A Royal Visit to Victory Street

The Bryant Sisters #5

by Pam Howes

From Amazon charts bestseller Pam Howes comes an emotional and uplifting saga about the power of family and a community trying to rebuild their lives after the terrible war that nearly destroyed everything…

1956, Liverpool. With the shadow of the war looming over them and bomb craters littering the surrounding streets, hope feels far away for the residents of Victory Street. When they learn that the Queen has chosen to visit them on a tour of Liverpool, the delighted neighbours bring back the wartime spirit. Can they possibly get the street ready in time?

Even a royal visit cannot take away Bella Harrison’s worries. Her son, fourteen-year-old Levi, has just told her he wants to move to America to join the rest of his father’s family. The news has so shocked Bella that she’s not sure she’ll be able to sing for the Queen, jeopardising all their plans for the big day.

Life has been hard for Levi, growing up as a mixed-race boy in Liverpool, but he’s the light of Bella’s life. The thought of losing him brings back the terrible memories of losing her father and sister during the war. If everyone pulls together make the Queen’s visit an unforgettable celebration, perhaps she can persuade Levi that Victory Street is where he belongs.

But when Levi receives heartbreaking news from America and his move becomes uncertain, Bella starts to wonder if all her efforts to keep him in Liverpool have been for the right reasons. Can Bella find it in herself to sing for the big celebration, and make the right choice for her beloved son?

A totally unputdownable, heart-wrenching historical novel, packed with family secrets, perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Diney Costeloe and Nancy Revell.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2022

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was 1956 in Liverpool when Mary learned the plans of Queen Elizabeth II, and her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, when they were going to visit Victory Street, during their tour of Liverpool. Mary took charge of the organisation to have Victory Street tidied up, making it fit for the royal visit. Lizzie, Mary's small granddaughter, was going to present a bouquet of flowers to the Queen, and rehearsal for her was going well. Lizzie was deaf but she and all those around her knew signing, so she communicated well.

Bella and the other two Bryant Sisters would perform, as they had during the war, as well as her eldest son, Levi, and his two friends. Levi was keen to become a singer and his small band was having success with the concerts they joined in. The admiration Levi held for the new bands from the US as well as locally, with John Lennon doing well saw him anxious not to go on with schooling. He wanted to work to earn money and make his dreams come true. Would they manage to get Victory Street ready in the short time they had? Would their plans be successful?

A Royal Visit to Victory Street is the 5th in The Bryant Sisters series by Pam Howes (and perfect timing after current events) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was wonderful to catch up with Bella and the girls, learn more about Levi, Earl, Bobby and their integrated family, as well as the strong, determined and stalwart Mary, matriarch of the family. I love this author's work and I have no hesitation in highly recommending A Royal Visit to Victory Street (along with the series).

Note: The blurb is misleading, as from the second paragraph down, it's pretty much all wrong.

With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Royal visit to Victory Street is the fifth book in ‘The Bryant sisters’ series by Pam Howes. Wow how time has flown the fifth book already in this heart-warming series.
We are back in Liverpool in 1956, there is still remnants of the war. When the residents here good news that their street has been chosen (Victory Street) to have a royal visit from the Queen and Prince Philip and it is only six weeks away. Mary a member of the WI and the residents of Victory Street all chip in to arrange a party for the Royal Pair. Which includes a few songs from ‘The Bryant sisters and Levi Harrison and his band singing some tunes.
This is another charming episode in the series about the loves and lives of the residents of Victory Street. Once again, I got drawn in and I couldn’t put this down. I basically read the whole book in one sitting. The author is good keeping you engaged, and I love finding out about each character and the challenges they overcome in them times. I can’t wait for the next book. 5 stars from me.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryant sisters series family saga book five. Liverpool 1956.
A heart wrenching feel good story you will need tissues.
A Royal visit to Victory street Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip are arriving in six weeks time, The Liverpool songstresses the Bryant sisters Bella Edie and Fran are so excited and start planning the show, all the residents in the street and everyone is ready, the afternoon tea buffet, flags on sticks, the regimental band, the Wavertree WI and the children are lining the pavements.
The Lord Mayor also arrives and this is going to be a day to remember.
This book I took to my heart as if your in the book with all the characters, I just loved it all.
Levi's story especially touch me and brough tears to my eyes as I read. and the ending was just perfect.
A must read 10/10.

