What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wartime Bookshop #1
The Wartime Bookshop
Alice moves to the village of Churchwood with her retired father just as WWII breaks out. She is desperate to be useful but, nursing both an injured hand and a broken heart, she expects her prospects of finding employment are poor, and worries that she won't fit in with her new community.
Kate lives with her family on Brimbles Farm, where her father and brothers treat her no better than a servant. With no mother or sisters, and shunned by the locals, Kate longs for a friend of her own.
Naomi is a wealthy 'take-charge' sort of woman, who is looked up to for owning the best house in the village. But privately, she carries the hurts of childlessness, a husband who has little time for her and a deep-rooted insecurity.
Can starting up The Wartime Bookshop bring these three women, and the community of Churchwood, together?
Kate lives with her family on Brimbles Farm, where her father and brothers treat her no better than a servant. With no mother or sisters, and shunned by the locals, Kate longs for a friend of her own.
Naomi is a wealthy 'take-charge' sort of woman, who is looked up to for owning the best house in the village. But privately, she carries the hurts of childlessness, a husband who has little time for her and a deep-rooted insecurity.
Can starting up The Wartime Bookshop bring these three women, and the community of Churchwood, together?
400 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2022
135 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
October 22, 2022
Alice Lovell has recently moved to Churchwood in Hertfordshire and with her father Archibald a retired doctor. Alice hurt her hand badly in an accident, she needs to create some distance between herself and Daniel Irvine and sort out her feelings. Alice hand is only slightly better, it will never function properly and she worries that she’s a burden.
Kate Fletcher lives with her mean father and brothers on Brimbles Farm, and they treat her like a servant. Kate doesn’t mind working hard, unlike her brothers she doesn’t get paid and has to wear their cast off clothes. The people in Churchwood treat Kate like she has an infectious disease, due to her brothers being trouble makers and she doesn’t have nice clothes.
Naomi Harrington is an influential citizen in Churchwood, her husband Alexander works in London and she keeps busy running her various committees. Naomi comes across as a bit abrupt and snobby, and she’s built a wall around herself. Naomi hasn’t been able to have children, she feels like her husband has lost interest in her and she covers this up.
The story is told from the point of view of the three main characters, Alice, Kate and Naomi. With the Second World War starting, the people of Churchwood are worried about their loved ones serving overseas and what they can do to help the war effort. Alice starts volunteering at Stratton House, a hospital, where she writes letters and reads to the wounded soldiers. The one thing that Churchwood doesn’t have is a library, there is a big demand for books and reading material. The people of Churchwood have to come together, stop judging others and put their egos aside, to raise funds and start The Churchwood Bookshop.
I received a copy of The Wartime Bookshop from NetGalley and Random House UK in exchange for an honest review. The delightful and well written first installment in the new series by Lesley Eames, is a wonderful story about relationships between women, the importance of friendship and helping others, overcoming challenges and prejudice, uniting a community, and the significance of reading and books during the Second World War. I highly recommend this book and the authors previous novel The Wartime Singers and five stars from me.
Kate Fletcher lives with her mean father and brothers on Brimbles Farm, and they treat her like a servant. Kate doesn’t mind working hard, unlike her brothers she doesn’t get paid and has to wear their cast off clothes. The people in Churchwood treat Kate like she has an infectious disease, due to her brothers being trouble makers and she doesn’t have nice clothes.
Naomi Harrington is an influential citizen in Churchwood, her husband Alexander works in London and she keeps busy running her various committees. Naomi comes across as a bit abrupt and snobby, and she’s built a wall around herself. Naomi hasn’t been able to have children, she feels like her husband has lost interest in her and she covers this up.
