The Library Girls of the East End - Patricia McBride

 

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, making sure everyone knows what the library can offer them.

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.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/LibraryGirlsSocials

My Review:

A very entertaining read from a new author to me. It’s the start of a series so I’m already looking forward to what is to come.

Cordelia has taken on the job of Head Librarian at an East End library, much to the disdain of her mother, who believes she shouldn’t lower herself and be amongst the poor. She meets her new library assistants, Mavis and Jane and soon set about making their library a thriving hub for the community. Set during the war, we discover how the characters ensure the library is a place where people can escape, take their minds off their problems but they can also find support for their problems too if they wish.

I loved the three characters, each very different but that’s what probably makes their friendship work so well. I only hope this friendship continues going from strength to strength. The more I learned about their backgrounds the more I took each girl to heart. They have had their work cut out for them to ensure the library can continue as it is but through their determination it proved to be an asset to the local area.

A story that was really easy to read yet entertaining, nothing too heavy or heart breaking but characters written with depth and warmth so you care about each. With many books set in war time, it is good to see a different perspective. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next. 

Author Bio:

Patricia McBride is the author of the very popular Lily Baker historical saga series. She is now writing a new WW2 series for Boldwood, based in the East End of London during the Blitz, the first title of which, The Library Girls of the East End, will be published in November 2023.

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