[Sarah]

A Royal Visit to Victory Street by Pam Howes is another wonderful read following the lives of the Bryant sisters and their friends and families. I loved the royal aspect to the story and after the sad loss of both the Queen and Prince Philip, who both get a mention in the story, it made me feel quite patriotic. You get a real sense of community as they all pull together in preparation of the royal visit. A sometimes nostalgic read of times gone by filled with ups and downs of family life that make for a compelling read!

[Catherine Laverick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great instalment of the victory street series. This time the story follows them as the new queen Elizabeth is visiting Liverpool and victory street. A great series with lots of characters that are all intertwined, through friendships and marriages. Loved this series and can’t wait for the next book, another great read from the wonderful Pam Howes. 5 ⭐️

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I have Loved reading this series about the people from Victory Street and their lives before during and after WW11. Pam Howes has a wonderful way of drawing you into her books and keeping you wanting more,when i read her books I can't rush it I have to make it last (lol).I love being drawn into a story that you feel as if you are along side the characters going through their every day lives.Thank you Pam Howes for a wonderful series 5*

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Pam Howes' final installment A ROYAL VISIT TO VICTORY STREET.

I have followed the lives and loves of the original Bryant Sisters through the war years and beyond since the beginning. I have watched them bloom and grow, fall in love, get married, have children and settle down. Now the series is coming to an end as we see their children bloom and grow...as life for them comes full circle.

It's 1956 and the shadows of war still linger eleven years after its end as the community continues to rebuild their homes and their lives. At a gathering of the Watertree WI (Women's Institute), Mary is made privy to the upcoming visit of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Given the task of organising the entire event, Mary then rallies her troops around she needs, all of them on a "need to know" basis. It seems Victory Street is to represent Liverpool on the royal couple's visit so Mary sets to organising a spruce up with all hands on deck. And they have just six weeks in which to prepare.

It seems Prince Philip was endeared by Liverpool's songtresses the Bryant Sisters so Bella, Edie and Fran dust off their frocks (or rather they buy new ones) and set to rehearsing a couple of numbers to entertain the royal couple. And Mary's granddaughter, Bella's 7 year old daughter Lizzie, is to present a bouquet to the Queen on behalf of Liverpool...and so rehearsals were underway for Lizzie to familiarise herself and know what she is to do. As Lizzie is deaf, though she can lip-read, she relies on sign mostly to communicate.

After the royals leave Victory Street, a party is then thrown for the entire community to come and enjoy as Bella's eldest son Levi takes to the stage with two of his friends to perform as a trio for the masses. It seems music is in his blood as he follows in his parents' footsteps to follow his dream of becoming a singer. He watches as local lad John Lennon begins to make a name for himself as well as the rising stars coming out of the USA with the likes of Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly, and he wonders if he has what it takes to make as they have.

Times have certainly changed since Bella and her friends took the stage in their break time and the Bryant factory, entertaining the co-workers at the beginning of the war. From there they joined ENSA where they met Basil Jenkins who later went on to marry Bobby Harrison's mother Fenella after the death of her husband. Now Bella and Bobby have Levi (though fathered by Earl Franklin) and their own daughter Lizzie whilst Edie is married to Stevie with baby Dennis and Fran is married to Sam with Lorraine and Gary. Mary has also found love again in Martin, Basil's former driver, while Molly (her youngest) married Earl Franklin and has twins Patti and Harry. Not to mention Earl's family he brought over from America with him when he emigrated wanting to spend time with his son Levi, what with sister Ruby, daughter Diana and I forget where Delores comes in. To anyone outside, this family tree would have them scratching their heads. I know I was trying to remember who was who and how they fit in...lol

A ROYAL VISIT TO VICTORY STREET brings this series to a fitting end with heartwarming tales set to delight the reader. Packed full with party planning, unforeseen news, singing, a royal visit, more singing, a startling surprise and a new venture in the works, this quick and easy read has brings a sense of nostalgia that makes you feel as if you are right there with them.

I have to say though, the description of the book is once again misleading, and I spent most of the book waiting for something to happen that was never going to! I may be niggling, but it's a pet peeve of mine when the description outlines something completely different from the story.

Overall, a compelling read that speaks for itself...as does the rest of the series.

I would like to thank #PamHowes, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #ARoyalVisitToVictoryStreet in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Royal Visit to Victory Street is the fifth instalment in the Bryant Sisters series by Pam Howes. I think I read somewhere prior to beginning the book that this was to be the last in the series but in my mind there is definitely room for one more book as I felt it ended quite abruptly and there is still room to explore much more regarding all these characters that I have come to know and love especially the younger generation who are featuring more prominently. Although we are quite well into the series you could easily pick this book up and become familiar with the characters and the various storylines. Details regarding previous plots are slotted in here and there which makes it easy to follow along and not make you feel as if you have missed out. Although to get a true sense of how special this series is and how the main characters have developed and expanded since their first introduction it would be nice to go back and read from the beginning plus you have the added advantage of being able to read each book one after the other whereas I have had to wait impatiently for publication of each new book.

