Catch up with Alice, Kate and Naomi in the third novel in The Wartime Bookshop series - an uplifting WWII saga, perfect for fans of Donna Douglas and Elaine Everest.
**Real readers are LOVING The Wartime Bookshop series**
'BRILLIANT'
'Oh I loved this book... please carry on the good writing'
'Wow what a brilliant start to a new series'
'Outstandingly fabulous, warm and inviting... so glad there is going to be a follow-on'
'I was only two pages in when I knew this would be a 5 star read... I honestly can't put my excitement into words at the thought of reading the next one'
Once again it was wonderful catching up the residents of Churchwood, they live in a small village in Hertfordshire and especially members of the busy bookshop. They use the church hall, here they have a cup of tea and a chat, exchange books, and mend and make over clothes.
The four main members of the bookshop are Naomi Harrington, Kate Fletcher, Alice Lovell and Bert Makepiece. All want to bring back to magic of Christmas and especially for the children and the men in the nearby convalescing home.
Naomi lives in the grandest house in the village, her husband Alexander Harrington has not only been unfaithful, he has a secret family and she feels like a complete fool. Naomi has to fight to keep her home Fox Field, she worried how much of the money in the trust fund remains, she needs to employ at solicitor to sort out the mess and she's never had financial problems before.
Alice is newly married to Daniel Irvine and she’s sure he’s been sent to North Africa. Alice still visits Stafford House, where she reads to the patients and writes letters for those who can’t. Alice thinks she might be expecting a honeymoon baby, she’s both over joyed and concerned about having a baby during a war.
Kate works and lives on Brimbles Farm, her father Ernie is still as mean and grumpy as ever. When her twin brothers Fred and Frank joined up, her father finally gave in an employed two land girls Pearl and Ruby. Her secret romance with fighter pilot Leo Kinsella is going well and they write long letters to each other. Kate tries to make time to visit the bookshop, then family hears that one of the twins has been severely wounded and he’s been sent to a hospital in London.
Bert is a market gardener, the big man has a huge heart, does what he can to help everyone in Churchwood and I think he has a bit of a crush on one of the mature ladies and she's oblivious. A new family has move into the village, despite everyone’s attempts, Evelyn Gregson keeps to herself and home-schools her two boys. Around the same time, things start going missing in Churchwood and from the surrounding farms, milk, vegetables and fruit, this makes members of the bookshop concerned that someone in the community is struggling, too ashamed to speak up and or is it due to another reason?
I received a copy of Christmas at the Wartime Bookshop by Lesley Eames from NetGalley and Random House UK in exchange for an honest review. The story and characters realistically portray life in a small English village during the Second World War, the challenges people faced and especially those with a wounded family member, how the person feels about being disabled, most young men would be really angry and lash out. It also highlights a topic that's still relevant, what can be done if someone's being bullied in the armed forces and hazing needs to stop.
Planning the Christmas play provides a distraction from the war, brings people together, boosts moral and they have to be very creative in making costumes and dealing with setbacks. I have read the two previous books in The Wartime Bookshop Series, The Wartime Bookshop and Land Girls at the Wartime Bookshop and I really enjoyed them. This time I cried and happy tears, I have really grown fond of the characters, I have a soft spot for them and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and five big stars from me.
Christmas at the Wartime Bookshop by Lesley Eames is a great historical fiction and is the third book in the WWII saga series: The Wartime Bookshop.
I have loved this series from the beginning. Following along with the three main characters: Naomi, Kate, Alice, their associated circiles, and the community of Churchwood during WWII, has been quite enjoyable.
I really like the family saga concept, the character cast themselves, the progression, and the inclusion of the lovely Bookshop.
I hope this series continues.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Bantam 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 10/12/23.
I listened to this as an audiobook. It's a good story about a village in wartime England and the people who run a volunteer bookstore. Each chapter is from the point of view of one of the main characters. This is the third book in the series but it is easy to follow even if you haven't read the other two. The characters are varied and well-developed, including a farm girl, a lady of the manor, a doctor's daughter, and the town gossip. Despite a war going on, increasing rations, and uncertainty; life still goes on. I found the story had a slow start but picked up as it went along. Who was stealing milk and vegetables from the villagers, how was a farm boy going to deal with the loss of his legs, and will there be a Christmas pageant? It is not a good time for the villagers, but they are determined to make the most of Christmas 1942.
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this brilliant book in the series it was so nice to able to catch up with all the characters in this book and none more so than these three Alice, Kate and Naomi each of them have challenges to face during this book and for each of them with far reaching consequences but its not only them its the villagers themselves and how they deal with the onset of war and the rationing plus a crash landing plane thats sets the tone of what village life is like i cant wait to see what else this author comes up with for this series
Christmas at the Wartime Bookshop by Lesley Eames is #3 in the heartfelt and “uplit” Wartime Bookshop series. Each one can be read as a stand alone but it’s a richer reading experience to read in order to appreciate the character development. Each book follows three main characters, Alice, Kate, and Naomi.
