What do you think?
Rate this book
Lark Lane #2
The Shop Girls of Lark Lane
A heart-wrenching family saga about the strength of friendship and the costs of war. Liverpool, 1945. As the war draws to a close, Alice and Terry Lomax are building a new life with their young daughter Cathy. After years away fighting, Terry is a stranger to his daughter and must work hard to win her trust and love. Alice and old friend Sadie work in the haberdashery of Lewis's department store, where bomb damage scars the walls and rationing is still in force. Though memories of those lost in the war are fresh, Alice and Sadie look forward to the future. But then a tragic accident leaves Alice a widow, and the father of Sadie's child a man she hoped never to see again is back in Liverpool
Audio CD
First published December 7, 2018
1037 people are currently reading
371 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 66 reviews
February 11, 2019
Honestly this book just wasn't for me. There was too much drama,sadness,violence, etc. It was a downer to read. I really hate to write negative reviews but I don't want to misrepresent the book and make it out to be what it's not.
December 12, 2018 publish date.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 12, 2018 publish date.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 15, 2018
This is the second book in the saga and would probably recommend reading the books in order, mainly just to get a bit of back ground to the characters and get to know them better. It isn’t imperative to do so though.
Thankfully the war is now over and things look like they are finally on the up for Alice and her little family with her husband Terry back at home. Sadly that happiness doesn’t last for long. You can’t help feel for Alice who has had it tough and now things are going to get even harder.
What I love about this story is the bond of friendship and family. Alice is lucky to have some great friends as well as have her mother in law look out for her, of which she isn’t sadly always grateful for. Her younger brother is a massive help also with her daughter Cathy and I think it really makes you value the people you have round you.
I don’t want to say to much about the story as there are some unexpected surprises, of which had my heart break for Alice. It really makes you question how well you know someone. I have no clue what is next for Alice but I am already counting down the days until the next book is out.
The Shop Girls Of Lark Lane is another enthralling read in the sage. As usual with this authors books, from picking it up, I never want to put it down until I’ve reached the last page. Even then, the characters stay with me well after I’ve put the book down. Usually if it’s been a while since I read the last book, I sometimes need to look back at the previous blurb to remind myself of the story and characters but not with Pam Howes books,they stay with me regardless. An unforgettable and engrossing read.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Thankfully the war is now over and things look like they are finally on the up for Alice and her little family with her husband Terry back at home. Sadly that happiness doesn’t last for long. You can’t help feel for Alice who has had it tough and now things are going to get even harder.
What I love about this story is the bond of friendship and family. Alice is lucky to have some great friends as well as have her mother in law look out for her, of which she isn’t sadly always grateful for. Her younger brother is a massive help also with her daughter Cathy and I think it really makes you value the people you have round you.
I don’t want to say to much about the story as there are some unexpected surprises, of which had my heart break for Alice. It really makes you question how well you know someone. I have no clue what is next for Alice but I am already counting down the days until the next book is out.
The Shop Girls Of Lark Lane is another enthralling read in the sage. As usual with this authors books, from picking it up, I never want to put it down until I’ve reached the last page. Even then, the characters stay with me well after I’ve put the book down. Usually if it’s been a while since I read the last book, I sometimes need to look back at the previous blurb to remind myself of the story and characters but not with Pam Howes books,they stay with me regardless. An unforgettable and engrossing read.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
December 12, 2018
This is the fifth book that I have read by Pam Howes and the second in the Lark Lane trilogy . Like the others I have read this was another absolutely brilliant five star read . In this book we are back with Alice and her husband Terry who has just returned from the Second World War . He is finding it difficult to bond with their young daughter Cathy as he has been at war since she was born . We also catch up with Alice’s friends Millie and Sadie and other people who were introduced in book one . This book can be read as a stand-alone as the author gives us a good background information but I loved the first book (The factory girls of lark lane ) so much I highly recommend reading jt
So back to this book - a wonderful war time saga that is perfect for reading curled with by the fire with a nice hot drink . From the first few chapters you will be hooked and won’t want to put this book down until you find out more about Alice and how she and her family and friends are getting on with life after the war .
I am so looking forward to book 3 in this wonderful war time saga.
So back to this book - a wonderful war time saga that is perfect for reading curled with by the fire with a nice hot drink . From the first few chapters you will be hooked and won’t want to put this book down until you find out more about Alice and how she and her family and friends are getting on with life after the war .
I am so looking forward to book 3 in this wonderful war time saga.
June 12, 2019
1945 Liverpool is met with the end of World War II, so things like air raid sirens, falling planes, food rations, and the like, are now becoming things of the past. In the first book in the series,
The Factory Girls of Lark Lane,
we met Alice Lomax, Sadie Romano and Millie Markham, women that worked in a munitions factory in 1940 Liverpool. Now, with the war over, Alice and Terry have a chance of setting up a home with young Cathy. Terry is struggling to learn how to get to know his young daughter. For now, Alice and Sadie are working hard in a haberdashery shop. Sadie is raising young son Gianni and she is estranged from her husband Luca.
Things start looking up for Alice and her little family, however, she is beset by unspeakable tragedy. Her husband Terry, after surviving the horrors of war, loses his life in a tragic accident. Now Alice is alone. Sadie thought she was alone too, but Gianni's father is back, and she is none too pleased. He lives a life she doesn't find conducive to raising a family. Both women must forge ahead and do so without ever giving up hope. As Millie has already found the love of her life, she plays a very small role in this story, The Shop Girls of Lark Lane.
Just as in the first book in this series, these women must cope with challenges. While reading this story, I couldn't help but shed more than a few tears when Alice lost Terry. It also broke my heart that Alice may have felt that she couldn't raise Cathy alone, as well as her brother, Brian, and allowed Terry's friend, Jack Dawson, come into her life. A lot of writing on the wall was not necessary to see that Jack was a walking disaster. All we wanted at this point was for Alice to find peace and joy. Involving herself with a man who drank far too much, well, it didn't seem that it could lead to much.
I must admit to reading this Lark Lane series out of order. Last year I read the first book, and I just completed the third, The Nurses of Lark Lane. Although I have already written that review, I elected to stop and read this book and publish this review first. I do think each story could indeed do well as standalones. However, the stories are so very well-connected, with remarkable growth with all of the characters, that I recommend readers and lovers of continuity to read the series in order. As it stands, this book will definitely leave readers eager to continue the series.
Pam Howes touches on some sensitive issues in this book, especially with Jack and his abominable behavior. The way he treats Alice and Cathy was just horrible and rather painful to read. Although the book works hard at showcasing the strength that Alice has, her reasons for marrying Jack gave me pause. However, her family and friendships never left her without hope. Despite my feeling sad more than once, I feel this is a very important series and I am both honored and thrilled to have read it.