The story is told from the point of view of the three main characters, Alice, Kate and Naomi. With the Second World War starting, the people of Churchwood are worried about their loved ones serving overseas and what they can do to help the war effort. Alice starts volunteering at Stratton House, a hospital, where she writes letters and reads to the wounded soldiers. The one thing that Churchwood doesn’t have is a library, there is a big demand for books and reading material. The people of Churchwood have to come together, stop judging others and put their egos aside, to raise funds and start The Churchwood Bookshop.
I received a copy of The Wartime Bookshop from NetGalley and Random House UK in exchange for an honest review. The delightful and well written first installment in the new series by Lesley Eames, is a wonderful story about relationships between women, the importance of friendship and helping others, overcoming challenges and prejudice, uniting a community, and the significance of reading and books during the Second World War. I highly recommend this book and the authors previous novel The Wartime Singers and five stars from me.
May 13, 2025
A good saga.
July 15, 2022
The Wartime Bookshop by Lesley Eames is a wonderful WWII-era historical fiction that is the first book in a new series. I just loved this!
I just love visiting small, quaint, and quintessential English villages to see how most citizens lived, loved, lost, and “did their part for the war effort and their county” during the World Wars.
I loved visiting Churchwood and meeting the residents. This book introduces us to the character cast and set us up with the trio of women ( Kate, Alice, and Naomi ). Learning some of their backgrounds, their respective trials, and how they are brought together and find friendship and strength within themselves and with one another. Strong female characters that are realistic, likable, and the strong bonds that are formed, is always a win win for me.
I enjoyed the plot, the pacing, and I can’t wait to read more!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Bantam Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/20/22.
I just love visiting small, quaint, and quintessential English villages to see how most citizens lived, loved, lost, and “did their part for the war effort and their county” during the World Wars.
I loved visiting Churchwood and meeting the residents. This book introduces us to the character cast and set us up with the trio of women ( Kate, Alice, and Naomi ). Learning some of their backgrounds, their respective trials, and how they are brought together and find friendship and strength within themselves and with one another. Strong female characters that are realistic, likable, and the strong bonds that are formed, is always a win win for me.
I enjoyed the plot, the pacing, and I can’t wait to read more!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Bantam Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/20/22.
July 22, 2022
I was only two pages in when I knew this would be a 5 star read and one that would be a wrench to put down. After getting introduced to all the characters, they quickly became ones I was rooting for and my heart went out to them all. Seriously loved the main characters in this! Even the side characters were strong!
With Alice, suffering a debilitating disability but still trying to do her bit in the war, Kate who has hefted the burden of ‘woman of the house’ since a very young age, caring for her ungrateful father and brothers and Naomi, a simple girl gone up in the world, struggling with loneliness despite her position and an aristocratic husband. They all slowly draw together and find solace in one another’s company, building up a friendship which sees them through their difficulties.
With the injured soldiers of the war convalescing in the hospital, Alice sees an opportunity to entertain these war heroes with books. But there isn’t enough to go around. What can she do to ensure these brave men have a little entertainment and a break from the four walls of the hospital? Start a book drive and community book shop, ensuring the men have all the reading material they could possibly need!
It was such a heartwarming and endearing book. It was effortless to read and I loved the spirit throughout. Of strength, overcoming adversity and building friendship in hard times. It ticked all the boxes for a great wartime read and I loved it! Ugh my heart. It’s reeling from finishing this gorgeous book and I honestly can’t put my excitement into words at the thought of reading the next one. Now begins to long road of (in)patience to wait for the next!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
With Alice, suffering a debilitating disability but still trying to do her bit in the war, Kate who has hefted the burden of ‘woman of the house’ since a very young age, caring for her ungrateful father and brothers and Naomi, a simple girl gone up in the world, struggling with loneliness despite her position and an aristocratic husband. They all slowly draw together and find solace in one another’s company, building up a friendship which sees them through their difficulties.
With the injured soldiers of the war convalescing in the hospital, Alice sees an opportunity to entertain these war heroes with books. But there isn’t enough to go around. What can she do to ensure these brave men have a little entertainment and a break from the four walls of the hospital? Start a book drive and community book shop, ensuring the men have all the reading material they could possibly need!
