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The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital
The heartwarming and hilarious new novel by the author of cherished bestsellers, The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village and The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home
The Marjorie Marshall Memorial Cafeteria has been serving refreshments and raising money at the hospital for over fifty years, long after anybody can remember who Marjorie Marshall actually was. Staffed by successive generations of dedicated volunteers, the beloved cafeteria is known as much for offering a kind word and sympathetic ear (and often unsolicited life advice) as for its tea and buns.
Stalwart Hilary has worked her way up through the ranks to Manageress; Joy has been late every day since she started as the cafeteria's newest recruit. She doesn't take her role as 'the intern' quite as seriously as Hilary would like but there's no doubt she brings a welcome pop of personality. Seventeen-year-old Chloe, the daughter of two successful surgeons, is volunteering during the school holidays because her mother thinks it will look good on her CV.
Chloe is at first bewildered by the two older women but soon realises they have a lot in common, not least that each bears a secret pain. When they discover the cafeteria is under threat of closure, this unlikely trio must band together to save it.
Praise for the novels of Joanna Nell:
Tender and funny Woman's Weekly
Whip-smart dialogue, humour and sarcasm ... highly addictive Sun Herald
Lively and whimsical Sydney Morning Herald
The Marjorie Marshall Memorial Cafeteria has been serving refreshments and raising money at the hospital for over fifty years, long after anybody can remember who Marjorie Marshall actually was. Staffed by successive generations of dedicated volunteers, the beloved cafeteria is known as much for offering a kind word and sympathetic ear (and often unsolicited life advice) as for its tea and buns.
Stalwart Hilary has worked her way up through the ranks to Manageress; Joy has been late every day since she started as the cafeteria's newest recruit. She doesn't take her role as 'the intern' quite as seriously as Hilary would like but there's no doubt she brings a welcome pop of personality. Seventeen-year-old Chloe, the daughter of two successful surgeons, is volunteering during the school holidays because her mother thinks it will look good on her CV.
Chloe is at first bewildered by the two older women but soon realises they have a lot in common, not least that each bears a secret pain. When they discover the cafeteria is under threat of closure, this unlikely trio must band together to save it.
Praise for the novels of Joanna Nell:
Tender and funny Woman's Weekly
Whip-smart dialogue, humour and sarcasm ... highly addictive Sun Herald
Lively and whimsical Sydney Morning Herald
352 pages, Paperback
Published September 29, 2021
149 people are currently reading
1530 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Nell
7 books306 followersJoanna Nell is a UK born writer and doctor. Her short fiction has won multiple awards and has been published in various journals and literary anthologies. In 2016 she was awarded a residency at The Bundanon Trust. Her bestselling debut novel The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village was published by Hachette Australia and Hodder & Stoughton (UK) in 2018.
A former ship's doctor, Joanna now works as a GP with a passion for women's health and care of the elderly. She writes character-driven stories for women in their prime, creating young-at-heart characters who are not afraid to break the rules and defy society's expectations of ageing.
Joanna lives on Sydney's Northern Beaches, and as the mother of teenagers enjoys long walks with her dog and talking to herself.
A former ship's doctor, Joanna now works as a GP with a passion for women's health and care of the elderly. She writes character-driven stories for women in their prime, creating young-at-heart characters who are not afraid to break the rules and defy society's expectations of ageing.
Joanna lives on Sydney's Northern Beaches, and as the mother of teenagers enjoys long walks with her dog and talking to herself.
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March 3, 2022
4.5 rounded down
Three women volunteer at the Margery Marshall Memorial cafeteria at Saint Judes Hospital which raises funds for many things including murals for children's wards. There is Hilary Halliday, currently down on her previously considerable uppers thanks to financial mismanagement by her husband and she is living with her older sister Nancy. Nancy always has the last word and is a tour de force but she and Hillary are much more alike than Hillary thinks as she runs the cafeteria with military and pecuniary precision. Then there is colourful and lovely but exceptionally clumsy and frequently late Joy Grainger who brightens a room in every way. Finally, there’s Chloe Foster- Pearson the latest recruit, volunteering as part of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. She is the daughter of renowned surgeons and similarly predestined… Or is she?
The cafeteria springs to life in much the same way as the characters do. It’s dated, definitely needs a lick of paint but it’s been at the heart of the hospital for many years. That is until it becomes at risk from the latest hospital innovation of “Platter“ a café serving healthy food. It becomes a sort of battle of builders tea with full fat milk with a scone, jam and cream on the side versus a Chai latte with almond milk with a tofu salad and cauliflower rice. Although to Hilary’s shock it becomes more than that. Don the pinnies, roll up your sleeves and wave your rolling pin and let battle commence.
It’s a delightful blend of the touching and emotional with wit and humour but it’s also sensitive as it incorporates issues like loneliness, grief, parental expectations and the importance of friendship and family. Joanna Nell treats all her characters with sensitive respect but with perception and insight into what makes them tick. The chapter headings are humorous and apt. There are some excellent descriptions such as Nancy and Hillary’s rather dilapidated home and of the hospital and Nacy’s rakish driving, an experience indeed! I love the eventual camaraderie of the three women once Hilary forgets her jack boots and how they joined forces for the good. It’s a delightful, warm easy read which is the authors trademark. It’s a fantastic blend of the comic with creativity, with sympathy and thoughtfulness and gives out a positive message.
With thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Three women volunteer at the Margery Marshall Memorial cafeteria at Saint Judes Hospital which raises funds for many things including murals for children's wards. There is Hilary Halliday, currently down on her previously considerable uppers thanks to financial mismanagement by her husband and she is living with her older sister Nancy. Nancy always has the last word and is a tour de force but she and Hillary are much more alike than Hillary thinks as she runs the cafeteria with military and pecuniary precision. Then there is colourful and lovely but exceptionally clumsy and frequently late Joy Grainger who brightens a room in every way. Finally, there’s Chloe Foster- Pearson the latest recruit, volunteering as part of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. She is the daughter of renowned surgeons and similarly predestined… Or is she?
The cafeteria springs to life in much the same way as the characters do. It’s dated, definitely needs a lick of paint but it’s been at the heart of the hospital for many years. That is until it becomes at risk from the latest hospital innovation of “Platter“ a café serving healthy food. It becomes a sort of battle of builders tea with full fat milk with a scone, jam and cream on the side versus a Chai latte with almond milk with a tofu salad and cauliflower rice. Although to Hilary’s shock it becomes more than that. Don the pinnies, roll up your sleeves and wave your rolling pin and let battle commence.
It’s a delightful blend of the touching and emotional with wit and humour but it’s also sensitive as it incorporates issues like loneliness, grief, parental expectations and the importance of friendship and family. Joanna Nell treats all her characters with sensitive respect but with perception and insight into what makes them tick. The chapter headings are humorous and apt. There are some excellent descriptions such as Nancy and Hillary’s rather dilapidated home and of the hospital and Nacy’s rakish driving, an experience indeed! I love the eventual camaraderie of the three women once Hilary forgets her jack boots and how they joined forces for the good. It’s a delightful, warm easy read which is the authors trademark. It’s a fantastic blend of the comic with creativity, with sympathy and thoughtfulness and gives out a positive message.
With thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
March 16, 2022
EXCERPT: This wasn't how she'd pictured her life ending. With the red light looming ahead and the car showing no signs of slowing, she prayed it would be a swift and painless exit. Hilary had contemplated death as often as any woman of her age, she imagined, but she'd always envisaged slipping away peacefully in her sleep. In the event of an accident she would have preferred something more glamorous and befitting a woman of her worldliness, say negotiating a hairpin bend in the mountains above Monaco, being eaten by a lion on a private safari or mauled by a polar bear on an arctic cruise. Not in the passenger seat of a thirty-year-old Ford at the hands of her own sister.
ABOUT 'THE TEA LADIES OF ST. JUDE'S HOSPITAL': The Marjorie Marshall Memorial Cafeteria has been serving refreshments and raising money at the hospital for over fifty years, long after anybody can remember who Marjorie Marshall actually was. Staffed by successive generations of dedicated volunteers, the beloved cafeteria is known as much for offering a kind word and sympathetic ear (and often unsolicited life advice) as for its tea and buns.
Stalwart Hilary has worked her way up through the ranks to Manageress; Joy has been late every day since she started as the cafeteria's newest recruit. She doesn't take her role as 'the intern' quite as seriously as Hilary would like but there's no doubt she brings a welcome pop of personality. Seventeen-year-old Chloe, the daughter of two successful surgeons, is volunteering during the school holidays because her mother thinks it will look good on her CV.
Chloe is at first bewildered by the two older women but soon realises they have a lot in common, not least that each bears a secret pain. When they discover the cafeteria is under threat of closure, this unlikely trio must band together to save it.
MY THOUGHTS: What wonderful characters! But then that's Joanna Nell's forte - engaging, endearing, relatable characters enmeshed in everyday situations which are dealt with with empathy and humour.
Hilary is Manageress of the hospital cafeteria, staffed by volunteers, which raises money for various projects around the hospital. Once 'a lady who lunches', she has fallen on harder times but is determined not to let standards slip. She micromanages, certain that no one knows better than her. But she may just have met her match in Joy, who lives up to her name and who knows that there's more than one way to skin a cat or, in this case, make changes for the better in a cafeteria that's stuck in a time warp. They're assisted by student Chloe, volunteering as part of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, a girl with little self confidence but a range of talents that will come to the fore in the battle to save their workplace.
These three very different women, who all have their own problems, unite to preserve a piece of the hospital's history when firstly it's threatened by the opening of a cafè chain against whom they must complete, and then by total closure. While the fate of the cafeteria may seem inevitable, it is not something that these three are willing to accept so they muster their meagre resources to take on the hospital hierarchy, making startling discoveries about themselves and their loved ones in the process.
The Tea Ladies of St. Jude's is a heartwarming story about human resilience and determination served with lashings of humour and plenty of Joy's light fluffy scones. I loved it. In between bouts of laughter, my heart bled for each of these women, I cheered on each of these women, and when I finished this book I did so with a tear in my eye, a smile on my face, and wondering if we will get to read about Joy's adventures in the future.
Highly recommended.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.3
#TheTeaLadiesofStJudesHospital #NetGalley
I: @joanna_nell_writer @hodderbooks
T: @jo_nell_writer @HodderBooks
#australianfiction #contemporaryfiction #sliceoflife
THE AUTHOR: Joanna Nell was born in the Midlands and graduated from Oxford University with a medical degree in 1991.
In 2003 she moved to Australia where she now works as a GP with a passion for women's health and care of the elderly.
Joanna writes character-driven stories of self-discovery for women of a certain age, creating young-at-heart characters who break the rules and defy society's expectations.
She lives on Sydney's Northern Beaches with her husband and two children. (Amazon)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Tea Ladies of St. Jude's Hospital by Joanna Nell for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT 'THE TEA LADIES OF ST. JUDE'S HOSPITAL': The Marjorie Marshall Memorial Cafeteria has been serving refreshments and raising money at the hospital for over fifty years, long after anybody can remember who Marjorie Marshall actually was. Staffed by successive generations of dedicated volunteers, the beloved cafeteria is known as much for offering a kind word and sympathetic ear (and often unsolicited life advice) as for its tea and buns.
Stalwart Hilary has worked her way up through the ranks to Manageress; Joy has been late every day since she started as the cafeteria's newest recruit. She doesn't take her role as 'the intern' quite as seriously as Hilary would like but there's no doubt she brings a welcome pop of personality. Seventeen-year-old Chloe, the daughter of two successful surgeons, is volunteering during the school holidays because her mother thinks it will look good on her CV.
Chloe is at first bewildered by the two older women but soon realises they have a lot in common, not least that each bears a secret pain. When they discover the cafeteria is under threat of closure, this unlikely trio must band together to save it.
MY THOUGHTS: What wonderful characters! But then that's Joanna Nell's forte - engaging, endearing, relatable characters enmeshed in everyday situations which are dealt with with empathy and humour.
Hilary is Manageress of the hospital cafeteria, staffed by volunteers, which raises money for various projects around the hospital. Once 'a lady who lunches', she has fallen on harder times but is determined not to let standards slip. She micromanages, certain that no one knows better than her. But she may just have met her match in Joy, who lives up to her name and who knows that there's more than one way to skin a cat or, in this case, make changes for the better in a cafeteria that's stuck in a time warp. They're assisted by student Chloe, volunteering as part of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, a girl with little self confidence but a range of talents that will come to the fore in the battle to save their workplace.
These three very different women, who all have their own problems, unite to preserve a piece of the hospital's history when firstly it's threatened by the opening of a cafè chain against whom they must complete, and then by total closure. While the fate of the cafeteria may seem inevitable, it is not something that these three are willing to accept so they muster their meagre resources to take on the hospital hierarchy, making startling discoveries about themselves and their loved ones in the process.
The Tea Ladies of St. Jude's is a heartwarming story about human resilience and determination served with lashings of humour and plenty of Joy's light fluffy scones. I loved it. In between bouts of laughter, my heart bled for each of these women, I cheered on each of these women, and when I finished this book I did so with a tear in my eye, a smile on my face, and wondering if we will get to read about Joy's adventures in the future.
Highly recommended.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.3
#TheTeaLadiesofStJudesHospital #NetGalley
I: @joanna_nell_writer @hodderbooks
T: @jo_nell_writer @HodderBooks
#australianfiction #contemporaryfiction #sliceoflife
THE AUTHOR: Joanna Nell was born in the Midlands and graduated from Oxford University with a medical degree in 1991.
In 2003 she moved to Australia where she now works as a GP with a passion for women's health and care of the elderly.
Joanna writes character-driven stories of self-discovery for women of a certain age, creating young-at-heart characters who break the rules and defy society's expectations.
