Harpers Heroes

Harpers Emporium #4

by Rosie Clarke

From the bestselling author of the Welcome to Harpers Emporium and The Mulberry Lane Series.
The Harpers Girls come face to face with the harsh reality of the cruelty of war.
Oxford Street, London 1915

Sally Harper quietly battles to keep Harpers afloat in the difficult days of the war, whilst husband Ben is working all hours for the War Office.

Beth Burrow is fighting concern for her husband Jack, now at sea with the Merchant Navy, and the fear she may never see him again and be blessed with a child.

Driven to exhaustion, Maggie Gibbs, is now working as a nursing assistant on the battlefields in France. With the everyday horrors of the casualties of war to contend with she suffers her own personal tragedy when her fiancé's plane ditches in the sea.

Can the Harpers Girls and their loved ones survive the perils of war and find a path to future happiness?

A heart-warming saga following the lives, loves and losses of the Harpers Girls. Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries, Pam Howes and Dilly Court.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction

Audio CD

Published November 19, 2020

Reviews

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is set in WWI and centers around Harper's department store. Sally and Ben Harper own it and the staff are like one big family. There are marriages, romances and enlistments in this circle.
It started off slowly but picked up after a couple of chapters. The parts set in France were interesting and informative.
Overall it was a good story but it wallowed in sentiment a bit too much. A pet hate of mine are the phrases, 'her/his eyes welled up', 'she swallowed back tears' or 'she said with a sob'. They are always over used in this type of story and spoil it for me.
Also a lot of the characters had names beginning with M. It became confusing at times trying to remember who was who.
This is book four in the series and though I hadn't read the previous three it read well as a stand alone novel. However, I would recommend reading the others for full enjoyment.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book.

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed the Harper Series since book one and I just keep loving each of the book more and more. The writing as I have come to expect from Rosie Clarke is always exceptional, well-written, amazing and complex characters I have come to love both old and new, and well-researched. I enjoyed the time period of early 1900's WWI and the comings and goings of the everyday life of people and how they are affected by the war as it continues to last in the setting of London and Oxford Street at the Emporium.

In this installment the Harper Girls are coming to the realities of the horrors of the war and even experiencing this first hand. Everyone seems to be feeling the effects of the war and most especially Maggie as she is in the front lines as a nurse assistant, but each one of the Harper Girls are suffering at through their own ways. These ladies are certainly heroes.

Amazing writing that just gets better and better. This one was so heart wrenching and a really amazing read of a time so harrowing and yet the Harper Girls seem to always know how to bring hope around this tumultuous times. A tear jerker of a read, and so well done. I really oved it!

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having thoroughly enjoyed "Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls" I was excited to continue the series with the fourth book HARPERS HEROES. And the story really is about the heroes of Harpers, or those associated with the department store through family members or friends, as the Great War begins to touch the lives of everyone. Beginning in 1915 at the height of wartime, the women are doing their best to keep spirits up and the home fires burning in support of their menfolk away in the battlefields and the muddy trenches.

I admit I had to refresh my memory as to where book 3 left off to pick up the stories of the Harpers girls. But once I did, I was soon back in the throng of things behind the counter or walking the floor of Harpers Emporium. I remember the story that touched me the most in the previous book was that of Marion Kaye and in this installment I still have a soft spot for her, what with all she's had to face and the way she makes the best of it all.

HARPERS HEROES opens with Sally Harper, as a new mother to baby Jenny, balances the running of Harpers and motherhood all whilst worrying about her husband, Ben, in his work for the War Office. Whilst rationing has not yet begun for the most part, Sally is finding shortages in many of their usual lines with their suppliers and having to find an alternative way to sell substandard products slightly faulty and not up to Harpers usual standards. But even selling them on for a fraction of their usual price with a donation made to the wounded soldiers, she is able to keep Harpers wheels turning and the business thriving. She trumps Harry Selfridge in buying up all the suppliers' faulty goods and selling them on for a fraction of their price and still making a profit. And if that wasn't enough, Sally has also taken to visiting wounded soldiers and endeavouring to make top surgeons available to the men and to treat them. After calling a Newcastle-based doctor several times to no avail, Sally boards a train and makes the journey to his office in Newcastle to secure his services. Is it any wonder she is admired by all who cross her path?