It was such a heartwarming and endearing book. It was effortless to read and I loved the spirit throughout. Of strength, overcoming adversity and building friendship in hard times. It ticked all the boxes for a great wartime read and I loved it! Ugh my heart. It’s reeling from finishing this gorgeous book and I honestly can’t put my excitement into words at the thought of reading the next one. Now begins to long road of (in)patience to wait for the next!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
May 27, 2025
This was such a delightful book and deserves every one of the 5* I have gladly given it. A book about anything to do with books is always going to be a winner for me and this was no exception. I am so glad it’s the first in a series and look forward to reading all the others.
January 14, 2025
Ready to read the next book. Thoroughly enjoyed this one.
February 11, 2024
Such a joy to read and pleased to see it’s part of a series, so looking forward to reading more about Alice, Kate and Naomi lives in 1940’s Churchwood’s Wartime Bookshop
September 29, 2024
A bit slow to start but then picked up. Not a bad story.
September 20, 2022
Book one Churchwood Hertfordshire at the start of WW2
A very moving story to read.
Alice Lovell has just moved to the village from London with her father retired doctor Archibald Lovell and she's hoping to make new friends. Her disfigured hand will not stop her helping out for the war effort.
Meeting Kate Fletcher, her and her family have a reputation in the village working on Brimbles farm. Her and Alice soon become good friends.
Alice is keeping in touch with Daniel Irvine from back home.
Naomi Harrington married to stockbroker Alexander and yearns for a child of her own
Three very different women with the outbreak of war holding the village together.
I loved this beautiful heart warming read and a good start to the series to pull at your heartstrings.
All the characters blend into the book chapter after chapter with Joy and heartache from start to a beautiful end.
I loved it.
A very moving story to read.
Alice Lovell has just moved to the village from London with her father retired doctor Archibald Lovell and she's hoping to make new friends. Her disfigured hand will not stop her helping out for the war effort.
Meeting Kate Fletcher, her and her family have a reputation in the village working on Brimbles farm. Her and Alice soon become good friends.
Alice is keeping in touch with Daniel Irvine from back home.
Naomi Harrington married to stockbroker Alexander and yearns for a child of her own
Three very different women with the outbreak of war holding the village together.
I loved this beautiful heart warming read and a good start to the series to pull at your heartstrings.
All the characters blend into the book chapter after chapter with Joy and heartache from start to a beautiful end.
I loved it.
October 10, 2022
I received this ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
WW2 sagas are one of my favourite things to read so I settled down to read this on a lazy Sunday while I waited for Sunday dinner to cook and let my self be transported to a lovely village called Churchwood.
This story follows Alice, Kate & Naomi, they all have troubles and problems that they are keeping private behind closed doors even though they should open up and share how they feel.
This was a wonderful read that I thoroughly enjoyed, especially because books brought everyone together as they always do in real life as books are just magical.
I can’t wait to get back to Churchwood and find out what happens next for everyone.
WW2 sagas are one of my favourite things to read so I settled down to read this on a lazy Sunday while I waited for Sunday dinner to cook and let my self be transported to a lovely village called Churchwood.
This story follows Alice, Kate & Naomi, they all have troubles and problems that they are keeping private behind closed doors even though they should open up and share how they feel.
This was a wonderful read that I thoroughly enjoyed, especially because books brought everyone together as they always do in real life as books are just magical.
I can’t wait to get back to Churchwood and find out what happens next for everyone.
August 14, 2022
This is a pleasant read. Leslie Eames has crafted a wartime story around 3 main characters, all women, all strong in some ways yet with some vulnerability that needs addressing. The book turns commonplace events into a drama, which while engaging is relatively incidental compared to ww2. Still, it was a diverting read
November 20, 2022
I do love a wartime saga, and I didn’t realise this was to be one, until I had finished and discovered that there are going to be more. In the meantime, in this first book we get to find out about the three main female characters.