In this recent installment, the characters are again involved with the community bookshop, and each faces personal challenges. Life on the WWII homefront in a small rural English village is realistically portrayed.
Women on the homefront during WWII is quickly becoming one of my favorite genres/subgenres. I love stories of difference-makers and the theme of women supporting women during difficult times.
Recently, I have discovered the stories of Lesley Eames. It all started with The Wartime Bookshop which I quickly followed with Land Girls at the Wartime Bookshop. While waiting for this third installment, I read three backlist titles, The Wartime Singers, The Brighton Guest House Girls, and The Orphan Twins. If you love uplit women’s fiction with substantial themes and a WWII backdrop, consider this heartfelt Wartime Bookshop series. I very much appreciate the small sides of sweet romance (closed door romance) and no profanity. I’m eagerly awaiting #4 in the series, and Lesley Eames is now one of my auto-buy authors.
Even though I consider these stories uplit, there are substantial themes. In Christmas at the Wartime Bookshop, thoughtful themes include war injuries, hazing in the military, desertion, miscarriage, friendship, loyalty, women supporting women, compassion, community spirit, complicated family relationships, life’s ups and downs, a small side of revenge, hope for a better future, and later-in-life love.
One of the endearing themes of the entire series is a community that cares for its own, making sure no one is outside the ‘net of safety.’ Of course, the popup bookshop that meets in the local church to share books, hold classes, and provide social events is the heart and soul of the community.
Content Consideration: war injuries, miscarriage
I’m wholeheartedly recommending the entire Wartime Bookshop series for fans of women’s fiction/historicalfiction. Those who love themes of friendship and women supporting women will especially appreciate this WWII homefront series that features a pop up bookshop at the heart of a rural English village.
For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
It couldn’t get cosier than the wartime bookshop in Churchwood, and this time, with a festive twist! The bookshop faces a lot in this book but as ever, the sense of community and community spirit is strong and in the face of adversity, they always band together.
We rejoin Alice, Naomi and Kate who have fast become a favourite for me. And you needn’t worry about hopping into this book (which is book three in the series) if you haven’t read the others as the author sums up everything you may have missed in such an easy and succinct way, you won’t feel lost. Although I do wholeheartedly recommend going back to read them because they’re absolutely fab and you can treat them as prequels and read the origin stories of our wonderful characters.
Each one of the girls chapters had an interesting element and a plot story to keep you enraptured. Naomi is facing struggles against her husband Alexander, Alice as pillar of the community has her own struggles to face and Kate is forever juggling home life, farm life and a secret tryst with a new beau. I couldn’t read them fast enough and sometimes with split perspective chapters you want to read a particular character more than others, but it certainly wasn’t the case here. I seriously love all of them in this.
I was afraid this might be the last in the series to make it a trilogy but I was delighted to find there’s another one planned, of hopefully, many more! I adore this series and couldn’t recommend enough.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
Joyfully diving into "Christmas at the Wartime Bookshop," I was swept away once again by the magic of Lesley Eames' storytelling prowess. Having been absolutely enchanted by "The Wartime Bookshop", and "Land Girls at the Wartime Bookshop," Eames has once again outdone herself with this third book, which, dare I say, shines even brighter than the others!
Eames’ impeccable character development strikes again as every character in this narrative is intricately detailed and lifelike. The women, in particular, stand out as beacons of strength and unity. In a world marred by wars and crises, Eames crafts a tale that is a balm to the heart, filled with hope, encouragement, and the powerful spirit of community. The ladies of "Christmas at the Wartime Bookshop" aren't just characters – they epitomize the essence of hope, community, friendship, and love. Their intertwined fates and shared challenges weave a tale that is as uplifting as it is captivating.
The themes in this book resonate deeply, echoing the importance of friendship during tumultuous times, the beacon of hope in seemingly dire situations, and the everlasting warmth of love. Churchwood is not just a village but a symbol of unity and community standing tall in the face of adversity. Another 5-star read from Lesley Eames! If you're looking for a story to warm your heart and restore your faith in humanity, "Christmas at the Wartime Bookshop" is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved Christmas at the Wartime Bookshop. Set among WWII, Naomi, Kate, and Alice live in the same village near London. They are 3 different women who have become the best of friends, and each story in the The Wartime Bookshop saga picks up where the last left off and puts the reader in the midst of each of their lives.
Without giving too much away, in the Christmas story, Naomi is going through a difficult divorce. Her husband is a scoundrel (and that's putting it nicely) who has cheated her out of her inheritance and she must dig deep down into her soul to find the courage to thwart him and move on with her life. Kate is volleying between her chores on the family farm, her beau who's been injured in the war and her brother who has seriously been injured and is now not only wallowing ins elf pity, but demanding Kate wait on him hand and foot. And Alice is suffering a devastating loss just when the villagers need her most.