Beth Burrows has been promoted to supervisor of her department hoping to distract herself from concern for husband Jack who is often at sea with the Merchant Navy bringing in much-needed stock for the country. When weeks go by without word from him, Beth begins to fear the worst. Since her marriage to Jack, Beth has moved into the Burrows home she now shares with father-in-law Fred who also works at Harpers. Her close friend Maggie also lived with them until she signed up for the VAD as did Miss Minnie until her marriage in the previous book to Mr Stockbridge. Beth spends a lot of time supervising her department and caring for the girls working under her, but when some devastating news arrives from the War Office, Beth fears her world is about to collapse.

The youngest of the original Harpers girls, Maggie Gibbs left the store to join the war effort. Leaving behind her job, her friends and all she knows, Maggie signs up to the VAD as a volunteer nurse's aid and heads to the front for six months in a field hospital. The work is hard and it's gruelling but Maggie believes she is making a difference to the soldiers she helps - some of them in their final hours. Secretly engaged to Jack Burrow's brother Tim, Maggie keeps this fact secret as nurses must be unmarried and unencumbered of children to be able to devote their time and energies to the patients they help care for. Her hope is that if she can help the men, then she is also helping Tim who is with the Flying Corps. The couple hoped to meet up when they both had leave should Tim ever be in the vicinity of the hospital where Maggie is stationed. But she has heard little from him since being in France and she hasn't seen him in months. Does this mean the worst? Or that mail is taking its time getting through? Even on her toughest days, Maggie continues to have hope that they will be reunited again soon and marry when the war is over and she returns to Harpers.

Newly married Rachel Bailey has been promoted to floor walker, overseeing all the departments throughout Harpers and greeting customers. Her husband William is also heavily tied up with his work with the War Office and is absent more often than he is at home. Taking comfort in her friends when she feels a little lonely, Rachel is thrilled when Sally introduces her to the hospital that she herself frequents comforting the wounded soldiers who have returned from the front for lengthy treatment or convalescence. It isn't long before Rachel finds her niche there and no longer accompanies Sally but rather visits the soldiers herself, giving hope where it's needed.

Marion Kaye is a recent addition to the store but is already part of the Harpers family. Her story which was tragic and heartbreaking in the previous book now thrives as Marion finds her feet both personally and professionally. After the tragic death of her mother at the hands of her abusive father, Marion holds the fort at home caring for her younger siblings - Kathy, Dickon and Milly - whilst her older brothers Dan and Robbie are off fighting the Hun. Marion is lucky to have the help and care of her neighbour Mrs Jackson to take in 7 year old Milly after school while she is at work. She had recently been stepping out with neighbour Reggie Jackson but refused his offers of marriage because as the oldest sibling her brother and sisters' care falls to her to do what she can to keep them fed and clothed. But now that Reggie is also away fighting, Marion worries that she may have missed her chance at happiness should something happen to her Reggie. Then when a knock at the door one day reveals her brother Dan's heavily pregnant wife, Marion doesn't hesitate to take young Sarah in and between them the two women have the Kaye household soon running smoothly. Until the day Marion returns home to find Sarah in premature labour. Marion has seen her mother give birth enough to know what to expect, but is she able to do enough to save Sarah and the baby?

Harpers' resident window dresser, Mr Marco, surprisingly left the safety of the Harpers family to sign up and do his bit for the war. But whilst in training, he was singled out by his superiors for his fluency in French, German and Italian as well as his musical ability. He was therefore placed undercover as a nightclub singer playing the piano in an establishment with dubious links to the enemy. He befriends a young German officer who slips him tidbits of information that Marco moves up the Resistance chain to help thwart the German's advance. But his cover is threatened when the young officer is captured for leaking information. Will he buckle under torture and unveil Marco as a spy?

