Elaine Roberts – författare

London, 1918: the world is being torn apart by war, but for the girls of London’s Foyles bookshop, where there is friendship, there is hope… Perfect for fans of Rosie Clarke and Elaine Everest.

Ellen Beckford and her sister Mary are living under their father’s shadow. Before their beloved mother died, they had dreamed of bright futures, but torn apart by grief, Harold Beckford barely lets his daughters out of his sight. Then Harold is injured during a break-in at his office at London’s docklands, and can no longer work. And with prices rising and food scarce, Ellen has no choice but to defy her father’s rules and seek employment. She finds a position at London’s renowned Foyles bookshop, and the other shop girls quickly take her under their wing.

But there are dark times ahead. Ellen’s father is accused of gathering intelligence from the docklands for the enemy, and the police seem determined to see him shot for spying. With the help of her new friends, can Ellen clear her father’s name and save her family from destitution?

Praise for Elaine Roberts:

''A delightful story of friendship, love and hope during the dark days of WW1'' Elaine Everest

''It’s great to be back at Foyles Bookshop in London during WW1. The shop girls stories have been told before so this time it’s the turn of the Beckford family. Ellen the eldest daughter has to take on more responsibilities as her Father is accused of spying. Lots of great characters as well as those you love to hate'' Netgalley reviewer

''A book about working in a bookshop just what I love. This is another wonderful family saga in this series. A quick read but, very enjoyable'' Netgalley reviewer

''Kept me enthralled from start to finish'' Netgalley reviewer

''Offers a heart-wrenching insight into how hard life was for the women left at home and how emotions ran high as war continued. A highly recommended read that will pull at your heartstrings'' Netgalley reviewer

''Was immediately drawn in to this story'' Netgalley reviewer

''A real heart-warming read. Great story and characters, would love a sequel'' Netgalley reviewer

''A strong start to what looks to be a trilogy of books about these women and I cannot wait to go back and see how they are all faring'' Netgalley reviewer

''Skilfully crafted characters and an exquisite storyline all kept my attention from the first page to the last'' Netgalley reviewer

''If you''re looking for something to make you cry over your tea and warm your heart on a wintery morning, then this is a book you''ll want to reach for'' Netgalley reviewer

''The author did an outstanding job of finding a niche in the saga genre'' Netgalley reviewer

''A richly drawn character study of different women coming of age during a time of much social and political upheaval'' Netgalley reviewer

''Poignant ... A brilliant start to a series. I can certainly recommend this to any reader who enjoys this genre'' Netgalley reviewer

''A phenomenal read ... A fantastic debut ... Rich in atmosphere and period detail and full of wonderful characters readers simply cannot help but care about!'' Netgalley reviewer

''A lovely, original story ... The historical details create a lush setting ... If there will be a sequel, I look forward to it!'' Netgalley reviewer

''The perfect book for book lovers who love to read about bookstores, those who love historical fiction set in WWI and those who enjoy stories of strong female friendships'' Netgalley reviewer

Pre-order the BRAND NEW instalment in Elaine Roberts'' emotional wartime saga series

London, 1918: war rages on, but the girls of London’s Foyles bookshop always have a place to feel safe.

Rosie Burrows loves being part of the Foyles team, and outwardly, she’s a happy young woman, engaged to the love of her life. But inside, Rosie faces a horrible dilemma. When Alfie enlisted, she promised to wait for him to return from France. And she has waited, quietly preparing for him to come home so they can marry. But for years her letters to him have gone unanswered, and now she doesn’t know where she stands.

To keep occupied, Rosie starts volunteering at the local school. She loves reading to the children, and takes solace in her growing friendship with the kind and gentle class teacher. But Rosie knows she can’t allow herself to develop feelings for Sam – she gave her word.

But why hasn’t Alfie answered her letters? Has he changed his mind about her? And how long should she wait for a man who may never come back?

Praise for Elaine Roberts

''Elaine really put her heart and soul into creating this story and the historical facts were so well researched. Compulsive reading; I highly recommend this book'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

''I loved this book and found it very hard to put down'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

''I so loved this book, loved the characters and the story of friendship and family told around the tale of Foyles bookshop and the war. A real page turner'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A brand new emotional saga for fans of Rosie Clarke and Elaine Everest ❤️

London, 1918: the war in Europe may be drawing to an end, but there are new challenges for the Foyles bookshop girls.

As their dreams of the war ending look like they might finally come true, the girls of London’s Foyles bookshop allow themselves to look forward to a brighter future.

But their hopes may be shattered when news of a terrible flu that is gripping the world reaches London, and the girls realise they are not out of danger yet. Meanwhile, they have their own challenges to face when Alice discovers her father has been living a double life; Victoria’s beloved husband Ted struggles to adjust to life after the trenches; and the secret Molly has been keeping finally comes to light.

But, working side-by-side in London’s Foyles bookshop, Alice, Victoria and Molly have become more like sisters than friends. And together, they can brave any storm.

As London faces its toughest year yet, will the Foyles bookshop girls make it through to victory together?

Praise for Elaine Roberts:

''A delightful story of friendship, love and hope during the dark days of WW1'' Elaine Everest

''It’s great to be back at Foyles Bookshop in London during WW1. The shop girls stories have been told before so this time it’s the turn of the Beckford family. Ellen the eldest daughter has to take on more responsibilities as her Father is accused of spying. Lots of great characters as well as those you love to hate'' Netgalley reviewer

''A book about working in a bookshop just what I love. This is another wonderful family saga in this series. A quick read but, very enjoyable'' Netgalley reviewer

''Kept me enthralled from start to finish'' Netgalley reviewer

''Offers a heart-wrenching insight into how hard life was for the women left at home and how emotions ran high as war continued. A highly recommended read that will pull at your heartstrings'' Netgalley reviewer

''Was immediately drawn in to this story'' Netgalley reviewer

''A real heart-warming read. Great story and characters, would love a sequel'' Netgalley reviewer

''A strong start to what looks to be a trilogy of books about these women and I cannot wait to go back and see how they are all faring'' Netgalley reviewer

''Skilfully crafted characters and an exquisite storyline all kept my attention from the first page to the last'' Netgalley reviewer

''If you''re looking for something to make you cry over your tea and warm your heart on a wintery morning, then this is a book you''ll want to reach for'' Netgalley reviewer

''The author did an outstanding job of finding a niche in the saga genre'' Netgalley reviewer