Alice along with her retired doctor father has moved to Churchwood. Alice has had an accident and use of her hand is challenging, but she knows she must make an effort and do something. She finds solace in sharing her love of books, stories and reading by visiting the local hospital full of injured servicemen and reading to them or exchanging books. If this is what she can do to help the war effort she will make her small difference.
Naomi is a prominent figure in Churchwood. She is on all the committees, has followers who will do her bidding and she is the one that even the local Vicar defers to. However, Naomi is not happy and her forthright opinions can hurt people and she suddenly finds she is very lonely. She envies Alice’s youth and ability to be friend everyone regardless of status or class. Perhaps Naomi can learn from Alice?
Kate, the only female in the disliked Fletcher family is one such person that Alice befriends and Naomi distrusts. Kate works hard and is not afraid of it, but she has to put up with wearing her brothers cast off clothes and the abuse she gets from her own father. Alice gives her an outlet, books and reading, the beginnings of a friendship form and perhaps Churchwood will come to accept Kate as one of their own.
Told from the three main character’s points of view, this shows the difficulties that all women face when starting friendships, no matter how old they are. It is the start of the Second World War and that is the common ground which brings these three women and the rest of Churchwood together. The idea of sharing the love of books, reading and stories to anyone who needs that comfort is wonderful and still so relevant today. Through all of this is friendship, community and a bit of romance and the supporting characters were just as delightful to, especially keeping Naomi in her place!
A great start to series and I look forward to being back there soon and seeing what has been happening at the bookshop.
Alice along with her retired doctor father has moved to Churchwood. Alice has had an accident and use of her hand is challenging, but she knows she must make an effort and do something. She finds solace in sharing her love of books, stories and reading by visiting the local hospital full of injured servicemen and reading to them or exchanging books. If this is what she can do to help the war effort she will make her small difference.
Naomi is a prominent figure in Churchwood. She is on all the committees, has followers who will do her bidding and she is the one that even the local Vicar defers to. However, Naomi is not happy and her forthright opinions can hurt people and she suddenly finds she is very lonely. She envies Alice’s youth and ability to be friend everyone regardless of status or class. Perhaps Naomi can learn from Alice?
Kate, the only female in the disliked Fletcher family is one such person that Alice befriends and Naomi distrusts. Kate works hard and is not afraid of it, but she has to put up with wearing her brothers cast off clothes and the abuse she gets from her own father. Alice gives her an outlet, books and reading, the beginnings of a friendship form and perhaps Churchwood will come to accept Kate as one of their own.
Told from the three main character’s points of view, this shows the difficulties that all women face when starting friendships, no matter how old they are. It is the start of the Second World War and that is the common ground which brings these three women and the rest of Churchwood together. The idea of sharing the love of books, reading and stories to anyone who needs that comfort is wonderful and still so relevant today. Through all of this is friendship, community and a bit of romance and the supporting characters were just as delightful to, especially keeping Naomi in her place!
A great start to series and I look forward to being back there soon and seeing what has been happening at the bookshop.
January 19, 2024
An undemanding read about a disparate group of women living in a Hertfordshire village in 1940 who band together in an attempt to provide a books for the soldiers convalescing in a local hospital, eventually leading to them opening a combined community centre and bookshop.
The book centres around the lives of three women, Kate who is treated like a skivvy by her farming family but who longs for a better life; Naomi, middle-aged, plain, with a husband who only married her for her money and who hides her insecurities under a bossy exterior; and Alice, the chief character and catalyst for the bookshop, newly arrived in the village and looking for a purpose in life following an accident which she believes has changed her life forever.
I liked the main characters, especially Kate, but I found Naomi slightly unbelievable. It's obvious her husband is playing away from home with his endless weeks away 'for work', but Naomi seems blissfully oblivious. Even in the 1940s, would an intelligent, middle aged woman really be so naïve? And Alice was just irritating with her constant insistence that her young man, who is quite obviously crazy about her, is only courting her out of sympathy and so she mustn't encourage him. One wonders why the poor chap would even want to marry anyone so silly! Her repetitive interior monologues about her hand injury and her shattered hopes got stale very quickly. I get that if you're going to have a 'will-they-won't-they-get-together' romance in a book, you have to have a reason why the couple are kept apart, but I just didn't find this very convincing.
It was interesting enough that I'll probably read the next book if it turns up in the library at some point, but not interesting enough for me to put any effort into tracking it down.
NB: Off topic, but when are publishers going to stop being so ageist with their book covers? Naomi is repeatedly described as middle aged and resembling her own pet bulldog, yet the cover features three young, glamorous and pretty women...
The book centres around the lives of three women, Kate who is treated like a skivvy by her farming family but who longs for a better life; Naomi, middle-aged, plain, with a husband who only married her for her money and who hides her insecurities under a bossy exterior; and Alice, the chief character and catalyst for the bookshop, newly arrived in the village and looking for a purpose in life following an accident which she believes has changed her life forever.
I liked the main characters, especially Kate, but I found Naomi slightly unbelievable. It's obvious her husband is playing away from home with his endless weeks away 'for work', but Naomi seems blissfully oblivious. Even in the 1940s, would an intelligent, middle aged woman really be so naïve? And Alice was just irritating with her constant insistence that her young man, who is quite obviously crazy about her, is only courting her out of sympathy and so she mustn't encourage him. One wonders why the poor chap would even want to marry anyone so silly! Her repetitive interior monologues about her hand injury and her shattered hopes got stale very quickly. I get that if you're going to have a 'will-they-won't-they-get-together' romance in a book, you have to have a reason why the couple are kept apart, but I just didn't find this very convincing.
It was interesting enough that I'll probably read the next book if it turns up in the library at some point, but not interesting enough for me to put any effort into tracking it down.
NB: Off topic, but when are publishers going to stop being so ageist with their book covers? Naomi is repeatedly described as middle aged and resembling her own pet bulldog, yet the cover features three young, glamorous and pretty women...
February 14, 2023
I loved The Wartime Bookshop. Alice, Kate and Naomi are 3 very different ladies living in the same village at the start of WW!! Alice is a retired doctor's daughter and the new-comer, with a friend who is waiting to see where the war will send him. Kate lives on a farm with her father and brothers. With no female relatives to help her transform from a child to a young woman, she wears her brothers clothes and boots and hasn't seen a real bath in years. Folks tend to look down on her. Naomi hails from a poor background, but thanks to her unscrupulous father, she now has money and a husband who spends his time in London. Most of the women in the village think of Naomi as their leader and often hang on her every word, including the vicar.
These 3 ladies will snag your attention from page 1 and keep you entertained as they navigate the start of the war and form everlasting friendships. I enjoyed their differences, their will to persevere, and how each of them aren't afraid to admit when they're wrong or apologize when they wrong someone else. Alice's plight with the man she loves and her reasons for keeping her feelings hidden tugged at my heartstrings, as did some of the patients she read to at the local hospital. Kate kept me rooting for her longing for a better life and Naomi... well, I can't stand her husband so I'm looking forward to the next book and hoping for the best for her.
These 3 ladies will snag your attention from page 1 and keep you entertained as they navigate the start of the war and form everlasting friendships. I enjoyed their differences, their will to persevere, and how each of them aren't afraid to admit when they're wrong or apologize when they wrong someone else. Alice's plight with the man she loves and her reasons for keeping her feelings hidden tugged at my heartstrings, as did some of the patients she read to at the local hospital. Kate kept me rooting for her longing for a better life and Naomi... well, I can't stand her husband so I'm looking forward to the next book and hoping for the best for her.