Things start looking up for Alice and her little family, however, she is beset by unspeakable tragedy. Her husband Terry, after surviving the horrors of war, loses his life in a tragic accident. Now Alice is alone. Sadie thought she was alone too, but Gianni's father is back, and she is none too pleased. He lives a life she doesn't find conducive to raising a family. Both women must forge ahead and do so without ever giving up hope. As Millie has already found the love of her life, she plays a very small role in this story, The Shop Girls of Lark Lane.
Just as in the first book in this series, these women must cope with challenges. While reading this story, I couldn't help but shed more than a few tears when Alice lost Terry. It also broke my heart that Alice may have felt that she couldn't raise Cathy alone, as well as her brother, Brian, and allowed Terry's friend, Jack Dawson, come into her life. A lot of writing on the wall was not necessary to see that Jack was a walking disaster. All we wanted at this point was for Alice to find peace and joy. Involving herself with a man who drank far too much, well, it didn't seem that it could lead to much.
I must admit to reading this Lark Lane series out of order. Last year I read the first book, and I just completed the third, The Nurses of Lark Lane. Although I have already written that review, I elected to stop and read this book and publish this review first. I do think each story could indeed do well as standalones. However, the stories are so very well-connected, with remarkable growth with all of the characters, that I recommend readers and lovers of continuity to read the series in order. As it stands, this book will definitely leave readers eager to continue the series.
Pam Howes touches on some sensitive issues in this book, especially with Jack and his abominable behavior. The way he treats Alice and Cathy was just horrible and rather painful to read. Although the book works hard at showcasing the strength that Alice has, her reasons for marrying Jack gave me pause. However, her family and friendships never left her without hope. Despite my feeling sad more than once, I feel this is a very important series and I am both honored and thrilled to have read it.
February 6, 2019
The Shop Girls of Lark Lane will tug at your heart-strings once again as we catch up with Alice and the gals of Lark Lane.
This is the second book in a series and as the book opens, we find the war is over and the men are returning home. Alice, who was introduced in the first book, is reunited with her husband who is seeing his daughter for the first time. She isn't exactly happy to share her mum with this new man and makes their adjustment rather difficult. But then, there are difficult adjustments for everyone as the women give up their factory jobs and independence and settle back into domesticity. Tragedy, sadly, does not escape Alice in this saga and her story holds more tears for her and requires much courage as she finds herself alone once again.
Although The Shop Girls of Lark Lane is part of a series, I had no trouble at all reading it as a stand alone. I suspect that it helped that I didn't have preconceived ideas about certain characters, especially as they evolved into rather unsavory sorts as the book progressed It did start off rather slowly which, I think, partly was due to the fact that the author was laying down a lot of background information so that readers could catch up from the first book. A quarter of the way in I was hooked completely and fell in love with the characters, Alice in particular, and their stories. Normally I'm not a fan of this era but this tale was well told with a lot of historical detail and human emotions. If you enjoy historical fiction then you will like The Shop Girls of Lark Lane which is available now.
Thank you #Netgalley, #Bookouture and #PamHowes for my copy of this terrific book. The first in the series is titled #TheFactoryGirlsofLarkLane
This is the second book in a series and as the book opens, we find the war is over and the men are returning home. Alice, who was introduced in the first book, is reunited with her husband who is seeing his daughter for the first time. She isn't exactly happy to share her mum with this new man and makes their adjustment rather difficult. But then, there are difficult adjustments for everyone as the women give up their factory jobs and independence and settle back into domesticity. Tragedy, sadly, does not escape Alice in this saga and her story holds more tears for her and requires much courage as she finds herself alone once again.
Although The Shop Girls of Lark Lane is part of a series, I had no trouble at all reading it as a stand alone. I suspect that it helped that I didn't have preconceived ideas about certain characters, especially as they evolved into rather unsavory sorts as the book progressed It did start off rather slowly which, I think, partly was due to the fact that the author was laying down a lot of background information so that readers could catch up from the first book. A quarter of the way in I was hooked completely and fell in love with the characters, Alice in particular, and their stories. Normally I'm not a fan of this era but this tale was well told with a lot of historical detail and human emotions. If you enjoy historical fiction then you will like The Shop Girls of Lark Lane which is available now.
Thank you #Netgalley, #Bookouture and #PamHowes for my copy of this terrific book. The first in the series is titled #TheFactoryGirlsofLarkLane
February 3, 2019
Well, I read all of that - but I admit I started skimming when the content spiked! This isn't Christian fiction, so of course it doesn't need to be clean (it's not written to honor God, etc.), but it was still too much for me personally. So I wouldn't recommend it to my Christian friends because of that.
It was also just a weird book, which is 90% of the reason it got a low rating! It didn't really have a defined start and finish. And yes, I know, it's book 2 in a series (something I missed - my fault - until I'd finished) but ... it's a very incomplete book, still. It wasn't confusing; it totally read as book 1 or a standalone.
Until the end, which left the main character, Alice, is a horrid place -
So yes, very unsatisfactory ending. And I know that's what it was supposed to be, but ... I just don't think it's good to leave the reader with Alice in that place of denial? It could lead to readers interpreting the situation correctly -
That was my major problem other than the fact that the author seemed to be just dropping drama bombs to hurt the poor readers. And yeah, I get drama and all, but this was just ... overkill? It's a tale of "heartbreak" so I guess the author gotta deliver, but eh. I was more like, "... at this point nothing matters because everything is gonna go wrong no matter what!?"
Kinda numbs you after a bit. There has to be a balance.
Okay, so, for my conservative Christian friends:
The Negative/Explicit Content:
Language: d*mn, oh my God, Jesus (and other variations of taking God's name in vain), bloody, and some other similar words. Not frequent, except God's name.
Violence: A woman gets beaten and has blood streaming down her face/bruises, kinda gruesome. Mentions of that kind of stuff. Abuse and women being caught in abusive relationships.
Sexual: A fade-to-black rape scene which is discussed afterwards. Lots of kissing (sometimes described in a bit of detail), and lots of talk about sex that, though never super descriptive, went too far for me personally. Towards the latter half especially, it seemed like the plot circled around , and though I was hardcore skimming at that point, I could tell there were some points that were just ... too much. Also, adultery. Lots of talk about birth control, various means of birth control, etc.
Other: Talk about pregnancy, labor, some about abortion (not as negatively portrayed as I would have preferred though no one ends up getting an abortion), etc.
And ... I think that's "it"! (Christian fiction is so safe, y'all; the world is messy!)
In addition, I hated a lot of the characters - Jack, Granny What's-Her-Face-Gossipy-Witch, Alice at times, and even Cathy was a bit of an uncontrolled brat! Like, c'mon - she needs a spanking and an early bedtime. :P
So yeah, just wasn't a fan, and I wouldn't recommend it to Christians because of all the pointless content. Like, I get portraying tough things, but this was just shocking for the sake of shocking and because that's how these people are.
