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Homefront Girls #2
Secrets of the Lavender Girls
Stratford, 1943.
World War II is still raging across Europe. But for the Lavender Girls, the workers at the Yardley cosmetics factory in East London, there are even more challenges on the home front.
Esther, newly married, is learning to juggle life as a working woman with her duties as a wife and homemaker. And she must find a way to help her adopted family on the Shoot, who are battling their own hidden demons . . .
Headstrong Patsy, a new recruit at the Yardley factory, has a double life that takes her from the East End lipstick belt by day to the stage in the West End at night. But will she be able to keep her secrets hidden from her controlling mother, Queenie?
For bubbly Lou, a forbidden love forces her to choose between family loyalty and a chance at true happiness. Can she be brave enough to forge her own path in the chaos of a war?
One thing is certain: the Lavender Girls need one another more than ever if they are going to survive . . .
World War II is still raging across Europe. But for the Lavender Girls, the workers at the Yardley cosmetics factory in East London, there are even more challenges on the home front.
Esther, newly married, is learning to juggle life as a working woman with her duties as a wife and homemaker. And she must find a way to help her adopted family on the Shoot, who are battling their own hidden demons . . .
Headstrong Patsy, a new recruit at the Yardley factory, has a double life that takes her from the East End lipstick belt by day to the stage in the West End at night. But will she be able to keep her secrets hidden from her controlling mother, Queenie?
For bubbly Lou, a forbidden love forces her to choose between family loyalty and a chance at true happiness. Can she be brave enough to forge her own path in the chaos of a war?
One thing is certain: the Lavender Girls need one another more than ever if they are going to survive . . .
- GenresHistorical Fiction
437 pages, Paperback
Published January 21, 2021
67 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
Kate Thompson
10 books522 followersKate Thompson was born in London and worked as a journalist for twenty years on women's magazines and national newspapers. She now lives in Sunbury with her husband, two sons and two rescue dogs. After ghost writing five memoirs, Kate moved into fiction.
Kate's first non-fiction social history documenting the forgotten histories of East End matriarchy, The Stepney Doorstep Society, was published in 2018 by Penguin. She is passionate about capturing lost voices and untold social histories.
Today Kate works as a journalist, author and library campaigner. Her most recent books, The Little Wartime Library (2022) and The Wartime Book Club (2023) by Hodder & Stoughton focus on two remarkable libraries in wartime. Her 100 libraries project, celebrates the richness and complexity of librarians work and the vital role of libraries in our communities.
Kate is also proud to have worked in collaboration with one of Britain's oldest Holocaust survivors, Renee Salt, to research and write, A mother's Promise (UK) Do Not Cry When I Die (US and Canada) to be published on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Podcast host - From the Library With Love. Interviews with librarians, best-sellling authors and our remarkable wartime generation. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...
Kate's first non-fiction social history documenting the forgotten histories of East End matriarchy, The Stepney Doorstep Society, was published in 2018 by Penguin. She is passionate about capturing lost voices and untold social histories.
Today Kate works as a journalist, author and library campaigner. Her most recent books, The Little Wartime Library (2022) and The Wartime Book Club (2023) by Hodder & Stoughton focus on two remarkable libraries in wartime. Her 100 libraries project, celebrates the richness and complexity of librarians work and the vital role of libraries in our communities.
Kate is also proud to have worked in collaboration with one of Britain's oldest Holocaust survivors, Renee Salt, to research and write, A mother's Promise (UK) Do Not Cry When I Die (US and Canada) to be published on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Podcast host - From the Library With Love. Interviews with librarians, best-sellling authors and our remarkable wartime generation. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 27, 2020
Homeffront Girls #2
3,5 stars rounded up to 4
Set in the East End of London during WWII. The Lavender Girls worked at Yardley where they are hard worked but still manage to have fun. The Blitz is over and children are returning home from the countryside where they had been evacuated to. The American forces have arrived in London bringing gifts for the women who took their fancy. Ester, Nell and Lou have formed a special bond during horrendous times, But each girl is hiding a secret that could prove life changing if it was ever revealed.
I haven't read the first book in this series but the storyline was easy to pick up. You do get little references back to what had happened in the previous book. For some of the women, going to work was their social life. The characters are all likeable except for Queenie. The author has done her research into the era. This book will make you laugh and cry. Tnis is a good war time story.
At the end of the book the author tells us the true stories of the women she interviewed whilst researching this story.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author Kate Thompson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3,5 stars rounded up to 4
Set in the East End of London during WWII. The Lavender Girls worked at Yardley where they are hard worked but still manage to have fun. The Blitz is over and children are returning home from the countryside where they had been evacuated to. The American forces have arrived in London bringing gifts for the women who took their fancy. Ester, Nell and Lou have formed a special bond during horrendous times, But each girl is hiding a secret that could prove life changing if it was ever revealed.
I haven't read the first book in this series but the storyline was easy to pick up. You do get little references back to what had happened in the previous book. For some of the women, going to work was their social life. The characters are all likeable except for Queenie. The author has done her research into the era. This book will make you laugh and cry. Tnis is a good war time story.
At the end of the book the author tells us the true stories of the women she interviewed whilst researching this story.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author Kate Thompson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2020
A wonderful read! I couldn't put this down. I loved the first one, Secrets of the Home Front Girls and this one was every bit as good. Great to meet the characters we loved from the first book and to get to know the new ones.
I love books set in the war years and it's the books set on the home front that I love the best. The sheer energy and resilience it took to survive those years shines through in this book. The squalor and poverty, women having to cope in a man's world without a man and children only having one parent to rely on is shown here in all it's rough, tough East End glory. These were a people who while suffering helped out neighbours no matter what the problem. They stuck together and always protected their own. They would give the last bite of food on their table to someone in need.
The world of today could learn a lot from these people.
For any reader who is missing The Beachview Boarding House books by Ellie Dean, I urge you to read this series. You won't be disappointed.
I love books set in the war years and it's the books set on the home front that I love the best. The sheer energy and resilience it took to survive those years shines through in this book. The squalor and poverty, women having to cope in a man's world without a man and children only having one parent to rely on is shown here in all it's rough, tough East End glory. These were a people who while suffering helped out neighbours no matter what the problem. They stuck together and always protected their own. They would give the last bite of food on their table to someone in need.