October 1, 2022
I’m always a sucker for a bookshop or Library story, and this novel combined both. Just as a FYI it is the start of a series about the village, and I am really looking forward to reading Kate’s story. And just wonder what will happen with Naomi and her husband.
So, I guess I really did enjoy this cosy village story set at the very beginning of WW2. The main character is really Alice who has moved with her father, a retired doctor to the village. He intends to read his history books – mainly about medicine in the early civilisations it appears, and she is keeping house for him as she is still recovering from a bad hand injury, which means she has difficulty using one hand, and thus can’t hold down a job. Rather bored, she tries to think of what she can do and discovers that she could volunteer at the local hospital to run a mini library and read to the patients.
Various interesting items ensue including the real start of the war and the discovery of a spy.
This is a really nice read that doesn’t try to stretch the memory or brain matter. Of course I knew who the spy was immediately it was mentioned there was one but this didn’t hinder my enjoyment as there were plenty of other plot lines to follow
So, I guess I really did enjoy this cosy village story set at the very beginning of WW2. The main character is really Alice who has moved with her father, a retired doctor to the village. He intends to read his history books – mainly about medicine in the early civilisations it appears, and she is keeping house for him as she is still recovering from a bad hand injury, which means she has difficulty using one hand, and thus can’t hold down a job. Rather bored, she tries to think of what she can do and discovers that she could volunteer at the local hospital to run a mini library and read to the patients.
Various interesting items ensue including the real start of the war and the discovery of a spy.
This is a really nice read that doesn’t try to stretch the memory or brain matter. Of course I knew who the spy was immediately it was mentioned there was one but this didn’t hinder my enjoyment as there were plenty of other plot lines to follow
November 21, 2022
This is the first book of a new series by Lesley Eames. We have 3 main characters, Alice, the daughter of a retired doctor who have moved into the village. Kate the only daughter of a farmer who has brothers. They all treat Kate badly. Naomi The lady of the manor.
The book begins in the early days of the war. Each chapter is dedicated one of the females. Alice previous has an injured hand from an accident we are drip fed bits about how it happened. The description of her struggles with it is very good. At present I have problems with my wrist having broken it, I am still finding it hard to use. So, this part is true to life. We learn of Naomi how she met her husband and the subsequent years. Kate how she is treated by the rest of the family just as a drudge.
Alice helps out at the nearby hospital for injured military, then she is stopped because secrets are being released.
This is a very good read and look forward to book 2 and have no hesitation in ging 5*
The book begins in the early days of the war. Each chapter is dedicated one of the females. Alice previous has an injured hand from an accident we are drip fed bits about how it happened. The description of her struggles with it is very good. At present I have problems with my wrist having broken it, I am still finding it hard to use. So, this part is true to life. We learn of Naomi how she met her husband and the subsequent years. Kate how she is treated by the rest of the family just as a drudge.
Alice helps out at the nearby hospital for injured military, then she is stopped because secrets are being released.
This is a very good read and look forward to book 2 and have no hesitation in ging 5*
May 5, 2025
This is a different take on a World War II story, and I enjoyed it. We have three women completely different from each other: Alice, who loves books and wants to find a way to help the war effort (and get out from under her father’s control); Kate, a ragged farm girl that the town looks down on; and Naomi, a matron who can’t see the damage her attitude is doing.
Alice begins reading to the thoroughly bored soldiers in a nearby hospital and is desperate for more books than she has on her own shelves. I loved the situation, but she ended up being a little too sunshin-y for me—never getting mad, always very understanding when other people cause problems, etc. Kate was delightful—a girl who was put down and finally learns that she is worthwhile herself. Naomi started out like the woman you love to hate in a TV show—supercilious and self-righteous—and watching her gradual change was good.
I'll try another by Ms. Eames and then make up my mind.
