Patricia McBride – författare

The first instalment in a BRAND NEW series from bestselling author Patricia McBride

With war looming, it''s a dark chapter for the Library Girls

1940, London

When Cordelia accepts the post of head librarian in Silver Town Library, her mother is more than a little disapproving. The East End has high levels of poverty and illiteracy, and her mother says it’s no place for a woman of her status.

But Cordelia is determined to make a difference in these times of strife, and along with her colleagues, Jane and Mavis, she begins to help the local community.

And maybe even a romance will blossom, giving Cordelia the strength to make it through the chaos and destruction that constantly threatens their livelihood.

Against a background of war, air raids and rationing, it becomes clear the library is more than a building filled with books - it is the beating heart of a community refusing to be torn apart.

''a compelling story of friendships and the hardships of war, with excellent sketches of the East End. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend.'' Rosie Clarke

''If you like Dee Williams'' books about Silvertown and Rotherhithe, you''ll love Patricia''s Library Girls series.'' Lizzie Lane

''I was hooked from page one. Rich in historical detail and with characters you feel you know... Highly recommended!'' Lynette Rees

''A brilliant read - the sort of book you can immerse yourself in completely ... You couldn’t read the story without it reaching your heart, or without wanting to know what will become of these women'' Fran Smith

The library girls are back, striving for a better tomorrow

As the war reaches London, they’ll band together…

War strikes close to home for chief librarian Cordelia when her flat is bombed, and her beloved Robert is called up and sent abroad. Fortunately, her colleagues Mavis and Jane can help see her through hard times.

The three friends find purpose in making the Silvertown library a friendly sanctuary for their deprived and devastated community. But sinister forces, from callous bureaucrats to crafty criminals, still lurk among the stacks. Worse, Jane’s soldier husband is injured and suffers both physically and mentally.

With so many struggles Cordelia and her friends might need more than books to survive war''s shadow. Can they find light in the darkness?

A captivating tale of resilience and determination, perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane, Elaine Roberts and Lesley Eames.

''a compelling story of friendships and the hardships of war, with excellent sketches of the East End. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend.'' Rosie Clarke

''If you like Dee Williams'' books about Silvertown and Rotherhithe, you''ll love Patricia''s Library Girls series.'' Lizzie Lane

''I was hooked from page one. Rich in historical detail and with characters you feel you know... Highly recommended!'' Lynette Rees

''A brilliant read - the sort of book you can immerse yourself in completely ... You couldn’t read the story without it reaching your heart, or without wanting to know what will become of these women'' Fran Smith

''This took me to the east end of London during the blitz, so well written and researched. Great storytelling, very evocative.'' ★★★★★ Reader Review

''I couldn''t put it down! The characters and their stories. It is well written and researched'' ★★★★★ Reader Review

''Such a well written book like the ones before ,very readable and full of characters that are so believable.'' ★★★★★ Reader Review

A touching story about triumph over tribulation, as the library girls make the most of the festive period

As the war continues, the library girls face their greatest challenge yet...

With the echoes of war reverberating around London, Cordelia, Mavis, and Jane are delighted to be blessed with some good news: the King and his Queen will be making a visit to the East End.

As excitement builds, so does their apprehension. With each passing day, the threat of destruction from air raids increasingly plagues their worried minds.

But with Christmas on the horizon, their morale is at an all-time high, and the girls are determined to display to their esteemed guests all they have done with the library – and with so little.

For Mavis especially, she is more focused on the library than ever – her beloved Joe is still fighting overseas and she is waiting for news on whether she might adopt young Joyce.

But perhaps the royal visit will not be the only Christmas gift she''ll be surprised with this year…?

A captivating tale of resilience and determination, perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane, Elaine Roberts and Lesley Eames.

Praise for the Library Girls series

''a compelling story of friendships and the hardships of war, with excellent sketches of the East End. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend.'' Rosie Clarke

''If you like Dee Williams'' books about Silvertown and Rotherhithe, you''ll love Patricia''s Library Girls series.'' Lizzie Lane

''I was hooked from page one. Rich in historical detail and with characters you feel you know... Highly recommended!'' Lynette Rees

''A brilliant read - the sort of book you can immerse yourself in completely ... You couldn’t read the story without it reaching your heart, or without wanting to know what will become of these women'' Fran Smith

''This took me to the east end of London during the blitz, so well written and researched. Great storytelling, very evocative.'' ★★★★★ Reader Review

''I couldn''t put it down! The characters and their stories. It is well written and researched'' ★★★★★ Reader Review

''Such a well written book like the ones before ,very readable and full of characters that are so believable.'' ★★★★★ Reader Review

The next instalment in the Library Girl series, a heartwarming and rousing story of women standing up for their rights!

As the war nears its end, the library girls rally for their community...

With London still in the grip of war, Cordelia, Mavis, and Jane find themselves facing a new challenge. Determined to make a difference, the librarians band together to organise rent strikes, standing up against dirty landlords and unfair practices.

Meanwhile, with the arrival of American GIs in the East End, Cordelia is presented with a temptation too irresistible to bear. Should she follow her head or her heart – stay faithful to her beloved Robert fighting abroad, or enjoy the brief respite from the constant air raids and destruction?

As the women fight for what’s right, the promise of a better tomorrow begins to take shape. But will their efforts be enough to secure a better life for their community?

A stirring tale of courage and camaraderie, perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane, Elaine Roberts, and Lesley Eames.

Praise for the Library Girls series

''a compelling story of friendships and the hardships of war, with excellent sketches of the East End. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend.'' Rosie Clarke

''If you like Dee Williams'' books about Silvertown and Rotherhithe, you''ll love Patricia''s Library Girls series.'' Lizzie Lane

''I was hooked from page one. Rich in historical detail and with characters you feel you know... Highly recommended!'' Lynette Rees

''A brilliant read - the sort of book you can immerse yourself in completely ... You couldn’t read the story without it reaching your heart, or without wanting to know what will become of these women'' Fran Smith

''This took me to the east end of London during the blitz, so well written and researched. Great storytelling, very evocative.'' ★★★★★ Reader Review

''I couldn''t put it down! The characters and their stories. It is well written and researched'' ★★★★★ Reader Review

''Such a well written book like the ones before ,very readable and full of characters that are so believable.'' ★★★★★ Reader Review

Her fresh start is just beginning. But the world is on the brink of war.

England, 1939. Lily Baker wants more from life. Working at the local cinema, she saves her pennies so she can have a chance to get ahead. After she’s attacked one night while locking up the cinema, she loses her heart to her dashing rescuer…

But this lovely man is as different from her as can be. When the town is divided, pitting the wealthy elite against the poor working class folk like Lily, she finds her allegiance is torn.

And worse: the looming threat of war threatens to separate them forever. Will the dangerous times rob a young woman of her only chance at love?

The heartwarming first book in The Lily Baker Series, perfect for fans of Elaine Everest, Vicki Beeby and Daisy Styles.

Join Lily as she steps up and does her part for the war effort!

With German bombs falling on London, one brave young woman will rise to the occasion…

England, 1940. Only given two days leave after barely escaping Nazi troops in Paris, Lily Baker visits her fiancé’s family and is dismayed to learn he’s still missing in action. And going from an exciting overseas telephonist post to a routine office assignment leaves her bored… until the Blitz begins.

Joining the Air Raid Protection service, Lily’s perilous new role puts her on the chaotic frontlines of deadly shelling and scared crowds turning hostile. But despite her heroism, she is plagued by guilt when she starts feeling attracted to a fellow A.R.P. member.

As her beloved’s death remains unconfirmed, can Lily do her duty while keeping her heart from harm?

The thrilling third book in The Lily Baker Series. If you like patriotic self-sacrifice, hair-raising danger, and meticulous period detail, then you’ll adore this WWII epic

Previously Published as The ARP Girls

Praise for Patricia McBride:

''a compelling story of friendships and the hardships of war, with excellent sketches of the East End. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend.'' Rosie Clarke

''I was hooked from page one. Rich in historical detail and with characters you feel you know... Highly recommended!'' Lynette Rees

''A brilliant read - the sort of book you can immerse yourself in completely ... You couldn’t read the story without it reaching your heart, or without wanting to know what will become of these women'' Fran Smith

''This took me to the east end of London during the blitz, so well written and researched. Great storytelling, very evocative.'' ★★★★★ Reader Review

''I couldn''t put it down! The characters and their stories. It is well written and researched'' ★★★★★ Reader Review

''Such a well written book like the ones before ,very readable and full of characters that are so believable.'' ★★★★★ Reader Review