Thanks for reading,
~Kellyn Roth, Reveries
It was also just a weird book, which is 90% of the reason it got a low rating! It didn't really have a defined start and finish. And yes, I know, it's book 2 in a series (something I missed - my fault - until I'd finished) but ... it's a very incomplete book, still. It wasn't confusing; it totally read as book 1 or a standalone.
Until the end, which left the main character, Alice, is a horrid place -
So yes, very unsatisfactory ending. And I know that's what it was supposed to be, but ... I just don't think it's good to leave the reader with Alice in that place of denial? It could lead to readers interpreting the situation correctly -
That was my major problem other than the fact that the author seemed to be just dropping drama bombs to hurt the poor readers. And yeah, I get drama and all, but this was just ... overkill? It's a tale of "heartbreak" so I guess the author gotta deliver, but eh. I was more like, "... at this point nothing matters because everything is gonna go wrong no matter what!?"
Kinda numbs you after a bit. There has to be a balance.
Okay, so, for my conservative Christian friends:
The Negative/Explicit Content:
Language: d*mn, oh my God, Jesus (and other variations of taking God's name in vain), bloody, and some other similar words. Not frequent, except God's name.
Violence: A woman gets beaten and has blood streaming down her face/bruises, kinda gruesome. Mentions of that kind of stuff. Abuse and women being caught in abusive relationships.
Sexual: A fade-to-black rape scene which is discussed afterwards. Lots of kissing (sometimes described in a bit of detail), and lots of talk about sex that, though never super descriptive, went too far for me personally. Towards the latter half especially, it seemed like the plot circled around , and though I was hardcore skimming at that point, I could tell there were some points that were just ... too much. Also, adultery. Lots of talk about birth control, various means of birth control, etc.
Other: Talk about pregnancy, labor, some about abortion (not as negatively portrayed as I would have preferred though no one ends up getting an abortion), etc.
And ... I think that's "it"! (Christian fiction is so safe, y'all; the world is messy!)
In addition, I hated a lot of the characters - Jack, Granny What's-Her-Face-Gossipy-Witch, Alice at times, and even Cathy was a bit of an uncontrolled brat! Like, c'mon - she needs a spanking and an early bedtime. :P
So yeah, just wasn't a fan, and I wouldn't recommend it to Christians because of all the pointless content. Like, I get portraying tough things, but this was just shocking for the sake of shocking and because that's how these people are.
Thanks for reading,
~Kellyn Roth, Reveries
November 23, 2018
Well i was really looking forward to reading Pam Howes new book as i do enjoy catching up with charactors and i was not disappointed.I have smiled,laughed, and cried.Alice and her friends have come through the war safe although they have lost family members and now standing on the station platform waiting for her husband to return from war.This book i feel has to be the best one yet to tell the tale that it does the subject of domestic violence is portrayed so well and with care.I don't want to give too much away so all i will say is read this book it's worth more than 5* in my mind and very well written well done to Pam Howes.
July 3, 2019
Well worth the 5 STARS i have given it, for a great book the 2nd in the Lark Lane books I was surprised with what happened with the ending but looking forward my next read which is The Nurses of Lark Lane. The I have read the three but look forward to reading the next one The Midwives of Lark Lane which I believe will be out in December.
December 17, 2018
The first I’ve read from Pam Howes, I found that not reading the first in this trilogy wasn’t a hardship, as backstories and relationships for our main characters have been given context, and while I’m going to read the first, it didn’t affect my enjoyment of this one. War has ended and while the air is filled with hope, the adjustments aren’t always straightforward. Alice and Terry, having only spent one night as a married couple are back together, with Terry desperately trying to find a connection to the daughter he’s never met. But they are happy, if scraping to make ends meet, with Alice working in a shop downtown and also at a local pub on Saturday nights. With Terry finding work amidst the thousands of men searching, he’s decided he needs to get his motorcycle road worthy and starts (against Alice’s and his own mother’s wishes) to start the repairs with the help of Jack, the second in command at the pub where Alice works. Jack did not serve, an ‘injury’ that took half his foot made him unfit – and the first questions about Jack and his ‘honor’ enter the story.
Alice’s best friends, Millie and Sadie are also featured: Millie had met her new man at Alice’s wedding, and now they are marrying and moving to Bristol with plans to emigrate to Canada while Sadie is worried that the father of her child will return to take him away, a circus performer and Italian, the family and circus left when being Italian in England often meant being ‘secured’ in camps for national security. But with Sadie’s worries, and Millie’s moving away, Alice is steadily working to piece back her family and enjoy their time together. Everything is moving forward nicely until Terry is killed in an accident during his first ride on the bike. Cue Alice into ‘survival mode, working and struggling to make the life for her daughter and her younger brother who she has cared for since her mother’s death. With Jack stepping up and making it clear that friendship is not all he wants, it is decided that he and Alice will marry, and she’ll sell her house, investing her share of the money into a bond for the pub, so Jack can ‘take over” and with the flat above the business, everything looks like they can put money away, Alice’s dreams take a new direction. Much to the dismay of her mother-in-law and side-eye from many people in the neighborhood. Here is where Alice lost me a bit – she’s so unwilling to question Jack, or see his controlling and often erratic behavior as red flags – and his determination (and frequent statements) that kids are nothing he wants don’t deter her forward progress with their marriage.
Clearly pointing out the struggles and the limited choices available to women of the time, forget the additional pressures from wartime recoveries. It truly was a time when the best, and perhaps only, protections a woman had were those of husband and family – and Alice makes a choice, despite her own worries, to move forward and take a chance that life will improve. Where I understand the conditioning to allow the husband be the man of the house, Alice survived and managed a house, 2 children and a job while Terry was away at war, yet she’s willing to ‘let’ Jack be the lead in everything…. Surprisingly enough, she had kept paperwork and proof that if used, will allow her a bit of a say in the business and their life moving forward, and with a promotion at work, and that feeding her self-esteem and confidence, all is moving forward, if cautiously – until Alice finds herself pregnant. It would be nice to see actual changes in Jack during Alice’s pregnancy, but the ‘I’ll change” moment at the end, from someone who very clearly was EVERYTHING that people tried to warn her about wasn’t quite enough for me to find this chapter in the trilogy resolved with any sense of permanence. But – I loved Millie and Sadie, and the connection the three share, and hope that more will resolve for all three in the final book.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Alice’s best friends, Millie and Sadie are also featured: Millie had met her new man at Alice’s wedding, and now they are marrying and moving to Bristol with plans to emigrate to Canada while Sadie is worried that the father of her child will return to take him away, a circus performer and Italian, the family and circus left when being Italian in England often meant being ‘secured’ in camps for national security. But with Sadie’s worries, and Millie’s moving away, Alice is steadily working to piece back her family and enjoy their time together. Everything is moving forward nicely until Terry is killed in an accident during his first ride on the bike. Cue Alice into ‘survival mode, working and struggling to make the life for her daughter and her younger brother who she has cared for since her mother’s death. With Jack stepping up and making it clear that friendship is not all he wants, it is decided that he and Alice will marry, and she’ll sell her house, investing her share of the money into a bond for the pub, so Jack can ‘take over” and with the flat above the business, everything looks like they can put money away, Alice’s dreams take a new direction. Much to the dismay of her mother-in-law and side-eye from many people in the neighborhood. Here is where Alice lost me a bit – she’s so unwilling to question Jack, or see his controlling and often erratic behavior as red flags – and his determination (and frequent statements) that kids are nothing he wants don’t deter her forward progress with their marriage.