Alice begins reading to the thoroughly bored soldiers in a nearby hospital and is desperate for more books than she has on her own shelves. I loved the situation, but she ended up being a little too sunshin-y for me—never getting mad, always very understanding when other people cause problems, etc. Kate was delightful—a girl who was put down and finally learns that she is worthwhile herself. Naomi started out like the woman you love to hate in a TV show—supercilious and self-righteous—and watching her gradual change was good.
I'll try another by Ms. Eames and then make up my mind.
February 10, 2023
A very good book which is the start of a series and certainly look forward to reading the next in the series.
Alice and her Father have moved to Churchwood where he has retired from being an Doctor in London. Alice is recovering from hurting her hand. She is a very friendly woman and will see good in everyone.
Kate is the only daughter to an Farmer and him and her brothers treat her like skivvy. She has no friends and the people of. Churchwood don’t like any of the family.
Naomi is the woman who seems to run the committee’s and the Vicar only seems to go along with things if she approves it. Naomi judges people before she gets to know them.
The book has certainly many characters and the writing flows and we get to know them all.
It is well written and would recommend this book.
Alice and her Father have moved to Churchwood where he has retired from being an Doctor in London. Alice is recovering from hurting her hand. She is a very friendly woman and will see good in everyone.
Kate is the only daughter to an Farmer and him and her brothers treat her like skivvy. She has no friends and the people of. Churchwood don’t like any of the family.
Naomi is the woman who seems to run the committee’s and the Vicar only seems to go along with things if she approves it. Naomi judges people before she gets to know them.
The book has certainly many characters and the writing flows and we get to know them all.
It is well written and would recommend this book.
February 19, 2023
This is one of those lovely jolly wartime stories that is easy to read and enjoy. With books being a theme throughout I was very glad to have already read Little Women and Jane Eyre as the author very kindly gives away major spoilers to both! There are many similarities in this plot to Pollyanna if you have read (or seen) it: a new arrival to the village (Pollyanna/Alice) who sees the good in everyone and slowly brings the community together despite Aunt Polly/Naomi Harrington (they even have the same surname) ruling the roost and being all haughty and wanting things their way. Everyone melts and they all become happy. It is a good read though and I will be looking out for the others in the series.
February 12, 2025
Wartime Bookshop Series - Book 1
A lovely story of village life during WW2.
We are introduced to three very different ladies living in the same village at the start of WW2, Alice, Kate and Naomi.
I was engaged from the very beginning right til the end, it was entertaining and insightful as to how things were ‘back in the day’ as we say.
I couldn’t wait to get stuck into the next book of what will be an amazing series.
This is a lovely re-read for me and an apology as I forgot to post my review after I was graciously given a copy to review on Netgalley.
ADHD Brain Fog has me hanging my head in shame.
A lovely story of village life during WW2.
We are introduced to three very different ladies living in the same village at the start of WW2, Alice, Kate and Naomi.
I was engaged from the very beginning right til the end, it was entertaining and insightful as to how things were ‘back in the day’ as we say.
I couldn’t wait to get stuck into the next book of what will be an amazing series.
This is a lovely re-read for me and an apology as I forgot to post my review after I was graciously given a copy to review on Netgalley.
ADHD Brain Fog has me hanging my head in shame.
May 5, 2025
This is a pleasant story, focusing on women of WWII England who each have a unique challenge and learn to deal with them by pulling together. I love the message of non-judgement, the damage of gossip, and the strength of women. Each character is unique, with their own story to tell. However, I found the ending to be abrupt and unsatisfying, with several loose ends. Perhaps it was crafted for a sequel? I’m not sure, but it did feel unfinished. If you’re looking for a book of stories surrounding a bookshop setting, you won’t find it here. The bookshop doesn’t come around until closer to the end, and it hasn’t opened for business when the story concludes.
