stars from me for this one, it was a fabulous festive read – very highly recommended!

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series and was so happy to see a follow up! After finishing this one, I love it even more and really hope there’s more to come.

I’ve grown so attached to the characters and I’ve loved following them all! From lovable Mildred who is a rock to all (even if she does carry the scent of the ocean with her!), to Rose and her mum Flora as well as all the lovable guests at Sea View.

The book harnesses real war time spirit and its so engrossing and heartwarming to read. So much happens in this book and you’re kept on the tips of your toes throughout the pages.

I couldn’t stop reading on and thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Need more!

[M.W. Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm just in time! I couldn't cut posting this review any shorter, unless I had a pair of scissors!

What can I say? I've loved Elaine's novels since I picked up a copy of The Woolworth Girls. On with her second series set in the Lyons Tea Houses, the Nippies are back with a vengeance. You never realise how much you've missed a set of characters until you get your mitts on their new novel. Did I miss Rose Neville and her friends and relations or what!

Ms Everest writes and creates wonderful characters and in this story, we are introduced to Lady Diana. Suffice to say, she is not what you expect from her class. You'll have to read to find out what I mean.

The best thing I can say about this book? When's the next chapter coming out, please, Ms Everest? I found this book very hard to put down and I'm sure you will too.

My thanks to the author for her very generous pre-release copy!

Don't delay, click 'Buy' today!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely to catch up with the Teashop girls and find out the latest happenings as we head towards Christmas 1940. i love Lady Diana who, despite her title, is quite down-to-earth and a great character. just to balance things out we are introduced to Rose's half-sister, Eileen but is she all she seems? All the threads are cleverly brought together so that as 1940 draws to a close, this is one Christmas to remember. An engaging read perfect for the run up to the festive season.

[Novelle Novels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish and i hope the author continues with the series.

[mois reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose

OMG what an amazing book I was on edge of my seat most of time. Reading about the tea shop girls and Flora and now lady Diana I loved it what a story its a definite 5 stars from me.

[Vanessa-Ann Dowsett · Rating 5 out of 5]

How I wish I could give this book 10 stars. It's the second in the series and I strongly advise readers to read the first before this as it was lovely to catch up with all of the characters again.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this one although nowhere near as good as the Woolworths series. Also not actually very Christmassy 🙄.

[Vfields Don't touch my happy! · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I needed something different but with a holiday theme. It was kinda deep and oddly lite at the same time considering the blitz were going on all around them. I was proud of all those strong women in wartime.
Ding, ding…

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is late 1940 and the war feels closer to home than ever for Rose Neville and her staff at the Lyon’s Teashop in Margate. The worry of rationing hangs overhead as the Nippies do their best to provide a happy smile and a hot cup of tea for their customers. When a heavy bombing raid targets the Kent coastline, Lyon’s is badly hit, throwing the future of the cafe into jeopardy.The light in Rose’s life is her dashing fiancé Capt. Ben Hargreaves and planning their Christmas Eve wedding. But she must also plan to take two new step-daughters into her life and get on the right side of her wealthy mother-in-law, Lady Diana. Is Rose ready to become a mother so soon?When Rose’s half-sister Eileen makes contact, it seems that Rose’s dreams of having a sibling are coming true at long last. But her friends begin to suspect that something is not right between Eileen and her husband: just what are they hiding?As the Christmas Eve wedding draws near, the bombings intensify in Kent and London, putting everything and everyone Rose loves in danger. Only one thing is for sure: it will be a Christmas she never forgets. Broadstairs is a coastal town on the Isle of Thanet in the Thanet district of east Kent, England.Operation Dynamo, involved an odd assortment of yachts, motor cruisers, fishing boats and other small craft which were able to sail close enough to Dunkirk’s beaches to pick up troops and ferry them to the waiting freighters, passenger ships and warships, or back to the harbours of Margate and Ramsgate.This gave rise to the term ‘Dunkirk spirit’. On August 24, 1940,100+ families lived in the tunnels on a permanent basis when 500 German bombs were dropped on Ramsgate.Until the 1940s J.Lyons Co had a certain working-class chic, but postwar they converted to cafeteria service like other tea shops.The tea shops always had a bakery counter at the front,and their signs,art nouveau gold lettering on white, were familiar.The St Katharine Docks in London were badly damaged by German bombing during WWII.All the warehouses around the eastern basin were destroyed.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading this, I was expecting a cosy read as suggested by that cheerful, Christmassy cover. So I was rather taken aback to meet two of the characters in rather dramatic circumstances! Rose and her mum Flora have been abducted and are tied up in a drifting boat on Christmas Eve, the day before Rose's wedding to Ben. We then scroll back a few months to find Rose and Ben happily planning to get married

Elaine Everest has created a great cast of characters you really warm to in this book. Through them we see that good, caring side of human nature. As well as Rose and Flora, there are all the girls who work as Nippies at the Lyons Teashop in Margate. Ben's rather well to do family also feature - his mother Lady Diana, sister Ruth and two young daughters. I particularly liked how Lady Diana had no airs and graces and just accepted Rose into their family.

Themes of friendship, community and supporting people through difficult times run throughout the book. There's a strong sense of making the most of every day and making the best of things. There's the constant threat of air-raids and the worry for their men away fighting. I had an uneasy feeling about the sudden appearance of Rose's half sister and her husband, who didn't really seem to want to build up family ties but rather had a secret agenda. They proved to be a very different kind of threat to Rose's happiness.

I very much enjoyed spending Christmas with the Teashop Girls. It's a warm, nostalgic read, the kind of comforting book to enjoy on the short, chilly winter days. It's sure to be enjoyed by fans of historical sagas, or books featuring strong women and friendship.

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

In late 1940 the tea shop girls are trying hard to carry on as normal and serve their customers just like at any other time but when their shop is badly hit during a bombing raid their futures are in jeopardy.
But the girls distract themselves with Rose's long lost half sister who has turned up on the scene and her upcoming festive wedding all set for Christmas Day.
But this new sister and her husband are not all they seem and as the wedding day looms closer so does danger...
Everything conspires to make this one unforgettable Christmas in more ways than one.
This was a lovely seasonal adventure and a great follow up to the original Tea shop girls story including all our old favourites and also some new faces too amongst the characters.
Drama, fun, danger and an overall exciting story makes this a perfect Yuletide treat for fans of wartime fiction.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to this series because I really enjoyed The Woolworth Girls - not being a huge fan of sagas overall I wasn't sure if I'd be able to get into another one. Boy was I wrong! Much as I liked The Woolworth Girls I like this series even more! Totally hooked. This particular one has been a real page turner and I am nearing the finish line now and can't wait to see how this turns out! I have to say as well that reading this in the midst of a pandemic really helps to put things in perspective. Life has never been easy and you have to look for the small pleasures, the little moments of happiness to help get you through.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst I enjoyed the book, it didn't feel very Christmasy to me, as only the last chapter or two were set then.

Right from the opening chapter and blurb, I was suspicious of Eileen and Gerald, but I didn't see the twist of them being Lady Diana's niece coming!

I'm glad that Ben and Rose were able to have their Christmas wedding, and I hope that there's another book so we can explore the relationships and characters even more.

[Jo Marlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elaine please continue the tea shop range

Was up half the night engrossed in the stories of Rose Ben, Lilly Katie & all at se view,
Please continue with the series of the tea shop girls, I’ve been left wanting more ......

[Anna Falcucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family and Friends unite in hard times

Another heart warming read, full of trials and tribulations during the early part of ww2. What does the future hold for the residents of Sea View?

[Joanne Whitefoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story with several bumps throughout. I do hope Elaine Everest will write another, it would be great to hear more about the girls. Plus to hear more about Flora and Lady Diana and what they get up to next

[Diane Corish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happiness

An unputdownable read. From start to finish some twists and turns really good book loved all the characters didn't want it to end hope there will be another to follow 😀😀😀