The Woolworths Girl's Promise

Woolworths #7

by Elaine Everest

The Woolworth Girl ’s Promise is the eighth heart-warming novel in Elaine Everest’s bestselling Woolworths series that follows the turbulent life of a much-loved girl working in the iconic shop.

'A warm, tender tale of friendship and love' – Milly Johnson on The Woolworth Girls

Seventeen-year-old Elizabeth Billington faces a lonely future. Her beloved fiancé lost at Ypres in 1917, she is now estranged from her upper-class parents due to her association with Charlie Sayers and his working-class family.

Spotting an advertisement for a nearby job at Woolworths, Betty starts on a new and thrilling journey – starting at the bottom of the employment ladder in the well-known store.

Her work journey leads her to Ramsgate in Kent to work in a newly-built store – and with this comes the chance of marriage. But can she ever forget Charlie and the promise she made to him?

Read this exciting early chapter in the life of well-known Betty Billington and follow her journey before she arrives at the Erith store – and meets fellow Woolworths Girls in 1938, as war is again on the horizon . . .

'Another uplifting read from the master storyteller' – Lancaster Post

Genres: Historical Fiction

365 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2023

About the author

Elaine Everest is the Sunday Times Bestselling author of historical sagas including The Woolworths Girls series, The Teashop Girls series and other popular books.

She is represented by the Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency Ltd.

Reviews

[Hannah Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only read my first Woolworths girls book last year but this one pretty much goes back to the start of the series, following the story of Betty Billington and how she’s got where she is so you could easily read it without having read the others. I know I’m going to go back to the beginning and read others now to!

There’s something special about reading a saga and being transported back in time and Elaine does it so well with these books, it’s really powerful to think back to Woolworths and how it started out compared to the high street version that I remember from growing up. It amazed me to learn a bit more about the different counters - especially that they had veg counters inside the stores, and the camaraderie within the store (for the majority of staff members). These books really make me reflect back on my time working in a department store as there were so many amazing times and I really like the whole store ethos which flows through at Woolworths.

Of course the books not just about Woolworths though and is heavily focused on Betty and her life, it’s safe to say that she doesn’t have it easy and you get to learn about her trials and tribulations. There were a few eye opening moments where you’re reminded of how things use to be and what women had to put up with but also some really beautiful moments. Hobby was a big part of the heartwarming moments, being the mother that Betty wished she’d had, she’s such a lovely, strong and powerful character who sticks by Betty throughout everything and is someone that you’d love to have known.

I will definitely be jumping back into Betty’s world again as I always find that I learn something from these books and they leave me wanting more!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Woolworth Girl’s Promise is the eighth novel in Elaine Everest’s Woolworths series.

After losing her fiancé Charlie at Ypres in 1917, seventeen-year-old Elizabeth (Betty) Billington faces an uncertain future alone. Estranged from her parents, Betty decides to move in with Charlie’s father, and to help him look after his two young daughters. 

Taking a job in the local munitions work, Betty unintentionally causes an accident and knows she must leave. Seeing a job advertisement for Woolworths, Betty begins her journey as a Woolworths girl.

I loved the books in this series whilst they were set during the Second World War years. But I think I might be in the minority when I say that outside of those years, I’m not enjoying the books as much. I was reading this latest instalment and kept waiting for something ‘big’ to happen, which it never did. That having been said, it is nice to read about the backstory for Betty, who is one of the main characters in the series.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this one . Nice to have the background story on previous books in this series.

[Sue Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely story from Elaine on Betty's young life, such an enjoyable read

[Julie Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely a must read! Another fabulous read from Elaine,. Love everyone of these Woolworth books.

[Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so I’m still a relative newbie to the world of the Woolworths Girls, but you know me; I always want to know more. I’m sure I’m not the only one that ever reads a book and thinks to themselves, “I wonder how…?” or “Hmm, what about…?” *snorts*

Well wonder no longer as TWGP spills the tea (aka origin story) on one of the series much loved characters Betty Billington. And what a life it has been! Tissues at the ready, peeps.

Ugh, I’m not gonna lie it took me a few chapters to get into the book. It’s a well-documented fact that I’m a sap and the emotional turmoil experienced by Betty at the beginning of the story left me reeling; especially given her tender age of seventeen. The loss and devastation experienced during The Great War is something I’m sure we all hope never to face again.

