This is the second book in the saga and would probably recommend reading the books in order, mainly just to get a bit of back ground to the characters and get to know them better. It isn’t imperative to do so though.

Thankfully the war is now over and things look like they are finally on the up for Alice and her little family with her husband Terry back at home. Sadly that happiness doesn’t last for long. You can’t help feel for Alice who has had it tough and now things are going to get even harder.

What I love about this story is the bond of friendship and family. Alice is lucky to have some great friends as well as have her mother in law look out for her, of which she isn’t sadly always grateful for. Her younger brother is a massive help also with her daughter Cathy and I think it really makes you value the people you have round you.

I don’t want to say to much about the story as there are some unexpected surprises, of which had my heart break for Alice. It really makes you question how well you know someone. I have no clue what is next for Alice but I am already counting down the days until the next book is out.

The Shop Girls Of Lark Lane is another enthralling read in the sage. As usual with this authors books, from picking it up, I never want to put it down until I’ve reached the last page. Even then, the characters stay with me well after I’ve put the book down. Usually if it’s been a while since I read the last book, I sometimes need to look back at the previous blurb to remind myself of the story and characters but not with Pam Howes books,they stay with me regardless. An unforgettable and engrossing read.

It was truly wonderful to see the war - and its aftermath - from the perspective of a woman. We read so many books about men at the front, but what of the woman who stayed behind and had to compensate in the workplace for the loss of their husbands in their towns? I'm thankful that someone finally dared to write about it.
The story if this little family was heartwarming and I loved following their story. I read this book in almost one sitting.

This is the fifth book that I have read by Pam Howes and the second in the Lark Lane trilogy . Like the others I have read this was another absolutely brilliant five star read . In this book we are back with Alice and her husband Terry who has just returned from the Second World War . He is finding it difficult to bond with their young daughter Cathy as he has been at war since she was born . We also catch up with Alice’s friends Millie and Sadie and other people who were introduced in book one . This book can be read as a stand-alone as the author gives us a good background information but I loved the first book (The factory girls of lark lane ) so much I highly recommend reading jt

So back to this book - a wonderful war time saga that is perfect for reading curled with by the fire with a nice hot drink . From the first few chapters you will be hooked and won’t want to put this book down until you find out more about Alice and how she and her family and friends are getting on with life after the war .
I am so looking forward to book 3 in this wonderful war time saga.

This was a wonderful read! Book 2 in the Shop Girls series.
I had a tough time with Alice and Jacks relationship however I had to keep reminding myself that times were very different.
The door was definitely opened for a book 3....I am anxious to see what direction the story will go next. I enjoy Pam Howe’s books, I love her writing style.

.An English saga that drew me right in love the people the families the drama the friendships romance.highly recommend a large box of tissues for this tear at your heart emotional read,#netgalley #bookoture.