Meanwhile, there are other stories that are intricately linked to one another from Britain to France between Harpers and those on the frontline from Sally to old friend Mick Sullivan to Maggie to her colleague and friend Sadie to love interest Pierre to Marco. The way they entwine is cleverly done as the details of life at home and those on the front are woven together against the backdrop of the Great War.

There is so much detail in HARPERS HEROES that the stories are quite complex and very involved but wonderfully written. It is an enjoyable read, particularly Marion's story which touched me in the last book also. I have to say I think she is my favourite character probably because of where she comes from and all she has had to endure and yet still she picks herself up and keeps going regardless. The other woman seem to a little more privileged than Marion which is maybe why I relate to her more as she has had to work for her place. Though each character has definitely grown and evolved over time.

I think I enjoyed the previous one more because there was an undercurrent of mystery and subterfuge running throughout whereas this one is more a collection of stories amidst a war. It is still a great read and I definitely recommend it but I think it is best read in order from the beginning, though there is enough information to keep the reader up to date from previous novels. I did feel the book simply ended with no real direction and the following book is really needed to continue the story.

I already have the next book "Wartime Blues for the Harpers Girls" lined up to read next in anticipation of its release (which incidentally was yesterday).

I recommend this book and the series to lovers of historical fiction and wartime dramas.

I would like to thank #RosieClarke, #Netgalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #HarpersHeroes in exchange for an honest review.

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

[Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fitting book to have read this week to commemorate Remembrance Day, set in World War I.

I am loving the Harper Girls series, in this fiction story we spent some time on the frontline with Maggie and her new friends as well as spending time in the Harper store. It is great to revisit old characters that you've loved but also get to know new ones. A story that is reminding you what life was like for everyone during WWI, the war that should have only lasted a few months.

There is joy within these pages and heartache, the descriptions and smells from the frontline are vivid and make it drive home the impact of what our great grandparents would have experienced either in their childhood or as young adults.

I love historical fiction especially the early 1900's to late 1950's and this story is a wonderful reminder of what the men and women sacrificed and the constant heartache experienced during these times.

I can't wait for the next book to be released to see what comes next for these wonderful characters. A highly recommended read that I really enjoyed.

[Janice Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Great catching up with Harper's as it continues to serve its customers during the war and also the brave men who fought during it

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good follow up to previous book's

I enjoyed this book which I listened to on Audible. I found it a little frustrating that the reader changed and so therefore the voices of the characters and the picture i had of them in my mind made the first few chapters a little confusing

Not sure how i was expecting as an ending to a four book series but I felt a bit disappointed with the ending of this one

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although Harpers Heroes is the fourth book in the series, it’s the first I’ve read. I would call this a stand-alone novel as I never felt like I was missing information from the previous books.

Set during World War 1, the story follows the intricate lives of the Harpers Emporium girls. The main characters struggle with love, loss, and the many difficulties of living in London during this period of time.

The author’s research shines through on every page of the book. No detail is too small if it helps set the tone and furthers the story. Kudos to Rosie Clarke for bringing this story to life so vividly. The emotions reach out from the page to squeeze your heart.

I recommend Harpers Heroes to lovers of historical fiction, war dramas, family, and coming of age fiction. If you have the opportunity, please read more books in this series.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harpers Heroes is the fourth book in the Harpers Emporium series by Rosie Clarke. You don't have to have read the other books in the series first but if you have, or do, then you will have a better 'relationship' with the recurring characters and will appreciate their plights that much more.

In this book the people of Harpers Emporium and those with friendships and family ties to them find themselves dealing with living during the first world war. We follow their lives as their men do their various duties fighting, liaising and spying for their country. The women featured are nursing or doing their part to keep Harpers running. but we all know just how much all the women during the war did their bit in every way they could to keep the country going while the men were fighting abroad.

