The Wartime Bookshop

The Wartime Bookshop, Book 1

De: Lesley Eames

Narrado por: Polly Edsell

Brought to you by Penguin.

The first in a nostalgic and heart-warming WWII series, perfect for fans of Donna Douglas and Elaine Everest.

Alice is nursing an injured hand and a broken heart when she moves to the village of Churchwood at the start of WWII. She is desperate to be independent but worries that her injuries will make that impossible.

Kate lives with her family on Brimbles Farm, where her father and brothers treat her no better than a servant. With no mother or sisters, and shunned by the locals, Kate longs for a friend of her own.

Naomi is looked up to for owning the best house in the village. But privately, she carries the hurts of childlessness, a husband who has little time for her and some deep-rooted insecurities.

With war raging overseas, and difficulties to overcome at home, friendship is needed now more than ever. Can the war effort and a shared love of books bring these women—and the community of Churchwood—together?

©2022 Lesley Eames (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Abrupt ending

This is a pleasant story, focusing on women of WWII England who each have a unique challenge and learn to deal with them by pulling together. I love the message of non-judgement, the damage of gossip, and the strength of women. Each character is unique, with their own story to tell. However, I found the ending to be abrupt and unsatisfying, with several loose ends. Perhaps it was crafted for a sequel? I’m not sure, but it did feel unfinished. If you’re looking for a book of stories surrounding a bookshop setting, you won’t find it here. The bookshop doesn’t come around until closer to the end, and it hasn’t opened for business when the story concludes.