Clearly pointing out the struggles and the limited choices available to women of the time, forget the additional pressures from wartime recoveries. It truly was a time when the best, and perhaps only, protections a woman had were those of husband and family – and Alice makes a choice, despite her own worries, to move forward and take a chance that life will improve. Where I understand the conditioning to allow the husband be the man of the house, Alice survived and managed a house, 2 children and a job while Terry was away at war, yet she’s willing to ‘let’ Jack be the lead in everything…. Surprisingly enough, she had kept paperwork and proof that if used, will allow her a bit of a say in the business and their life moving forward, and with a promotion at work, and that feeding her self-esteem and confidence, all is moving forward, if cautiously – until Alice finds herself pregnant. It would be nice to see actual changes in Jack during Alice’s pregnancy, but the ‘I’ll change” moment at the end, from someone who very clearly was EVERYTHING that people tried to warn her about wasn’t quite enough for me to find this chapter in the trilogy resolved with any sense of permanence. But – I loved Millie and Sadie, and the connection the three share, and hope that more will resolve for all three in the final book.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
May 7, 2019
The Shop Girls of Lark Lane by Pam Howes takes readers to Liverpool, England in August of 1945. Alice Lomax has enjoyed time off with her recently demobbed husband, Terry and their four year old daughter, Cathy. Alice must return to work at Lewis’s which leaves Terry taking care of Cathy who does not know him. They are in for a struggle until Cathy gets to know and trust Terry. Sadie Romano works with Alice at Lewis’s which remained open during the war and it has the bomb scars to prove it. Rationing is still in effect and items are in scarce supply. Sadie is a single mother raising her son, Gianni. She hopes to never see Luca Romano, Gianni’s Italian father, but luck is not with Sadie. Luca wants to be a part of Gianni’s life, but Sadie is wary of trusting him. Terry obtains a used motorbike to get back and forth to his new job over Alice’s objections. Then one day the unthinkable happens leaving Alice a widow with a young child to raise. What does the future hold for these two women?
The Shop Girls of Lark Lane is the second book in the Lark Lane series. I do recommend reading The Factory Girls of Lark Lane first. Otherwise, you will be missing necessary background information on the characters. I do want readers to know this book is dark and realistic (not an upbeat, perky story). It shows what life was like for women after World War II. I thought The Shop Girls of Lark Lane was a slow starter. I had a hard time getting into the story, but I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next. The book picks up as you get further into it. I like the main characters which consist of Alice, Sadie, Millie, Granny Lomax, and Brian. Alice is lucky to have such good friends and a helpful mother-in-law. It is a shame that Alice does not always appreciate Granny Lomax. Brian is helpful as well with young Cathy and around the house. Millie has met the love of her life and has plans with him for a new future in Canada. Sadie is worried when Gianni’s circus performer Italian father returns to Liverpool. I do not want to say too much and spoil The Shop Girls of Lark Lane for you. At the end of the book, readers are left wondering what will happen next for Alice (cliffhanger). I look forward to reading The Nurses of Lark Lane when it comes out. The Shop Girls of Lark Lane is an emotional and realistic novel that tug at your heartstrings.
The Shop Girls of Lark Lane is the second book in the Lark Lane series. I do recommend reading The Factory Girls of Lark Lane first. Otherwise, you will be missing necessary background information on the characters. I do want readers to know this book is dark and realistic (not an upbeat, perky story). It shows what life was like for women after World War II. I thought The Shop Girls of Lark Lane was a slow starter. I had a hard time getting into the story, but I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next. The book picks up as you get further into it. I like the main characters which consist of Alice, Sadie, Millie, Granny Lomax, and Brian. Alice is lucky to have such good friends and a helpful mother-in-law. It is a shame that Alice does not always appreciate Granny Lomax. Brian is helpful as well with young Cathy and around the house. Millie has met the love of her life and has plans with him for a new future in Canada. Sadie is worried when Gianni’s circus performer Italian father returns to Liverpool. I do not want to say too much and spoil The Shop Girls of Lark Lane for you. At the end of the book, readers are left wondering what will happen next for Alice (cliffhanger). I look forward to reading The Nurses of Lark Lane when it comes out. The Shop Girls of Lark Lane is an emotional and realistic novel that tug at your heartstrings.
December 2, 2018
This was a quick easy read that I really enjoyed. The story takes place after World War II ends when Alice Lomax is reunited with her husband, Terry, who had to leave right after they were married. Their brief time together before he left for war produced a baby girl, Cathy. After he was home for a short time, tragedy strikes and Alice has to make some lifestyle changes and decisions that may or may not be good for her, Cathy and her brother Brian who she is raising. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this very interesting book in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2018
This was a wonderful read! Book 2 in the Shop Girls series.
I had a tough time with Alice and Jacks relationship however I had to keep reminding myself that times were very different.
The door was definitely opened for a book 3....I am anxious to see what direction the story will go next. I enjoy Pam Howe’s books, I love her writing style.
I had a tough time with Alice and Jacks relationship however I had to keep reminding myself that times were very different.
The door was definitely opened for a book 3....I am anxious to see what direction the story will go next. I enjoy Pam Howe’s books, I love her writing style.
March 4, 2019
Roller coaster of a story
I loved the characters and felt I knew them. I thought it was a gripping story and it was hard to put the book down. Look forward to reading more books from this Author.
I loved the characters and felt I knew them. I thought it was a gripping story and it was hard to put the book down. Look forward to reading more books from this Author.
December 8, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy...
Omg!!! Such a heartbreaking story..so sad!!! I'm very glad that Jack decides to changes on his behavior and gets the helps that he needs..I knew that Cathy didn't like this Man who was very rude and tell her of his orders...no child had go through like this cause of Jack.
Looking forward to read this book in the next series...
Omg!!! Such a heartbreaking story..so sad!!! I'm very glad that Jack decides to changes on his behavior and gets the helps that he needs..I knew that Cathy didn't like this Man who was very rude and tell her of his orders...no child had go through like this cause of Jack.
Looking forward to read this book in the next series...
March 3, 2019
Book 2 in The Lark Lane series is another of Pam Howes wonderful books that make me laugh and cry. At times uplifting and heartbreaking and such wonderful and realistic characters.
