Welcome back to the Harpers Emporium for the seventh book in the series by Rosie Clarke, Changing Times at Harpers Harpers , which was published on May1st by Boldwood Books.
London Spring 1920
Harpers is beginning to flourish once more after the end of
the war but for Sally Harper the problems continue.
Husband Ben is moody, sometimes distant, and she feels he is
shutting her out at home and at work, but why?
It takes a terrible tragedy to make them realise their love
and respect is still true.
The ladies and girls who work at Harpers continue to battle
with problems in their own lives.
Marion is still trying to reach her war-damaged husband and
Lilly is battling with her pain and shame.
It’s a period of transition for all.
The doors of Harpers are busy welcoming new and returning
staff whilst bidding a fond farewell to others.
This is the beginning of a new era and there is a fresh buzz
of excitement in the air.
My Thoughts
Life has moved on from the First World War. Men have returned from the fighting, some damaged and this means changes for the workforce at Harpers. You get a sense of the changing times as the 1920's unfolds and how although women's roles have been affected by the war, they having to readjust. Still a spirit of independence endures for some and there are plenty of social causes in the background for volunteers.
Harpers remains as a constant for many of the characters and Ben and Sally prove to be quite enlightened bosses. Nevertheless, despite all the work which Sally has done in the past, there is the assumption that she will step back into the role of housewife and mother, although hers is quite a privileged lifestyle. You certainly feel her frustration. Some of the male characters are understanding that the women will want to continue to work. Others have a much more brutal attitude. As some prosperity returns to the country, you sense the potential that Harpers has, if it can change with the times. Fashions and social customs are on the move, although some still cling to older ways of life. This is an enjoyable saga with Harpers at its core. You see different strata of society at work, as some flourish and others struggle to get by. However the overall tone is of hope and moving forwards.
In short: post war life brings changes
About the Author
Rosie Clarke is a #1 bestselling saga writer whose most
recent books include 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 and my review of Victory Bells for the Harpers Girls here
You can follow Rosie here:
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