The world of today could learn a lot from these people.
For any reader who is missing The Beachview Boarding House books by Ellie Dean, I urge you to read this series. You won't be disappointed.
May 25, 2020
Its Esther and Walters wedding day july 1943 in Stratford London. WW2 is still on going and so are both their jobs in Yardley factory. Mr and mrs Smith are moving in with Walters mother Maureen, a beautiful wedding with all Yardley lavender girl's attending Joycie, joanie, betty and mavis, also Lou Button. Patsy Jacks recently moved down the shoot from poplars with her mum Queenie and brother Jimmy, and applies for a job always wanted to work at Yardley from a child, not even her protective mother is going to get in her way. It is all going to be a baptism of fire. What a boost this book is,full of humour witty funny moments from the work force, the war might be in full swing but so are these girl's love a good knees up. With the yanks overpaid, oversexed and over in London. And these secrets you will learn as you read each chapter, everyone has them big or small. Loved these characters especially Patsy Jacks working two jobs at Yardley factory and as a windmill girl. This is an absolute gem of a book,that I saviour reading right through. Absolutely fantastic and couldn't fault any of it.
August 21, 2020
One little community in the East End has had to endure years of war, but that won't stop them living their best lives.
I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I've read in this series, and it was really easy to jump into this story. That being said, I am keen to read Secrets of the Homefront Girls.
This follows the lives of many people in the Shoot, but has three main narrators.
Esther was a jewish refugee, taken in by Nell four years ago, and now considers herself a true East Ender. The book opens with her wedding day, as he marries an incredibly sweet chap Walter.
Despite being together for some time, married life is a shock to the system, especially with an interfering mother-in-law.
Patsy is a newcomer to the Shoot, returning to the East End as one of the older evacuees. She starts work at the Yardley beauty factory, but has dreams of performing on stage. After becoming a substitute-mother to her little brother, there's tension being back with their real mum. It doesn't help that there mother seems determined to ruin the lives of all their new neighbours.
Lou has always acted the clown, to try and mask that she's different from the other girls.
When her mum's illness gets worse, Lou takes on more responsibility with her sisters, while they all try and survive their simply horrid father.
The girls really did have a dreadful parental-figure ruining their lives. I couldn't work out which was worst. I think the mother-in-law from hell probably just pipped it, as I couldn't imagine anyone taking away my choices, like she did with Esther.
The story spans the last year of the war, as the girls face it with grim determination and positivity that was frankly inspiring.
The stories are slow-building. There's the intrigue of the secrets that are being uncovered, but the focus is mostly on the wonderfully-simple human life; highlighting the importance of friends, neighbours, and the family you choose, as well as the one you are born with.
The setting is very detailed and of its time. For the most part, it's natural and very well done.
There were a few bits of narrative, where it became somewhat detached from the narrator's life and slipped into an educational tone.
I found the overall pace a little slow for my liking, but despite this, I was emotionally invested, and intrigued to see how it would all play out for our girls.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of the author's work.
I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I've read in this series, and it was really easy to jump into this story. That being said, I am keen to read Secrets of the Homefront Girls.
This follows the lives of many people in the Shoot, but has three main narrators.
Esther was a jewish refugee, taken in by Nell four years ago, and now considers herself a true East Ender. The book opens with her wedding day, as he marries an incredibly sweet chap Walter.
Despite being together for some time, married life is a shock to the system, especially with an interfering mother-in-law.
Patsy is a newcomer to the Shoot, returning to the East End as one of the older evacuees. She starts work at the Yardley beauty factory, but has dreams of performing on stage. After becoming a substitute-mother to her little brother, there's tension being back with their real mum. It doesn't help that there mother seems determined to ruin the lives of all their new neighbours.
Lou has always acted the clown, to try and mask that she's different from the other girls.
When her mum's illness gets worse, Lou takes on more responsibility with her sisters, while they all try and survive their simply horrid father.
The girls really did have a dreadful parental-figure ruining their lives. I couldn't work out which was worst. I think the mother-in-law from hell probably just pipped it, as I couldn't imagine anyone taking away my choices, like she did with Esther.
The story spans the last year of the war, as the girls face it with grim determination and positivity that was frankly inspiring.
The stories are slow-building. There's the intrigue of the secrets that are being uncovered, but the focus is mostly on the wonderfully-simple human life; highlighting the importance of friends, neighbours, and the family you choose, as well as the one you are born with.
The setting is very detailed and of its time. For the most part, it's natural and very well done.
There were a few bits of narrative, where it became somewhat detached from the narrator's life and slipped into an educational tone.
I found the overall pace a little slow for my liking, but despite this, I was emotionally invested, and intrigued to see how it would all play out for our girls.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of the author's work.
August 31, 2024
So good!! A wonderful way to tie up loose ends in the Yardley factory in the last years of WWII. I love these types of books.
February 3, 2021
I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This gives a really good feel of the communities during WW2 in London.
A wonderful story line with diverse characters kept me engrossed.
I really did not want this to finish.
This gives a really good feel of the communities during WW2 in London.
A wonderful story line with diverse characters kept me engrossed.
I really did not want this to finish.
January 11, 2021
The Yardley girls, who work at the famous cosmetics company known for its lavender talc, are a fun bunch of girls. There's beautiful Patsy and her over-protective mother, Lou whose love for another woman is unacceptable in the 1940s East End and Esther, who is about to get married. This is the second in the Homefront girls series but works well as a stand-alone.
December 28, 2020
The second novel in the Homefront Girls series and opening in the aftermath of the Blitz in July 1943, this book catches up with the lives of the so called ‘Lavender Girls’ who staffed the Yardley cosmetics factory in Stratford, East London. Whilst many of the characters that featured in the first novel remain there are plenty of new additions to the cast and this second book follows three of the young women who work at the factory each dealing with individual dilemmas against the backdrop of an ongoing war. There are enough references to past events to ensure this second book reads well as a stand-alone and in an afterword, author Kate Thompson delves into some real life history and tells of some of the women she interviewed prior to writing this book.