Always a treat to sit down with a new addition to one of this authors fantastic trilogy’s,
A terrific read that I highly recommend
Always a treat to sit down with a new addition to one of this authors fantastic trilogy’s,
A terrific read that I highly recommend
December 12, 2018
The Shop Girls on Lark Lane by Pam Howes continues on more or less from where we left off in book one - The Factory Girls of Lark Lane. It's August 1945 and Alice Lomax is adjusting to life with her husband Terry with him having recently been demobbed from the army. Things are taking some getting used to as Terry had been away for so long and they had not spent any time together apart from their wedding night, the very night their daughter Cathy was conceived. Throughout book one Alice was at the centre of everything, the stalwart who battled through every obstacle placed in her path and someone who did so with strength, determination and grace. She was a character I came to love and respect and so I was delighted to see this new book would continue on with her story.
Alice really has stepped up to be the mother figure as she has her younger brother Brian aged 15 living with her as well following the loss of their mother. Life should be happy, simple and contented for the family but Cathy is creating problems throwing tantrums and just generally not being herself and creating a distance between herself and Terry. This causes some strain amongst the family but really who could blame a child for not leaping into the arms of a man you had never met before. This gives the reader plenty of food for thought as this must have been the situation for so many families with men returning home from the war. They themselves changed by their experiences fighting and families altered too with the loss of a family member or new additions who simply did not know this person entering their lives. The war changed every aspect of people's lives and it was interesting to see how Pam Howes shone a light on an aspect I had given scant thought to previously. I did initially think would this form the basis of the entire book but I soon discovered this was not to be the case.
Although I felt the book got off to a slow start by the time I had finished the first quarter I found myself really getting stuck into things as the foundations had been laid and I could see how various strands of the story were going to be further developed and explored. Alice is no longer working in the Rootes factory as most men have returned home so now she works in the local department store and she believes herself and Terry can work hard to create a nice family unit which will be well provided for and taken care of. At weekends she works at the local legion which shows how she wanted to avail of every opportunity given to her with a long term goal in mind. I will say from fairly early on I wondered why was there so much fussing over Terry's decision to do up the motorbike but this decision led to a life altering event for Alice and her family.
A decision where once again just like during the war she has to remain strong and resilient and she must soldier on despite such heartache and devastation which she thought she had avoided with Terry's safe arrival home after the war. Alice had only just come to terms with adjusting to a new kind of normal life, free from air raids and the worry of a telegram arriving out of the blue. So this latest loss throws her off course but her strength and tenacity see her venture down a path. One which she believes will be beneficial and will help with the strain and financial pressure she is under having being left to raise Cathy and Brian solo. Women had learned to become independent during the war years and I believe it was this trait that saw Cathy begin to pick up the pieces, to reassess what the next step should be but always at the forefront of her mind were Brian and Cathy and their long term future. Would she put her own personal happiness to one side and make sacrifices for others?
Fellow co-worker at the legion, Jack, who we got to know a small bit in book one takes an even bigger step into the spotlight here and to be honest it soon became apparent he was a very changed character from the one we caught glimpses of before. I could see Alice wanted a stable and secure environment and future for the kids but it just all seemed too good to be true, like it all fell into place too easily at least for her. Although Jack liked a drink, initially he seemed a nice enough person yet saying that, there was always this niggle at the back of my mind. Were his intentions actually genuine or did he see a way in to Alice to get what he desired at a time when she was very vulnerable? I think he saw a sliver of vulnerability exposed and he pounced on it and once he was in there, he turned the screw ever so tightly and no way was he relinquishing the grip once he had begun.
She in turn needed her own quick fix solution to what she deemed as problems that were insurmountable. I believed Jack had ulterior motives and his controlling nature soon began to become apparent. He presented one side to the public and close friends but behind closed doors it was another story altogether. Yes Alice needed to make a change but in my mind she was being too hasty. She jumped at the first available opportunity thinking nothing else would come her way. Maybe she should have bided her time and stood back and assessed the situation more carefully. But I suppose if you are smack bang in the middle of a situation and you feel desperate as if no possible solution will arise than maybe you will go for what seems the easiest option. But will this choice lead to happiness or to hurt, anxiety and heartbreak? Will the wool be pulled from Alice's eyes? Will Jack continue the destructive path he is on and get away with things? Only time will tell and that's what kept me reading on and fully engrossed in this story.
I became so caught up in everything going on and really I just wanted to be able to step into the story and sit down and talk to Alice to explain what was going right at her very front doorstep. She gave up her security far too easily and all that independence that she had acquired during the war was slipping through her fingers at a rapid pace. There were scenes where I wanted to be able to tell other characters what they weren't witnessing and things just kept going on like that. Everything was building and building and then unexpected news for Alice again makes her stop and think. Yet still the big outpouring I had been waiting for didn't materialise it was almost as if she had lost some of her power and was in a trance and couldn't make a leap to get out of a situation. Backed into a corner springs to mind.
Even her friends Sadie and Millie began to notice things but I think although they were concerned they were too caught up in the dramas in their own lives. It was lovely to see both Sadie and Millie make a reappearance but I would love their stories to have even more prominence in the next book. I do realise this is Alice's story to tell but still Millie and Sadie have made an impact on me too.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Shop Girls of Lark Lane. It was a real strong follow up to book one and my god the last few chapters you could cut the tension with a knife and I was tormented by the way in which it ended.I was left desperately wanting answers and so gutted that I will have to wait until next year to see how things work out. If you haven't read the beginnings of Alice's story I would suggest you read these two books over Christmas and then you'll be nicely set up to see how the trilogy all pans out.
Alice really has stepped up to be the mother figure as she has her younger brother Brian aged 15 living with her as well following the loss of their mother. Life should be happy, simple and contented for the family but Cathy is creating problems throwing tantrums and just generally not being herself and creating a distance between herself and Terry. This causes some strain amongst the family but really who could blame a child for not leaping into the arms of a man you had never met before. This gives the reader plenty of food for thought as this must have been the situation for so many families with men returning home from the war. They themselves changed by their experiences fighting and families altered too with the loss of a family member or new additions who simply did not know this person entering their lives. The war changed every aspect of people's lives and it was interesting to see how Pam Howes shone a light on an aspect I had given scant thought to previously. I did initially think would this form the basis of the entire book but I soon discovered this was not to be the case.
Although I felt the book got off to a slow start by the time I had finished the first quarter I found myself really getting stuck into things as the foundations had been laid and I could see how various strands of the story were going to be further developed and explored. Alice is no longer working in the Rootes factory as most men have returned home so now she works in the local department store and she believes herself and Terry can work hard to create a nice family unit which will be well provided for and taken care of. At weekends she works at the local legion which shows how she wanted to avail of every opportunity given to her with a long term goal in mind. I will say from fairly early on I wondered why was there so much fussing over Terry's decision to do up the motorbike but this decision led to a life altering event for Alice and her family.
