Welcome back to the Harpers Emporium for the sixth in the six book series by Rosie Clarke, Victory Bells for the Harpers Girls, which is published today by Boldwood Books. Can the Harpers Girls look forward to some happy times as a
new dawn rises over London?
Sally Harper is busy juggling running London’s Oxford Street
Store Harpers and looking after her beautiful new-born daughter, whilst husband
Ben is overseas on another dangerous mission, this time to rescue a friend in
need.
Young Becky Stockbridge finds herself in a difficult
situation which could bring shame to her and her family. Will Becky, with the
help of her friends find her happy ever after and keep her secret?
Marion Jackson is blessed with a son as she eagerly awaits
the return of her husband Reggie. But all is not right when Reggie returns. Is
Marion strong enough to save her family from yet another crisis?
As the war clouds retreat and the victory bells ring, tears
and joy mingle with those of sadness as the world counts the true toll of war
and celebrates peace.
My Thoughts
As the title hints, we are now at the end of the First World War and some of the soldiers are returning home. The effects of the war on ordinary people are described starkly and although some may be hoping that life will revert back to what it was pre-war, it is clear that that cannot happen. Nevertheless, this is a warm and feelgood series, as the close-knit community of friends and colleagues tries to support each other. Families are shown to have a variety of forms, with bereaved children needing new homes.
There are several story threads to follow, at different levels of society. The women who have kept life going at home and discovered new opportunities are realising that there are assumptions that they will stand aside and hand their jobs back to the men who will definitely be seen as in charge. Not everyone is prepared to step back and meekly be told what they are 'allowed' to do by returning husbands. There are also hints that new struggles are coming, especially with the dreaded Spanish flu which will wipe out many. The overall tone is hopeful, with peace coming. Harpers Emporium has plans for expansion with the hoped for new stock. By the end of the story, you are looking forward with all the characters and wishing them well.
In short: period detail and well drawn characters
About the Author
Rosie Clarke is a #1 bestselling saga writer whose most
recent books include The Shop Girls of Harpers and The Mulberry Lane series.
She has written over 100 novels under different pseudonyms and is a RNA Award
winner. She lives in Cambridgeshire.
You can read my review of Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls here and an extract from Wartime Blues for the Harpers Girls here
You can follow Rosie here:
Thanks to Rosie Clarke, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
Follow the rest of the tour!
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