I admire all three of these ladies and enjoy getting caught up in their lives. It's never a dull moment, even when things are calm. Ms. Eames has a wonderful way of letting each of their personalities shine while, at the same time, deepening the bonds of their friendship. They look out for one another and keep up with the goings-on in each others' lives in a very real fashion.
I highly recommend this book, and the series, and look forward to the next installment.
Thank you for the chance to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion
I have read both the previous books and had requested this one as soon as I saw it was available and I really hope there are going to be more.
It was great to meet old characters and see them develop as well as new ones - amid heartache and entrenched though understandable views.
Seeing as this book was set around Christmas it was like pulling on fluffy socks, getting out last years Oodie and snuggling down to a great read. The books are well researched and well written with, as one would expect characters who are annoying but also ones who are endearing. Reading of Nativity plays and village activities did bring back memories for me of the 60s and similar community and Church times.
It is better to read as a series as the context and back story of the characters makes more sense in my opinion but it would be possible to read as a standalone
We return to the bookshop and catch up with Naomi, Alice and Kate.
Each chapter, is about one of the main characters, Naomi having found out about her husband and his double life (book 2) is now wanting a divorce. Kate is still being put on by her father & brothers, Alice too has a few problems.
In the village, they have someone who is steeling milk from the steps of the residents. A German plane crash. A new family.
Adam is beginning to settle in as the new vicar after the replacement who had caused problems ( book 2 and left ) I am sure the author must have knowledge of Sunday school parties / plays as the happenings were similar to those I myself encountered in the late 1960's myself when I was a Sunday school teacher.
Plenty of laughter and some sadness. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Another wonderful continuation of the series which has everything romance, sadness and some funny bits.
We continue with the villagers and their lives how they all cope with their problems. Alice is now married to Daniel and he is back fighting in the War. Kate is still helping out at the family farm and continues to write to Leo. Naomi has her own problems with finance will things work out for her. We have another family coming to the village to live but they don’t interact with the other villagers.
The book keeps you engrossed and the way it all flowed well together the characters are very strong and all work well together.
Churchwood Hertfordshire, once again we join Alice Lovell Kate Fletcher Naomi Harrington along with the help of Bert Makepiece running the Churchwood bookshop, its the heart and soul of the community keeping everyone going during the year of 1941 WW2. A big fan of the wonderful series, with the girls lives been turned upside down, that turns into a beautiful feelgood Christmas book, as they say goodbye to a trying year, Christmas is all about hope for a better future. I do recommend readers to put this on their seasonal book list. I loved it.
We find a lot of the Churchwood characters having problems in this book. With all their personal problems and the war still raging will the community continue to rely on each other or will they start to break away and close themselves off. This is another great read and with it ending at Christmas will the Churchwood community pull together for a happy new year ahead. I’m loving this series and I’m looking forward to reading more about them in book four.
An easy christmas read. I have worked out what annoys me about the writing style. It is the narrator that always explains that the protagonists internal monologue is always pure hearted. They aren't even mean in their thoughts (and if ever the smallest chink in their armour appears it is explained away so vociferously). I would also hate to live in this village. Despite all this I have found this series strangely addicting.
This is such a wonderful series of books. It was great to revisit and catch up with the characters again and I cannot wait for another one. So much emphasis on friendships including all the ups and downs and people coming together for a good cause. Such a delightful read. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review. It was an absolute pleasure.
I absolutely love historical saga books and this one is no exception. It's characters make you care and as the war rages you feel for them. This one is set around what is supposed to be the most cheerful time of year Christmas. I enjoyed how everyone tries to make it special despite the circumstances.
This has quickly become one of my favorite book series. I have fallen in love with each of the characters, both their faults and their strengths. We’ve seen each of them come along way since the first book, and each one adds flavor to the village. This story has both triumphs and tragedies, and both grief and celebration. I can’t wait to continue on, but I also dread reaching the end!
A lovely read and one I really enjoyed. The characters are engaging and the plot is one that is medium paced but a nice read. I found myself completely drawn into the story and enjoyed the writing style.
Another good story in this series: vivid historical background, festive and full of emotions. I was happy to catch up with the characters and enjoyed it. Recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Loved this next book, the characters and story, it has to be said..a must read, looking forward to the next one. Drama in WW11 in a little village, ups and downs in village life. Heartwarming and cosy reading.
This is the third book in the series of the Wartime Bookshop stories. A delightful series about friendship and helping each other with the problems they face during the war
this is the third book in the trilogy based in the village of Churchwood and as usual and I enjoyed following the good and bad times of the 3 main characters. 5 stars from me. it kept me hooked til the end
I was a bit disappointed as I chose this as a light, feel good read and it had one disaster after another through most of the book. There were happier things later but I felt quite downhearted for a good part of the story.
I started with “The Wartime Bookshop” (book one) a few days ago and just finished this 3rd book. I am completely hooked on these books. Highly recommend. Easy reading and just fun.
Great read and cannot wait until the next one is published. Would recommend the series to anyone who enjoys reading about communities getting together.