A decision where once again just like during the war she has to remain strong and resilient and she must soldier on despite such heartache and devastation which she thought she had avoided with Terry's safe arrival home after the war. Alice had only just come to terms with adjusting to a new kind of normal life, free from air raids and the worry of a telegram arriving out of the blue. So this latest loss throws her off course but her strength and tenacity see her venture down a path. One which she believes will be beneficial and will help with the strain and financial pressure she is under having being left to raise Cathy and Brian solo. Women had learned to become independent during the war years and I believe it was this trait that saw Cathy begin to pick up the pieces, to reassess what the next step should be but always at the forefront of her mind were Brian and Cathy and their long term future. Would she put her own personal happiness to one side and make sacrifices for others?
Fellow co-worker at the legion, Jack, who we got to know a small bit in book one takes an even bigger step into the spotlight here and to be honest it soon became apparent he was a very changed character from the one we caught glimpses of before. I could see Alice wanted a stable and secure environment and future for the kids but it just all seemed too good to be true, like it all fell into place too easily at least for her. Although Jack liked a drink, initially he seemed a nice enough person yet saying that, there was always this niggle at the back of my mind. Were his intentions actually genuine or did he see a way in to Alice to get what he desired at a time when she was very vulnerable? I think he saw a sliver of vulnerability exposed and he pounced on it and once he was in there, he turned the screw ever so tightly and no way was he relinquishing the grip once he had begun.
She in turn needed her own quick fix solution to what she deemed as problems that were insurmountable. I believed Jack had ulterior motives and his controlling nature soon began to become apparent. He presented one side to the public and close friends but behind closed doors it was another story altogether. Yes Alice needed to make a change but in my mind she was being too hasty. She jumped at the first available opportunity thinking nothing else would come her way. Maybe she should have bided her time and stood back and assessed the situation more carefully. But I suppose if you are smack bang in the middle of a situation and you feel desperate as if no possible solution will arise than maybe you will go for what seems the easiest option. But will this choice lead to happiness or to hurt, anxiety and heartbreak? Will the wool be pulled from Alice's eyes? Will Jack continue the destructive path he is on and get away with things? Only time will tell and that's what kept me reading on and fully engrossed in this story.
I became so caught up in everything going on and really I just wanted to be able to step into the story and sit down and talk to Alice to explain what was going right at her very front doorstep. She gave up her security far too easily and all that independence that she had acquired during the war was slipping through her fingers at a rapid pace. There were scenes where I wanted to be able to tell other characters what they weren't witnessing and things just kept going on like that. Everything was building and building and then unexpected news for Alice again makes her stop and think. Yet still the big outpouring I had been waiting for didn't materialise it was almost as if she had lost some of her power and was in a trance and couldn't make a leap to get out of a situation. Backed into a corner springs to mind.
Even her friends Sadie and Millie began to notice things but I think although they were concerned they were too caught up in the dramas in their own lives. It was lovely to see both Sadie and Millie make a reappearance but I would love their stories to have even more prominence in the next book. I do realise this is Alice's story to tell but still Millie and Sadie have made an impact on me too.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Shop Girls of Lark Lane. It was a real strong follow up to book one and my god the last few chapters you could cut the tension with a knife and I was tormented by the way in which it ended.I was left desperately wanting answers and so gutted that I will have to wait until next year to see how things work out. If you haven't read the beginnings of Alice's story I would suggest you read these two books over Christmas and then you'll be nicely set up to see how the trilogy all pans out.
December 18, 2018
This is book #2 in the Lark Lane series. It can be read as a standalone book but to understand the background I would recommend reading the series in order.
The story continues from the first book in series, The Factory Girls of Lark Lane. The war is ending and Alice’s husband Terry has returned home to his family after fighting for his country. Things are just beginning to get back to normal for the family when tragedy strikes and changes Alice’s life.
I really love this series. The author has a definite knack of writing stories which just get you absolutely hooked 100% and tugs at your heartstrings. The first book of the series was wonderful and this book is just as good, if not better! I found myself gripped to the story of Alice and Terry, and as I read I also found myself remembering all the characters from the previous book. I loved Alice’s character and felt really sorry for her as the story went on. I could see what was happening and yet there was nothing I could do about it apart from shout at the pages of the book! In fact, apart from the obvious character (you’ll know who I mean when you read it!), I loved all the characters. They all gelled so well together and made for a fantastic group of friends. Even Granny Lomax went up in my estimation from the last book where I seemed to have her down as a bit of an interfering busy-body! This time I got it that yes she was still that sometimes, but her heart was definitely in the right place.
The book, as with a lot of books by this author, took in the atmosphere and surroundings of war-ravaged Liverpool absolutely perfectly! Having been to Liverpool several times, I could picture some of the places that were mentioned in the book – the Pier Head and the Three Graces being a couple to mention – yet because of the author’s descriptions I was seeing them through different eyes with bombed out streets and rationing still in place. This book was a great addition to the series, and I can’t wait for the next book to find out what is going to happen. It does have some sensitive issues, and it does make you reach for the tissues, but it’s a wonderful heart-warming read of love, loss, family and friendships. Fabulous!!!
The story continues from the first book in series, The Factory Girls of Lark Lane. The war is ending and Alice’s husband Terry has returned home to his family after fighting for his country. Things are just beginning to get back to normal for the family when tragedy strikes and changes Alice’s life.
I really love this series. The author has a definite knack of writing stories which just get you absolutely hooked 100% and tugs at your heartstrings. The first book of the series was wonderful and this book is just as good, if not better! I found myself gripped to the story of Alice and Terry, and as I read I also found myself remembering all the characters from the previous book. I loved Alice’s character and felt really sorry for her as the story went on. I could see what was happening and yet there was nothing I could do about it apart from shout at the pages of the book! In fact, apart from the obvious character (you’ll know who I mean when you read it!), I loved all the characters. They all gelled so well together and made for a fantastic group of friends. Even Granny Lomax went up in my estimation from the last book where I seemed to have her down as a bit of an interfering busy-body! This time I got it that yes she was still that sometimes, but her heart was definitely in the right place.
The book, as with a lot of books by this author, took in the atmosphere and surroundings of war-ravaged Liverpool absolutely perfectly! Having been to Liverpool several times, I could picture some of the places that were mentioned in the book – the Pier Head and the Three Graces being a couple to mention – yet because of the author’s descriptions I was seeing them through different eyes with bombed out streets and rationing still in place. This book was a great addition to the series, and I can’t wait for the next book to find out what is going to happen. It does have some sensitive issues, and it does make you reach for the tissues, but it’s a wonderful heart-warming read of love, loss, family and friendships. Fabulous!!!
January 21, 2019
I received a Kindle version of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture!
This is the second book in the series for Pam Howe’s storyline which is based around friends Alice and Sadie, who have held strong through WWII and have started working at a local department store to make ends meet. Alice is one of the lucky wives and her husband, Terry returns to her after the war. However, just as Terry and Alice are planning their future, a fatal accident shatters those dreams. Alice finds herself worried and attempting to make ends meet for her daughter and her younger brother. She thinks the answer may be within a new marriage to an old friend, but she quickly realizes how wrong she is.