This book made me run the whole gamut of emotions. There were deaths and near-deaths that had me anxious or in tears. There were weddings and budding romances that made me smile. There were lighthearted moments that had me laughing. On the whole, there was just this intense sense of knowing that although these were fictional characters their stories could easily be written about the real people that lived through the war. It made this book one of the most meaningful in the series for me.

I am very much looking forward to the next in the series because I need to know what happens next for the wonderful characters of Harpers Emporium and their loved ones.

5 stars

[Dawn Cummings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to skip some parts. And different reader not as pleasant

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Harpers' Heroes is exactly what it says. All about the heroes of WW1 who worked for Harpers. I really felt as though I was living through the events with the characters, it was so realistic with touches of fact thrown in too. I certainly hope there's more to come from Harpers Emporium!

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Set in 1915, England is caught up in the height of wartime, the women at home doing what they can to support their men from afar and to keep themselves distracted from looming disaster.

Sally Harper, the boss’s wife, and new mother to their little girl, balances running the day-to-day business of Harpers Emporium while worrying for her husband, Ben, and his new career working for the War Office.

Beth Burrows immerses herself in her work at Harpers to distract from her concern for her husband, Jack. At sea with the Merchant Navy, she goes weeks without word from him, fear for his safety ever present.

Rachel Bailey is newly-married, her happiness only shadowed by the frequent trips her William must make as part of the war effort. Thank goodness for good friends and trips to the hospital to comfort wounded soldiers with Sally.

Maggie Gibbs, the youngest of the original Harpers quartet, made the decision to leave the shop, and her friends, and all she knows really, to join the volunteer nurses on the front. It’s grueling work but Maggie knows she must do all she can do to give hope to those soldiers fighting for their lives and their country.

Marion Kaye, the newest hire in the lady’s department, is already part of the Harpers family. With her mother gone, her father who-knows-where, and her older brothers all off at war, her younger siblings’ care falls heavy on her shoulders. It doesn’t help that her boyfriend, Reggie, has signed up to fight as well.

Mr. Marco, Harpers resident window dresser, gives us a glimpse at the warfront, having retired from his position to volunteer to fight and being placed undercover by his superiors. Though removed from the heat of battle, Marco’s job is no less dangerous, his assignment placing him up close and personal with the German soldiers his fellow recruits combat.

Clearly thoroughly researched, the world of the story is quite fleshed out. With nitty-gritty details of the daily department grind of Harpers -- prices and stock and all -- to an in-depth timeline of the events of the war, the author is obviously a fan of the time.

I would caution any unsuspecting readers that this story is set in 1915 through and through; there are multiple instances of sexist and misogynist comments and similar internalized beliefs of the time sprinkled throughout this book and the others in the series. For example, without naming who, one of the women finds herself at the doctor to confirm a suspected pregnancy, and her male physician states, in all seriousness, “I hope you will take the time to enjoy motherhood. . .It is, after all, a woman’s proper function.” And the woman in question responds with gusto, thrilled to have a child after multiple misfortunes of many kinds.

Interesting to have such outdated beliefs combined with a very progressive and accepting view of LGBTQ+ characters. It’s a unique contrast of old world ideas with modern knowledge.

The best part of this series, evident throughout, is the strength of the girls’ friendship. Each woman is willing to do anything for any of the others; it’s a beautiful thing. Bonded by both their time at Harpers and their mutual worry for their respective men on the front, the Harpers girls have a deeper bond than ever before.

The book ends with no true resolution, the door wide open for future sequels. Though we have glimmers of hope and a few happy “beginnings” for some of the novel’s many couples, there are just as many groupings that have yet to be reunited. The war is ongoing, after all.

Though helpful to have read the previous three novels, it is not necessary to read the entire series to follow the events of this installment. With a cast of characters that grows exponentially with each new novel, the revolving perspectives meticulously fill in the blanks.