Once again this was a lovely relaxing, easy family saga that was a quick read and enjoyable. But I will say and this is the only gripe I found is that the blurb is very misleading. It’s only the last two lines that relate to the book because the rest of the information detailed does not happen and all the time I was expecting to read of Levi wanting to move to America and how Bella became deeply affected by this. This certainly didn’t happen. The situation regarding America happened in the last few chapters of the book and not whilst they were preparing for the Queen’s visit as outlined in the blurb. Also, it wasn’t in as much details the blurb leads you to believe. This won’t deter readers from choosing this book but I do think a different blurb is needed.

Pushing this aside and as I mentioned this was the only thing that niggled away at me, A Royal Visit to Victory Street is an engaging and good read. It moves the overall storylines of the series along nicely and you are deeply engaged and root for all the characters. It has been so lovely to see Bella, the main protagonist, and her various family members and their extended friendship circle grow and flourish since book one. They have battled through the war and are enjoying a new and exciting way of life and it’s wonderful to read of all the modern changes coming into effect. Many of which we certainly take for granted now.

Levi, Bella’s son, is now a teenager and the music scene in Liverpool is becoming very exciting. I loved the mentions of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Levi seems envious that they are launching onto the music scene albeit in different groups. You’d love to be able to reach into the book and tell Levi just how big they would go on to be but it was brilliant seeing things through his own young and eager eyes. Levi battles personally as he is mixed race and at times he can feel that he is on the fringes and maybe he would be better off living in America with some of his relatives and it doesn’t help that America is where the latest and hottest music is coming from. He doesn’t want to go to college instead once his exams are over music is the career that he wises to pursue, and you wouldn’t blame him really as the family business is music and entertainment. Many of his relatives including his sister Dianna and his mother Bella are in small singing groups that have had and are experiencing success. He wants in on the action and with Basil and his father Earl and stepfather Bobby at the helm of Bold Street Studios he just knows he can really make a go of things with his friends in the band.

Levi does feature heavily in this book but that’s not to say that the remainder of the characters that I have become so familiar with are forgotten. When Bella’s mother Mary hears through her work at the Women’s Institute that the Queen and Prince Philip will be paying a visit to Victory Street it’s all hands-on deck to prepare a celebration that will be remembered for a long time. To be honest I thought the visit would form the basis for the majority of the book but it seemed to come and go pretty quickly which I suppose on reflection allowed for further development of more individual stories. Most notably that of one of Fran and Edie’s (who form the Bryant Sisters with Bella) neighbours Glenda who is in desperate trouble. I loved how this element of the story all played out and it shows we can’t always judge someone on first appearances because really we don’t know what is going on with someone behind closed doors. As regards Bella, before her big storyline came to light I had my suspicions as to what was going and when things come to the surface it really does bring a smile to your face. It showed her story coming full circle and that all the hardships and battles that she has endured and come through have all been worth it. For now she has reached the point where she is truly happy and contented in her life.

There were lots of little things that happened throughout the story to many different people and really are too many to mention in any sort of detail here. Suffice to say this was a heart-warming and engaging read and it’s lovely to be able to dip back into the lives of Bella and co. Whether this be the last book or not Pam Howes has written a fabulous series that may readers will take much enjoyment from.

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

1956, Liverpool.With the shadow of the war looming over them and bomb craters littering the surrounding streets, hope feels far away for the residents of Victory Street.When they learn that the Queen has chosen to visit them on a tour of Liverpool, the delighted neighbours bring back the wartime spirit.Can they possibly get the street ready in time?
Even a royal visit can't take away Bella Harrison’s worries. Her son, 14yo Levi, has just told her he wants to move to America to join the rest of his father’s family. The news has so shocked Bella that she’s not sure she’ll be able to sing for the Queen, jeopardising all their plans for the big day.
Life has been hard for Levi, growing up as a mixed-race boy in Liverpool, but he’s the light of Bella’s life. The thought of losing him brings back the terrible memories of her father and sister dying during the war. If everyone pulls together to make the Queen’s visit an unforgettable celebration, perhaps she can persuade Levi that Victory Street is where he belongs.
But when Levi receives heartbreaking news from America and his move becomes uncertain, Bella starts to wonder if all her efforts to keep him in Liverpool have been for the right reasons. Can Bella find it in herself to sing for the big celebration and make the right choice for her beloved son?
Wavertree is a district in Liverpool.Wavertree Playground,was one of the first purpose-built public playgrounds in the UK.The estate and surrounding properties,were purchased by an anonymous donor and presented to the City of Liverpool for use as a park.At the donor's suggestion,the new park was named Wavertree Playground,but was quickly nicknamed "The Mystery" by locals.Sefton Park is located in south Liverpool.
The Quarrymen are a British skiffle/rock and roll group,formed by John Lennon in Liverpool in 1956,which evolved into the Beatles in 1960.
251 Menlove Avenue, is the childhood home of John Lennon,located in the Woolton suburb of Liverpool.Lennon moved there in July 1946 from 9 Newcastle Road,Wavertree.Metairie is a census-designated place in Jefferson Parish,part of the New Orleans metropolitan area.

