I was thrilled to read the second book of the Lark Lane Trilogy and find out what happens to Alice Lomax when the war is over and her husband Terry comes home for good.

Of course, there was an addition to the family during the war and now Terry must acquaint himself with daughter Cathy. As for Alice, she has left the munitions factory behind and now works in a department store with her best friend Sadie.

It was interesting to see how the aftermath of the war affected the people of Liverpool. Alice faces even harder struggles but the old friends are there to support as always.

Yet again this book is bursting with camaraderie, strong women and love. The author has a way of drawing you into the pages and not letting go. The book works fine as a standalone but the first book is just as good!

Beautifully written, genuine characters and a powerful message.

The Shop Girls on Lark Lane by Pam Howes continues on more or less from where we left off in book one - The Factory Girls of Lark Lane. It's August 1945 and Alice Lomax is adjusting to life with her husband Terry with him having recently been demobbed from the army. Things are taking some getting used to as Terry had been away for so long and they had not spent any time together apart from their wedding night, the very night their daughter Cathy was conceived. Throughout book one Alice was at the centre of everything, the stalwart who battled through every obstacle placed in her path and someone who did so with strength, determination and grace. She was a character I came to love and respect and so I was delighted to see this new book would continue on with her story.

Alice really has stepped up to be the mother figure as she has her younger brother Brian aged 15 living with her as well following the loss of their mother. Life should be happy, simple and contented for the family but Cathy is creating problems throwing tantrums and just generally not being herself and creating a distance between herself and Terry. This causes some strain amongst the family but really who could blame a child for not leaping into the arms of a man you had never met before. This gives the reader plenty of food for thought as this must have been the situation for so many families with men returning home from the war. They themselves changed by their experiences fighting and families altered too with the loss of a family member or new additions who simply did not know this person entering their lives. The war changed every aspect of people's lives and it was interesting to see how Pam Howes shone a light on an aspect I had given scant thought to previously. I did initially think would this form the basis of the entire book but I soon discovered this was not to be the case.

Although I felt the book got off to a slow start by the time I had finished the first quarter I found myself really getting stuck into things as the foundations had been laid and I could see how various strands of the story were going to be further developed and explored. Alice is no longer working in the Rootes factory as most men have returned home so now she works in the local department store and she believes herself and Terry can work hard to create a nice family unit which will be well provided for and taken care of. At weekends she works at the local legion which shows how she wanted to avail of every opportunity given to her with a long term goal in mind. I will say from fairly early on I wondered why was there so much fussing over Terry's decision to do up the motorbike but this decision led to a life altering event for Alice and her family.

A decision where once again just like during the war she has to remain strong and resilient and she must soldier on despite such heartache and devastation which she thought she had avoided with Terry's safe arrival home after the war. Alice had only just come to terms with adjusting to a new kind of normal life, free from air raids and the worry of a telegram arriving out of the blue. So this latest loss throws her off course but her strength and tenacity see her venture down a path. One which she believes will be beneficial and will help with the strain and financial pressure she is under having being left to raise Cathy and Brian solo. Women had learned to become independent during the war years and I believe it was this trait that saw Cathy begin to pick up the pieces, to reassess what the next step should be but always at the forefront of her mind were Brian and Cathy and their long term future. Would she put her own personal happiness to one side and make sacrifices for others?

Fellow co-worker at the legion, Jack, who we got to know a small bit in book one takes an even bigger step into the spotlight here and to be honest it soon became apparent he was a very changed character from the one we caught glimpses of before. I could see Alice wanted a stable and secure environment and future for the kids but it just all seemed too good to be true, like it all fell into place too easily at least for her. Although Jack liked a drink, initially he seemed a nice enough person yet saying that, there was always this niggle at the back of my mind. Were his intentions actually genuine or did he see a way in to Alice to get what he desired at a time when she was very vulnerable? I think he saw a sliver of vulnerability exposed and he pounced on it and once he was in there, he turned the screw ever so tightly and no way was he relinquishing the grip once he had begun.

She in turn needed her own quick fix solution to what she deemed as problems that were insurmountable. I believed Jack had ulterior motives and his controlling nature soon began to become apparent. He presented one side to the public and close friends but behind closed doors it was another story altogether. Yes Alice needed to make a change but in my mind she was being too hasty. She jumped at the first available opportunity thinking nothing else would come her way. Maybe she should have bided her time and stood back and assessed the situation more carefully. But I suppose if you are smack bang in the middle of a situation and you feel desperate as if no possible solution will arise than maybe you will go for what seems the easiest option. But will this choice lead to happiness or to hurt, anxiety and heartbreak? Will the wool be pulled from Alice's eyes? Will Jack continue the destructive path he is on and get away with things? Only time will tell and that's what kept me reading on and fully engrossed in this story.

I became so caught up in everything going on and really I just wanted to be able to step into the story and sit down and talk to Alice to explain what was going right at her very front doorstep. She gave up her security far too easily and all that independence that she had acquired during the war was slipping through her fingers at a rapid pace. There were scenes where I wanted to be able to tell other characters what they weren't witnessing and things just kept going on like that. Everything was building and building and then unexpected news for Alice again makes her stop and think. Yet still the big outpouring I had been waiting for didn't materialise it was almost as if she had lost some of her power and was in a trance and couldn't make a leap to get out of a situation. Backed into a corner springs to mind.

Even her friends Sadie and Millie began to notice things but I think although they were concerned they were too caught up in the dramas in their own lives. It was lovely to see both Sadie and Millie make a reappearance but I would love their stories to have even more prominence in the next book. I do realise this is Alice's story to tell but still Millie and Sadie have made an impact on me too.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Shop Girls of Lark Lane. It was a real strong follow up to book one and my god the last few chapters you could cut the tension with a knife and I was tormented by the way in which it ended.I was left desperately wanting answers and so gutted that I will have to wait until next year to see how things work out. If you haven't read the beginnings of Alice's story I would suggest you read these two books over Christmas and then you'll be nicely set up to see how the trilogy all pans out.

Absolutely loved this book. It is book two in the Lark Lane series. You could read it as a stand-alone, but you won’t want to once you start reading. Alice has had a hard time and thinks that marrying Jack will be the answer to her problems. Little does she know that this actually is the start of even more problems. I look forward to reading book three to find out how Alice and all her family and friends are doing. I highly recommend this book.

This is book #2 in the Lark Lane series. It can be read as a standalone book but to understand the background I would recommend reading the series in order.

The story continues from the first book in series, The Factory Girls of Lark Lane. The war is ending and Alice’s husband Terry has returned home to his family after fighting for his country. Things are just beginning to get back to normal for the family when tragedy strikes and changes Alice’s life.

I really love this series. The author has a definite knack of writing stories which just get you absolutely hooked 100% and tugs at your heartstrings. The first book of the series was wonderful and this book is just as good, if not better! I found myself gripped to the story of Alice and Terry, and as I read I also found myself remembering all the characters from the previous book. I loved Alice’s character and felt really sorry for her as the story went on. I could see what was happening and yet there was nothing I could do about it apart from shout at the pages of the book! In fact, apart from the obvious character (you’ll know who I mean when you read it!), I loved all the characters. They all gelled so well together and made for a fantastic group of friends. Even Granny Lomax went up in my estimation from the last book where I seemed to have her down as a bit of an interfering busy-body! This time I got it that yes she was still that sometimes, but her heart was definitely in the right place.

The book, as with a lot of books by this author, took in the atmosphere and surroundings of war-ravaged Liverpool absolutely perfectly! Having been to Liverpool several times, I could picture some of the places that were mentioned in the book – the Pier Head and the Three Graces being a couple to mention – yet because of the author’s descriptions I was seeing them through different eyes with bombed out streets and rationing still in place. This book was a great addition to the series, and I can’t wait for the next book to find out what is going to happen. It does have some sensitive issues, and it does make you reach for the tissues, but it’s a wonderful heart-warming read of love, loss, family and friendships. Fabulous!!!

Although these are not my usual reads, there is something about a family saga, written by this author that I can't resist. Pam has a wonderful talent and makes these books engaging, emotional, enjoyable and unputdownable. I was first introduced to Pam's books around the beginning of 2017, when the wonderful 'Kim Nash managed to convince me that the book that was due out at the time was well worth reading. That book was 'The Lost Daughters of Liverpool, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have since gone on to read many more of Pam's books and can safely say I haven't been disappointed.
It's a great change from Crime thrillers, it allows me to sit back, feet up and get lost in another time. The story is brilliant. Very well written. It flowed beautifully, Captures you from the word go,
​as this is the second book in this series, it was good getting back to know the characters again and seeing what they had in store for them this time around.
This really was an emotional book at times, I feel like I have been on a huge life journey with Alice. Alice is a character I've really enjoyed reading about. It was great to see her reunited with her love, her husband Terry. The war is over and life can get back to normal for this couple and their young daughter Cathy. That sounds lovely doesn't it, well sadly it wasn't meant to be for long, it's heart breaking when Terry is involved in an accident that takes his life.
Mourning and bringing up her daughter and her brother, Alice must do what is best for her and the kids, only is she making the right decision. Alice's life takes a huge a turn and I feel like I've just been through this part of her life with her.
This book brings out a number of emotions while reading it, and really is a first class page turner you really want to read.

The Shop Girls Of Lark Lane by Pam Howes.I did not know this book was the second book was the second book in the series. I will probably read the first book in the series now when I catch up on other arcs. The story was interesting. I have enjoyed reading about the forties as was the time by parents grew up. I did not like the abusive violence in the story. The book was well written though..

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. This is the second book in the series so I am afraid I did not finish it as need to read the first one. Got completely muddled with history and people.

This was a quick easy read that I really enjoyed. The story takes place after World War II ends when Alice Lomax is reunited with her husband, Terry, who had to leave right after they were married. Their brief time together before he left for war produced a baby girl, Cathy. After he was home for a short time, tragedy strikes and Alice has to make some lifestyle changes and decisions that may or may not be good for her, Cathy and her brother Brian who she is raising. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this very interesting book in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely love Pam Howes books. This one is a beautiful bittersweet story. Set just after the war. London is starting to be rebuilt and families are also being rebuilt with men coming back from the war. Loads of tears with this one. Thanks Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read this arc.

With Terry coming home after fighting in the war he & Alice are trying to get back to some normality. Cathy their little daughter finds it hard to adjust to having her daddy home but after a few outings she comes round and is a daddy's girl. Granny Lomax Terry's mum looks after Cathy when Alice is at work at Lewis.
Terry is besotted with getting his motorbike back on the road and with his friend Jack who looked out for Alice whilst Terry was away and when she lost her parents he seems to be her rock.
A tragedy occurs with Terry losing his life on his motorbike. Granny Lomax will never forgive Jack and doesn't like or trust him.
Things move on and Jack isn't the nice person everybody seems to think he is, he goes on to show his true colours.
I love all of Pam's books and this one was another very good story, it had me crying & scared for Alice. And frustrated for Granny Lomax.
I recommend it as a good read from a very talented storyteller.

If Alice and Sadie thought things would be easier after the war ended, they were wrong. Things got more complicated, for sure, but these two have a firm friendship that helps them through. Don't worry if you haven't read the first one, don't worry, you'll quickly find yourself wrapped in the tale. Alice's husband Terry really isn't the same when he comes back from war but then...well, there'a a tragedy. She's still working at Lewis, which is lucky because she has Minnie and Sadie to help her through that and an unfortunate decision. All three women are wonderfully written. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is a good old fashioned family saga about strong women.

I always get excited to see Pam Howes has another book out. This is the 5th book I have read of hers and she never disappoints. This is another 5 star read. This was excellent.
The story continues with Alice and Terry who has just returned from the second war. Terry is trying to get back too normal and bond with his daughter Cathy, with the help of Granny Lomax and Brian. Alice still works at Lewis and works part-time at the Legion with family friend Jack. We also mustn’t forget Alice’s friends Millie and Sadie. This time the story not only deals with love and loss but also but also domestic violence. What women had to deal with in those days, because they didn’t think they had anywhere else to turn too. So they lived in fear of their partners.
This is another gripping read that I didn’t want to put down. This author always writes such endearing novels, but this time with a twist. The story ended with a bit of a cliff hanger. I can’t wait for the next book.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

A great post-war saga, following the life of Alice, her family and friends, Alice has survived the war but personal tragedy has never been far away and just when she thinks she has everything to look forward to fate deals her another cruel blow. Times were very different then and domestic violence and abuse was part of everyday life for some women. especially if they had no means of escape. The author deals with it in a way that does not overshadow the rest of the story but it still had me cringing in places, A brilliant read, part of a series but could be read as a stand-alone.

Having read The Factory Girls of Lark Lane, and being a bit disappointed by it compared to The Liverpool Girls trilogy, I have to say this book was much better than The Factory Girls and although I was surprised by the sudden ending, it probably couldn’t have finished any other way as it’s quite clear there will be a follow up which I shall look forward to reading

A lovely read!
This is the first of Pam Howes books that I have read and I am now keen to get my hands on more.
The story follows Alice and Sadie, two young mum's who work together in the haberdashery of a department store. The war has ended and Alice's husband has just returned from the trenches. He is now starting to form a bond with his daughter that he has only just met for the first time.
Sadie is raising her son Gianni on her own as his father is an Italian circus worker who has chosen his job over his son.
I found it really interesting to see the "aftermath" perspective of war from the homes of all those families that were left to try and pick up after all of the loss they had endured and carry on. I I loved how each one of these characters developed they will definitely stay with me for a while. I found Alice and Jack's relationship a tough one to swallow....
A Heartwarming and heartwrenching read!

Thank you to Net Galley and Bookouture for the advanced copy!

Well i was really looking forward to reading Pam Howes new book as i do enjoy catching up with charactors and i was not disappointed.I have smiled,laughed, and cried.Alice and her friends have come through the war safe although they have lost family members and now standing on the station platform waiting for her husband to return from war.This book i feel has to be the best one yet to tell the tale that it does the subject of domestic violence is portrayed so well and with care.I don't want to give too much away so all i will say is read this book it's worth more than 5* in my mind and very well written well done to Pam Howes.

The first I’ve read from Pam Howes, I found that not reading the first in this trilogy wasn’t a hardship, as backstories and relationships for our main characters have been given context, and while I’m going to read the first, it didn’t effect my enjoyment of this one. War has ended and while the air is filled with hope, the adjustments aren’t always straightforward. Alice and Terry, having only spent one night as a married couple are back together, with Terry desperately trying to find a connection to the daughter he’s never met. But they are happy, if scraping to make ends meet, with Alice working in a shop downtown and also at a local pub on Saturday nights. With Terry finding work amidst the thousands of men searching, he’s decided he needs to get his motorcycle road worthy and starts (against Alice’s and his own mother’s wishes) to start the repairs with the help of Jack, the second in command at the pub where Alice works. Jack did not serve, an ‘injury’ that took half his foot made him unfit – and the first questions about Jack and his ‘honor’ enter the story.

Alice’s best friends, Millie and Sadie are also featured: Millie had met her new man at Alice’s wedding, and now they are marrying and moving to Bristol with plans to emigrate to Canada while Sadie is worried that the father of her child will return to take him away, a circus performer and Italian, the family and circus left when being Italian in England often meant being ‘secured’ in camps for national security. But with Sadie’s worries, and Millie’s moving away, Alice is steadily working to piece back her family and enjoy their time together. Everything is moving forward nicely until Terry is killed in an accident during his first ride on the bike. Cue Alice into ‘survival mode, working and struggling to make the life for her daughter and her younger brother who she has cared for since her mother’s death. With Jack stepping up and making it clear that friendship is not all he wants, it is decided that he and Alice will marry, and she’ll sell her house, investing her share of the money into a bond for the pub, so Jack can ‘take over” and with the flat above the business, everything looks like they can put money away, Alice’s dreams take a new direction. Much to the dismay of her mother-in-law and side-eye from many people in the neighborhood. Here is where Alice lost me a bit – she’s so unwilling to question Jack, or see his controlling and often erratic behavior as red flags – and his determination (and frequent statements) that kids are nothing he wants don’t deter her forward progress with their marriage.

Clearly pointing out the struggles and the limited choices available to women of the time, forget the additional pressures from wartime recoveries. It truly was a time when the best, and perhaps only, protections a woman had were those of husband and family – and Alice makes a choice, despite her own worries, to move forward and take a chance that life will improve. Where I understand the conditioning to allow the husband be the man of the house, Alice survived and managed a house, 2 children and a job while Terry was away at war, yet she’s willing to ‘let’ Jack be the lead in everything…. Surprisingly enough, she had kept paperwork and proof that if used, will allow her a bit of a say in the business and their life moving forward, and with a promotion at work, and that feeding her self-esteem and confidence, all is moving forward, if cautiously – until Alice finds herself pregnant. It would be nice to see actual changes in Jack during Alice’s pregnancy, but the ‘I’ll change” moment at the end, from someone who very clearly was EVERYTHING that people tried to warn her about wasn’t quite enough for me to find this chapter in the trilogy resolved with any sense of permanence. But – I loved Millie and Sadie, and the connection the three share, and hope that more will resolve for all three in the final book.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-abK /” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

This story is about a mother and widow trying to make a life and marries a man who is not all that he seemd.

what an amazing book. Loved it from beginning to end
I loved the authors style of writing and will be looking for other books by this author.
I would recommend this book to friends and family

If you like books about WWII, The Shop Girls of Lark Lane is a terrific read.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author. All opinions are my own.