My biggest criticism would be that this book, along with all previous installments of the Harpers Emporium series, feels like a collection of events rather than a story with a plot and purpose. A decent enough read for those who care only for historical details rather than a gripping work of fiction. I left feeling rather blasé about the girls’ plights; though told by the narrative I should care, the story was ineffective at affecting.

Thanks to the publishers for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Check out more info about Harpers Heroes over on my blog!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Rosie’s work for a while now. I haven’t quite caught up with everything that she has written but I am getting there. I keep pace with her new releases and when I have a space I read one of her earlier works. ‘Harpers Heroes’ is Rosie’s latest release and it is another cracking addition to the ‘Harpers Emporium’ series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Harpers Heroes’ but more about that in a bit.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into ‘Harpers Heroes’. Just the fact that Rosie Clarke’s name was on the cover was enough to grab my attention and when I realised that it was the fourth book in the ‘Harpers Emporium’ series, I knew that I had to read it just as soon as I could. I made the fatal mistake of starting to read this book shortly before I went to bed. I became so wrapped up in the story that I read for a solid couple of hours and I had to force myself to switch the light off. This was one of those books that stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it, as I kept thinking about the different characters and the scenarios that they found themselves in. For me, reading this book was like watching an episode of a period drama. I was desperate to find out how the story concluded and so I raced through this book at speed. I soon got to the end and I had to bid farewell to the ‘Harpers’ crowd and their loved ones.
‘Harpers Heroes’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing else from Rosie Clarke. She has a way of grabbing your attention from the start and then draws you into what proves to be an emotive read that will affect even the hardest of hearts. Rosie’s writing style is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. I found ‘Harpers Heroes’ to be an atmospheric piece of historical fiction that made me feel as though I had travelled back in time to the era of the First World War, which is an era that fascinates me. I was gripped by the story from start to finish and on the edge of my seat throughout. ‘Harpers Heroes’ was a delight to read and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
In short, I adored reading ‘Harpers Heroes’ and I would definitely recommend this book and this series to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Rosie’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harper's Heroes is a slice of life novel by Rosie Clarke. It takes place during World War I in London, the people all related by the women in their lives who work at Harper's, a department store. Sally Harper is the head buyer, having married Ben Harper, a couple of years earlier. She is a genius at locating and sourcing good to sell in the store, even as shortages run rampant and there is talk of rationing. Her husband works for the army in a similar situation, for which she is thankful. No dangerous overseas assignments for him! Marion is working hard to be the head of household for he sisters and brother until her other brothers return from the war. She is engaged to Reggie, whose family lives just next door. Reggie's mother is a godsend to Marion and her family, as she proves over and over. Maggie is just a girl, 19, but she has trained as a nurse's aide and is in France, experiencing horrors of her own, waiting until the war is over so she can marry Tim Stockbridge who was currently in the flying corps. He is the son of Fred, brother to Jack, who is in the merchant marines and married to Beth, who works at Harper's, as does Fred. It's one big family, really.

All these people have lives, and love people who are in the war. It is a constant worry. Some of them are sure to die, and they do as time goes on. Many, however come home. This is the story of the day-to-day struggles of those left behind. Most of them have plenty to eat and a place to live, unlike many others, but the struggle is real. There are constant surprises and changes in their lives. These are good, ordinary people, living through an extraordinary time. It is fun to read. It also inspires admiration and investment. Investment in their lives. Even though we know the outcome of the war, this is the middle of it and there is nothing but uncertainty. All of them were heroes in their own ways. This is a lovely novel that shares some of this with the reader. I like it.

I was invited to read a free ARC of Harper's Heroes by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #harpersheroes

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute joy to catch up with the folks at Harpers. This is a department store that has amazing bosses, colleagues and friends. They are more of an extended family rather than a work force and this is what makes this series so special.