A position with Woolworths opens up a world of opportunities for young Betty. If life was giving Betty lemons then she was going to make the best lemonade ever!

Anyone else have a soft spot for the found family trope? *nods* Cue ALL the warm and fuzzies my end thanks to the love and support Hobby gives to Betty.

Elaine Everest excels at delivering stories that transport you to the past which are rich in detail, brimming with nostalgia and warm the cockles of your heart. Fair warning though, just be prepared to shed a bucket full of tears as well, *taps chin* or maybe that’s just me…

Then again, what’s a good saga without the full gamut of emotions?

[Novelle Novels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book so much. This is another prequel to the Woolworth girls series focusing on Betty billington and her story before she became manager of the Woolworths store where the main series is set . There are alot of very tough and emotional scenes but it’s full of characters that you love.

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all the Woolworth Girls Books which are all to me five star reads. It was so lovely to read the early life of Betty Billington. It just went on to show how much a survivor Betty was to finally become a manager at the Erith store, Thank you Elaine for another wonderful story. I hope there will be more to come.

[Theresa Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely insight to Betty. What a lovely read 🥰

[Vivien Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute delight of a book! Having followed the Woolworths girls through several books and seen them safely through the Second World War, it was so interesting to be taken back a couple of decades and to meet the much loved store manager Betty when she was a very young woman. From a teenager in love just as the First World War is brewing, we walk alongside her through good times and bad as she deals with grief, horribly snobbish and cold-hearted parents, seeking work for the first time, finding friends and making enemies, and coping with considerable danger. Through it all, she remains determined to earn her own living, make a new life for herself and to keep her promise to her lost love Charlie, and finds just what she needs lodging with a wonderful friend and working for Woolworths. The last few chapters knit everything together as revelations and secrets finally come to light and life-changing decisions are made. We are then brought beautifully and seamlessly forward to Betty's first meeting in 1938 with the three young shopgirls who readers have grown to know and love, and the point where the whole series first began. Elaine is a fantastic storyteller, bringing her characters, locations and all those little well-researched details vividly to life. I am so looking forward to what might come next.

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

My word this has to be the best of the Woolworths girls series it was simply brilliant full of friendship and romance and loosing your family as you fall for someone not like your family and plenty about working life as well. It’s such a warm read and you feel you no the characters straight away.
At 17 Betty had fallen for her true love Charlie but he’s at war and her parents aren’t happy and she has to leave the family home as he’s not from the same upper class family as them. Betty soon has to learn to live somewhere else she moves into Charlie’s family home and she happens to see an advert for a job at the local Woolworths and she gets the job. She really starts at the bottom and works her way up. She can’t stay any longer at Charlie’s family as she can’t stand his father and she moves in with the neighbour to her parents. She meets her manager and he can see how hard working she is and she soon works herself up the ladder bug is he interested in other ways as well. Her job leads her to ramsgate to a new store and when her boss asks her marry him what will she say as she always said her one true love was with Charlie and she can’t forget him. She has upsetting news on her journey as her parents pass away and she has nothing to do with them but can she make friends with family members who have come into her life.
Worth far more than five stars simply brilliant.

[Sharron Tennant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for the read 📚

[Elizabeth Dewfall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed Betty’s story

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

After losing her fiancé Charlie at the Battle of Ypres Elizabeth Billington is disowned by her middle class parents so she takes refuge with Charlie’s working class family and for the first time in her life, Elizabeth must find the means of supporting herself. After a brief time working in an ammunitions factory Betty, as she is now known, takes up a lowly position at the nearby F W Woolworths store. Over time Betty starts grow in confidence making new friends in the process however, she must also learn how to cope with the challenges which lie ahead.

The Woolworth Girl’s Promise is a heartwarming story about love and loss and also about the continuing grief and sadness which was felt by so many women who had lost their loved ones during the First World War. The historical spect of the story feels beautifully authentic and I especially loved the detailed description of how the Woolworth store operated and of the opportunities which were available for women to become part of the general workforce.

Whilst this is the eighth book in the popular Woolworth Girls series of historical sagas it is perfectly possible to enjoy the story as a standalone and yet for those who are familiar with the series it’s lovely to have the backstory of one of the popular characters. The author has made this series into something rather special bringing to life both the history and the camaraderie which existed amongst the working classes during the first half of the twentieth century and of course shining a spotlight on Woolworths which is so much part of our shared history.

