Greetings Friends!
Today, I have a BOOK REVIEW of THE FOYLES BOOKSHOP GIRLS by Elaine Roberts as part of her book tour for this new release!
Elaine Roberts
Genre: Historical Fiction
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Aria
Date of Publication: June 2018
Number of Pages: 295
A delightful story of friendship, love and hope during the dark days of WWI
London, 1914 – One ordinary day, three girls arrive for work at London’s renowned Foyles bookshop. But when war with Germany is declared their lives will never be the same again. Alice has always been the ‘sensible’ one in her family – especially in comparison with her suffrage-supporting sister! But decidedly against her father’s wishes, she accepts a job at Foyles Bookshop, and for bookworm Alice, it’s a dream come true. But with the country at war, Alice’s happy world is shattered in an instant. Determined to do what she can, Alice works in the bookshop by day, and risks her own life driving an ambulance around bomb-ravaged London by night. But however busy she keeps herself, she can’t help but think of the constant danger those she loves are facing on the frontline. Alice, Victoria, and Molly couldn’t be more different and yet they share a friendship that stems back to their childhood – a friendship that provides everyday solace from the tribulations and heartbreak of war.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Elaine Roberts had a dream to write for a living. She completed her first novel in her twenties and received her first very nice rejection. Life then got in the way until she picked up her dream again in 2010. She joined a creative writing class, The Write Place, in 2012 and shortly afterwards had her first short story published. Elaine and her patient husband, Dave, have five children who have flown the nest. Home is in Dartford, Kent and is always busy with their children, grandchildren, grand dogs and cats visiting.
You can connect with her on:
REVIEW
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review.
I was immediately interested in this book for its focus on young women working in a London bookshop during WWI, as we all know that I can’t resist any book about books! While I’m accustomed to seeing many stories pertain to WWII, in a way, it was refreshing to see another momentous time period reflected in fiction that doesn’t seem to be discussed as frequently.
Roberts’ writing is vivid and truly captures the essence of various family dynamics in an empathetic, engaging, and thought-provoking manner. Not only are we privy to the lives and friendship shared between Alice, Victoria, and Molly, but we also gain perspective into their individual families and how each is effected by the prospect of war. This is a richly drawn character study of different women coming of age during a time of much social and political upheaval. Additionally, once the war begins, we receive access into its significance from not only the perspective of the battlefield, but also on those remaining on the home front.
Ultimately, I loved the quiet message that even in times of chaos, confusion, and havoc, the bookshop remains standing to lend a calming hand with some much needed escape from reality. An understanding that resonates even generations later. You can find out more about the actual Foyles bookshop HERE.
This is the first book in a planned trilogy and was such a captivating start to a series that I’m highly looking forward to continuing!
Many thanks to Aria and especially Elaine Roberts. It was a pleasure hosting and providing a review! And be sure to check out the other stops on the blog tour for more opinions!
That's What She's Reading 
Thank you for your lovely review. Elaine x
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