There are some characters that are focused on more than others, these key characters are facing worrying and uncertain times. Some of the workforce have signed up to do their duty and fight in The First World War. The War has far reaching effects not only for those who are in the midst of the fighting, but also for those left at home worrying about loved ones. Also with rations and shortages other suppliers need to be found.

As I mentioned the story and characters are based around those that work ot or know people at Harpers, it gives it a family saga feel and really does draw you into t the lives, worries and uncertainties during this period in our history.

The author portrays so many aspects of war life. The women who volunteer close to the front helping the wounded, those involved in logistics, in freight and supplies, undercover work and many other aspects. While the horror of wounds is mentioned the story does ot focus so much on the front line fighting, though it is always an ever-present feature. In some ways it is more about everyday people doing the best they can no matter where they are and what they are doing.

Harpers Heroes is part of a series and even though I have not read this from the beginning I did read the previous book. So, yes you can read them as a stand alone, but I do wish I had read them in order as the two books I have read so far have been so engaging.

If you are a fan of historical fiction and romance, of family sagas and engrossing stories then you really want to have the Harpers series on your list, Harpers Heroes is a wonderful read and one I would definitely recommend.

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have reviewed a lot of Rosie Clarke's Mulberry Lane series and enjoyed those. I did an audio extract blog post for book two in the Harper's Emporium series, Love and Marriage at Harper's.

Harper's Heroes has different challenges for the characters. I really felt for Sally upon Ben's departure and was thinking "no, don't go!" they seemed a beautiful family and I feared for all of them. Baby Jenny was so cute.

With this year and the need for nurses, Beth's and Maggie's stories really gripped me. I have always felt for the war heroes every Remembrance Day and in my family we always bought a poppy from the door-to-door sellers. I can remember even now how I felt emotional watching the poppy wreaths being hung on the monuments around the UK if the service was on TV and it was even more heart-wrenching in person, even in the town I lived in growing up.

My own grandmothers helped out with the war efforts and this made me more interested in the era. The restrictions, preparations and enjoying the good times and small things like tinned sweets and makeup are also so much like now that it is haunting.

I really wanted to know where Ben was for myself and for his wife's Sally's sake. Of course, a secret location is a secret location and there's nothing you can do.

I wanted everyone to be OK.

Harper's Emporium is an iconic place and very atmospheric. I loved the mention of how Beth, Sally and Maggie met, and the fact they lived together was a bonus for them forging a friendship.

The chats between the characters and those they meet are very natural and realistic and the same fear there was then is present now with the current world situation.

I think it is because of this that Harper's Heroes really resonated with me more than it would have had I reviewed it at another time.

As always, Rosie Clarke's style is gripping, emotional and this plus her attention to detail combine to make Harper's Heroes a poignant novel for these trying times.

The simple but traditional food and drink was an aspect that made this so homely in amongst a time of chaos.

Thanks to Rosie Clarke, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars.

[Jéssica]

"Harpers Heroes" continues the story of the Harper Girls. "Can the Harpers Girls and their loved ones survive the perils of war and find a path to future happiness?" That's the last sentence in the synopsis, and I have to say that I felt it. I felt that needed to know what would happen next, if they were going to be okay in the end. I wanted them happy.

Rosie Clarke's book always have this sense of family and togetherness when it comes to the characters. With each book we learn more about the characters and how the met, how they have grown with the story, how they have dealt with each obstacle. The realism is amazing and the characters are very relatable which makes everything so much more special.

The thing is... It's not just the characters that are realistic, it's the author's storytelling that makes me connect with the narrative. It always gets me feeling like I'm listen to my grandparents talking about life way back when.

The story is set during WWI, which by itself already is an emotional journey, just listen facts. With the added of going through the motions side by side with the characters, cheering for them, laughing, crying and falling in love... It was page turner.

Overall, I loved the story. It's good to go back to this community and group of friends and loved ones. Rosie Clarke never disappoints.