She lives on Sydney's Northern Beaches with her husband and two children. (Amazon)
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Tea Ladies of St. Jude's Hospital by Joanna Nell for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
November 6, 2022
I am giving this one five stars because tissues were required. If a book can bring tears to my eyes it is obviously doing something right!
Hilary is the manager of the St Jude's Hospital Tearoom. She is a hospital volunteer who is outwardly very managing and in control, but behind the scenes her whole life has crashed around her. Joy, also a volunteer, is her assistant. She projects the personality of someone who has some issues but is coping fine thank you. The reality is otherwise. And then there is 17 year old Chloe doing her Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and in desperate need of help to get her life organised.
The three of them provide a lot of fun and entertainment and, despite their many differences, develop a close friendship. When they are faced with the closure of the Tearoom they pull together as a team and fight to get what they want. Eventually they trust each other enough to reveal their true selves and that's when you need to grab that box of tissues!
It is a great story, the main characters are lovely and it is delightfully humorous. Again Joanna Nell brings us elderly characters who still have plenty to give. The message is definitely do not write people off just because of a birth date. The longer you live the more you know!
Hilary is the manager of the St Jude's Hospital Tearoom. She is a hospital volunteer who is outwardly very managing and in control, but behind the scenes her whole life has crashed around her. Joy, also a volunteer, is her assistant. She projects the personality of someone who has some issues but is coping fine thank you. The reality is otherwise. And then there is 17 year old Chloe doing her Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and in desperate need of help to get her life organised.
The three of them provide a lot of fun and entertainment and, despite their many differences, develop a close friendship. When they are faced with the closure of the Tearoom they pull together as a team and fight to get what they want. Eventually they trust each other enough to reveal their true selves and that's when you need to grab that box of tissues!
It is a great story, the main characters are lovely and it is delightfully humorous. Again Joanna Nell brings us elderly characters who still have plenty to give. The message is definitely do not write people off just because of a birth date. The longer you live the more you know!
November 14, 2022
Hilary was running the Marjorie Marshall Memorial Cafeteria in St Jude's Hospital, which had been offering refreshments to both patients and families alike for over fifty years. Hilary had recently taken on Joy as a volunteer and not long after, seventeen year old Chloe who was volunteering during the school holidays. Chloe's parents were both surgeons and her two brothers were doctors, and although Chloe was headed to medical school, she didn't want to go. Her love of photography was something she wanted to follow through, but her parents thought she was wasting her time.
When Hilary was notified that the cafeteria would close at the end of the month to make way for new "innovations", Hilary was shattered. She and her small team had just renovated the little shop, and now they were going to close it? Together, Hilary, Joy and Chloe came up with a plan to save their cafe. But would it work?
The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital by Aussie author Joanna Nell is an absolutely delightful novel which had me laughing out loud, sometimes so much I had to stop reading as I couldn't see! The background stories of each of the main characters are wonderfully poignant, and I especially loved Joy. Heartwarming, sweet, sad and just the right sort of read. Fabulous! Highly recommended.
When Hilary was notified that the cafeteria would close at the end of the month to make way for new "innovations", Hilary was shattered. She and her small team had just renovated the little shop, and now they were going to close it? Together, Hilary, Joy and Chloe came up with a plan to save their cafe. But would it work?
The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital by Aussie author Joanna Nell is an absolutely delightful novel which had me laughing out loud, sometimes so much I had to stop reading as I couldn't see! The background stories of each of the main characters are wonderfully poignant, and I especially loved Joy. Heartwarming, sweet, sad and just the right sort of read. Fabulous! Highly recommended.
October 1, 2021
Joanna Nell can bring out the best in her characters, I find them very easy to like they are real people, witty, fun and just packed with love and emotion, this is another winning story from Joanna Nell another one for the keeper shelf and a must read, I do hope that you come along and meet Hilary, Joy and Chloe you will not be sorry.
Hilary Halliday 76, red apron has been manageress of the Marjorie Marshall Memorial Cafeteria for many years now and runs the café with strict rules, everyone must know the rule book, life has just changed for Hilary in many ways but she must keep going and her privacy means a lot to her, living with her sister is not easy and her nerves are wearing thin.
Joy Grainger 74, intern, green apron has been married for fifty three years to her loving man Len, and is coming to terms with change, she loves a gin and tonic, a chat and just being around people, she seems to be always happy and is more than happy to give advice and is always dressed and made up beautifully.
Chloe Foster-Pearson 17, student, blue apron year twelve student daughter of two doctor’s sister to two brothers who are doctors as well, so of course Chloe should be going off to university to study to be a doctor, but is that what she really wants. A couple of weeks volunteering at the café to help get her Duke of Edinburgh medal should be good says her mother.
What happens when these three woman come together and then find out that the café that has been there for fifty years raising much needed funds for the hospital is about to be closed down. Well they work together even though they all have their own problems saving the café becomes number one issue but in doing so they find that the support and strength they gain from each other moves mountains and brings closure to problems and happiness to all.
I loved this story so much it shows such strength and courage, it is witty and fun I laughed out loud so many times reading this one, milkshakes will always make me smile now and it has such emotions throughout, the help they give each other and support they show had me cheering them on and yes there were tears, I do thank you Joanna Nell for another fantastic story, this is one that I highly recommend, truly it is so good.
My thanks to Hachette AU for my copy to read and review
Hilary Halliday 76, red apron has been manageress of the Marjorie Marshall Memorial Cafeteria for many years now and runs the café with strict rules, everyone must know the rule book, life has just changed for Hilary in many ways but she must keep going and her privacy means a lot to her, living with her sister is not easy and her nerves are wearing thin.
Joy Grainger 74, intern, green apron has been married for fifty three years to her loving man Len, and is coming to terms with change, she loves a gin and tonic, a chat and just being around people, she seems to be always happy and is more than happy to give advice and is always dressed and made up beautifully.
Chloe Foster-Pearson 17, student, blue apron year twelve student daughter of two doctor’s sister to two brothers who are doctors as well, so of course Chloe should be going off to university to study to be a doctor, but is that what she really wants. A couple of weeks volunteering at the café to help get her Duke of Edinburgh medal should be good says her mother.
What happens when these three woman come together and then find out that the café that has been there for fifty years raising much needed funds for the hospital is about to be closed down. Well they work together even though they all have their own problems saving the café becomes number one issue but in doing so they find that the support and strength they gain from each other moves mountains and brings closure to problems and happiness to all.
I loved this story so much it shows such strength and courage, it is witty and fun I laughed out loud so many times reading this one, milkshakes will always make me smile now and it has such emotions throughout, the help they give each other and support they show had me cheering them on and yes there were tears, I do thank you Joanna Nell for another fantastic story, this is one that I highly recommend, truly it is so good.
My thanks to Hachette AU for my copy to read and review
August 8, 2021
The Tea Ladies Of St Jude’s Hospital is the fourth novel by best-selling Australian author, Joanna Nell. Meet the staff of the Marjorie Marshall Memorial Cafeteria in the foyer of St Jude’s Hospital, volunteers all: Hilary Halliday, in her mid-seventies, manageress for ten years; Joy, also in her seventies, nearing the end of her first months’ probation; seventeen-year-old Chloe Foster-Pearson, their newest recruit, fulfilling a requirement for her Duke of Edinburgh gold medal.