[Chelsea Knowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun time, there is something really cosy about these stories and I do enjoy listening to them. It was cool to come full circle with The Woolworth’s series.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

a brilliant read

Elaine Everest have done it again another brilliant book of her woolworth series this time all about Betty billingtons life I thoroughly enjoyed it couldn’t put it down can’t wait for the next book what a brilliant author

[Trudie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this is amazing! This tells the back story of Betty Billington. I've absolutely enjoyed reading every page and didn't want it to finish.

[Barbara Doodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Very well written, exactly what you expect with this wonderful Woolworths series. Loved going back in time to find out about Barry's earlier years.

A must read series

[Pat Langhelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of Betty's early life and how she joined Woolworths.

[Joanne Whitefoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book by Elaine Everest. It has been fascinating to look back on Betty's earlier life and career with Woolworths.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a whole series of Woolworths Girls books, beginning with the lives and fortunes of small group of young women in 1938, following their lives and those around them, right up to a new generation of Saturday Girls in the 1950s. This book is a worthy addition into the world of Woolworths Girls, but I think it would also stand as a book on its own, as it tells the story of one of the slightly older characters in the first books. Betty Billington is a crucial character in the Erith Woolworths store, but the way she achieved her senior role and so much else is the focus of this well written and engaging novel. It begins in London in the disturbed days of the First World War, when Elizabeth as she is then known by her parents lives a sheltered life. Her progress from that point is the story told in this novel, together with the challenges she meets and the remarkable people she encounters. Throughout the book a central theme remains, how her promise made to a young man shapes her thoughts and decisions, and how she comes to identify herself with the much loved shop. I was so pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this absorbing book.
The beginning of the novel introduces Betty secretly meeting Charlie, a young man bound for the Front in 1917. She has had to conceal her relationship from her strict and ambitious parents, who are determined that she will make a suitable marriage and never become involved in the sordid world of work. When the worst happens, Betty’s reaction alerts her mother to her secret romance, and from that point on she is effectively excluded from her home. Betty seeks sanctuary with Charlie’s bereaved father and younger sisters, and in so doing discovers a whole new world in which her innocence and sheltered upbringing is in sharp contrast with the women who have to earn small amounts to survive. As she discovers that her accent and clothes proclaim her as someone very different, her experiences at the Woolwich Arsenal munitions works are traumatic. It is only when she discovers the local Woolworths store that she begins to hope for a new way of life, in which she can begin to live as an independent woman while keeping her promise to the man that she loved.
As with all the Woolworths novels, this book deals with the setting of War, when so many suffered huge losses. The emotional upheaval is so well dealt with, as Betty mourns her own loss and is confronted with the realities of life for so many others, especially women. The research in this book is an excellent bedrock for the story. While the dangers and difficulties faced by the employees of munitions factories during the First World War are perhaps well known, the terrible effects of an incident are brilliantly and accurately described within this novel. The emergence of the “Surplus Women” who were left with few marriage prospects after so many men were killed in the War is deftly drawn here; while some dispute the figures, there was certainly a perception that many lives were irreparably altered in the way that confronts Betty and those around her. A more positive attitude is shown by an unexpected ally of Betty’s whose life has always been one of stubborn independence from men, and who presents a whole new world of possibilities.
This is a novel that is based on a promise that is made by a young woman. I found it immensely readable and offering a real atmosphere of the world emerging from War but finding new challenges. Betty’s story is well told, embracing so much that was going on in the world, but also revealing the emotional problems of many. I recommend this book not only to those who have encountered the Woolworths girls before, but also those who are yet to experience the story of this well -loved shop through the eyes of some fictional women who worked there.

[Chantelle Hazelden · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Woolworths Girl's Promise is part of you've guessed it, The Woolworths Girls series however I'm pleased to say that it can be read as a stand alone book.

In this book we are introduced to Elizabeth (Betty) Billington.

The prologue starts in the present - for Elizabeth -but the subsequent chapters begin at the year 1916 and continue until we reach her current year of 1938.

We follow this delightful young woman as she navigates growing up in these much tougher times. I do believe she is depicted in previous books as her older self so I'm now looking forward to going back to the beginning of this set of books to see just how Betty appears in later years.

Back to this book.

In earlier chapters this poor young girl loses the love of her life at Ypres, a then seventeen year old Betty unfortunately becomes estranged from her parents and is forced to grow up sooner than she would have expected.

I admired her determination and independence.

She suffered no fools and proved herself to be very capable no matter what situation she found herself in.

Hobby quickly became my favourite character. A wonderful motherly figure to help guide Betty on her journey of life.

Inspirational.

Despite all of the heartache that she had to face, she managed to remain positive and unwavering throughout each and every obstacle. From earning her own money, finding places to live, she managed to make a new life for herself whilst still keeping that promise that she made to her beloved all those years ago.

Well researched, it was interesting to see the situations that arose from being in a certain class of family and how even the upper class were judged. The saying don't judge a book by its cover certainly came to mind.

Everest is quite the storyteller and I'm looking forward to reading more of their novels.

[Bookread2day · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Woolworths Girl’s Promise is the heart warming eighth novel in Elaine Everest’s bestselling Woolworths series that follows the turbulent life of a much-loved Woolworths girl. The Woolworths Girl’s Promise has been recommended by the People’s Friend Magazine. I have read many books by author Elaine Everest, and loved them all. I have read A Gift From Woolworths, A Mother Forever, Wedding Bells For Woolworths, and Christmas With The Teashop Girls. Now I’m back in my comfort zone, with The Woolworths Girl’s Promise.

Betty Billingham is the best supervisor in Woolworths they have ever had.

Well you know in our times today we just get engaged, or arrange to get married and just notify our parents who are more than happy for us.

But in Betty’s time, things were very different. Betty’s maid happened to be the only one that knew Betty was dating.

But Betty’s father is annoyed that he was never asked for his approval before she got engaged. The truth is Betty never told her father because she knew that he wouldn’t approve of Charlie.

To make matters worse in the family not even Betty’s mother knew about her daughter dating.

Bad news arrives for Betty her fiancé Charlie has died after being called up and sent to France.

I have to recommend The Woolworth Girl’s Promise as this is a beautiful story, well written as always.

[S.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up in a time where Woolworths was the shop to go to if you needed something for school, a quick treat, or something a little different. This story tells us of a young girl who gets secretly engaged to a man her parents would not approve of.

It is 1917 and Elizabeth Billington is young and in love. However, after receiving devastating news, Elizabeth’s parents force her to choose between her love or her wealthy family’s tradition. To her parent’s shock she leaves everything behind and is instantly a pauper. Her first job working in the munitions factory does not go well, and she looks for another job. Now known as Betty, she shows true potential as a Woolworths Girl and slowly works her way up the ladder.

But behind the smiles and the hard work she still misses her Charlie, and swears she will never love another.

Elaine Everest writes a truly vivid description of what Britain was like during and after World War I. The character’s mannerisms, speech, descriptions of clothing, and their way of living really makes you feel as if you’re part of the scenery. I found the story taking me back in time and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would say however, that this book would best suit a much more mature audience and may not be as openly received by a younger audience. However, this is just my opinion and I could be wrong!

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Woolworths novel follows the life story of one of the longest running characters in the series, Betty Billington.
We follow her journey of being Charlie's fiance, his tragic death and her estrangement from her upper class parents and having to fend for herself in the world until finally ending up at the doors of the Woolworths shop.
She grows, lives and learns over the years while working her way up through the ranks and even attempting to move on and have a love affair.
This was such a wonderful addition to the whole series and I've thoroughly enjoyed the "getting to know" the characters novels as the author pursued Ruby and Betty's individual stories before and after their Woolworths duties.
Followed this series from the start and really appreciate the in between novels of the main dramas.
Fantastically written and ties in so well with the Woolworths girls story as a whole.
Never read a bad one by this lady.

[Christine Adamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story about the early years of Betty Billington’s life. It is always good to receive a new book in this series. Elaine has a wonderful style of writing. All the characters are genuine and feel like one big happy family. I look forward to the next instalment.

[Julie Homer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always these books never fail to make me happy
Absolutely love the Woolworths series
This was a lovely story gone back in time about Betty life
5* 😍

[Carol Anne]

2.5 for a pretty average book. I almost stopped reading it after the first half … it was hard to believe anyone could be so spineless.

[Jane Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really nice to read about Betty and all she had been through before being the manger of Woolworths.
These have been such good books.

[Felicity Rogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Held my interest all the way through. Would have preferred a different ending!