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liverpool, 1956: The results of the war are still very evident with so much destruction everywhere. It’s been nine years since the war ended and people are still trying to rebuild what they have left of their lives. Victory Street residents receive word that Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Phillip are going to visit them. With so much work to be done, they wonder if they will ever finish in time for the Royal visit. Bella Harrison has worries of her own when her fourteen year old son Levi tells her that he is moving to America to be with his father’s family. Bella can’t imagine Levi living so far away, he is all she has. Bella receives some heartbreaking news from America, Bella and Levi’s lives are once again turned upside down. With Victory Street preparing for the Queen's visit, Bella wonders if she has it in her heart to sing in the festivities or will she find herself too emotional to celebrate anything in her life.

I am always so happy to return to Victory Street. The inspiring and courageous residents are very intriguing. I feel like the residents of Victory Street are close friends and family. This heart-warming story pulled me glued to the pages and I couldn’t put this book down until the very last page. This book had my emotions running wild. I reached for the Kleenex box a few times. I loved the storyline of a royal visit from Queen Elizabeth, brilliant. I love the Bryant Sister’s Series and this book was a wonderful addition to the series. This book can be read as a stand-alone novel, but don’t pass up the opportunity to read this amazing series from the beginning. I definitely recommend this book.

Thank you Pam Howes for such a phenomenal continuation to this amazing Bryant Sisters Series. I loved it.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Royal Visit to Victory Street by Pam Howes is the fifth book in The Bryant Sisters series. I recommend reading this heartwarming series in order. It will allow you to get to know the characters and their stories. I enjoyed returning to Victory Street. We get to catch up with the characters. We follow Bella, Edie, Fran, and their extended families as they go about their daily tasks and adjust to postwar Liverpool. It took time for things to return to normal in England after the war. Some items were still being rationed in the latter half of the 1950s. I like how the author included the latest music groups and/or performers. Elvis Presley was making a name for himself, and teens wanted to imitate his look. Victory Street is chosen to receive a royal visit from Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Phillip. The Wavetree WI goes into action to make sure everything is perfect for the visit. Well, everyone except their leader who prefers to delegate. I like Pam Howes writing style. It is casual and friendly which makes the story easy to read. The characters are realistic and relatable. They continue to grow as the series progresses. I like that the characters are not perfect. They have flaws just like real people. We get to see them overcome challenges that are put in their way. There is nothing they cannot do as long as they have each other. The ending had me smiling. I was sorry when my visit to Victory Street came to an end. A Royal Visit to Victory Street is a heartfelt tale with unforeseen news, party planning, cleaning crews, pots of tea, a singing sensation, regal royals, a startling surprise, and a new venture.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Royal Visit to Victory Street by Pam Howes is another in the series that began with the Byrant Sisters, a trio who sang to entertain troops during WII. Much has happened in the years since then. We are up to date with all the families and at this point we have only lost one, Fenella, who after marrying Basil, tragically died. This is not a story with a plot, it is a slice of life novel, full of characters that we get to see grow, sometimes mature, and live their lives. Plenty happens in this episode, one of the high points being the visit by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip to Liverpool, Victory Street, specifically. Along with his request to hear and see the Bryant Sisters sing, which they don’t do very often anymore, but, of course, will in this case. The whole visit comes off well and that’s only the beginning of the book. The children are pretty much adults now and ready to marry or go off on their own. I love soap operas and that is pretty much what this saga is. It is very character driven. Most of the characters have been with the series since before the war and the reader has really gotten to know and love them. It could not be a better read!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Royal Visit to Victory Street by Bookoutre, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #PamHowes #ARoyalVisitToVictoryStreet

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute pleasure it is to be back with the Bryant sisters and their families and friends. This is a series that I absolutely adore and can easily read in one sitting. Everything about this book is just wonderful and I just felt myself being taken back in time to Liverpool in the late 1950’s and could actually visualise the events in my head. This book focuses a lot on Bella and Earls son Levi and it was wonderful to see him develop as a character as the story progresses. A wonderful addition to the series and as I read through the series I love reading about all the characters and how they are developing as the series progresses. This book can be read as a standalone but I really recommend reading the others as they are so good.

