The East End Nurse

by Sheila Newberry

Previously published as The Poplar Penny Whistlers.

A warm-hearted and nostalgic family saga from the author of The Nursemaid's Secret and A Winter Hope, perfect for readers of Katie Flynn and for fans of Call the Midwife.

London's East End, 1890

Growing up in poverty, Hester Stainsby toils day and night in the laundry room of Poplar Hospital to help support her family; her father Fred, her younger twin siblings, Harry and Polly, and cantankerous Granny Garter. When Fred is badly injured in an accident at the docks, the family's fortunes take a turn for the worse.

Determined to make a better life for herself and her loved ones, Hester trains to be a nurse, throwing herself into hospital life. Nursing in London's busy East End is never easy and Hester must be willing to make sacrifices. But when a heroic and mysterious patient lands in her care, she feels something she never has before.

Will love jeopardise everything she's worked so hard for? And can she find the happiness she and her family are so desperately searching for?

'Like having dinner with your mother in her warm and cosy kitchen.' Diane Allen, bestselling author of For the Sake of Her Family

Genres: Historical Fiction

400 pages, Paperback

Published October 11, 2021

Reviews

[Susan Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read which has Hester as the main character. It shows her growing up and working in the laundry room and follows her story of moving into a nursing role and how she tries to make a better life for herself. I really enjoyed how easy it was to get to know the other characters in the book with her immediate family, and friends Edie and Alf. The only disappointing bit for me is how the book ended as it felt like I was left wondering what happens with certain characters next, such as Hester's sister, father and Hester herself.

[Shirley Dawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent story but not one that set me alight. I feel there was something missing with this work from Sheila Newberry - not a lot of excitement or suspense and nothing to entice me to keep reading. I felt that the ending too was weak and with loose ends.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

.a perfect read right through to the end. I loved it

[Annette Mullarkey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

This was boring and predictable and the ending was abrupt finishing at 88% of the book. A very disappointing read.

[Linda Hobson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent read

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really enjoyable book just felt it could have continued just a little more before it cut off
Also rather along introduction read for her next book at end of this one

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice easy going book to read on these wintry days. I enjoy family sagas set in this era.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read and escapism. Interesting history.