Four years on from her arrival in Stratford as an Austrian refugee, Jewish nineteen-year-old Esther is preparing to tie the knot with Walter but that means leaving the Shoot, her mother Julia and Nell Gunn behind and moving in with Walters’ domineering and interfering mother, Maureen Smith. Meanwhile irrepressible Lou Button, clown of the lipstick belt, is struggling to care for her sick mother and five sisters with no support from her tyrannical father and all whilst juggling her own forbidden love interest. Newcomer to the Shoot and arriving back from a lengthy evacuation to the country is breathtakingly beautiful seventeen-year-old Patsy Jacks. Mixed race and with a fiercely overprotective mother in Queenie she is also the newest employee at Yardley’s but makes short work of taking a second job and moonlighting in the West End at the Windmill Theatre. But exactly what the job entails, specifically posing naked, is enough to give her mother a blue fit and her secret is threatening to catch up with her fast. And it’s not just the women concealing secrets as formerly homeless Great War soldier, Snowball, turns his back on the life he is building with indomitable matriarch Nell Gunn, all triggered by the arrival of new neighbour and buttoned-up observer for the Morality Council, Queenie Jacks.
A third-person narrative that rotates between the three principle characters (Esther, Lou and Patsy) fleshes out each of the young women’s predicaments and their stories are compellingly told and given equal focus. Esther, Lou and Patsy are very well-drawn and I could empathise with all of their situations. Taken together and sprinkled with the daily life of the local community it makes for an involving read that demonstrates the solidarity, resilience and spirit of the home front’s finest. I found this second book to be a little slower paced than the first and perhaps because the novel tackles difficult personal issues and is set after the Blitz there is far less of the incisive social history that was woven throughout the first instalment. The ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign, the requisitioning of Yardley’s for ammunition production, the emergence of the doodlebug and the presence of American GI’s in East London however ensure the wartime spirit is ever-present. The book is clearly well-researched and populated by a cast of larger than life flawed characters with opinions reflective of wartime attitudes on everything from conscientious objectors to race and homosexuality. I did find it slightly disconcerting that after just four years in London Austrian refugee Esther talks like a born and bred cockney but aside from this I found the book to be an engaging slice of wartime life that reflects the camaraderie, courage and support of the close-knit East London community.
Four years on from her arrival in Stratford as an Austrian refugee, Jewish nineteen-year-old Esther is preparing to tie the knot with Walter but that means leaving the Shoot, her mother Julia and Nell Gunn behind and moving in with Walters’ domineering and interfering mother, Maureen Smith. Meanwhile irrepressible Lou Button, clown of the lipstick belt, is struggling to care for her sick mother and five sisters with no support from her tyrannical father and all whilst juggling her own forbidden love interest. Newcomer to the Shoot and arriving back from a lengthy evacuation to the country is breathtakingly beautiful seventeen-year-old Patsy Jacks. Mixed race and with a fiercely overprotective mother in Queenie she is also the newest employee at Yardley’s but makes short work of taking a second job and moonlighting in the West End at the Windmill Theatre. But exactly what the job entails, specifically posing naked, is enough to give her mother a blue fit and her secret is threatening to catch up with her fast. And it’s not just the women concealing secrets as formerly homeless Great War soldier, Snowball, turns his back on the life he is building with indomitable matriarch Nell Gunn, all triggered by the arrival of new neighbour and buttoned-up observer for the Morality Council, Queenie Jacks.
A third-person narrative that rotates between the three principle characters (Esther, Lou and Patsy) fleshes out each of the young women’s predicaments and their stories are compellingly told and given equal focus. Esther, Lou and Patsy are very well-drawn and I could empathise with all of their situations. Taken together and sprinkled with the daily life of the local community it makes for an involving read that demonstrates the solidarity, resilience and spirit of the home front’s finest. I found this second book to be a little slower paced than the first and perhaps because the novel tackles difficult personal issues and is set after the Blitz there is far less of the incisive social history that was woven throughout the first instalment. The ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign, the requisitioning of Yardley’s for ammunition production, the emergence of the doodlebug and the presence of American GI’s in East London however ensure the wartime spirit is ever-present. The book is clearly well-researched and populated by a cast of larger than life flawed characters with opinions reflective of wartime attitudes on everything from conscientious objectors to race and homosexuality. I did find it slightly disconcerting that after just four years in London Austrian refugee Esther talks like a born and bred cockney but aside from this I found the book to be an engaging slice of wartime life that reflects the camaraderie, courage and support of the close-knit East London community.
January 15, 2021
This is the second book in the "Homefront series" following on from Secrets of the Homefront Girls, as always its good to catch up with the characters you already know and love, although you can quite easily read this as a standalone book.
At the start of the book the epilogue tells us of a funeral procession of fifteen tiny coffins in the year of 1917. (This gets the cogs turning wondering where this fits into the story).
Jumping forward to July 1943 we meet new employee Patsy, newly moved into the area after being an evacuee, and bombed out of her previous house. She is now 17 and looking forward to working at the Yardleys factory, although her mum Queenie, a conscientious objector, is not too keen on the idea. Patsy has already met lots of the other girls at Esther's wedding and has found them to be very nice and welcoming, but her mum is not too keen on her working there and socialising with her new friends and neighbours. Patsy has one "big" secret to keep from her mum, but for how long!
Esther has her own troubles, although newly married, life is not a bed of roses, living with her mother in law is not the life she wanted. Lou also has lots of secrets and family troubles of her own, but trying to keep her secret to herself is not proving easy. Another person who has a big secret that he won't talk about is Snowball, an elderly man who would rather sleep in the allotment shed than next door to Patsy's mum Queenie.
I also loved the individual stories from the real Yardleys girls and the Windmill girls at the end of the book, a nice touch which really finishes off the story. I really hope Kate Thompson has more storylines up her sleeve for these families, would love to know what happens next in the years following on from the end of the war.