[Lucy Dunphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another brilliant visit to Victory Street. It was so lovely to catch up with Bella, Eddie and Fran as well as seeing Levi come into his own. I also enjoyed reading how music had evolved by the mid to late 50's. As with the previous books set around WW2, everybody came together in times of need and to help one another out, in an utterly heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story. I hope we'll hear more from the Victory Strret series.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this Advance Reader's Copy.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Bryant Sisters series. I have throughly enjoyed following the lives of Bella, Fran and Edie as they’ve grown up and had families of their own. This book is set in 1956 after the war and with their children finding their own way in life. There’s excitement with a Royal visit to Victory Street where the series first began. It’s nice to see after all the ups and downs that they’ve had, that their big blended family is still very close and supportive of each other. An emotional read and a great series.

[Kathleen Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Royal Visit to Victory Street is book 5 in the The Bryant Sisters series.

Set during 1956 in Liverpool, it shows a community still trying to rebuild their lives and find their places in the changed world.

It is an easy, quick read, with characters that are realistic and a pace that is neither too fast nor too slow.

A delightful way to spend an hour.

Thank you to @netgalley for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Royal Visit to Victory Street is book 5 of The Bryant Sister's series by Pam Howes. We welcome the start with the news that the Queen is going to visit not only Liverpool but Victory Street; unfortunately Mary is only allowed to tell those who will be involved in getting the event organized. What better way to bring the community together. A brilliant novel that kept me engrossed once more.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Pam has enchanted us with a lovely book.
The fifth in the series, of The Bryant sisters, welcomes us back to old friends we have come to know and love to new.
Such a wonderful story with such warmth and excellent reference to the coming alive of rock and roll and the new faces that we now know as older and still with us.
Pam never fails to keep us engrossed with her wonderful books.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read following a great community planning for a Royal Visit, drawing together to make it a huge success. They plan the music, food and decorations and you feel a big part of the excitement. There is a huge element of family life, great friendships, dreams being realised and life in the post war era where communities are still rebuilding after the bombing.
I loved Pam Howes writing style and I am keen to read more in this series.

[Barbara Doodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fsbulous

How lovely that HM the Queen and Prince Philip visited Victory Street to meet special characters in the book.

This series has again kept you gripped and many morning I have heard the birds sing U just cannot stop reading.

Thank you Pam Howes for another special book in Victory Street

Smothering read

[Debbie Trammell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

This series is about beautiful families and friends that are like family. And it is set during some of the series in W W 2 so the times are very hard. If you have not read this series get started you won't be disappointed. Pam is a great storyteller.

[Pat Fairbairn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brillisnt

I have read all the books about Victory street and as always this was very enjoyable, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the families in Victory Street and the excitement and heartache that they went through. Thank you Pam for yet another lovely read

[Karen Kepner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bryant Sisters story continues with the focus mainly on the kids and the amities blending of children and adults into a major production. It starts with the news of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip visiting Victory Street. Once again, interesting and easy reading.

[Gail M. Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the whole series

I really enjoyed all four books in the series. It didn't portray a very realistic picture of the character 's lives, as there was not open mindedness at that period of time.

[Carey Mundy · Rating 4 out of 5]

5th book in this series about the lives of a family and friends in Liverpool. It’s now the mud 1950s and music is the rage - even some reference to a young John Lennon! The family is involved in a visit to the city by the young royal couple and everyone is excited. A fun period piece for sure!

[Debbie Westerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book though I'm not sure of the minor history details of the story or if it's stretched a little bit by editing. At times I had all on to keep up with who was who in terms of family members but I loved Lizzie who made me giggle at times with her antics. Very much recommended

[Joyce tuffs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant story.

I love this series of books the stories of The Bryant Sisters. It is like meeting old friends again. I really enjoy Pam Howes books

[Clare Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book I have read all 5 books in this series and have enjoyed them all

[Carol Mageean · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve read all the books in this series but unfortunately have to say I was disappointed, the storyline was banal and just didn’t hold my interest.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following the lives of this group of women and their children has been exciting.