A book lovers dream read. Great characters and love the ongoing theme from “The Jane Austen Society”.

Bloomsbury Girls is the companion to Jenner's previous novel The Jane Austen Society and takes place in London in 1950 and follows the employees of the Bloomsbury Book store. I always appreciate a "book about books" and this one definitely fit the bill. Beyond the bookstore setting, there are tidbits sprinkled throughout about 18th and 19th century literature.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Bloomsbury Girls mostly focuses on the three women working at the store: Vivien who is trying to piece her life back together after the death of her fiance in the war, disillusioned wife and mother Grace, and recent university grad Evie who was passed over for a job in academia, but we also see the perspectives of some of the male employees as well, making it an ensemble cast book.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I don't love ensemble casts because I feel like that it's too easy for the focus to be lost, and that's exactly what happened here. There is a lot going on, including lots of good character development but also several romantic storylines and issues going on the characters' personal lives. This means that it's nearly impossible to distinguish between protagonists and supporting characters, between the main storylines and subplots. I wasn't able to really get invested.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
There are great things going on in Bloomsbury Girls, such as commentary on the attitudes towards girls and women in the mid-20th century. It just really suffers from its overabundance of characters and being difficult to follow.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Bloomsbury Girls by Natalie Jenner is a captivating historical fiction novel that takes readers back to 1950s London, where three women working at the iconic Bloomsbury Bookshop strive to change their lives and careers in a world dominated by men. The story beautifully blends personal struggles, ambition, and the power of books, all while highlighting the bonds of friendship and the resilience of women. Jenner's writing is rich in detail, bringing the post-war atmosphere to life with warmth and wit. Fans of character-driven stories and bookish settings will enjoy this delightful and empowering read.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 STARS

Bloomsbury Girls offers a charming glimpse into post-WWII London, with rich character development and a heartfelt exploration of women's struggles in the literary world. While the pacing occasionally lags, the strong bond between the three main characters makes for an engaging read. A delightful, though imperfect, story of friendship and self-discovery.

I received an advanced digital copy of this novel from the author, publisher and NetGalley.com.

This novel is a absolute gem! A must read for fans of Ms. Jenner and The Jane Austen Society.

5 out of 5 stars.

This historical fiction book was a joy to read. Whether you are interested in historical fiction or not it is well-written and presents a great story. You get a history full of details including historical individuals. The characters are strong and well-developed. The narrative keeps the reader engaged. This book opens up history and London as it was during this time to readers. It also gives readers an insight into the characters and what they are going through from the challenges and frustrations to what their life was like in society. The writer is talented in her writing and bringing characters to life as well as her story. She brings a genuine feeling story full of strength and history that is a wonderfully plot-driven story and intelligent. This is also a fantastically written story of self-discovery and courage. This book has got it all!

A fun read about a bookstore. run by men, and the women employees who they underestimate. I did not realize this was a series, but it can certainly be read as a stand alone novel.

Thank you #StmartinsPress and #NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

A slow, sweet read set in post WW2 England. I didn't dislike it, it was just hard for me to connect with the story and the characters. I tried. I really did. Overall a delightful book for someone who enjoys a slower sweet read.

I received an advanced copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to NetGalley, St Martins Press, and Natalie Jenner. 🩷

Austen society #2 does not disappoint! I love the interweaving of the characters, the plot is fantastic, and the camaraderie is second to none.

I really enjoyed this story of women standing up to the men in a 1950's bookshop in England. All of the characters are simply lovable and I was rooting for them wholeheartedly. A delightfully, sweet read!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy of this book for my honest review.

A fun sweet read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my ARC.

I loved this book! It's well-written, enjoyable, and a great read. Natalie Jenner did a great job of writing in a way that captures the readers attention, and makes you not want to put it down until you're finished! I would highly recommend it!

A slow, dreamy visit to Bloomsbury Books. It's post WWII 1950s London and three amazing women work in the bookstore amidst the men who are resisting change at every turn. I was immediately immersed in the time period and in the lives of Vivien, Grace and Evie. A lovely historical fiction novel to read when you want to be fully engaged in a lovely story.

This book was such a pleasant surprise to return to after a lengthy absence. My only regret is not finishing it when I started it. The characters are we developed and time period appropriate, with so many wonderful person characteristics as to make them each memorable. This book is going to sit in my thoughts for a long time.

Bloomsbury Girls is an exquisite and enthralling novel that pays tribute to the influence of literature, women, and friendship. It is an ideal selection for admirers of historical fiction, books about books, and Jane Austen. I would earnestly endorse it to anyone who appreciates a well-crafted story with remarkable characters and a touch of history.

I really enjoyed this book and am so thankful to have an early copy! You'll love it, especially if you are a histoical fiction fan! Thank you so much to netgalley for this advanced readers copy!

Any novel portraying female authors is at the top of my list. Bloomsbury Girls did not disappoint. The second I. The Jane Austen Society and it’s a must read. It’s a journey through books that will make your heart smile.

I enjoyed this slow burn historical fiction set just after WW2. Strong female characters and a book store - what’s not to love!

I loved this book. I loved the characters and the pace of the story. Thanks Net Galley for an advance copy. I have recommended to my book club and my mother who loves reading tooQ

I really enjoyed this story about the women and pushing themselves in a man's world bookstore. Very descriptive and you felt you working right along with these women. Great story.