I enjoyed the characters and quickly found myself becoming close to Alice and Sadie and rooting them on through their pain, hardships, and good tidings. However, I have to say getting interested in the story much more than that was a struggle for me. I felt that the story was rushed and most of the characters were underdeveloped to the point that I really starting losing interest. I was also disappointed in the abrupt ending and was wishing so much that Alice would have dealt with Jack once and for all, if nothing else for sake of her daughter, but that didn’t happen. I can only hope that the next book will tie all of the loose ends and things will be put right.
This is the second book in the series for Pam Howe’s storyline which is based around friends Alice and Sadie, who have held strong through WWII and have started working at a local department store to make ends meet. Alice is one of the lucky wives and her husband, Terry returns to her after the war. However, just as Terry and Alice are planning their future, a fatal accident shatters those dreams. Alice finds herself worried and attempting to make ends meet for her daughter and her younger brother. She thinks the answer may be within a new marriage to an old friend, but she quickly realizes how wrong she is.
I enjoyed the characters and quickly found myself becoming close to Alice and Sadie and rooting them on through their pain, hardships, and good tidings. However, I have to say getting interested in the story much more than that was a struggle for me. I felt that the story was rushed and most of the characters were underdeveloped to the point that I really starting losing interest. I was also disappointed in the abrupt ending and was wishing so much that Alice would have dealt with Jack once and for all, if nothing else for sake of her daughter, but that didn’t happen. I can only hope that the next book will tie all of the loose ends and things will be put right.
May 25, 2019
Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes
I am a fan of Pam Howes because she creates characters that seem perfectly placed, with depth and warmth but also weaves into the narrative some serious challenges. I really enjoyed the last series I read from her (The Liverpool Girls) so I was hoping for the same immersion into this novel.
Howes gave Alice a really difficult start and an even more challenging middle. Her husband returning from war to be killed so shortly afterwards was heartbreaking so I was immediately entrenched in the hardship that was about to follow for her. But her choice to allow herself to be pursued by another man, a friend of her husband, seemed doomed from the start and I couldn't quite get my head or heart to see it the way Alice did. Her life was difficult without remarrying but I was not a fan of the new man. I was also frustrated because her life without a husband didn't seem to be insurmountable, she had support from her brother, friends and her mother in law. It's perhaps a sign of the times that the need for a husband would have her still choose someone with red flags rather than be alone.
But what I loved most about the story was Alice's love for her brother, her daughter and her friends. This is really a novel of friendship and family relationships rather than romance. The strength of all the women is apparent.
Thank you to Bookouture for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
I am a fan of Pam Howes because she creates characters that seem perfectly placed, with depth and warmth but also weaves into the narrative some serious challenges. I really enjoyed the last series I read from her (The Liverpool Girls) so I was hoping for the same immersion into this novel.
Howes gave Alice a really difficult start and an even more challenging middle. Her husband returning from war to be killed so shortly afterwards was heartbreaking so I was immediately entrenched in the hardship that was about to follow for her. But her choice to allow herself to be pursued by another man, a friend of her husband, seemed doomed from the start and I couldn't quite get my head or heart to see it the way Alice did. Her life was difficult without remarrying but I was not a fan of the new man. I was also frustrated because her life without a husband didn't seem to be insurmountable, she had support from her brother, friends and her mother in law. It's perhaps a sign of the times that the need for a husband would have her still choose someone with red flags rather than be alone.
But what I loved most about the story was Alice's love for her brother, her daughter and her friends. This is really a novel of friendship and family relationships rather than romance. The strength of all the women is apparent.
Thank you to Bookouture for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
June 1, 2025
You could retitle this book as “How to Have a Toxic Relationship.” What’s the message here? Ignore all the red flags - so many red flags - and endure all manner of abuse and one day he’ll miraculously change completely and become who you wish he was? Yeah, I heard that loud and clear in this story. And I do mean ALL manner of abuse. Let me count the ways….
Alice’s daughter puts up with emotional abuse even before Alice marries Jack. When she expresses her fear, she is told it doesn’t matter - her mother getting married is more important than her fear. Alice goes through mental, emotional, verbal, physical, and even sexual abuse. I mean, he beats her and then rapes her when she’s knocked unconscious! But that’s okay. It’s better to save face than to protect her family. Let’s be clear - she has the means to leave him and knows it. But all is well when he apologizes the night the child he wanted aborted is born. He promises he’s turned over a new leaf - then drinks himself unconscious. But that’s a-okay! It’s roses and smiles and happily ever after. How dangerous of a message is that? I can have no respect for the gross irresponsibility of this story seeing print.
Alice’s daughter puts up with emotional abuse even before Alice marries Jack. When she expresses her fear, she is told it doesn’t matter - her mother getting married is more important than her fear. Alice goes through mental, emotional, verbal, physical, and even sexual abuse. I mean, he beats her and then rapes her when she’s knocked unconscious! But that’s okay. It’s better to save face than to protect her family. Let’s be clear - she has the means to leave him and knows it. But all is well when he apologizes the night the child he wanted aborted is born. He promises he’s turned over a new leaf - then drinks himself unconscious. But that’s a-okay! It’s roses and smiles and happily ever after. How dangerous of a message is that? I can have no respect for the gross irresponsibility of this story seeing print.
November 27, 2018
I always get excited to see Pam Howes has another book out. This is the 5th book I have read of hers and she never disappoints. This is another 5 star read. This was excellent.
The story continues with Alice and Terry who has just returned from the second war. Terry is trying to get back too normal and bond with his daughter Cathy, with the help of Granny Lomax and Brian. Alice still works at Lewis and works part-time at the Legion with family friend Jack. We also mustn’t forget Alice’s friends Millie and Sadie. This time the story not only deals with love and loss but also but also domestic violence. What women had to deal with in those days, because they didn’t think they had anywhere else to turn too. So they lived in fear of their partners.
This is another gripping read that I didn’t want to put down. This author always writes such endearing novels, but this time with a twist. The story ended with a bit of a cliff hanger. I can’t wait for the next book.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
The story continues with Alice and Terry who has just returned from the second war. Terry is trying to get back too normal and bond with his daughter Cathy, with the help of Granny Lomax and Brian. Alice still works at Lewis and works part-time at the Legion with family friend Jack. We also mustn’t forget Alice’s friends Millie and Sadie. This time the story not only deals with love and loss but also but also domestic violence. What women had to deal with in those days, because they didn’t think they had anywhere else to turn too. So they lived in fear of their partners.
This is another gripping read that I didn’t want to put down. This author always writes such endearing novels, but this time with a twist. The story ended with a bit of a cliff hanger. I can’t wait for the next book.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
December 17, 2019
Oh wow, this book was quite the rollercoaster! I was cheering Alice on, all the way, when she was doing it so tough.