May 17, 2024
The Wartime Bookshop by Lesley Eames is a heartwarming WWII novel that introduces readers to the lives of Alice, Kate, and Naomi in the village of Churchwood. Alice, recovering from an injury and heartbreak, seeks independence. Kate, treated poorly by her family, longs for friendship. Naomi, despite her outward success, faces personal struggles. As war rages, these women find solace and strength in each other and their shared love of books. Eames beautifully captures the era’s challenges and the power of community, making this an engaging read for fans of historical fiction.
November 10, 2022
Another brilliant read from Lesley Eames. I loved reading about Churchwood and all it’s residents. This author has a great way of writing that very quickly engages the reader to the point that one doesn’t want the book to end. So pleased this is the 1st of a trilogy, we have 2 more books to look forward to 😊. I have already pre-ordered the 2nd one and shall be buying copies for my Sister and Sister-in-law. A great book to gift for Christmas. It’s 5 large stars from me.
February 24, 2023
The Wartime Bookshop by Lesley Eames is a heartwarming story of brave women who take care of each other and their community during the second world war. Written thoughtfully and beautifully, it captures your heart and mind.
I absolutely loved this book! The author has a way of bringing life to the characters and their stories.
I’m starting the second book in this saga immediately and can’t wait to see what more joy our three courageous women bring to their community.
I absolutely loved this book! The author has a way of bringing life to the characters and their stories.
I’m starting the second book in this saga immediately and can’t wait to see what more joy our three courageous women bring to their community.
August 18, 2022
What a lovely book.
It wrapped me up in warmth and joy like the beautiful heart that our protagonist Alice has.
I loved the tale of the women all pulling together and overcoming each of their own issues: low self esteem, loneliness, a disappointing marriage; whatever the case may be.
It was a gentle read but one I relished.
Lovely!
It wrapped me up in warmth and joy like the beautiful heart that our protagonist Alice has.
I loved the tale of the women all pulling together and overcoming each of their own issues: low self esteem, loneliness, a disappointing marriage; whatever the case may be.
It was a gentle read but one I relished.
Lovely!
August 20, 2022
Just finished this outstandingly fabulous warm and inviting read,I totally love this authors books and can highly recommend,
The premise of this book the characters is just wonderful it really does leave you wanting so much more so glad there is going to be a follow on which is just beautiful.
The premise of this book the characters is just wonderful it really does leave you wanting so much more so glad there is going to be a follow on which is just beautiful.
September 17, 2022
This is the first in a new ww11 saga series. Based around community and friendship.
The story is about Alice, a young girl with an injured hand and heart who moves to the village of Church wood. And along with 2 other characters Alice and Naomi a wonderful friendship is built
Full of life, love and hope.
The story is about Alice, a young girl with an injured hand and heart who moves to the village of Church wood. And along with 2 other characters Alice and Naomi a wonderful friendship is built
Full of life, love and hope.
October 9, 2022
A book about the trials and tribulations faced by the women in Churchwood during WWII.
A real feel good wartime novel. I read the whole book on a bleak day wrapped up nice and cosy. That seems to fit the vibe of the book.
Lovely introduction to an array of characters from posh Naomi to farmer Kate.
Look forward to book two.
A real feel good wartime novel. I read the whole book on a bleak day wrapped up nice and cosy. That seems to fit the vibe of the book.
Lovely introduction to an array of characters from posh Naomi to farmer Kate.
Look forward to book two.
October 29, 2022
A heartwarming and compelling story about community, friendship, life during wartime. The cast of relatable and fleshed out women is interesting and I liked them.
The storytelling and plot development are well done and I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
The storytelling and plot development are well done and I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
January 18, 2023
The wartime bookshop
A very enjoyable read the characters are all very interesting and I loved the way their characters cited out. I look forward to the next edition of this book especially to see if Late managed to free herself from her family and what happens with Bert and Naomi
A very enjoyable read the characters are all very interesting and I loved the way their characters cited out. I look forward to the next edition of this book especially to see if Late managed to free herself from her family and what happens with Bert and Naomi
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews