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Marlow’s Department Store #6
Wedding Bells for the Victory Girls
Summer 1945. After victory in Europe, best friends Lily, Gladys and Beryl are looking to the future. But even with this happy news, their lives are far from simple ...
Despite Lily's joyful summer wedding, she has doubts over what her heart wants now. As she adjusts to her role as young wife, could this signal the end of her position at Marlows?
The return of Gladys's husband Bill raises questions of their family life as he struggles to find work after the Navy, and for Beryl big changes at her bridal shop are afoot.
As the girls start to move on with their lives, they have never needed to stick together more ...
Despite Lily's joyful summer wedding, she has doubts over what her heart wants now. As she adjusts to her role as young wife, could this signal the end of her position at Marlows?
The return of Gladys's husband Bill raises questions of their family life as he struggles to find work after the Navy, and for Beryl big changes at her bridal shop are afoot.
As the girls start to move on with their lives, they have never needed to stick together more ...
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2022
9 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Toye
24 books37 followersSet in a family-owned department store, Jo's novels bring to life the hardships - and highlights - of life in Britain in the Second World War. With husbands, boyfriends and brothers away, the three Shop Girl friends pull together to battle bomb damage and black marketeers as well as their own poignant personal dramas. A former radio and TV scriptwriter, Jo draws on her family's war experiences as well as memories of how shopping used to be - before Amazon changed all that!
Twitter @joannatoye
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Twitter @joannatoye
https://www.facebook.com/joannatoyewr...
https://romanticnovelistsassociation....
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 1, 2022
The sixth, and final book in the Marlow's Department Store series, it can be read as a standalone, but I would highly recommend reading the series.
I love a good historical fiction novel to lose myself in. Joanna's books are always beautifully written, captivating and full of lovely characters. Full of community spirit and camaraderie, which is what helped them through some of the darker days.
A heartwarming piece of post war fiction which wraps up the series nicely.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love a good historical fiction novel to lose myself in. Joanna's books are always beautifully written, captivating and full of lovely characters. Full of community spirit and camaraderie, which is what helped them through some of the darker days.
A heartwarming piece of post war fiction which wraps up the series nicely.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 26, 2022
The only thing wrong with this book is that it’s the last one in what’s been a wonderful series to read. I feel as I know all the characters personally and there’s not one that I didn’t like.
I have truly enjoyed reading this series and I hope the author does another one. 6 wonderful books and I would recommend them to anyone
I have truly enjoyed reading this series and I hope the author does another one. 6 wonderful books and I would recommend them to anyone
March 31, 2022
To say I was late to the Shop Girls series by Joanna Toye would be an understatement as Wedding Bells for the Victory Girls is the sixth and final instalment. None the less, I wanted to give this book a try as I love historical fiction set during World War Two. Also, I am always saying a book can be read as a standalone no matter what point you join a series and I wanted to see if this was the case with this book. This is a lovely, easy, relaxing read which I read in a day and yes it can be read as a standalone. I didn’t feel in the slightest that I had missed out on all that had gone before as it was so easy to fill in the gaps and to establish who was who and their connections to each other and to discover what had previously happened. Yes, I didn’t get specific details regarding certain storylines but I wasn’t in any way confused or lost and in fact it has made me want to go back and read the entire series in the future when time allows.
Given it’s the final book there is a sense of wrapping things up but I thoroughly enjoyed becoming familiar with the setting, the various characters and their backstories and how things were coming together for them following the conclusion of the war. I found the start to be quite slow and I was waiting for some more characters to be introduced. It seemed as if not much would happen bar detailing their lives and the work they do in the Marlow’s store. But around the quarter mark I found things settled down and the introductions were completed that the plot branched out a bit and things started to happen. A few challenges and twists and turns were thrown in for each character as they navigated their way to what would hopefully be happy endings for all involved. Things then did seem slightly rushed as problems were solved in a page or two but I understood the need for this as there was clearly a lot to resolve knowing this was the final book.
There is a lovely cast of characters awaiting you between the cover of this book and I soon found myself familiar with each of them and slowly their stories came to light and as I have said filling in the gaps wasn’t too difficult. The reader is not overloaded with information and therefore things would have become confusing and it would have been challenging to keep track of who was who. Instead, there is a gentle, relaxed pace and it suited the book well.
The first person we are introduced to is Lily as she is about to marry her long-term love Jim. They both work together in Marlow’s store in the midlands town of Hinton and now that the war is over they feel the time is right to cement their union. Lily appeared to be the female focal point of the story and I enjoyed her as a characte, she was still fairly young and not always worldly wise. I enjoyed reading the descriptions of the work she does in the store. In fact , the descriptions of the store and all its various departments were wonderful. It truly was fascinating and really brought home how much things have changed. I doubt those characters would even have given any consideration to how we would shop in the present day. The store provided plenty of mini plots throughout the book.
The arrival of new girl Nancy seeking her old job in the children’s wear department had Lily on edge as she knows there is not room for two people. She has come to love her job and it gave her a real sense of achievement given she had been too young to join the ATS. There are changes a foot for Lily and Jim. One major one which this reader would have thought would have had her jumping for joy but the author showed that things are not always clear cut and plain sailing and I felt she gave really valid reasons for the way Lily was feeling when she found out something. She has to cope with guilt when the situation alters, and it really brought home the theme of women in the workplace and their changing roles away from home due to the war. Could women just go back to the way things were or could they find a new position and balance both home and work life?
The storyline that intrigued me the most and is one of the reasons I would love to go back and read the whole series is that of Robert, the son of store owner Cedric Marlow. I sense he was the bad guy who caused much trouble for the store and Lily in the past. It seems the leopard hasn’t changed his spots and following the breakdown of his marriage and the loss of his job due to his shady dealings, Robert is now back on the scene and wants to cause trouble and get his own way. This was a real meaty part to the book and I wanted to know more but I know I should go back and read the backstory to get this. No one seems to like him not even his father not to mention his estranged wife Evelyn. Robert is a self-centred, feckless individual who only thinks of himself and not others in the slightest and you could sense that he was determined that another female main character Beryl would be out on her ear from the unit she rented in the store. He was just out to cause trouble for people and it seemed disrepute and scandal followed where ever he went.
Evelyn featured briefly and I loved how she was utilised within Beryl’s aspect of the plot. Beryl seems to be a kind hearted woman whose passion for her shop renting bridal wear shines through whenever she was featured. But just when she thinks her business is going well her unit is needed by the store now that they can have proper window displays again. Herself and her husband Les haven’t the money to rent a shop of their own and Beryl fears all her hopes and dreams will be quashed in one fell swoop. Is there any way to save the day and see her career go from strength to strength or is the front room of her small house destined to be as far as her little business will go?
The character alongside Lily that I loved the most was her mother Dora. She really was the matriarch of the story and I sense that she is the glue that has been holding everyone together throughout the series. She raised Lily and her two brothers Reg and Sid single handedly following the death of her husband when he was very young and you sense that deep down she too is longing for her own happy ending. She would do anything for anyone as is demonstrated by the help and care she gives to Gladys and her family at the drop of a hat so you hope she too can receive the kindness, love and attention that she so richly deserves. Canadian Sam seems to have caught her eye and they have formed a lovely friendship but I got the feeling she wanted this to develop into something more but how can this happen now that he has returned home and is many miles away across the Atlantic Ocean? Dora was one character I was definitely keeping a close eye on to see how things would work out for her. I felt she had been though so much and deserved a positive outcome.
Everyone has been through a lot in the war and they have all changed and grown up but still there is plenty to navigate their way though as things don’t all suddenly go back to the way they used to be now that the war has been declared over. Rationing is one of the big themes featured here not to mention how the returning men, demobbed from their units, have to cope and adapt to a new way of life having emerged victorious from six hellish years of danger and brutality. The author dealt with the theme of adjustment very well. Most noticeably using the character of Bill, Gladys’ husband, trying to find work away from the coast having served as a sailor during the war. He finds it difficult to return to normal as so much has changed. He loves Gladys and their one year old twins Victor and Joy but trying to provide for them when work is so scarce and his longing for the sea still strong in his heart and mind is not easy. Not to mention dealing with Gladys cantankerous grandmother Florence who seems to have the couple at her every beck and call. I loved reading of the ups and downs the pair faced and the resolution to their story was just so lovely, thoughtful and heartfelt. War had taught them all that in good times and bad that life must go on. This is certainly true for Bill and Gladys and I loved how she always had her husband and children at the centre of everything she did and was trying to do her best to establish a new life for themselves where happiness and contentment would be at its centre.
Wedding Bells for the Victory Girls was a gorgeous read and it’s to my shame that I hadn’t discovered this series much earlier. I know I would have loved it from the very start given the feelings I got from this book. As a new reader, I really enjoyed it and I can tell that long-time fans will be deeply satisfied with the ending. I would love to read more from Joanna Toye in the future and will definitely keep an eye out for any new series she may right. This in the meantime is the perfect book to while away a few hours with.
Given it’s the final book there is a sense of wrapping things up but I thoroughly enjoyed becoming familiar with the setting, the various characters and their backstories and how things were coming together for them following the conclusion of the war. I found the start to be quite slow and I was waiting for some more characters to be introduced. It seemed as if not much would happen bar detailing their lives and the work they do in the Marlow’s store. But around the quarter mark I found things settled down and the introductions were completed that the plot branched out a bit and things started to happen. A few challenges and twists and turns were thrown in for each character as they navigated their way to what would hopefully be happy endings for all involved. Things then did seem slightly rushed as problems were solved in a page or two but I understood the need for this as there was clearly a lot to resolve knowing this was the final book.
There is a lovely cast of characters awaiting you between the cover of this book and I soon found myself familiar with each of them and slowly their stories came to light and as I have said filling in the gaps wasn’t too difficult. The reader is not overloaded with information and therefore things would have become confusing and it would have been challenging to keep track of who was who. Instead, there is a gentle, relaxed pace and it suited the book well.
The first person we are introduced to is Lily as she is about to marry her long-term love Jim. They both work together in Marlow’s store in the midlands town of Hinton and now that the war is over they feel the time is right to cement their union. Lily appeared to be the female focal point of the story and I enjoyed her as a characte, she was still fairly young and not always worldly wise. I enjoyed reading the descriptions of the work she does in the store. In fact , the descriptions of the store and all its various departments were wonderful. It truly was fascinating and really brought home how much things have changed. I doubt those characters would even have given any consideration to how we would shop in the present day. The store provided plenty of mini plots throughout the book.
The arrival of new girl Nancy seeking her old job in the children’s wear department had Lily on edge as she knows there is not room for two people. She has come to love her job and it gave her a real sense of achievement given she had been too young to join the ATS. There are changes a foot for Lily and Jim. One major one which this reader would have thought would have had her jumping for joy but the author showed that things are not always clear cut and plain sailing and I felt she gave really valid reasons for the way Lily was feeling when she found out something. She has to cope with guilt when the situation alters, and it really brought home the theme of women in the workplace and their changing roles away from home due to the war. Could women just go back to the way things were or could they find a new position and balance both home and work life?
The storyline that intrigued me the most and is one of the reasons I would love to go back and read the whole series is that of Robert, the son of store owner Cedric Marlow. I sense he was the bad guy who caused much trouble for the store and Lily in the past. It seems the leopard hasn’t changed his spots and following the breakdown of his marriage and the loss of his job due to his shady dealings, Robert is now back on the scene and wants to cause trouble and get his own way. This was a real meaty part to the book and I wanted to know more but I know I should go back and read the backstory to get this. No one seems to like him not even his father not to mention his estranged wife Evelyn. Robert is a self-centred, feckless individual who only thinks of himself and not others in the slightest and you could sense that he was determined that another female main character Beryl would be out on her ear from the unit she rented in the store. He was just out to cause trouble for people and it seemed disrepute and scandal followed where ever he went.
Evelyn featured briefly and I loved how she was utilised within Beryl’s aspect of the plot. Beryl seems to be a kind hearted woman whose passion for her shop renting bridal wear shines through whenever she was featured. But just when she thinks her business is going well her unit is needed by the store now that they can have proper window displays again. Herself and her husband Les haven’t the money to rent a shop of their own and Beryl fears all her hopes and dreams will be quashed in one fell swoop. Is there any way to save the day and see her career go from strength to strength or is the front room of her small house destined to be as far as her little business will go?
The character alongside Lily that I loved the most was her mother Dora. She really was the matriarch of the story and I sense that she is the glue that has been holding everyone together throughout the series. She raised Lily and her two brothers Reg and Sid single handedly following the death of her husband when he was very young and you sense that deep down she too is longing for her own happy ending. She would do anything for anyone as is demonstrated by the help and care she gives to Gladys and her family at the drop of a hat so you hope she too can receive the kindness, love and attention that she so richly deserves. Canadian Sam seems to have caught her eye and they have formed a lovely friendship but I got the feeling she wanted this to develop into something more but how can this happen now that he has returned home and is many miles away across the Atlantic Ocean? Dora was one character I was definitely keeping a close eye on to see how things would work out for her. I felt she had been though so much and deserved a positive outcome.
Everyone has been through a lot in the war and they have all changed and grown up but still there is plenty to navigate their way though as things don’t all suddenly go back to the way they used to be now that the war has been declared over. Rationing is one of the big themes featured here not to mention how the returning men, demobbed from their units, have to cope and adapt to a new way of life having emerged victorious from six hellish years of danger and brutality. The author dealt with the theme of adjustment very well. Most noticeably using the character of Bill, Gladys’ husband, trying to find work away from the coast having served as a sailor during the war. He finds it difficult to return to normal as so much has changed. He loves Gladys and their one year old twins Victor and Joy but trying to provide for them when work is so scarce and his longing for the sea still strong in his heart and mind is not easy. Not to mention dealing with Gladys cantankerous grandmother Florence who seems to have the couple at her every beck and call. I loved reading of the ups and downs the pair faced and the resolution to their story was just so lovely, thoughtful and heartfelt. War had taught them all that in good times and bad that life must go on. This is certainly true for Bill and Gladys and I loved how she always had her husband and children at the centre of everything she did and was trying to do her best to establish a new life for themselves where happiness and contentment would be at its centre.
Wedding Bells for the Victory Girls was a gorgeous read and it’s to my shame that I hadn’t discovered this series much earlier. I know I would have loved it from the very start given the feelings I got from this book. As a new reader, I really enjoyed it and I can tell that long-time fans will be deeply satisfied with the ending. I would love to read more from Joanna Toye in the future and will definitely keep an eye out for any new series she may right. This in the meantime is the perfect book to while away a few hours with.
June 17, 2022
This enjoyable novel looks at a group of friends who are all connected to Marlows Department Store in a small Midlands town, and begins in the summer of 1945, when the War is won and safety seems assured. Life for Lily, her fiance Jim and her mother Dora should be straightforward - a wedding day approaches, and everyone seems to be willing the young couple on. In the five books that have preceded this one, all set on the Home Front of the Second World War, there have been many trials and tribulations for Lily and her friends, and this sixth and final book in the series is no exception. I believe that this book could be read as a standalone, and it would undoubtedly mean that a new reader would be looking for the previous episodes. I have enjoyed Toye’s writing because she gets to the heart of the problems quickly and invites the reader to sympathise with so many characters with their own identities which are well drawn and consistent. There are dramas, as with any group of people in a novel set in this difficult time, but resolutions come quickly for better or worse. Lily and her friends Beryl and Gladys have families and responsibilities, and these are sensitively dealt with, but there is also room for some humour, especially in the well written dialogue. This is an enjoyable book with well written characters, atmospheric settings and plenty of appropriate detail in a well researched world. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to read this book.
The book opens on the wedding day of Lily and Jim, a much awaited day for everyone. Sid, Lily’s favourite brother, is present and is pleased to remember the day years before when a very young Lily was dressed up to go to Marlows for her interview. Sid acknowledges there have been some tough times connected with the war, when real danger and loss have threatened, and when Lily has had difficult decisions to make. Opening the book with this wedding was a really good decision, as it allows all the main characters to be gathered together and described. Dora is happy to see her only daughter married at last, but knows that nothing will ever be the same again. Beryl is keen to check Lily’s appearance; she has worked hard to set up and increase her business by hiring and selling wedding dresses with associated clothing. Her history has also featured challenges and despite a growing number of weddings in the immediate post war period, her immediate future will be difficult. Gladys has her twins, but is still having problems with her demanding grandmother, and discovers that not everyone who has returned from fighting will be welcomed into a steady job. Lily herself is happy working in Marlows, especially with Jim on the next shop floor, but traditionally married women have had to leave their jobs. Those people who served in the armed forces are returning to their jobs, and Lily notices that at least one is more than competent at her role in the shop. Some figures from the past return to the area, while some are welcome, others bring bad memories and perhaps new troubles.
This book was a pleasure to read and it was good to catch up with characters who have been introduced and described over several years. The research into the shop, homes and other settings is as always impeccable, and is all carefully blended into the story. A question and answer section included in this edition reveals some of the difficulties writing and researching in the last few years, and how this and the earlier books were written. I recommend this book and indeed this series to anyone who enjoys female led fiction set in wartime for its honesty and real feeling.
The book opens on the wedding day of Lily and Jim, a much awaited day for everyone. Sid, Lily’s favourite brother, is present and is pleased to remember the day years before when a very young Lily was dressed up to go to Marlows for her interview. Sid acknowledges there have been some tough times connected with the war, when real danger and loss have threatened, and when Lily has had difficult decisions to make. Opening the book with this wedding was a really good decision, as it allows all the main characters to be gathered together and described. Dora is happy to see her only daughter married at last, but knows that nothing will ever be the same again. Beryl is keen to check Lily’s appearance; she has worked hard to set up and increase her business by hiring and selling wedding dresses with associated clothing. Her history has also featured challenges and despite a growing number of weddings in the immediate post war period, her immediate future will be difficult. Gladys has her twins, but is still having problems with her demanding grandmother, and discovers that not everyone who has returned from fighting will be welcomed into a steady job. Lily herself is happy working in Marlows, especially with Jim on the next shop floor, but traditionally married women have had to leave their jobs. Those people who served in the armed forces are returning to their jobs, and Lily notices that at least one is more than competent at her role in the shop. Some figures from the past return to the area, while some are welcome, others bring bad memories and perhaps new troubles.
This book was a pleasure to read and it was good to catch up with characters who have been introduced and described over several years. The research into the shop, homes and other settings is as always impeccable, and is all carefully blended into the story. A question and answer section included in this edition reveals some of the difficulties writing and researching in the last few years, and how this and the earlier books were written. I recommend this book and indeed this series to anyone who enjoys female led fiction set in wartime for its honesty and real feeling.
May 24, 2022
Joanna Toye continues her enjoyable saga series with the latest captivating instalment, Wedding Bells for the Victory Girls.
After victory in Europe is declared, the future is bright and best friends Lily, Gladys and Beryl are hopeful and optimistic about what’s to come. The last few years have been tough on everyone and the three girls had their fair shares of challenges and heartache, but with this horrible war having finally ended, there must be surely be brighter days ahead. However, Lily, Gladys and Beryl quickly realise that although Hitler has been beaten, life is going to be anything but plain sailing.
Lily should be on a high. She has just got married and she can now look forward to spending the rest of her life with her husband. But will her marriage end up costing her the position at Marlows which she loves so much? With Bill returning back from the war, Gladys should be over the moon that her husband is back safe and sound, but as he adjusts to life on Civvy Street, he finds himself struggling to find work. Will his frustrations and general feeling of helplessness end up coming between him and his wife? Beryl has got her own problems to contend with as there are big changes afoot at the bridal shop that might just end up turning her world upside down.
Times are still tough for the Victory girls and they are going to need each other more than ever in order to triumph over the many challenges standing in their way.
Joanna Toye’s Wedding Bells for the Victory Girls is a charming, engrossing and heartfelt tale set just after the Second World War saga fans are sure to enjoy. Joanna Toye writes so brilliantly and vividly about this tumultuous period of history that readers cannot fail but be drawn into the world she so skillfully creates.
Her characters are beautifully realised and they leap off the page and straight into readers’ hearts from the moment they make their first appearance. Lily, Gladys and Beryl are a trio of strong heroines readers will warm to and care about and their trials and tribulations will keep readers engrossed and entertained throughout.
A poignant, uplifting and enjoyable saga, Joanna Toye’s Wedding Bells for the Victory Girls is a wonderful read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
After victory in Europe is declared, the future is bright and best friends Lily, Gladys and Beryl are hopeful and optimistic about what’s to come. The last few years have been tough on everyone and the three girls had their fair shares of challenges and heartache, but with this horrible war having finally ended, there must be surely be brighter days ahead. However, Lily, Gladys and Beryl quickly realise that although Hitler has been beaten, life is going to be anything but plain sailing.
Lily should be on a high. She has just got married and she can now look forward to spending the rest of her life with her husband. But will her marriage end up costing her the position at Marlows which she loves so much? With Bill returning back from the war, Gladys should be over the moon that her husband is back safe and sound, but as he adjusts to life on Civvy Street, he finds himself struggling to find work. Will his frustrations and general feeling of helplessness end up coming between him and his wife? Beryl has got her own problems to contend with as there are big changes afoot at the bridal shop that might just end up turning her world upside down.
Times are still tough for the Victory girls and they are going to need each other more than ever in order to triumph over the many challenges standing in their way.
Joanna Toye’s Wedding Bells for the Victory Girls is a charming, engrossing and heartfelt tale set just after the Second World War saga fans are sure to enjoy. Joanna Toye writes so brilliantly and vividly about this tumultuous period of history that readers cannot fail but be drawn into the world she so skillfully creates.
Her characters are beautifully realised and they leap off the page and straight into readers’ hearts from the moment they make their first appearance. Lily, Gladys and Beryl are a trio of strong heroines readers will warm to and care about and their trials and tribulations will keep readers engrossed and entertained throughout.
A poignant, uplifting and enjoyable saga, Joanna Toye’s Wedding Bells for the Victory Girls is a wonderful read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 13, 2022
Wedding Bells for the Victory Girls by Joanna Toye
MY REVIEW
(This is the 6th novel in the Shop Girls series, but can be read perfectly well as a standalone.)
Wedding Bells for the Victory Girls begins its story in June 1945 and features Lily, Gladys and Beryl – three friends who live in Hinton.
We meet Lily Collins (and her mother Dora and older brother Sid) on her wedding day to Jim. They work at work, at Marlows Department Store.
Gladys is married to Bill (now demobbed from the Navy and looking for work) and they have twins Joy and Victor (1).
Beryl runs a bridal wear shop and is married to Les, with their son Bobby (3).
The novel covers their lives with its ups and downs, twists and turns, which I don’t want to tell you too much about, as you should really read this book and discover it for yourselves.
They say not to judge a book by its cover, but this one is stunning – a photographic montage of three young women, with a church and houses behind, the whole thing framed by beautiful pink cherry blossom. It’s really one of the prettiest covers I’ve seen in a long time.
The book itself is equally stunning. It is easy to get into and a comforting read, which only took me two days to finish. It has great characters, ones to love and to hate, yet all authentic and real and popping out the pages to tell you their stories.
I love reading books set in England in this time (1940s) and have read a few recently, but this is the first one I’ve read by this author. In fact, last year, I bought the first book in this series (A Store at War) but hadn’t got round to reading it yet. While I was reading Wedding Bells for the Victory Girls (Book 6), I also ordered Book 2. I really want to read them all, Joanna Toye is such a great author and her words and stories are wonderful.
9 out of 10
MY REVIEW
(This is the 6th novel in the Shop Girls series, but can be read perfectly well as a standalone.)
Wedding Bells for the Victory Girls begins its story in June 1945 and features Lily, Gladys and Beryl – three friends who live in Hinton.
We meet Lily Collins (and her mother Dora and older brother Sid) on her wedding day to Jim. They work at work, at Marlows Department Store.
Gladys is married to Bill (now demobbed from the Navy and looking for work) and they have twins Joy and Victor (1).
Beryl runs a bridal wear shop and is married to Les, with their son Bobby (3).
The novel covers their lives with its ups and downs, twists and turns, which I don’t want to tell you too much about, as you should really read this book and discover it for yourselves.
They say not to judge a book by its cover, but this one is stunning – a photographic montage of three young women, with a church and houses behind, the whole thing framed by beautiful pink cherry blossom. It’s really one of the prettiest covers I’ve seen in a long time.
The book itself is equally stunning. It is easy to get into and a comforting read, which only took me two days to finish. It has great characters, ones to love and to hate, yet all authentic and real and popping out the pages to tell you their stories.
I love reading books set in England in this time (1940s) and have read a few recently, but this is the first one I’ve read by this author. In fact, last year, I bought the first book in this series (A Store at War) but hadn’t got round to reading it yet. While I was reading Wedding Bells for the Victory Girls (Book 6), I also ordered Book 2. I really want to read them all, Joanna Toye is such a great author and her words and stories are wonderful.
9 out of 10
March 12, 2022
Reunited with my favourite shop girls again! I’ve been loving this series and relished the chance to rejoin Lily and her Jim, Gladys and Bill, Dora and Beryl. So much has happened over the duration of the war, and the characters have been through a lot over the years! Now with the war over, how will they adjust?
I love that this series has weathered the storms of war and now we get to journey with the characters through the war’s end and into a new era. A time when Britain is recovering from the devastating events, still dealing with food rationing but enjoying the let ups of a few of the stricter rules.
It was so interesting reading some of the men’s return and inserting themselves into a civilian life. With all the struggles for the ladies and the men, this book got straight into life after the war.
With weddings, romances and their beloved work and stories at Marlowe’s, it was a perfect follow up to the previous books. And what I always find is great with these, is that you don’t need to have read all of the others (although it is nice to know the backstory and some of the previous going’s on) to be able to appreciate and enjoy this story.
So much happened in this book and it was a delight to read. I’m certainly left wanting more and will always have a special place for this series in my heart! I’ve loved reading it over the years and I’m sad to see it concluded. But what a perfect book to continue to story and end on a high! Loved it and my heart is certainly happy after how it ended. Will definitely have to come back and reread this series as life with the shop girls never gets boring. Definitely recommend this lovely, heartwarming series!
Thank you to the author and publisher via NetGalley for this book in return for my honest thoughts and review.
I love that this series has weathered the storms of war and now we get to journey with the characters through the war’s end and into a new era. A time when Britain is recovering from the devastating events, still dealing with food rationing but enjoying the let ups of a few of the stricter rules.
It was so interesting reading some of the men’s return and inserting themselves into a civilian life. With all the struggles for the ladies and the men, this book got straight into life after the war.
With weddings, romances and their beloved work and stories at Marlowe’s, it was a perfect follow up to the previous books. And what I always find is great with these, is that you don’t need to have read all of the others (although it is nice to know the backstory and some of the previous going’s on) to be able to appreciate and enjoy this story.
So much happened in this book and it was a delight to read. I’m certainly left wanting more and will always have a special place for this series in my heart! I’ve loved reading it over the years and I’m sad to see it concluded. But what a perfect book to continue to story and end on a high! Loved it and my heart is certainly happy after how it ended. Will definitely have to come back and reread this series as life with the shop girls never gets boring. Definitely recommend this lovely, heartwarming series!
Thank you to the author and publisher via NetGalley for this book in return for my honest thoughts and review.
April 13, 2022
Firstly a big thank you to harper Collins and random thing tours for gifting me this book.
I have shied away from books set in this era. Some of my earliest memories are watching my nan who adored books set in this era and watching her totally captivated . Since her passing 10 years ago I have been worried I wouldn’t be able to focus on the stories but instead would be focused on how much I miss her. Luckily and joyously I found I was completely captivated by this tale.
This is the sixth book in the series and by worries of reading this as a stand-alone without reading the prior books was quickly reassured . The writing only teases at past storylines and you can easily pick this up. Although I enjoyed this so much I will definitely be buying the rest in the series !
This book was joyful and simply charming. It was such a beautiful story, calming , relaxing, uplifting and delightful , exactly the kind of book we need more of in the world right now.
Love characters book about friendship and love
The characters are perfectly constructed and immediately I could picture all of them vividly.
The only selfish character Robert only highlighted the camaraderie, selflessness and friendship of the other characters .
Would highly recommend !!
I have shied away from books set in this era. Some of my earliest memories are watching my nan who adored books set in this era and watching her totally captivated . Since her passing 10 years ago I have been worried I wouldn’t be able to focus on the stories but instead would be focused on how much I miss her. Luckily and joyously I found I was completely captivated by this tale.
This is the sixth book in the series and by worries of reading this as a stand-alone without reading the prior books was quickly reassured . The writing only teases at past storylines and you can easily pick this up. Although I enjoyed this so much I will definitely be buying the rest in the series !
This book was joyful and simply charming. It was such a beautiful story, calming , relaxing, uplifting and delightful , exactly the kind of book we need more of in the world right now.
Love characters book about friendship and love
The characters are perfectly constructed and immediately I could picture all of them vividly.
The only selfish character Robert only highlighted the camaraderie, selflessness and friendship of the other characters .
Would highly recommend !!
April 14, 2022
Book 6, and I understand the last, in The Marlow’s Department Store Series but my first read and worked well as a stand-alone. It is summer 1945 after VE Day and everyone is looking forward to life returning to normal. Well written this is a light, easy read that I finished in an afternoon. I assume the three main characters Lily, Beryl and Gladys have been the centre of all the previous books, as this one.
Briefly, Lily is now happily married to Bill and they living with her mother Dora. Lily loves her job at Marlow’s and looks forward to advancing in the store. Gladys’s husband Bill is struggling to find work locally and is becoming despondent, missing life at sea. Beryl is running a bridal shop out of part of the Marlow’s building but she is about to face a big upheaval.
The story highlights the plight of ordinary families after the war with many homes damaged by the bombings, rationing with food still very scarce and men returning from war with no jobs available or taking jobs from women who had been working throughout the war and now no longer ‘needed’. Families and friends were generally shown as very supportive with a wonderful camaraderie. An enjoyable book if you are looking for something that isn’t going to overtax you, a good holiday read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Briefly, Lily is now happily married to Bill and they living with her mother Dora. Lily loves her job at Marlow’s and looks forward to advancing in the store. Gladys’s husband Bill is struggling to find work locally and is becoming despondent, missing life at sea. Beryl is running a bridal shop out of part of the Marlow’s building but she is about to face a big upheaval.
The story highlights the plight of ordinary families after the war with many homes damaged by the bombings, rationing with food still very scarce and men returning from war with no jobs available or taking jobs from women who had been working throughout the war and now no longer ‘needed’. Families and friends were generally shown as very supportive with a wonderful camaraderie. An enjoyable book if you are looking for something that isn’t going to overtax you, a good holiday read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
April 13, 2022
This is the final book in the Shop Girls series by Joanna Toye that is set during the second world war.
It is summer 1945 and the war has ended. Lily, Grace and Beryl are looking forward to a peaceful future, but drama is not far away from them.
Lily and Jim have the summer wedding that Lily has always wanted, but will marriage mean for her hard-earned job at Marlows department store?
Gladys is so excited when her husband Bill returns from the war, but he soon finds it hard to readjust to civilian life and to find a job. Whilst Beryl’s bridal shop comes under threat and she must find a way to keep it running.
I loved meeting up with these characters again. Joanna Toye really brings the characters during and just after the second world war to life and it gives a reminder that things did not just go straight back to normal. I was quite sad to finish this series, it feels like leaving some old friends.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s great to read as a series, but can easily be read as a standalone novel too.
I highly recommend this, especially for fans of historical fiction.
April 5, 2022
Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres and I loved this book. I hadn't read the previous book in the series, but this was not needed as I easily got into the story and found that it could be read as a stand alone.
The three women of the story all showed real strength and courage and each had different issues within the story. They each supported each other, even though they each had their own troubles and I loved this aspect of the book. I also loved how the book ended for Lily's mum, after everything she did for others I loved how she got her own happy ending.
It also showed the problems of this era including rationing and highlighted what people had to go through even after the war. This was written so well and I could just picture myself in Hinton
This was a good read and I look forward to the follow on book from this, as it was left in a way that there could be another after it.
The three women of the story all showed real strength and courage and each had different issues within the story. They each supported each other, even though they each had their own troubles and I loved this aspect of the book. I also loved how the book ended for Lily's mum, after everything she did for others I loved how she got her own happy ending.
It also showed the problems of this era including rationing and highlighted what people had to go through even after the war. This was written so well and I could just picture myself in Hinton
This was a good read and I look forward to the follow on book from this, as it was left in a way that there could be another after it.
April 18, 2022
This book has everything I love in it. I adore reading books of this era and this was no exception.
It is book 6 in the series, and I'm not sure how I've missed out on the previous 5, but nonetheless this worked perfectly as a standalone read. I have however now added the previous ones to my wishlist!
A charming and heartwarming read. The characters depict ordinary life, it's ups and downs, trials and tribulations, love and friendship. The 'Girls' have been through a lot during WWII, and strong bonds have been forged between them.
Pure joy to read, all set in a historical wartime setting which I adore.
It is book 6 in the series, and I'm not sure how I've missed out on the previous 5, but nonetheless this worked perfectly as a standalone read. I have however now added the previous ones to my wishlist!
A charming and heartwarming read. The characters depict ordinary life, it's ups and downs, trials and tribulations, love and friendship. The 'Girls' have been through a lot during WWII, and strong bonds have been forged between them.
Pure joy to read, all set in a historical wartime setting which I adore.
February 15, 2023
4.0 last and sixth in this series. Summer 1945 and the allies have declared victory over Hitler in Europe and life goes on after VE day with Lily, Gladys and Beryl but with changes ahead. Jim and Lily still working hard at the department store. Gladys's husband Bill home from the Navy but its hard to find jobs after the war and he is frustrated as he has a family to support with the twins and Gladys. Rationing is still underway and will be for sometime. Dora Lily's Mums friend Sam has returned to Canada and she misses his company. Jim and Lily finally are able to get married. Couples all come together through ups and downs.
May 5, 2022
Thanks to Harper Collins & Random Tours for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 6th book in the Marlow Girls series. I’m sad to say it’s the last one too because this book was phenomenal. I’ve read another one in the series but it’s not essential if you just want to read this as a stand alone.
The war has just ended and the girls need each other more than ever. It’s full of community spirit and such a heart warming story. There is some sadness in the story but it is mostly overcome with happiness in the end. Lily marries Jim and wonders what is next for her in life. Gladys husband Bill is back from the navy but is struggling to get a job and is really down and Beryls wedding dress business has huge changes.
Beautiful story. Lovely historical fiction!
This is the 6th book in the Marlow Girls series. I’m sad to say it’s the last one too because this book was phenomenal. I’ve read another one in the series but it’s not essential if you just want to read this as a stand alone.
The war has just ended and the girls need each other more than ever. It’s full of community spirit and such a heart warming story. There is some sadness in the story but it is mostly overcome with happiness in the end. Lily marries Jim and wonders what is next for her in life. Gladys husband Bill is back from the navy but is struggling to get a job and is really down and Beryls wedding dress business has huge changes.
Beautiful story. Lovely historical fiction!
March 31, 2022
What a lovely lighthearted and well written read
I haven’t read any of the other books in this series and did worry when I saw it was number 6.
However it did not matter a bit. As soon as I started reading I was swept up in the world of Hinton. And what a lovely world post war it was.
A truly delightful story with characters sure to warm your heart.
I haven’t read any of the other books in this series and did worry when I saw it was number 6.
However it did not matter a bit. As soon as I started reading I was swept up in the world of Hinton. And what a lovely world post war it was.
A truly delightful story with characters sure to warm your heart.
March 6, 2023
Another and final book from Joanna Toye Keith The Shop Girls series. As in all series it’s best to read them in order and you won’t be disappointed. With more than one wedding and the coming and goings of the staff of Marlows each chapter is packed full of loveable characters intertwined with the odd rouge. Thanks to Joanna Toye and your publisher.
October 30, 2023
I love this series featuring Lily and Jim and her family. This was full of happiness and a little sadness. I'm surprised that it's the last one but would be happy if there was another to finish off the series properly
May 11, 2024
Omg I really enjoyed the last book in the series. I must say I'm gutted the series has ended though. I feel like I could read about Lilly and the other main characters a lot longer haha. I'm gonna miss them lol.
April 8, 2022
I enjoy reading books set in this era and I’m not sure why I had missed out on reading the first five books in the series, something I now need to rectify.
However, it was easy to understand what had happened in the past and didn’t spoil my enjoyment of this book. I loved finding out how life changed (or didn’t) after the war in Europe ended for the staff of Marlows Department Store, their friends and family.
The book looks at how communities had to adapt after the war, to make more changes and to start to plan for their future. Lily, Gladys, Beryl and Dora were all facing challenges and needed to continue to be strong. I loved all the period details entwined with the relationship stories, in an era when my grandparents were becoming adults.
Thank you to Joanna Toye for sharing information at the end of her book about her inspiration for the series – I always love hearing about where ideas start. Happy to recommend this book.
However, it was easy to understand what had happened in the past and didn’t spoil my enjoyment of this book. I loved finding out how life changed (or didn’t) after the war in Europe ended for the staff of Marlows Department Store, their friends and family.
The book looks at how communities had to adapt after the war, to make more changes and to start to plan for their future. Lily, Gladys, Beryl and Dora were all facing challenges and needed to continue to be strong. I loved all the period details entwined with the relationship stories, in an era when my grandparents were becoming adults.
Thank you to Joanna Toye for sharing information at the end of her book about her inspiration for the series – I always love hearing about where ideas start. Happy to recommend this book.
May 3, 2022
A good end to the Victory Girls series
June 3, 2022
Good books
Read all 6 books one after the other, couldn't stop needed to know what was happening with the friends and family members, good read. Now what am i going to read.
Read all 6 books one after the other, couldn't stop needed to know what was happening with the friends and family members, good read. Now what am i going to read.
July 5, 2022
This was another library book that finished
November 9, 2022
A fitting end to a lovely series. It was interesting to read about the post war period and the problems people faced. Plenty of heart break , but plenty of love just like the previous instalments.
June 7, 2023
I have read all 6 books and have enjoyed every one, sorry to come to the end, loved all the characters and following the story line throughout all the books.
October 6, 2024
Page turner struggled to put down. Had a couple of late nights to finish this book.
Read
July 1, 2022I enjoyed all six of these books and they are all five star reads for me. Thank you Joanna Toye for such lovely reads.
April 7, 2022
This is the final story of Marlow shopworkers and friends, Lily, Beryl and Gladys, but it can be read and enjoyed stand-alone.
True to the promise of its title, the story opens with a wedding – Lily is marrying her sweetheart Jim. Though WWII has ended, times continue to be hard, with rationing still in place and a shortage of housing, so Lily and Jim set up home with Lily’s widowed mother Dora.
Her friend Gladys, husband Bill and small twins live with family, too – Gladys’s irascible and hypochondriac grandmother, who makes life hard at times.
Their close friend Beryl once worked with them at Marlow’s but now runs her own wedding dress business out of Marlows, which keeps the wedding bells theme going.
The scene is set for a story of ordinary life with all its ups and downs – it’s the people who make it extraordinary. Their quest for happiness, even normality, will keep you turning the pages.
Tragedy strikes occasionally, and emotions run high, but there is humour, too, and the story never loses its strong message of hope for the future after six long years of war.
The experiences of Lily, Beryl, Gladys and Dora remind us that joy in life comes from the little things as well as the big, and that friendship and family are what is truly important, along with community values.
And of course there is romance, with all its complications. Will everyone get their happy-ever-after? Grab your copy to find out.
True to the promise of its title, the story opens with a wedding – Lily is marrying her sweetheart Jim. Though WWII has ended, times continue to be hard, with rationing still in place and a shortage of housing, so Lily and Jim set up home with Lily’s widowed mother Dora.
Her friend Gladys, husband Bill and small twins live with family, too – Gladys’s irascible and hypochondriac grandmother, who makes life hard at times.
Their close friend Beryl once worked with them at Marlow’s but now runs her own wedding dress business out of Marlows, which keeps the wedding bells theme going.
The scene is set for a story of ordinary life with all its ups and downs – it’s the people who make it extraordinary. Their quest for happiness, even normality, will keep you turning the pages.
Tragedy strikes occasionally, and emotions run high, but there is humour, too, and the story never loses its strong message of hope for the future after six long years of war.
The experiences of Lily, Beryl, Gladys and Dora remind us that joy in life comes from the little things as well as the big, and that friendship and family are what is truly important, along with community values.
And of course there is romance, with all its complications. Will everyone get their happy-ever-after? Grab your copy to find out.
March 15, 2025
I love the Shop Girls series! It is moving, funny and heartfelt. Joanna Toye is one of those special writers whose readers can invest both in the plot and the characters - both are equally inviting and memorable. Each sequel is enticing, but the books can be read as stand-alones as well.
Enjoyable books often have some sort of link or connection to something else you've experienced in life, or other books you've read. Shop Girls resonated for me with The Ambulance Girls by Deborah Burrows, The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan, and also The Land Girls by Victoria Purman.
I loved this final book, and love the series!
The covers are gorgeous, too!
Enjoyable books often have some sort of link or connection to something else you've experienced in life, or other books you've read. Shop Girls resonated for me with The Ambulance Girls by Deborah Burrows, The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan, and also The Land Girls by Victoria Purman.
I loved this final book, and love the series!
The covers are gorgeous, too!
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