Distracted by her currently chaotic personal life, Hilary has missed a few important emails from General Manager Dave Rawlinson concerning the hospital’s renovations, so none of them has any idea of what’s about to happen.
Virtually an institution in itself, the Marjorie Marshall has been serving refreshments to appreciative staff, patients and visitors at St Jude’s for some fifty years and is currently raising funds for a sea-life mural for the Children’s Ward. Their fare is basic: plain and simple; so when a branch of wholefood café chain, Platter opens in the foyer, with its black-T-shirted, blonde-ponytailed clones and its myriad of food and drink choices, Hilary immediately understands the threat it poses.
Despite Hilary’s tendency to micro-manage and her previous rejection of suggestions for improvement, with the café’s viability endangered, Joy and Chloe are wholeheartedly supportive of a makeover, contributing time and talent and furniture. But will it be enough? Because there’s that email about Phase 2 of the renovations that Hilary has neglected to open…
Nell’s depiction of the hospital foyer almost like a little village will resonate with hospital regulars: the passing parade of daily life here is presented from three different perspectives. As always, her characters have depth and appeal and the reader quickly invests in their fates, even the prickly ones.
She gives them insightful observations and wise words: “With the passing years, the list of things Joy could do was shrinking. Listening was the one thing that people became better at as they aged, she realised.”
Young Chloe labours under the heavy weight of expectations: those of her family, and of everyone to whom she is introduced as the progeny of consultant surgeon parents, all assuming she wants to be a doctor. The only exception is her best friend since kindergarten, Sam, who understands and enthusiastically encourages her artistic aspirations. Working with these two older, perceptive women helps her distil what is important.
Joy, ever cheerful in dress and manner, serves up tea with sympathy and comfort so it’s surprising to learn she has only recently dragged herself up out of a lengthy depression. But she’s still working up the courage to carry out the simple task she needs to complete on her beloved husband Len’s behalf.
For Hilary, her position as manageress has afforded her status with the well-off wives of her (soon-to-be-ex) husband’s associates, but her recent change in fortunes is compounded when she is forced to live with her bossy, cranky older sister, Nancy. She is understandably afraid that her raison d’etre might be lost.
Once again, Nell has her finger on the pulse when it comes to seniors, touching on many issues that affect the elderly: loneliness, poverty, malnutrition, denial in grief, the need for a sense of purpose, and the fear of being irrelevant or invisible. She addresses these topics with sensitivity and humour, giving the reader laughter and lumps-in-the-throat in equal measure. The clever chapter headings are a bonus. A delightful read!
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Hachette Australia.
Distracted by her currently chaotic personal life, Hilary has missed a few important emails from General Manager Dave Rawlinson concerning the hospital’s renovations, so none of them has any idea of what’s about to happen.
Virtually an institution in itself, the Marjorie Marshall has been serving refreshments to appreciative staff, patients and visitors at St Jude’s for some fifty years and is currently raising funds for a sea-life mural for the Children’s Ward. Their fare is basic: plain and simple; so when a branch of wholefood café chain, Platter opens in the foyer, with its black-T-shirted, blonde-ponytailed clones and its myriad of food and drink choices, Hilary immediately understands the threat it poses.
Despite Hilary’s tendency to micro-manage and her previous rejection of suggestions for improvement, with the café’s viability endangered, Joy and Chloe are wholeheartedly supportive of a makeover, contributing time and talent and furniture. But will it be enough? Because there’s that email about Phase 2 of the renovations that Hilary has neglected to open…
Nell’s depiction of the hospital foyer almost like a little village will resonate with hospital regulars: the passing parade of daily life here is presented from three different perspectives. As always, her characters have depth and appeal and the reader quickly invests in their fates, even the prickly ones.
She gives them insightful observations and wise words: “With the passing years, the list of things Joy could do was shrinking. Listening was the one thing that people became better at as they aged, she realised.”
Young Chloe labours under the heavy weight of expectations: those of her family, and of everyone to whom she is introduced as the progeny of consultant surgeon parents, all assuming she wants to be a doctor. The only exception is her best friend since kindergarten, Sam, who understands and enthusiastically encourages her artistic aspirations. Working with these two older, perceptive women helps her distil what is important.
Joy, ever cheerful in dress and manner, serves up tea with sympathy and comfort so it’s surprising to learn she has only recently dragged herself up out of a lengthy depression. But she’s still working up the courage to carry out the simple task she needs to complete on her beloved husband Len’s behalf.
For Hilary, her position as manageress has afforded her status with the well-off wives of her (soon-to-be-ex) husband’s associates, but her recent change in fortunes is compounded when she is forced to live with her bossy, cranky older sister, Nancy. She is understandably afraid that her raison d’etre might be lost.
Once again, Nell has her finger on the pulse when it comes to seniors, touching on many issues that affect the elderly: loneliness, poverty, malnutrition, denial in grief, the need for a sense of purpose, and the fear of being irrelevant or invisible. She addresses these topics with sensitivity and humour, giving the reader laughter and lumps-in-the-throat in equal measure. The clever chapter headings are a bonus. A delightful read!
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Hachette Australia.
February 17, 2022
The Marjorie Marshall Memorial Cafeteria has been serving refreshments and raising money at the hospital for over fifty years, long after anybody can remember who Marjorie Marshall actually was. Staffed by successive generations of dedicated volunteers, the beloved cafeteria is known as much for offering a kind word and sympathetic ear (and offer unsolicited life advice) as for it's tea and buns. Hilary has worked her way up to manageress; Joy has been late everyday since she started as the newest recruit. Seventeen year old Chloe is volunteering during the school holidays. When they dis cover the cafeteria is under threat of closure, this unlikely trio must band together to save it.
Hilary, Joy and Chloe support each other at work and in their personal lives. The characters are intriguing as they reveal their problems and help each other through them. The pace is steady in this addictive and humorous read. Their bond is strengthened when they learn that the cafeteria is to close. People aren't always what they seem. This is a story about friendship and having courage in your beliefs, and having the strength to carry them out.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HodderStoughton and the author #JoannaNell for my ARC of #TheTeaLadiesOfStJudesHospital in exchange for an honest review.
Hilary, Joy and Chloe support each other at work and in their personal lives. The characters are intriguing as they reveal their problems and help each other through them. The pace is steady in this addictive and humorous read. Their bond is strengthened when they learn that the cafeteria is to close. People aren't always what they seem. This is a story about friendship and having courage in your beliefs, and having the strength to carry them out.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HodderStoughton and the author #JoannaNell for my ARC of #TheTeaLadiesOfStJudesHospital in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2023
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The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital is the perfect read if you want something light and uplifting that also contains a bit of substance.
Inevitably at some stage in your life, whether as visitor or patient, you will come across the wonderful women who volunteer their services at local hospitals, serving tea and providing a listening ear for patients and their families.
Hilary is the militant manageress of The Marjorie Marshall Memorial cafeteria situated in St Jude's Hospital. Hilary, now separated from her husband Jim and his lucrative income, is living in her sister's spare room. With Hilary it is all about keeping up appearances and she battles on with no idea how she will manage her future.
New recruit Joy is vivacious, colourful and full of life. She was encouraged by husband Len to take up some volunteer work outside the home.
Chloe is an anxious seventeen-year-old volunteering at the cafe to complete her Duke of Edinburgh Award. Chloe neglects her own wants in the aim to please her hard-working and ambitious parents.
I loved Joanna Nell's eclectic group of characters. I like the way Joanna uses older characters that are vibrant and break the stereo-typical role of older people. They all had problems they kept to themselves whilst putting on a brave front. When the very existence of the cafe is jeopardised in the name of progress the three unlikely friends band together to try and save the little cafe.
The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital is a heart-warming story, filled with humour and pathos, that celebrates unlikely friendships and standing up for yourself.
The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital is the perfect read if you want something light and uplifting that also contains a bit of substance.
Inevitably at some stage in your life, whether as visitor or patient, you will come across the wonderful women who volunteer their services at local hospitals, serving tea and providing a listening ear for patients and their families.
Hilary is the militant manageress of The Marjorie Marshall Memorial cafeteria situated in St Jude's Hospital. Hilary, now separated from her husband Jim and his lucrative income, is living in her sister's spare room. With Hilary it is all about keeping up appearances and she battles on with no idea how she will manage her future.
New recruit Joy is vivacious, colourful and full of life. She was encouraged by husband Len to take up some volunteer work outside the home.
Chloe is an anxious seventeen-year-old volunteering at the cafe to complete her Duke of Edinburgh Award. Chloe neglects her own wants in the aim to please her hard-working and ambitious parents.
I loved Joanna Nell's eclectic group of characters. I like the way Joanna uses older characters that are vibrant and break the stereo-typical role of older people. They all had problems they kept to themselves whilst putting on a brave front. When the very existence of the cafe is jeopardised in the name of progress the three unlikely friends band together to try and save the little cafe.
The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital is a heart-warming story, filled with humour and pathos, that celebrates unlikely friendships and standing up for yourself.
January 4, 2022
Once again Australian author Joanna Nell has written another delightful book with loveable and memorable characters. The Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital is a fun read that has you laughing out loud at different points of the story, but it’s also a story that touches on some important issues such as loneliness and grief.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who might be looking for their next book to read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who might be looking for their next book to read.
February 27, 2022
In this engaging, funny but sometimes very serious story we meet three women from very different ages, who are brought together in one place. Hilary, in her seventies and recently divorced, Joy, in her fifties and care giver for her seriously ill husband, and Chloe, only seventeen and destined to become a famous doctor, as her parents and two older brothers are.
And all three of them have a secret which has a great impact on how they stand in life and how they interact with the others.
From the first chapter on it is quite clear what Hilary’s secret is, but the other two are only slowly revealed; for me, Joy’s secret was quite heart-breaking. Besides the three women who together run the little cafeteria in St. Jude’s Hospital there are more interesting characters, as Wendy, the receptionist who’s more like a walking Twitter-account, General Manager Dave Rawlinson who’s only interested in earning money, and some regular customers, as the tea-drinking old man and the two chain-smoking outpatients. And not to forget: Nancy, Hilary’s older sister with whom she is currently sharing their ancestral home, and is the worlds’ worst driver. Reading how Nancy insists on taking Hilary to her work every day had me in stitches.
When a new cafeteria opens in the hospital, and Hilary slowly realizes that she can never compete with the sleek décor, the youthful waitresses and the menu full of food and drink she’s never heard of, the future doesn’t look good. How this problem is solved is a very good example of what people can achieve when they set aside their old beliefs and work together to create something new.
A wonderful book from Joanna Nell who does a great job in showing how ‘old’ people are still living and dreaming as ‘young’ ones – after all, age is just a number.
I was immediately taken by The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home when I read it last year, and I’m grateful Hodder & Stoughton sent me this review copy of Joanna Nell’s latest title. By the way, I recently bought a copy of The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village too and I’ll follow this author because her books really touch me in my heart.
And all three of them have a secret which has a great impact on how they stand in life and how they interact with the others.
From the first chapter on it is quite clear what Hilary’s secret is, but the other two are only slowly revealed; for me, Joy’s secret was quite heart-breaking. Besides the three women who together run the little cafeteria in St. Jude’s Hospital there are more interesting characters, as Wendy, the receptionist who’s more like a walking Twitter-account, General Manager Dave Rawlinson who’s only interested in earning money, and some regular customers, as the tea-drinking old man and the two chain-smoking outpatients. And not to forget: Nancy, Hilary’s older sister with whom she is currently sharing their ancestral home, and is the worlds’ worst driver. Reading how Nancy insists on taking Hilary to her work every day had me in stitches.
When a new cafeteria opens in the hospital, and Hilary slowly realizes that she can never compete with the sleek décor, the youthful waitresses and the menu full of food and drink she’s never heard of, the future doesn’t look good. How this problem is solved is a very good example of what people can achieve when they set aside their old beliefs and work together to create something new.
A wonderful book from Joanna Nell who does a great job in showing how ‘old’ people are still living and dreaming as ‘young’ ones – after all, age is just a number.
I was immediately taken by The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home when I read it last year, and I’m grateful Hodder & Stoughton sent me this review copy of Joanna Nell’s latest title. By the way, I recently bought a copy of The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village too and I’ll follow this author because her books really touch me in my heart.
October 31, 2021
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Merry, lively, tender and life affirming, The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital is the latest release from Joanna Nell. Delivering plenty of laughs, smiles and moments of semblance, Joanna Nell’s new story is another wonderful senior perspective fiction title.
At the heart of this new novel from much loved storyteller Joanna Nell is the Marjorie Marshall Memorial Cafeteria. This establishment has been operating for years, loyally serving food and drink to patrons of the hospital. The cafeteria would not operate without its hardworking army of volunteers, who offer emotional support, along with some soul nourishing treats. Hilary is the head of the cafeteria and this manageress has been a vital figure in the running of this essential service for a number of years. Joy is a new recruit to the cafeteria and although Joy is never on time, she is dedicated to her new role. The cafeteria’s newest member of staff is Chloe, the daughter of two surgeons. Chloe is a seventeen-year-old girl who is hoping that her work at the cafeteria will make her resume look impressive. At first seems as though these three very different women have nothing in common, but as they interact with one another they discover a heartwarming connection. This sense of togetherness further compounds when the cafeteria is told it will close. This unlikely trip must do all they can to save this vital community service.
I think that the poignant parting words in Joanna Nell’s acknowledgements section of The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital gives the audience a really good indication of the aim of this book. Nell states that her latest tale has been dedicated the unsung heroes and the volunteers of hospital canteens. Via her engaging narrative Nell gives great thanks these hard-working people for their dedication to improving the lives of the patients, their families, general visitors and the staff of the hospital community. I know I will be a lot more appreciative next time I visit a hospital cafeteria. The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital is a thoughtful, considerate and awareness raising book, highlighting the essential and selfless work of a group of volunteers. I think Joanna Nell’s new book goes a long way in highlighting the altruistic efforts of these active members of our community.
Nell chooses to draw in three very different perspectives in her latest novel. We have Hilary, the manageress of the cafeteria. Joy is the cafeteria’s latest intern and Joy offers the second core perspective of this tale. Joy is of a similar age to Hilary, but the two women lead quite contrasted lives. The third perspective featured in The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital comes from a much younger face. Chloe is a seventeen-year-old who hopes that her work at the cafeteria will look good on her CV. Initially it appears as though all three characters are worlds apart, but as the story progresses Nell teases out the private issues and personal problems of each figure. I enjoyed the metamorphosis of these characters and the sense of comradery that developed during their time together. It seemed unlikely at first, but as the book progressed this unconditional support seemed to flourish.
Complications arise in The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital in the form of a threat of closure to the cafeteria, a service that has been running successfully for over five decades. Naturally there is a revolt and the women must be proactive in trying to save the cafeteria from ruin. I really liked this area of the novel. The creative approach, dedication, resilience, never give up attitude, resourcefulness and the pure strength the cast of this novel displays, really does make it an uplifting read. Drawing in themes of loneliness, grief, loss, separation, family values, ageing, support, expectation, personal choice friendship, health and hospital procedures, there is a lot to gain from this narrative. It is a busy but endearing story, that blends comical moments with instances of pure understanding. For me the beauty of The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital was the volunteer experience in general, as Nell passionately draws our attention to the essential role of these hardworking members of our local community. This was a very touching and memorable parting message.
An effervescent, natural, sympathetic and funny tale from open to close, I highly recommend The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital.
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital is book #97 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
Merry, lively, tender and life affirming, The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital is the latest release from Joanna Nell. Delivering plenty of laughs, smiles and moments of semblance, Joanna Nell’s new story is another wonderful senior perspective fiction title.
At the heart of this new novel from much loved storyteller Joanna Nell is the Marjorie Marshall Memorial Cafeteria. This establishment has been operating for years, loyally serving food and drink to patrons of the hospital. The cafeteria would not operate without its hardworking army of volunteers, who offer emotional support, along with some soul nourishing treats. Hilary is the head of the cafeteria and this manageress has been a vital figure in the running of this essential service for a number of years. Joy is a new recruit to the cafeteria and although Joy is never on time, she is dedicated to her new role. The cafeteria’s newest member of staff is Chloe, the daughter of two surgeons. Chloe is a seventeen-year-old girl who is hoping that her work at the cafeteria will make her resume look impressive. At first seems as though these three very different women have nothing in common, but as they interact with one another they discover a heartwarming connection. This sense of togetherness further compounds when the cafeteria is told it will close. This unlikely trip must do all they can to save this vital community service.
I think that the poignant parting words in Joanna Nell’s acknowledgements section of The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital gives the audience a really good indication of the aim of this book. Nell states that her latest tale has been dedicated the unsung heroes and the volunteers of hospital canteens. Via her engaging narrative Nell gives great thanks these hard-working people for their dedication to improving the lives of the patients, their families, general visitors and the staff of the hospital community. I know I will be a lot more appreciative next time I visit a hospital cafeteria. The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital is a thoughtful, considerate and awareness raising book, highlighting the essential and selfless work of a group of volunteers. I think Joanna Nell’s new book goes a long way in highlighting the altruistic efforts of these active members of our community.
Nell chooses to draw in three very different perspectives in her latest novel. We have Hilary, the manageress of the cafeteria. Joy is the cafeteria’s latest intern and Joy offers the second core perspective of this tale. Joy is of a similar age to Hilary, but the two women lead quite contrasted lives. The third perspective featured in The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital comes from a much younger face. Chloe is a seventeen-year-old who hopes that her work at the cafeteria will look good on her CV. Initially it appears as though all three characters are worlds apart, but as the story progresses Nell teases out the private issues and personal problems of each figure. I enjoyed the metamorphosis of these characters and the sense of comradery that developed during their time together. It seemed unlikely at first, but as the book progressed this unconditional support seemed to flourish.
Complications arise in The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital in the form of a threat of closure to the cafeteria, a service that has been running successfully for over five decades. Naturally there is a revolt and the women must be proactive in trying to save the cafeteria from ruin. I really liked this area of the novel. The creative approach, dedication, resilience, never give up attitude, resourcefulness and the pure strength the cast of this novel displays, really does make it an uplifting read. Drawing in themes of loneliness, grief, loss, separation, family values, ageing, support, expectation, personal choice friendship, health and hospital procedures, there is a lot to gain from this narrative. It is a busy but endearing story, that blends comical moments with instances of pure understanding. For me the beauty of The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital was the volunteer experience in general, as Nell passionately draws our attention to the essential role of these hardworking members of our local community. This was a very touching and memorable parting message.
An effervescent, natural, sympathetic and funny tale from open to close, I highly recommend The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital.
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital is book #97 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
October 20, 2021
The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital is an endearing and entertaining novel from bestselling Australian author Joanna Nell.
Though the decor is tired, the menu uninspiring, and the coffee bland, The Marjorie Marshall Memorial Cafeteria has served the visitors and employees of St Jude’s Hospital nobly for fifty years, its profits funding a variety of projects to benefit patients. Staffed by volunteers, septuagenarian Hilary Halliday has held the position of manager for a decade and runs a tight ship, but with her personal life recently upended, her role at the cafeteria has become a life raft, which is why she is rocked to discover that management is contemplating closing the cafeteria in favour of a popular ‘whole food’ cafe franchise.
The storyline of The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital is told through three characters - Hilary; probationary volunteer Joy, with a penchant for blue eyelash falsies and bright clothing, of similar age to Hilary; and seventeen year old student Chloe Foster-Pearson, reluctantly volunteering at the behest of her surgeon mother. Each slowly reveals their private struggles as they face uncertain futures. I enjoyed the process of getting to know these well drawn characters, very different from one another, who become united by their determination to save the cafeteria.
The themes of family, friendship, change, and identity are prevalent in The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital. Nell also sensitively explores issues related to ageing, particularly for women. There is a little dig at the commercialisation of hospital care, and the Millennial folly of style over substance.
Written with warmth and humour, The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital is a charming and cheerful read.
Though the decor is tired, the menu uninspiring, and the coffee bland, The Marjorie Marshall Memorial Cafeteria has served the visitors and employees of St Jude’s Hospital nobly for fifty years, its profits funding a variety of projects to benefit patients. Staffed by volunteers, septuagenarian Hilary Halliday has held the position of manager for a decade and runs a tight ship, but with her personal life recently upended, her role at the cafeteria has become a life raft, which is why she is rocked to discover that management is contemplating closing the cafeteria in favour of a popular ‘whole food’ cafe franchise.
The storyline of The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital is told through three characters - Hilary; probationary volunteer Joy, with a penchant for blue eyelash falsies and bright clothing, of similar age to Hilary; and seventeen year old student Chloe Foster-Pearson, reluctantly volunteering at the behest of her surgeon mother. Each slowly reveals their private struggles as they face uncertain futures. I enjoyed the process of getting to know these well drawn characters, very different from one another, who become united by their determination to save the cafeteria.
The themes of family, friendship, change, and identity are prevalent in The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital. Nell also sensitively explores issues related to ageing, particularly for women. There is a little dig at the commercialisation of hospital care, and the Millennial folly of style over substance.
Written with warmth and humour, The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital is a charming and cheerful read.
March 7, 2022
I am a huge Joanna Nell fan. I love her character based heartfelt novels. The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital has only strengthen that love. This is such a tender novel about friendship and family, staying current, community and connection. I couldn’t have loved Chloe, Sam, Joy with her blue falsies and manageress Hilary more. The Marjorie Marshall Memorial will always hold a special place it my heart. I love this story; and can I just praise the chapter headings for a sec..life in the bus lane…so delightful and so quirky…Those tea ladies, I just love them xxx
October 16, 2021
Copy received from Hachette Australia for an honest review
What a lovely tale Joanna Nell has told us with The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital.
My mother worked at a hospital for a lot of my childhood, and my sister spent a huge chunk of time int he children's ward at the same hospital,so as I was reading this story, I was picturing the cafeteria at that hospital.
And yes, I could see the Hilary, the Joy and the Chloe in the ladies that ran that cafeteria.
I enjoyed peeling back the layers of these ladies as the story progressed, and the friendships that they build. These three ladies shouldn't work, would never have met outside of the cafe environment, but they really do come together well and their friendships are true.
I also love how they come together really is fun and the way their attitudes to life shift is something we could all learn from.
This was my first Joanna Nell novel, but I will definitely be reading more in the future.
a>
What a lovely tale Joanna Nell has told us with The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital.
My mother worked at a hospital for a lot of my childhood, and my sister spent a huge chunk of time int he children's ward at the same hospital,so as I was reading this story, I was picturing the cafeteria at that hospital.
And yes, I could see the Hilary, the Joy and the Chloe in the ladies that ran that cafeteria.
I enjoyed peeling back the layers of these ladies as the story progressed, and the friendships that they build. These three ladies shouldn't work, would never have met outside of the cafe environment, but they really do come together well and their friendships are true.
I also love how they come together really is fun and the way their attitudes to life shift is something we could all learn from.
This was my first Joanna Nell novel, but I will definitely be reading more in the future.
a>
July 25, 2021
So lucky to get an advance copy of this book. Loved the characters and the ups and downs each of them experienced as the plot developed. Grab yourself a copy, pour yourself a cuppa and prepare to be drawn into this fabulous book.
September 26, 2021
The Tea Ladies Of St Jude’s Hospital is the fourth novel by best-selling Australian author, Joanna Nell. Having read all Joanna’s novels, I continue to be impressed and grateful for the light she shines on this age bracket. She achieves a wonderful balance between whimsical and poignant as I turn each page, savouring every word of wisdom and humour all rolled poetically into one.
‘So we battle on?’
'Ladies, we fight to the death!’
‘I’ll put the kettle on,’ said Joy.
The first few pages were like reuniting with old friends, as you sit back in the comfort of the words and world Joanna so clearly conveys. She is so in tune with many of the issues that affect our ageing population - loneliness, grief, purpose, finances, health and wellbeing. It is the finesse with which she embraces these topics, both the sensitivity and humour needed, in continuing to produce these engaging tales. The inclusion of young Chloe this time around and her interactions with the Tea Ladies is heartwarming.
The underlying theme from all the lead characters was one of appreciating that people are not always what they appear to be. That we sometimes need to take the time and patience to dig a little deeper to find their true self. For a variety of reasons, people often hide their true self - pride or protection for example - and we need to be more understanding and considerate of things we may not know, or indeed, need to know.
‘What she feared, more than her fading youth, was becoming irrelevant. She wasn’t
ready for invisibility. The bright colours saved her from being overlooked.’
Once more I applaud Joanna for the spotlight she continues to shine on this age group. If you have not ever read one of Joanna’s books I encourage you to do so - the knowledge and expert understanding she brings keeps the stories of these people relevant and purposeful. Growing old may be a harsh reality, but it does not have to be at the expense of purposeful living.
‘Most women of her generation had stayed firmly on the rails, and been mowed down by the speeding freight train of domesticity in the process. No one would notice, let alone care, if she went a bit wild now. That was the thing about being a woman of a certain age. While entire police departments were dispatched to search
for attractive young women when they disappeared, in the movies at least, when women past middle age went missing, no one even seemed to notice.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘So we battle on?’
'Ladies, we fight to the death!’
‘I’ll put the kettle on,’ said Joy.
The first few pages were like reuniting with old friends, as you sit back in the comfort of the words and world Joanna so clearly conveys. She is so in tune with many of the issues that affect our ageing population - loneliness, grief, purpose, finances, health and wellbeing. It is the finesse with which she embraces these topics, both the sensitivity and humour needed, in continuing to produce these engaging tales. The inclusion of young Chloe this time around and her interactions with the Tea Ladies is heartwarming.
The underlying theme from all the lead characters was one of appreciating that people are not always what they appear to be. That we sometimes need to take the time and patience to dig a little deeper to find their true self. For a variety of reasons, people often hide their true self - pride or protection for example - and we need to be more understanding and considerate of things we may not know, or indeed, need to know.
‘What she feared, more than her fading youth, was becoming irrelevant. She wasn’t
ready for invisibility. The bright colours saved her from being overlooked.’
Once more I applaud Joanna for the spotlight she continues to shine on this age group. If you have not ever read one of Joanna’s books I encourage you to do so - the knowledge and expert understanding she brings keeps the stories of these people relevant and purposeful. Growing old may be a harsh reality, but it does not have to be at the expense of purposeful living.
‘Most women of her generation had stayed firmly on the rails, and been mowed down by the speeding freight train of domesticity in the process. No one would notice, let alone care, if she went a bit wild now. That was the thing about being a woman of a certain age. While entire police departments were dispatched to search
for attractive young women when they disappeared, in the movies at least, when women past middle age went missing, no one even seemed to notice.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
November 3, 2024
Lovely characters. Easy read
October 9, 2021
Yet another wonderful story written by Joanna Nell. Delightful, heart-warming and friendly to say the least. The story of three very different women, volunteering their time for three very different reasons. What could possibly go wrong? Or even more to the point what could possibly go right?
This book is a joy to read, the characters, Hilary, Joy and Chloe are a joy to discover and this book will make you laugh and cry all at the same time. This is the story of friendship, strength, kindness, courage and family.
The book is laid out in chapters that each represent what is happening at that moment in time, each with its own crazy and catchy titles. It is a good, honest book full of what life is truly like, full of the interactions of different people and how we form friendships and relationships with the most unlikely people (or so we think).
This book, as with Joanna’s other books, is so easy to read, so much fun and so very addictive, just like a pot of tea (don’t forget to warm the pot as it’s the little touches that count) and a good old fashioned scone!
The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital
Joanna Nell
Hachette Australia
This book is a joy to read, the characters, Hilary, Joy and Chloe are a joy to discover and this book will make you laugh and cry all at the same time. This is the story of friendship, strength, kindness, courage and family.
The book is laid out in chapters that each represent what is happening at that moment in time, each with its own crazy and catchy titles. It is a good, honest book full of what life is truly like, full of the interactions of different people and how we form friendships and relationships with the most unlikely people (or so we think).
This book, as with Joanna’s other books, is so easy to read, so much fun and so very addictive, just like a pot of tea (don’t forget to warm the pot as it’s the little touches that count) and a good old fashioned scone!
The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital
Joanna Nell
Hachette Australia
February 25, 2022
What a wonderful read, a lovely story of multi generational friendships. This was written beautifully, at times I almost forgot the age difference and the fact that I was reading about two retired ladies. The book dealt with some very poignant themes, loss and loneliness, stress and anxiety and friendship. These three ladies pull together and help bring out the best of each other, I loved Joy and her zest for life, how she tried to help everyone and ensure they all felt seen and heard; even when Hillary is despairing at Joy she never gives up and works out how to help her and the cafeteria. Watching Chloe try and navigate her way through her life choices at the very opposite end to Joy and Hillary allows us to see the changes in the choices available to women as the decades have progressed, but that love, understanding and friendship have stood the test of time and are just as important.
I feel a special mention needs to go out to Nancy as she certainly had me chuckling quite a bit, her constant cloud of smoke and laid back attitude to everything was so funny at times, yet her story was just as eye opening as the others, she was suffering from loss and and loneliness just the same as the others.
I genuinely didn’t want this book to end, I loved every minute of it.
I feel a special mention needs to go out to Nancy as she certainly had me chuckling quite a bit, her constant cloud of smoke and laid back attitude to everything was so funny at times, yet her story was just as eye opening as the others, she was suffering from loss and and loneliness just the same as the others.
I genuinely didn’t want this book to end, I loved every minute of it.
September 22, 2021
There was a lot to love about this novel and I had an excellent time reading it. The story of a hospital cafeteria being manned by elderly (and not so elderly) volunteers appealed to me as I worked as a hospital orderly a lifetime ago and recognised the setting. The characters were all very entertaining (if perhaps a little similar) and the story had some excellent drama, humour and, most of all, heart. The seniors were really well-crafted and believable, often authors make their senior citizens overly loveable and hilarious and lose sight of the reality of aging. These elderly women sounded and behaved like elderly women without ever veering toward stereotype or wackiness. The same goes for teenager Chloe who reminded me a lot of what it felt like to be just coming into adulthood with all the awkwardness and weirdness that entails. There were a few odd stops and starts in the plot where things seemed to happen just to advance the plot or there were a few coincidences that were rather convenient but, by the time these happened, I was invested enough in the characters to overlook the issues and race on through the story. Immense fun!
December 29, 2021
Entertaining
Having read other books by this author I was looking forward to this one didn't enjoy it as much as others but none the less still a very good read.
Can recommend.
Having read other books by this author I was looking forward to this one didn't enjoy it as much as others but none the less still a very good read.
Can recommend.
November 24, 2021
Loved it! Another winner from Jo.
October 31, 2022
A nice story and easy to read. It’s one of those books that you read when you don’t need to think too much, sometimes that’s all you need.
March 2, 2022
Thank you NetGalley, Joanna Nell and Hodder & Stoughton for the copy of the book The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital. This is my personal review.
Marjorie Marshall Memorial Cafeteria is located at St Jude's Hospital. The cafeteria is ran by volunteers. These are an amazing bunch of volunteers who will make you smile and think as you read.
Hilary, Joy and Chloe are so different and yet they bond to work to save the cafeteria from being closed. Each if these women have a lot going on in their personal lives and yet they form a friendship that just grows stronger as they strive to safe what is the heart and soul of the hospital.
This book had me wishing I could do something to help them in their efforts. I enjoyed watching the women as they worked together and became strong friends.
Marjorie Marshall Memorial Cafeteria is located at St Jude's Hospital. The cafeteria is ran by volunteers. These are an amazing bunch of volunteers who will make you smile and think as you read.
Hilary, Joy and Chloe are so different and yet they bond to work to save the cafeteria from being closed. Each if these women have a lot going on in their personal lives and yet they form a friendship that just grows stronger as they strive to safe what is the heart and soul of the hospital.
This book had me wishing I could do something to help them in their efforts. I enjoyed watching the women as they worked together and became strong friends.
January 20, 2022
The first half was a bit of a chore to read but it came together and ended well.
June 15, 2023
Thank you Bendigo Book Mark for suggesting this author. I really liked this book & will be reading more by Joanna Nell in the future.
February 8, 2025
A very sweet story about a volunteer-run hospital cafe that is being shut down in the name of progress. Easy reading.
November 27, 2024
Delightful - I want to be an old lady serving tea and looks
April 9, 2023
This book was so enjoyable. Heart warming, sweet, funny and even sad at times. Admittedly, stories which follow the lives of 70-something year-old women aren’t my usual choice, but this was such a lovely read. I love a character-driven novel and the characters in this alone were worthy of a 5-star rating. There was genuinely nothing not to love about this.
February 6, 2022
I am a huge fan of this authors books. This is the fourth book by Joanna Nell and I have really enjoyed every single one. I am continuously impressed by her work and the light she shines on this age bracket. She writes about characters you instantly care for and you wish them the best. This is heart warming and hilarious and follows three women. Hilary, joy and Chloe who work and volunteer at Marjorie Marshall Memorial cafeteria at St Judes hospital. They are each dealing with their own private struggles as they face uncertain future. What I like is how they are different from each other and their journeys and how they ultimately became friends. This is a book about identity, friendships, change, family, grief and determination. I love how Nell explores the issue of ageing with sensitivity and warmth.
‘Most women of her generation had stayed firmly on the rails, and been mowed down by the speeding freight train of domesticity in the process. No one would notice, let alone care, if she went a bit wild now. That was the thing about being a woman of a certain age. While entire police departments were dispatched to search for attractive young women when they disappeared, in the movies at least, when women past middle age went missing, no one even seemed to notice.’
‘Most women of her generation had stayed firmly on the rails, and been mowed down by the speeding freight train of domesticity in the process. No one would notice, let alone care, if she went a bit wild now. That was the thing about being a woman of a certain age. While entire police departments were dispatched to search for attractive young women when they disappeared, in the movies at least, when women past middle age went missing, no one even seemed to notice.’
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