Full of Eastend charm, wartime spirit and characters that you quickly grow to love, this book is well researched and accurately describes the way of life and the feelings of ordinary women (and men) of the time. Characters that you can identify with, written with heartfelt words and described in great detail you can imagine you too are walking the streets with the characters. But they do have secrets to hide and you find yourself "rooting" for them in this difficult period.
Ordinary people on the homefront make such a good storyline and this book is no exception. These characters will stay with you for a long time. Loved it, a 5☆ read, would have given it more if I could, a truly compelling story.
At the start of the book the epilogue tells us of a funeral procession of fifteen tiny coffins in the year of 1917. (This gets the cogs turning wondering where this fits into the story).
Jumping forward to July 1943 we meet new employee Patsy, newly moved into the area after being an evacuee, and bombed out of her previous house. She is now 17 and looking forward to working at the Yardleys factory, although her mum Queenie, a conscientious objector, is not too keen on the idea. Patsy has already met lots of the other girls at Esther's wedding and has found them to be very nice and welcoming, but her mum is not too keen on her working there and socialising with her new friends and neighbours. Patsy has one "big" secret to keep from her mum, but for how long!
Esther has her own troubles, although newly married, life is not a bed of roses, living with her mother in law is not the life she wanted. Lou also has lots of secrets and family troubles of her own, but trying to keep her secret to herself is not proving easy. Another person who has a big secret that he won't talk about is Snowball, an elderly man who would rather sleep in the allotment shed than next door to Patsy's mum Queenie.
I also loved the individual stories from the real Yardleys girls and the Windmill girls at the end of the book, a nice touch which really finishes off the story. I really hope Kate Thompson has more storylines up her sleeve for these families, would love to know what happens next in the years following on from the end of the war.
Full of Eastend charm, wartime spirit and characters that you quickly grow to love, this book is well researched and accurately describes the way of life and the feelings of ordinary women (and men) of the time. Characters that you can identify with, written with heartfelt words and described in great detail you can imagine you too are walking the streets with the characters. But they do have secrets to hide and you find yourself "rooting" for them in this difficult period.
Ordinary people on the homefront make such a good storyline and this book is no exception. These characters will stay with you for a long time. Loved it, a 5☆ read, would have given it more if I could, a truly compelling story.
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April 19, 2021I really enjoyed this gritty story of life on the home front during world war two. The three main characters and their friends work at the Yardley make up factory in the east end of London, hence the name Lavender girls.
Unfortunately I haven't read the book that comes before this one but on this occasion that didn't seem to matter. I loved all the characters especially Patsy, who arrives in the area with her mother, Queenie and her young brother, she soon fits in with the other girls but she has lots of secrets that she has no intention of sharing.
Wonderfully written, I could see the people and the area in my mind while reading.
Unfortunately I haven't read the book that comes before this one but on this occasion that didn't seem to matter. I loved all the characters especially Patsy, who arrives in the area with her mother, Queenie and her young brother, she soon fits in with the other girls but she has lots of secrets that she has no intention of sharing.
Wonderfully written, I could see the people and the area in my mind while reading.
June 7, 2023
Another book I wouldn't normally read, but this was excellent and there are parts of it based on real life,
April 21, 2023
Wonderful book. Lots of colourful characters and strong storyline
August 10, 2020
The second in the Homefront Girls series, it picks up the story in 1943 in Stratford in the East End of London with Esther’s wedding to Walter, two characters from the first book, Secrets of the Homefront Girls.
This is such a wonderful tale, a pleasure to read. I was totally immersed in the lives of these brave women who were known as the Lavender Girls as they worked in the Yardley factory. Some of the characters I’d met before in the previous book and others were new to me, all of them colourful and vibrant. The author really brought them to life for me. The descriptions of the sights and sounds of this particular part of the East End are very vivid and easy to visualise. I was easily transported into the Lavender Girls’ world. It’s well researched and beautifully written, an immensely enjoyable insight into a bygone era. I found the author’s notes at the back of the book so very interesting and moving, they are well worth the read. Put your best face forward! 💄
A delightfully entertaining and heartwarming social drama which I can unequivocally recommend.
This is such a wonderful tale, a pleasure to read. I was totally immersed in the lives of these brave women who were known as the Lavender Girls as they worked in the Yardley factory. Some of the characters I’d met before in the previous book and others were new to me, all of them colourful and vibrant. The author really brought them to life for me. The descriptions of the sights and sounds of this particular part of the East End are very vivid and easy to visualise. I was easily transported into the Lavender Girls’ world. It’s well researched and beautifully written, an immensely enjoyable insight into a bygone era. I found the author’s notes at the back of the book so very interesting and moving, they are well worth the read. Put your best face forward! 💄
A delightfully entertaining and heartwarming social drama which I can unequivocally recommend.
April 5, 2023
I loved this book so good 6 stars. New favourite author. This is the third book I've read and going to go through the rest of them as well
August 7, 2020
Secrets of the Lavender girls is a gritty and heart-warming novel based in Stratford, East End of London during World War II. The year is 1943, and the novel concentrates on the women working at the Yardley’s Cosmetic Factory. It continues the stories of some of the amazing characters from the first book in the ‘Homefront Girls’ series and also introduces new exciting characters. Enough backstory is given that this book can be read as a standalone story or as part of the series. Having read Secrets of the Homefront Girls, I was looking forward to catching up with the Yardley girls and I was not disappointed. As World War II is still continuing across Europe on the Homefront the Yardley girls continue their work at the factory whilst coping with their day to day struggles of living in a bombed out London, facing rations and food shortages. A character from the previous book, Esther is now newly married and learning to adapt to life as both a working women and a married women. However she is also trying to find away to help her adopted family during war time. New Yardley girl Patsy is leading a double life, working on the lipstick belt in the factory during the day and on the stage in the West End at night. Patsy is desperately trying to keep this a secret from her controlling mother, Queenie. Meanwhile Lou, is forced to choose between her family and a forbidden love but is unsure if she is brave enough to take a risk on love during these uncertain times. The Lavender girls all support each other both inside and outside the factory, forging bonds that will last a life time.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, I loved the storyline and the characters from new recruit Patsy who is independently minded but also held back by her mother, to bubbly Lou who is torn between family loyalty and new love and Esther who has gone from a refuge to a married working women. All the characters are likeable, realistic and relatable. I was fully immersed in this novel and found the authors notes at the end fascinating. The main characters and the events of the book are inspired by Kate’s own research, which involved talking with the women who worked at Yardley’s, and you can tell this in her writing as the women’s strength, loyalty and friendships really shine through. The sights, smells, and fear of being in the the East End during 1943 was bought to life under Kate’s pen, along with the fun and the lasting friendships which were made between the wonderful whilst working at Yardley’s. A five star read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, I loved the storyline and the characters from new recruit Patsy who is independently minded but also held back by her mother, to bubbly Lou who is torn between family loyalty and new love and Esther who has gone from a refuge to a married working women. All the characters are likeable, realistic and relatable. I was fully immersed in this novel and found the authors notes at the end fascinating. The main characters and the events of the book are inspired by Kate’s own research, which involved talking with the women who worked at Yardley’s, and you can tell this in her writing as the women’s strength, loyalty and friendships really shine through. The sights, smells, and fear of being in the the East End during 1943 was bought to life under Kate’s pen, along with the fun and the lasting friendships which were made between the wonderful whilst working at Yardley’s. A five star read!
June 12, 2024
Another smashing tale of the Yardley Girls of East London’s “Stinky Staford”. A continuation of sorts of the previous SECRETS OF THE HOMEFRONT GIRLS but with different story lines. The action picks up 2 years after the previous book ended with a few minor characters elevated to major and vice versa. Esther is the only character that sort of headlines in both books. It took me longer to engage with this one vs the previous book and oi, there are a couple of real bitches in this one! Some big issues are dealt with such as abortion still being an issue for women who have little control over their own bodies, and same-sex relationships plays a major role. Both are issues that we THOUGHT we were done and over in this age but are once again being thrust into the forefront as the ultra-right is insidiously creeping back into our society. Racism and anti-Semitism were of course prevalent in those days as again, they still are today. All these issues are expertly handled but don’t overpower the storyline itself, it is still about the women, their strength and their support for one another especially during the difficult war years.
I must say, I loved the storyline here involving The Windmill. I have watched MRS HENDERSON PRESENTS several times and love it so I was thrilled to see Mrs H. and Vivian Van Damm appear in this book.
A couple of things I have come to expect and love from this author. One, she has the most delicious ways of taking care of arsehole men – a pitchfork, a hatpin, and now a loose barrage balloon. Oh, if real life were only so!! Another excellent trait is that Ms Thompson goes above and beyond when it comes to an Author’s Note. In fact it isn’t even an Author’s Note but chapters devoted to several of the historical aspect in the book. Most authors would state that they talked to previous Windmill Girls or Lavender Girls and used some of their recollections in the storyline but no… we are treated to an in-depth account of those real life people so that as the reader we feel like we too met these daring figures of a by-gone era – and photos too!!
With each book that I read from this author I get a deeper appreciation for her dedication to honouring the women of the past along with portraying an accurate image of the history and fortitude of these unique neighbourhoods.
There is a great line in the book where Esther wonders if “When this terrible war was over, would historians ever study the homefront like they would the battlefront?” Well thanks to authors like this one the answer is yes, yes they will!
I must say, I loved the storyline here involving The Windmill. I have watched MRS HENDERSON PRESENTS several times and love it so I was thrilled to see Mrs H. and Vivian Van Damm appear in this book.
A couple of things I have come to expect and love from this author. One, she has the most delicious ways of taking care of arsehole men – a pitchfork, a hatpin, and now a loose barrage balloon. Oh, if real life were only so!! Another excellent trait is that Ms Thompson goes above and beyond when it comes to an Author’s Note. In fact it isn’t even an Author’s Note but chapters devoted to several of the historical aspect in the book. Most authors would state that they talked to previous Windmill Girls or Lavender Girls and used some of their recollections in the storyline but no… we are treated to an in-depth account of those real life people so that as the reader we feel like we too met these daring figures of a by-gone era – and photos too!!
With each book that I read from this author I get a deeper appreciation for her dedication to honouring the women of the past along with portraying an accurate image of the history and fortitude of these unique neighbourhoods.
There is a great line in the book where Esther wonders if “When this terrible war was over, would historians ever study the homefront like they would the battlefront?” Well thanks to authors like this one the answer is yes, yes they will!
June 26, 2022
Stratford, 1943.
With the war still raging across Europe, the Lavender Girls, the workers at the Yardley cosmetics factory in East London, there are even more challenges on the home front.
Esther, newly married, is learning to juggle life as a working woman with her duties as a wife and homemaker. And she must find a way to help her adopted family on the Shoot, who are battling their own hidden demons . . .
Headstrong Patsy, a new recruit at the Yardley factory, has a double life that takes her from the East End lipstick belt by day to the stage in the West End at night. But will she be able to keep her secrets hidden from her controlling mother, Queenie?
For bubbly Lou, a forbidden love forces her to choose between family loyalty and a chance at true happiness. Can she be brave enough to forge her own path in the chaos of a war?
One thing is certain: the Lavender Girls need one another more than ever if they are going to survive . .
Yardley's signature scent is English Lavender, which was launched in 1873.English Lavender was popular during the Victorian Era in England, and was exported to the USA in the 1880s, to great success.The variety of lavender that Yardley uses in their products is Lavandula angustifolia, grown specifically for Yardley in the South of England.Lavandula angustifolia was selected by the company in the 1930s, after years of searching for the finest variety.
RAF Chipping Ongar was located in northeast London.Opened in 1943, it was used by both the RAF and USAAF, primarily as a bomber airfield. A true Cockney must have been born within the sound of Bow bells, of St Mary-le-Bow church in Cheapside. On 13 June 1917 – Upper North Street School, Poplar in London’s East End was bombed by one of Germany’s new long-distance Gotha aeroplanes.The plane was part of a squadron targeting the city in the first daylight air raid of WWI. Eighteen children were killed – most just under 5yo.
'A woman past caring is a woman past repairing.' The government and cosmetic companies propagandized beauty, grooming and makeup as a patriotic duty.
With the war still raging across Europe, the Lavender Girls, the workers at the Yardley cosmetics factory in East London, there are even more challenges on the home front.
Esther, newly married, is learning to juggle life as a working woman with her duties as a wife and homemaker. And she must find a way to help her adopted family on the Shoot, who are battling their own hidden demons . . .
Headstrong Patsy, a new recruit at the Yardley factory, has a double life that takes her from the East End lipstick belt by day to the stage in the West End at night. But will she be able to keep her secrets hidden from her controlling mother, Queenie?
For bubbly Lou, a forbidden love forces her to choose between family loyalty and a chance at true happiness. Can she be brave enough to forge her own path in the chaos of a war?
One thing is certain: the Lavender Girls need one another more than ever if they are going to survive . .
Yardley's signature scent is English Lavender, which was launched in 1873.English Lavender was popular during the Victorian Era in England, and was exported to the USA in the 1880s, to great success.The variety of lavender that Yardley uses in their products is Lavandula angustifolia, grown specifically for Yardley in the South of England.Lavandula angustifolia was selected by the company in the 1930s, after years of searching for the finest variety.
RAF Chipping Ongar was located in northeast London.Opened in 1943, it was used by both the RAF and USAAF, primarily as a bomber airfield. A true Cockney must have been born within the sound of Bow bells, of St Mary-le-Bow church in Cheapside. On 13 June 1917 – Upper North Street School, Poplar in London’s East End was bombed by one of Germany’s new long-distance Gotha aeroplanes.The plane was part of a squadron targeting the city in the first daylight air raid of WWI. Eighteen children were killed – most just under 5yo.
'A woman past caring is a woman past repairing.' The government and cosmetic companies propagandized beauty, grooming and makeup as a patriotic duty.
August 17, 2020
I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This WW2 Saga was wonderfully written, compelling and unpredictable. The story revolves around three central characters; Esther, Patsy and Lou. Each one is guarding a secret that could prove life changing if ever revealed.
The supporting characters of Queenie, Nell, Snowball and Blue added depth to the main stories.
One thing that is immediately obvious is the camaraderie, friendship and closeness of the people who spent their wartime years in London’s East End. I was totally absorbed in this book and could feel the desperation of life under rationing.
Whilst I smiled at the humour of the factory banter, I also cried at some of the descriptions of the massive losses endured by all.
The Yardley factory was a terrific setting for the workforce, I could almost hear the production line clanging as the story unfolded.
Naturally, romance plays a huge part in the Lavender Girls’ story but, as you would expect from a saga of this type, the path of true love doesn’t always run smoothly or even down a previously navigated route. Don’t expect a standard love story because those secrets have to come out eventually.
I am relatively new to this genre and I’m delighted that there is a wide range of authors to choose from as I will be reading more. I have to say though, Kate Thompson seems to be a master of her craft and the reason that she’s a bestselling author is immediately obvious.
I hope you’ll read this book and enjoy it as much as I did.
This WW2 Saga was wonderfully written, compelling and unpredictable. The story revolves around three central characters; Esther, Patsy and Lou. Each one is guarding a secret that could prove life changing if ever revealed.
The supporting characters of Queenie, Nell, Snowball and Blue added depth to the main stories.
One thing that is immediately obvious is the camaraderie, friendship and closeness of the people who spent their wartime years in London’s East End. I was totally absorbed in this book and could feel the desperation of life under rationing.
Whilst I smiled at the humour of the factory banter, I also cried at some of the descriptions of the massive losses endured by all.
The Yardley factory was a terrific setting for the workforce, I could almost hear the production line clanging as the story unfolded.
Naturally, romance plays a huge part in the Lavender Girls’ story but, as you would expect from a saga of this type, the path of true love doesn’t always run smoothly or even down a previously navigated route. Don’t expect a standard love story because those secrets have to come out eventually.
I am relatively new to this genre and I’m delighted that there is a wide range of authors to choose from as I will be reading more. I have to say though, Kate Thompson seems to be a master of her craft and the reason that she’s a bestselling author is immediately obvious.
I hope you’ll read this book and enjoy it as much as I did.
July 20, 2020
Secrets of the Lavender Girls is a historical fiction novel set in 1943, Stratford England. The book starts on Esters wedding day, with all of the Yardley Lavender girls. Each chapter in this books comes from the perspective of one of these girls. helping to unravel the secrets of each of their lives and how they all intertwine.
I truly adored this book, I didn't want it to end. I loved all of the characters, they wear all so real and the flaws just made them more human. I went through so many emotions whilst reading, from laughing one minute to on the verge of tears the next. it really showed how a community can come together and above all how important friendship and forgiveness is.
The thing I loved the most about this book was actually the stories at the end, where the author had added the inspiration for the book. She had incorporated true stories from the wartime and shown photos of the wonderful women that the characters and locations that parts of the book were loosely based on. I found this to be such a lovely touch.
Although this was the second book in the series (I have not read the first) I feel like you could pick up and enjoy the characters regardless of that, I will definitely be on the look out for more Homefront girls novels in the future.
I highly recommend this book. Publish date: January 2021.
Thank you to #NetGalley for a ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I truly adored this book, I didn't want it to end. I loved all of the characters, they wear all so real and the flaws just made them more human. I went through so many emotions whilst reading, from laughing one minute to on the verge of tears the next. it really showed how a community can come together and above all how important friendship and forgiveness is.
The thing I loved the most about this book was actually the stories at the end, where the author had added the inspiration for the book. She had incorporated true stories from the wartime and shown photos of the wonderful women that the characters and locations that parts of the book were loosely based on. I found this to be such a lovely touch.
Although this was the second book in the series (I have not read the first) I feel like you could pick up and enjoy the characters regardless of that, I will definitely be on the look out for more Homefront girls novels in the future.
I highly recommend this book. Publish date: January 2021.
Thank you to #NetGalley for a ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 14, 2021
When I started reading this book I realised that it was a continuation of a series, I was a little unsure if I would be able to 'catch up' with the characters and the storyline. All this was unfounded, it very much was a stand alone story with little insights into what had happened in the previous book, you would easily be able to go and read the first book.
