I have come to enjoy Rosie Clarke books. Christmas is for Children was a captivating tale of extreme hardship and an underlying romance during the 1930s depression. A tale of family tragedy with a young girl becoming pregnant which her mother tried to hide by claiming the child as her own. I was touched by Robbie and his sons true grit in trying to make money to put food on the table. As the truth began to unravel would Robbie and Flo continue the love they once had many years ago. It was sad at times but I didn't want to put the book down. Another great book from Rosie.

This is a first for me by this author but it won't be my last!!!

This is a Truly magical Christmas tale of hope and courage during the depression in the East End of London and docklands where this fabulous story is centred.
The Depression means Britain is steeped in misery and poverty but people do what they can to ease suffering by helping each other and pulling together as a community.

Robbie is a recently widowed father of 2 children... Ben and Ruthie... they are just adorable... Ben does lots of odd jobs to help his father who is struggling to find work to keep food on the table and warm their home.

Flo is the local baker and runs her shop with Honour, and between them they take care of their ailing father who has had 2 strokes... he's not an easy man and has a bit of a hard tongue to go with his bad temper... he doesn't make it easy for the girls... but Flo will not see her father go to the Infirmary.

Mr and Mrs Waters... an adorable elderly couple who lost both their sons to the war... friends with Ben and Ruthie... Mrs Water falls ill and Mr waters struggles to take care of her on his own... but he's stubborn and ends up having a 'little to do' as Nurse Mary called it... the community rally round... Robbie brings their beds downstairs to the parlour to make things easier and everyone plays their part to get them well again.

People are just trying to survive as best they can. For most Christmas has not been the best because of the poverty in the area, many children going without... but as a community with the local missionary John Hansen, puts on a wonderful Christmas meal for those without and with Flo and Honour's sweet gifts for the children the day is enjoyed by all, except the man who 'thinks' he can just take what he wants.

The Depression is very well portrayed here and there is so much hardship.
The atmosphere in the book is represented in a way that's second-to-none and I felt transported to the time period

Despite all the suffering, the Christmas scenes and how people come together is absolutely magical.

I can't say enough about this book... I highly recommend it.

Delighted to have an early copy from net galley in exchange for a honest review of Christmas is for children .
This is Truely magic Christmas tale of hope and courage through the harsh winter's during the depression in the East end of London and docklands where this fabulous story is centred.
Robert a young widower left with Ben and Rosie to care for try to hold down any work he could get as like so many there was the odd few hrs here and there they never starved had a warm bed at night and the greatest love from there dad with Christmas coming soon he was worried but he wasn't alone the kindness of neighbours was great and the two sisters who owned the bakery had taken a great shine to his kids this book has everything you need for xmas love laughter tears but above all compassion you are drawn in from page one and see this story unfold life is never straight forward I can't praise this book highly enough would definitely recommend to friends and family xx

This is a lovely story love,betrayal,friendship and fighting for what is right.Flo has had a hard life but has always stood proud and having the shop to work in has given her so much pleasure.I have always loved reading Rosie Clarke books and she does'nt disappoint you feel the pull of the story and the charactors.well worth 5*

Having read and enjoyed other books by this author i was looking forward to reading.this.
The book didn't disappoint. It's a great read and kept me engrossed from the beginning.

This is a difficult book to plow through. The era is so bleak, dark, and hopeless that you actually feel weighted down while reading it. Also, the written accents are difficult to read. The characters seem real, and lovable, and the premise to bring some happiness to the children at Christmas is a magnanimous one, but it's not enough to outweigh the other factors that make this such a hard read.

This story takes the reader to the East End of London as the Great Depression is taking its toll on everyone. There is a lack of work for men who have always worked hard for their families. This is a time before Britain adopted a national health plan and many people are ill and unable to afford a doctor's care or medicine.

Robbie is a widower and the father of two children, Ben and Ruthie. Robbie is doing all he can to keep his children fed and safe. Since his wife's death, his pride has been severely damaged because of feeling unable to overcome his lack of income.

Ben does errands around the neighborhood in order to earn a few pence. He uses it to buy food for himself and his sister. He also has put extra money in a fund to help his father. Ben's favorite neighbors are an elderly couple who have asked Ben to call them Granda and Granny. Ben knows the neighborhood very well and some things are not good for him to know.

Also in the neighborhood there is a local bakery owned by Flo. She works in the shop creating wonderful sweets along with Honour. Honour believes she is Flo's sister, but in reality she is Flo's daughter. Flo has devoted her life to the bakery and now she is also responsible for taking care of her father. He has had two strokes which have kept him bedridden. He has also become a tyrant. His bad temper has made friends stop visiting him and it has emotionally assaulted both Flo and Honour.

The local mission works to provide hot meals, minimal health care and some sort of entertainment. And the missionary works to save lives as well as souls. There are children who have no one to care for them. Everyone is facing some loss and sorrow.

The entire area is populated by people who are trying to deal with lives which have no relation to the past. As difficult as the present may be, people continue to try their very best to help others.

Christmas is quickly approaching. It seems there will be little celebration for most people of the East End.

Then there is a plan. Children deserve to have a Happy Christmas.

A good portion of this story creates an atmosphere that is very oppressive. The feeling of being hopeless permeates every corner of the neighborhood. If a reader had no idea about the Great Depression, this book would provide a very explicit description of the hardship and overwhelming conditions.

So, when the idea of a celebration for children comes along, it is as though there is suddenly sunshine everywhere.

The main characters are Robbie and Flo. Both of them are dealing with their children. Robbie wants to be able to provide a future for his children. Flo wants to allow Honour to have the life and happiness she missed.

Ms Clarke has created characters who are very human. Their lives are not easy but there is love and a strong sense of comfort.

The story is well written. The plot provides a very complete look at the East End at a difficult time in Britain and the world.

For me, at times the darkness of the situation became almost too much. But, it is saved by the sense of a community creating a joyous Christmas.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book!
I was excited to receive a copy of Rosie Clark’s newest book as I am a big fan of her work.
I Absolutely loved this book so much. Such a beautifully written story from start to finish. I can’t wait for her next book!