Terry is finally back from the war, but is taking some time adjusting to being back on civvy street. Of course, Cathy doesn't know him and it is difficult for the two of them to bond, initially. Alice also has responsibility for her brother Brian but he is doing really well at school and between the lovely Granny Lomax and various good friends, Alice works at both Lewis's and the Legion, in order to keep the wolf from the door. And then there is Jack, a trusted friend - but is he really what he seems?
I loved the descriptions of the everyday lives of the characters. There were some brands I had never heard of and after looking them up, I have a new understanding of what life was like in Liverpool just after the war ended. Mention of historical events was really appreciated and it added to the flavour of the story.
Enjoyed this one and looking forward to reading the next one!
4 stars from me.
Terry is finally back from the war, but is taking some time adjusting to being back on civvy street. Of course, Cathy doesn't know him and it is difficult for the two of them to bond, initially. Alice also has responsibility for her brother Brian but he is doing really well at school and between the lovely Granny Lomax and various good friends, Alice works at both Lewis's and the Legion, in order to keep the wolf from the door. And then there is Jack, a trusted friend - but is he really what he seems?
I loved the descriptions of the everyday lives of the characters. There were some brands I had never heard of and after looking them up, I have a new understanding of what life was like in Liverpool just after the war ended. Mention of historical events was really appreciated and it added to the flavour of the story.
Enjoyed this one and looking forward to reading the next one!
4 stars from me.
December 13, 2018
I was thrilled to read the second book of the Lark Lane Trilogy and find out what happens to Alice Lomax when the war is over and her husband Terry comes home for good.
Of course, there was an addition to the family during the war and now Terry must acquaint himself with daughter Cathy. As for Alice, she has left the munitions factory behind and now works in a department store with her best friend Sadie.
It was interesting to see how the aftermath of the war affected the people of Liverpool. Alice faces even harder struggles but the old friends are there to support as always.
Yet again this book is bursting with camaraderie, strong women and love. The author has a way of drawing you into the pages and not letting go. The book works fine as a standalone but the first book is just as good!
Beautifully written, genuine characters and a powerful message.
Of course, there was an addition to the family during the war and now Terry must acquaint himself with daughter Cathy. As for Alice, she has left the munitions factory behind and now works in a department store with her best friend Sadie.
It was interesting to see how the aftermath of the war affected the people of Liverpool. Alice faces even harder struggles but the old friends are there to support as always.
Yet again this book is bursting with camaraderie, strong women and love. The author has a way of drawing you into the pages and not letting go. The book works fine as a standalone but the first book is just as good!
Beautifully written, genuine characters and a powerful message.
December 28, 2018
A lovely book
August 1945 and the war is over. Alice lomax husband terry needs to find a job. Looking after their four years old daughter Cathy, who doesn't take to having her daddy back changes they all have to get use to. Alice works at lewis store and also part time at the aigburth British legion as well. Terry managed to get a foreman job at tate and lyles refinery in Vauxhall getting a motor bike to get to work. Suffering night terrors that is hard. But all doesn't stay happy as you read the story, Alice has to go through so much heartache. I loved this second book in the lark lane series, this author writes her books from the heart, and you get so gripped into the story, i was sad to read the end. LOVED IT
August 1945 and the war is over. Alice lomax husband terry needs to find a job. Looking after their four years old daughter Cathy, who doesn't take to having her daddy back changes they all have to get use to. Alice works at lewis store and also part time at the aigburth British legion as well. Terry managed to get a foreman job at tate and lyles refinery in Vauxhall getting a motor bike to get to work. Suffering night terrors that is hard. But all doesn't stay happy as you read the story, Alice has to go through so much heartache. I loved this second book in the lark lane series, this author writes her books from the heart, and you get so gripped into the story, i was sad to read the end. LOVED IT
November 30, 2018
If Alice and Sadie thought things would be easier after the war ended, they were wrong. Things got more complicated, for sure, but these two have a firm friendship that helps them through. Don't worry if you haven't read the first one, don't worry, you'll quickly find yourself wrapped in the tale. Alice's husband Terry really isn't the same when he comes back from war but then...well, there'a a tragedy. She's still working at Lewis, which is lucky because she has Minnie and Sadie to help her through that and an unfortunate decision. All three women are wonderfully written. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is a good old fashioned family saga about strong women.
December 16, 2018
A fair read
I suppose this was an okay sequel to the other two in the series. Howes' books tend to be run-on and could us a copy editor. The story was okay, but it didn't have a lot of depth. She did make you despise Jack with his atrocious actions. The ending was very abrupt. I turned the page to find it had ended. Just like that. I don't know if there will be another in the series, but I can't believe it ended on a note that would seem everything would be okay. It wrapped up too neatly. So, all in all, it was just okay, not fabulous.
I suppose this was an okay sequel to the other two in the series. Howes' books tend to be run-on and could us a copy editor. The story was okay, but it didn't have a lot of depth. She did make you despise Jack with his atrocious actions. The ending was very abrupt. I turned the page to find it had ended. Just like that. I don't know if there will be another in the series, but I can't believe it ended on a note that would seem everything would be okay. It wrapped up too neatly. So, all in all, it was just okay, not fabulous.
December 12, 2018
Absolutely loved this book. It is book two in the Lark Lane series. You could read it as a stand-alone, but you won’t want to once you start reading. Alice has had a hard time and thinks that marrying Jack will be the answer to her problems. Little does she know that this actually is the start of even more problems. I look forward to reading book three to find out how Alice and all her family and friends are doing. I highly recommend this book.
November 8, 2019
A light read, though predictable
As I’ve grown in South Liverpool, this series fascinated me as it’s interesting to read about familiar landmarks and how they were in the 40’s and 50’s.
My only gripes are minor and may be historically accurate; I’ve never heard anyone say they were going into ‘the city’, you get the bus to town.
And I can’t work out where the various train stations are, as things have changed
As I’ve grown in South Liverpool, this series fascinated me as it’s interesting to read about familiar landmarks and how they were in the 40’s and 50’s.
My only gripes are minor and may be historically accurate; I’ve never heard anyone say they were going into ‘the city’, you get the bus to town.
And I can’t work out where the various train stations are, as things have changed
March 8, 2020
Enjoyed this book, the follow up to "Factory Girls of Lark Lane" although I did prefer the first one over this one. Mostly because this ending seemed to neatly tie everything up in a page or two, way too rushed. The story needed more fleshing out to make for a good conclusion. I'm about to read "Nurses of Lark Lane" the next in the series of Alice and her family and friends, hoping for another good tale. Great easy comfort reading, a solid story.
June 25, 2019
Tragedy and hope
Alice’s husband survives the war and comes back to her. Struggles to live ease up and things financially start to improve, then disaster strikes. Alice struggles, survives and eventually starts to live again, only to find herself in deeper trouble than ever. Well developed story line and characters.
Alice’s husband survives the war and comes back to her. Struggles to live ease up and things financially start to improve, then disaster strikes. Alice struggles, survives and eventually starts to live again, only to find herself in deeper trouble than ever. Well developed story line and characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews