The Woolworths Girls by Elaine Everest

Shortlisted for Book Of The Month

"...an easy-read, charmingly written featuring believable, likeable, characters and I thoroughly enjoyed it."

AMAZON UK
AMAZON US 
AMAZON CA


Romance / Fictional saga
1938
England

First of a series

"It's 1938 and as the threat of war hangs over the country, Sarah Caselton is preparing for her new job at Woolworths. Before long, she forms a tight bond with two of her colleagues: the glamorous Maisie and shy Freda. The trio couldn't be more different, but they immediately form a close-knit friendship, sharing their hopes and dreams for the future. Sarah soon falls into the rhythm of her new position, enjoying the social events hosted by Woolies and her blossoming romance with young assistant manager, Alan. But with the threat of war clouding the horizon, the young men and women of Woolworths realize that there are bigger battles ahead. It's a dangerous time for the nation, and an even more perilous time to fall in love . . ."

How many UK readers of this Blog remember - and still miss - 'Woolies'? It was a 'sell everything' shop, I bought my first Beatles' album from Woolworths, purchsed birthday presents for Mum, Dad and Sisters and stocked up on essentials like a bag of broken biscuits from the BB counter. So yes, this charming romance was a trip down memory lane, but what an enjoyable trip it was!

I took to the characters straight away, the Girls becoming instant friends as I met each one for the first time, quickly becoming absorbed into their lives, rooting with them for their hopes and dreams, anguishing over their trials and fears. Cheering when all went well, biting my nails when it didn't.

This is a simple romance, it is not a work of grand scale literary fiction - and in this instance, thank goodness for that! It is a pleasant holiday read or bedtime story, designed to be enjoyed for what it is, an everyday story of everyday folk going about their everyday business, while making other, everyday, friends against a backdrop of events that were to change the everyday into the trauma and uncertainty of war. 

It is an easy-read, charmingly written featuring likeable, characters and I thoroughly enjoyed it. My thanks to the author for providing such a relaxing 'bedtime' entertainment which I looked forward to reading each night. I'll be reading the other stories in the series! 

© Mary Chapple

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