What a glamorous bunch the Lavender Girls were Yardley was definetly a fun and hard working place to be! You felt that you were with them all the way and how they enjoyed work and play, but they did have hard living conditions. Having watched Call the Midwives I had an image of Poplar and the rest of the East End, but then we could jump to the excitement of the West End and the Windmill Theatre. I thought the book gave a very good insight into how London adapted with all its different faces and people that lived there during WW2 and how they had to adapt their lives to what was happening around them. The storylines of the girls from Lou, Snowball and Patsy weaved beautifully together and were written with love and thought, you could tell that a lot of research had gone into the characters and their storylines. I look forward to reading more about them.
What a glamorous bunch the Lavender Girls were Yardley was definetly a fun and hard working place to be! You felt that you were with them all the way and how they enjoyed work and play, but they did have hard living conditions. Having watched Call the Midwives I had an image of Poplar and the rest of the East End, but then we could jump to the excitement of the West End and the Windmill Theatre. I thought the book gave a very good insight into how London adapted with all its different faces and people that lived there during WW2 and how they had to adapt their lives to what was happening around them. The storylines of the girls from Lou, Snowball and Patsy weaved beautifully together and were written with love and thought, you could tell that a lot of research had gone into the characters and their storylines. I look forward to reading more about them.
August 8, 2020
It doesn’t matter how many books have written which are set in WWll, still there will always be a fragment, a piece or a part of someone’s life left untold and unheard. How would it not? War has destroyed innumerable lives, even who survived, left with scars which is impossible to heal. This book is about those lives who were not directly in the war but living with the war, with the fear and yet learned to get through the life with whatever possibilities came their way.
The plot is focused on lives of three women, their relationships, families, neighbors, work Life at Yardley, and of course the war when most of the men on their duties to serve their country. It’s enriched with real-time incidents and I totally loved that the characters are developed out of real personalities and of course with some creativity. It also put lights on the situation of same sex relationship in the mid-20th century. The other thing I loved is the happy ending and who doesn’t like that...right! I would highly recommend this book to the readers.
Thank you Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton (publisher) for providing e-ARC to review.
The plot is focused on lives of three women, their relationships, families, neighbors, work Life at Yardley, and of course the war when most of the men on their duties to serve their country. It’s enriched with real-time incidents and I totally loved that the characters are developed out of real personalities and of course with some creativity. It also put lights on the situation of same sex relationship in the mid-20th century. The other thing I loved is the happy ending and who doesn’t like that...right! I would highly recommend this book to the readers.
Thank you Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton (publisher) for providing e-ARC to review.
August 25, 2020
It was great to be back at Yardley’s factory with the Lavender Girls again. This is book two with the same characters from The Homefront Girls and a few more. Esther who is now married to Walter and is no more the shy young girl she was. Nell , who is the top woman in the Shoot but a new arrival sets out to challenge that. There’s Lou who’s father is just the most rotten human being who ever walked and Patsy who has the most difficult mother to contend with.
What I love most about these books is the friendship between the women. In such a horrendous time as the war they all had to look out for each other because they never knew who would be needing help next,it could be you.
At the end of the book Kate tells us the true stories of the women she interviewed and where she slotted some of their stories into the book. These are precious memories and I’m so glad they are written down.
I was loathe to leave the lavender girls, knowing that there probably won’t be another book about them.
I enjoyed this book so much. There is only one book by Kate Thompson I haven’t read and I have every faith that it will be just as good.
More power to your pen Kate.
What I love most about these books is the friendship between the women. In such a horrendous time as the war they all had to look out for each other because they never knew who would be needing help next,it could be you.
At the end of the book Kate tells us the true stories of the women she interviewed and where she slotted some of their stories into the book. These are precious memories and I’m so glad they are written down.
I was loathe to leave the lavender girls, knowing that there probably won’t be another book about them.
I enjoyed this book so much. There is only one book by Kate Thompson I haven’t read and I have every faith that it will be just as good.
More power to your pen Kate.
June 3, 2020
I loved reading about the Lavender Girls in this second book in the series, Homefront Girls. This historical novel is set in the second world war in the East End of London, an area that has seen more than it's fair share of death and destruction. It's 1943 and the blitz is over, the children are returning from the homes in the countryside where they were evacuated. The Yardley factory is still working flat out to produce the finest cosmetics that the shortages allow and also essential war work. The girls who work in the factory always take pride in their appearance and when the American forces arrive in London some of the girls will do almost anything for a pair of the silk stockings that miraculously appear. Although there is a lot of sadness in the area it doesn't stop them having a good old knees-up and the wedding of Esther and Walter was no exception, everyone pulled together and rations were shared to produce a spread to be envied. There is so much more to this book and it will have you laughing one minute and crying the next, all in all, a brilliant read.
January 18, 2021
Secrets of the Lavender Girls (Homefront Girls #2) by Kate Thompson
I have read this book as a stand-alone, although it is second in the series, I was able to pick up the story with ease. There are a few references to earlier times covered in the first book, but it did not spoil the story.
Opening in the aftermath of the Blitz in July 1943, this book catches up with the lives of the 'Lavender Girls' who work at the Yardley cosmetics factory Stratford, East London. This story revolves around three characters; Esther, Patsy and Lou and their struggles at home and work, supported by Queenie, Nell, Snowball and Blue.
An uplifting, enjoyable social drama, which was a delight to read.
The descriptions of the East End's sights and sounds are expressive. I was transported into a bygone age, into the world of the Lavender Girls. All the characters are genuine and interesting.
The feelings and insights and mood of the time have been thoroughly researched and expertly broached.
I want to thank The Book Club and the author for a copy to review.
I have read this book as a stand-alone, although it is second in the series, I was able to pick up the story with ease. There are a few references to earlier times covered in the first book, but it did not spoil the story.
Opening in the aftermath of the Blitz in July 1943, this book catches up with the lives of the 'Lavender Girls' who work at the Yardley cosmetics factory Stratford, East London. This story revolves around three characters; Esther, Patsy and Lou and their struggles at home and work, supported by Queenie, Nell, Snowball and Blue.
An uplifting, enjoyable social drama, which was a delight to read.
The descriptions of the East End's sights and sounds are expressive. I was transported into a bygone age, into the world of the Lavender Girls. All the characters are genuine and interesting.
The feelings and insights and mood of the time have been thoroughly researched and expertly broached.
I want to thank The Book Club and the author for a copy to review.
May 5, 2021
Who needs a storyline? Not Ms Kate Thompson. When you have research as thorough and description so rich then the characters write their own stories. From the first page this reader felt transported to the wartime East End of London with its manufacturing industry, subsistence living, primitive hygiene and the constant threat of German bombings. The noise, dirt, smells, mean streets, factories are right there in front of us. We are introduced to the Yardley workers, the Lavender girls and their lives and loves. Patsy, Esther, Lou and the other girls are feisty, lovable, but each has their problems with families and lovers. Past events haunt the present. Gradually all issues are resolved as the war comes to an end. One significant thread - Patsy and her GI Blue - comes to a predictable happy end but it is handled beautifully.
I'm not one of the author's target audience, that is firmly female. But I am truly impressed with how she immerses herself in time and place to this extent and she describes her methods enthusiastically once the book is done.
I'm not one of the author's target audience, that is firmly female. But I am truly impressed with how she immerses herself in time and place to this extent and she describes her methods enthusiastically once the book is done.
August 8, 2020
As I started reading this book, I was a bit disappointed to realise that this was the second book in the Homefront Girls series, so I had missed the introduction to the main characters. There is enough information given from the past that it can be read as a stand-alone book, but I personally would’ve preferred to have read the first book beforehand.
However, I still found it a very enjoyable book, with loveable characters (apart from Queenie) and I really felt that I had been transported back to the East End in WW2, as there had obviously been a lot of research undertaken and therefore the story was totally believable. It’s a tale of loyalty, friendship, strength and fun and I will definitely read the first book in the series so I can get to know the girls even better, and look forward to the third instalment. 4.5 stars.
However, I still found it a very enjoyable book, with loveable characters (apart from Queenie) and I really felt that I had been transported back to the East End in WW2, as there had obviously been a lot of research undertaken and therefore the story was totally believable. It’s a tale of loyalty, friendship, strength and fun and I will definitely read the first book in the series so I can get to know the girls even better, and look forward to the third instalment. 4.5 stars.
June 16, 2021
As I started reading this book, I was a bit disappointed to realise that this was the second book in the Homefront Girls series, so I had missed the introduction to the main characters. There is enough information given from the past that it can be read as a stand-alone book, but I personally would’ve preferred to have read the first book beforehand.
However, I still found it a very enjoyable book, with loveable characters (apart from Queenie) and I really felt that I had been transported back to the East End in WW2, as there had obviously been a lot of research undertaken and therefore the story was totally believable. It’s a tale of loyalty, friendship, strength and fun and I will definitely read the first book in the series so I can get to know the girls even better, and look forward to the third instalment. 4.5 stars.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
However, I still found it a very enjoyable book, with loveable characters (apart from Queenie) and I really felt that I had been transported back to the East End in WW2, as there had obviously been a lot of research undertaken and therefore the story was totally believable. It’s a tale of loyalty, friendship, strength and fun and I will definitely read the first book in the series so I can get to know the girls even better, and look forward to the third instalment. 4.5 stars.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
July 8, 2023
Another good read from Kate Thompson with the main setting in Eastend England during WW2. This book is a fiction novel but based on truth. Through the horrors of war mixed with the living of life it takes you through the lives of the Lavender Girls, the Windmill Girls meeting up with American soldiers that have come to help fight Hitler. You feel the pain of loss, see how memories of held in side fro the Great War have come full circle and see how most have moved on with life and love even though the tragedies become a part of who they are. For the most part they have learned that forgiveness is the the key to moving on. Kate Thompson also brought racism and lesbianism to light in this book. I think is it is so important that the roles women played during the war when the men were off fighting is so important.Hoping to find another book by this author.
August 6, 2020
When I started reading this book I realised that it was a continuation of a series, I was a little unsure if I would be able to 'catch up' with the characters and the storyline. All this was unfounded, it very much was a stand alone story with little insights into what had happened in the previous book, you would easily be able to go and read the first book.
What a glamorous bunch the Lavender Girls were Yardley was definetly a fun and hard working place to be! You felt that you were with them all the way and how they enjoyed work and play, but they did have hard living conditions. Having watched Call the Midwives I had an image of Poplar and the rest of the East End, but then we could jump to the excitement of the West End and the Windmill Theatre. I thought the book gave a very good insight into how London adapted with all its different faces and people that lived there during WW2 and how they had to adapt their lives to what was happening around them. The storylines of the girls from Lou, Snowball and Patsy weaved beautifully together and were written with love and thought, you could tell that a lot of research had gone into the characters and their storylines. I look forward to reading more about them.
What a glamorous bunch the Lavender Girls were Yardley was definetly a fun and hard working place to be! You felt that you were with them all the way and how they enjoyed work and play, but they did have hard living conditions. Having watched Call the Midwives I had an image of Poplar and the rest of the East End, but then we could jump to the excitement of the West End and the Windmill Theatre. I thought the book gave a very good insight into how London adapted with all its different faces and people that lived there during WW2 and how they had to adapt their lives to what was happening around them. The storylines of the girls from Lou, Snowball and Patsy weaved beautifully together and were written with love and thought, you could tell that a lot of research had gone into the characters and their storylines. I look forward to reading more about them.
August 7, 2020
Kate Thompson has brought us another great read. All about the Yardley girls. For some going to work was their social life, it got Esther away from for mother-in-law. Patsy held two jobs, going to the theatre straight from the factory. She also wanted away from her mother, appropriately named Queenie as she was the queen of mean. In sharp contrast to Nell Gunn who was the street matriarch, keeping and eye on everyone. She even takes in the homeless Snowball, aptly named for being a soft natured man. The my favourite character Lou who had a difficult life but with plenty support from her friends. Couldn’t put it down and enjoyed all the factual information throughout the book.
Worth all ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Worth all ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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