[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Rosie Clarke and Boldwood Books for the eCopy of this book, via NetGalley, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in London during WWI, this fourth book in the Harpers series exudes charm, heartache, heroism, love and intrigue. So many unknowns, so much waiting for news of loved ones. Mail is often delayed or mislaid which exacerbates tension and stress. I could almost feel the atmosphere.

Each Harpers girl is involved in the war in completely different ways, directly and indirectly, all heroines in their drive and determination to aid in the war where their particular skills lie. Their selflessness is truly amazing, though they didn't particularly believe it of themselves. They just wanted to help.

Sally manages Harpers and finds enterprising ways to keep staff and the store financially viable in spite of difficulties sourcing goods.

Maggie and Sadie are nurses who are housed in primitive conditions and live the horrors of those injured. One duty is to cheer up the soldiers which is not easy, especially as their personal lives are in upheaval. Beth's husband is at sea, a constant worry.

Descriptions and emotions of what war was like are fascinating and gut wrenching. The author captures the intensity and strife very well. Imagining myself there was easy.

Historical Fiction readers and those intrigued by this era ought to read this. I read it in one sitting, immediately drawn in.

My sincere thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this enthralling book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.

[Gia · Rating 4 out of 5]

London, 1915.

Harpers is struggling to keep inventory and stock to get through the dark days of World War I. Sally Harper’s commitment to the Emporium is unflagging but despite husband Ben off on war assignments, and a new infant who needs her, she is determined to contribute to the cause.

Maggie Gibbs trains as a nursing assistant and ships off to France and faces the horrors of the battlefields. Exhausted and overcome, she suffers a heart-wrenching blow when her fighter pilot fiancé’s plane is shot down.

Beth Burrow misses her husband Jack, who is in the Navy fighting at sea. Wondering if she will ever see him again and be able to have a life and family together, time passes ever so slowly.

This is the first book in the Harpers series that I read…but I’ll be going back to read them all. Harpers Heroes has the perfect backstory balance – no sense of being lost or missing out. Wonderful, warm characters; loved them instantly. Beautiful, touching storylines. Skillful and thorough historical research by Rosie Clarke.

I’m hooked on Harpers.

Historical Fiction fans are going to eat this series up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the read of Rosie Clarke’s, Harpers Heroes.

Opinions expressed are my own.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to this wonderful series and, as we are still in the midst of war by the end, I'm hoping for more to come!

With the men called to war in one capacity or another, the women are left to carry on holding the fort; Sally is running Harper's single-handedly, Maggie has signed up for nursing, Beth is worrying about her husband in the Merchant Navy and Marion is looking after her family whilst longing for the time she can commit to Reggie. And on top of all this, they all find time to help in the war effort!

I've loved every single novel in this series; the characters are varied and interesting, the story lines both realistic and gripping. It's lovely to be catching up with them all and finding out how their lives are affected by war, as well as being hooked by everything they're getting up to. An exciting and enthralling tale, and one which I thoroughly enjoyed. My only criticism would be that the Americans used very British language which niggled at me a bit. A recommended read, and one I'm happy to give 4*.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the newest addition to a historical fiction series focusing on the people that are a part of Harper’s Emporium, a London retail shop. Reading this book for me was like sitting down and watching a show on the BBC network. This is the 4th book about the great people at Harper’s Emporium (I have not read the others in the series so if you start with this one like me it’s ok, I didn’t feel lost) and this one focuses on World War 1. This book really gave me a picture of how people worked, lived and loved during this time period. I enjoyed not only the characters and the story but the details such as when one of the characters, Maggie is shipping out to be a nursing assistant and gathering items she needs. Book lovers - I never even thought about this but Maggie is told to take a favorite book to be able to read multiple times or pass it on to someone else once she is done. Little details like that really made the time period and this book so engaging.

[Becki Basley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harper’s Heroes (Harpers Emporium series book four )by Rosie Clark (Audiobook read on Everand app)

We return to the Harpers Emporium which is now doing what it can for the war effort. The year is 1915 and most of their young men have answered the call to serve their country. Among them are Harpers owner Ben working to help out the war office and their window dresser who is working undercover.

There will be sad times as always in war but there will also be happy ones. The harpers family worry about Maggie who is now a nursing assistant in France while Beth waits for her husband to return from the merchant marine with a potential beautiful surprise awaiting him. The beautiful mixed with the ugly which is what we are told is the norm in war.
I’m not sure if I would read the books in this series out of order. It probably be a little hard to fully appreciate that way but still a good series.

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touching on life, death, happiness, sadness, comradeship, and the struggles of war, Harpers Heroes is far from discouraging. The associates of Harper’s Emporium, despite the hard times, are inspiring, dedicated, and determined.

Taking place During WWI London, the setting is strong and emotional. The scenes are vivid, the characters are believable, and the story is strong. Life during war is portrayed realistically, and I found myself emotional across many pages of this story.

I have the previous books of this series but haven’t read them yet. Yikes! I’m not one to read a series out of order, but I started reading this one and couldn’t put it down. I’m looking forward to reading the others and finding out more of these heartwarming and memorable characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

NetGalley

Member Review
Cover Image: Harpers Heroes
Harpers Heroes
by Rosie Clarke
Pub Date: 19 Nov 2020
Review by

jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 29 Sep 2020
My Recommendation
With thanks to netgalley and Rosie Clarke for an early copy in return for an honest review.
Have read the first 3 in the Harper's series absolutely delighted to have an early copy it's just such a fabulous series and actually becomes part of you I often wonder what there doing and hope there okay to me that's a great sign a of a truly fabulous book, in heroes which they all are were just hoping that they can all make it home in one piece it's hard for them all Sally, and wee jenny missing her daddy it really was very touching and moving can't praise it enough and highly recommend

[Carol Mageean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the first three books, I was delighted when Net Galley approved my request for book 4. Reading this book was like catching up with an old friend - all the original characters, their relationships and lives followed on throughout and this particular storyline was based during 1914 and the war. Loved the continuing connection with Harper’s store and the staff that work there. It’s such a lovely and absorbing story to follow and even though it’s book 4 the author is very clever in gently reminding you of their connection and past history.

Loved this book and would highly recommend

[Rhona Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the story continues....

Sally is still keeping Harpers going. .Maggie is in France and we hear about her life out there, including other characters who'd also joined up....well you'll read the book for those.
There are new girls in the departments to take over from those who've left.
Jenni from the States comes visiting...
And the cost of war is felt as the war takes the first characters that we know.
These certainly set the scene and are very good books to read. Highly recommended.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was lovely to be back at Harper’s catching up with everyone. Rosie has a fabulous series and the characters are written so that you feel they are friends. Things are getting tougher as the war rages on in this book. I was again drawn straight in from page one living the ups and downs of life during the war with all the fab characters. I didn’t want to put it down and I hope there will be more from Harper’s emporium very soon. I give this book a well deserved 5stars.

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea. The books centre around Harpers, a department store in Oxford Street, and the girls and men who work there. The timeline is the start of the 1st world war and many of the employees leave to 'do their bit' for the war effort. Its quite a good story, but way too gushy, 'girls own' and full of cliches

[Tina Hyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cracking read

As with all the books in the Harpers Emporium series this book made me laugh and cry. It is wonderful story of true friendship and shows that whatever life throws at you the people who really care about you will stand by you. I can't wait to read the next installment.

[Ms Janet Hamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excited for the next adventure in the Harpers saga

Well what can i say. Another great book and i cant wait for the next one. What will happen to Marco? Will Maggie end up with Mick? Will Beth have a boy or a girl! Reggie and Marions wedding is happening. Will he come back safely???

[lynda ann moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately the narrator totally spoilt the novel, her accents were all over the place. Marlene suddenly has an upper class accent, Minnie has a speech impediment, Marco a strong European accent. I can’t listen to another installment with this narrator, so have got the Kindle version instead. A narrator can make or break a novel.