I love a cozy British historical fiction novel, with a great cast of characters, and Bloomsbury Girls by Natalie Jenner hit the nail on the head. This novel, set in a bookstore post-WWII is a must for book lovers. Our three main gals are Vivian, who can't seem to stay away from her coworker and rival, Alex, Grace, a wife struggling with the dissolution of her marriage, and Evie, the bookshop's newest employee who is on a mission to find a very specific book within the shelves. I loved the journey of each character, especially as it all came together for a very satisfying ending. Fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, The Chilbury Ladies Choir, and The Jane Austen Society will adore this one!

*New Release Today*

Thank you to @authornataliejenner and @stmartinspress for a gifted copy of Bloomsbury Girls by Natalie Jenner. All opinions are my own.

I loved The Jane Austen Society and especially like the fact that one of the character's story continues in this one. The bookmark says it all "One bookshop. Fifty-one rules. Three women who break them all."

Bloomsbury Girls takes place in the Bloomsbury Books bookstore in 1950. Three very different women bond over changes they would like to see for women in the world of books. Whether it's working in the bookstore or getting a book published these women want change.

Natalie Jenner has a way of mixing fiction and nonfiction in a way to make an enjoyable read and learn some historical facts at the same time. She made me curious enough about a few classic authors that I found myself online ordering more books.

I'm looking forward to future books from Natalie Jenner.

General Fiction (adult)
Historical Fiction
Women's Fiction
Release Date: May 17, 2022

In 1950 London, Bloomsbury Books survives on tradition and the 51 rules of its longtime manager Herbert Dutton. While the hidebound shop has three female employees––Vivien Lowry (an aspiring writer who lost her fiancé in the war), the unhappily married Grace Perkins, and Cambridge graduate Evie Stone ––the men have all the authority. But things change when Dutton takes a medical leave, and the women decide to modernize the shop. A delightful homage to change and the women who make it happen.

I enjoyed this book so much I’ve picked up a copy as a gift for my friend!

Books about books and bookstores are an automatic book-buy for me. In Bloomsbury Girls the author does an excellent job weaving the stories of these three women into the time period and stuffy old Bloomsbury Books. I loved all of their stories. I also enjoyed that the book featured literary figures of the time period including Daphne Du Maurier, Peggy Guggenheim, and others.

Recommended for book lovers, historical fiction readers, anyone looking for a compelling and heartwarming tale.

4.5 rounded up

4.5 Stars

Welcome to my stop on the Bloomsbury Girls Blook Tour. Thanks for the invite #AustenProsePR and thanks #Netgalley @StMartinsPress for a complimentary eARC of #BloomsburyGirls by Natalie Jenner upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Bloomsbury Girls is a spin-off of The Jane Austen Society but can be read as a stand-alone. The story takes place in an old bookstore in post-war London. Bloomsbury books is run by men and the staff is dedicated to following the general manager’s fifty-one rules; however, the three women working there have their own ambitions and dreams. Because it’s the 1950s and women have been thrust into the workplace while men have been at war. women are often taking leadership and asserting their own ideas which may differ from the way things have always been done. At this very traditional bookshop run by men, stylish and creative Vivian, hard-working Grace, and scholarly Evie join forces to shake things up a bit, add their own flair, introduce new ideas and procedures, and chase their own dreams. As a bonus, there is plenty of name-dropping of (their) contemporary literary legends.

Rules:

How many are too many?
If you encounter a rule, do you think about breaking it, ignoring it, or bending it?
Do you think women or men see rules in different ways?
When is a rule worth breaking?

Packed with historical detail, Bloomsbury Girls is a book about books, bookish people, women supporting women, and the writing life. The beginning of the story introduces us to all the characters (might want to take notes!). I loved the clever use of one of the manager’s fifty-one rules as chapter introductions! This strategy interspersed some lightheartedness and quirkiness among thoughtful themes. In addition, breaking and/or bending the rules adds interest to the story as it escalates the action. The latter part of the story nicely picks up the pace as we witness the three main characters “bloom.”

Although there are many characters, the three women characters chase their dreams and are well-drawn. It’s inspiring and sometimes entertaining to observe them take leadership, find their voices, and bend and break some of the fifty-one rules. Evie is a shy and unassuming character from The Jane Austen Society and it is fun to see her as one of the main leads here. (This story can be read as a stand-alone). Book lovers will enjoy the several appearances and/or references to many literary well-knowns of the era.

One interesting aspect that the story explores is the position of women in the post-war era. During the war, women enjoyed more opportunities to follow their dreams outside of the home and experience working in jobs traditionally held by men. When the men returned, they were surprised to find that the women were not ready to relinquish their newfound freedom and power.

“Vivian, like Grace, had joined had joined the shop just as the world was emerging from the ashes of war. Life back then had seemed full of possibility and freedom, especially for the women who had taken charge while the men were off fighting. This was the social contract that had been forged to sustain each of them during a time of great pain and sacrifice: of whom much had been asked, much would later be given.”

“But the past had a way of slipping back through even the tiniest of cracks in a fractured world. Women such as Vivian and Grace had hoped for a fresh beginning for everyone; but five years on, new opportunities for women were still being rationed along with the food. Those in power would always hold on to any excess supply, even to the bitter end.”

Lovely and thoughtful themes include women supporting women, friendship, finding your voice, taking risks, innovation, determination and perseverance, women in leadership positions, and thinking outside the box.

I’m enthusiastically recommending Bloomsbury Girls for fans of books about books and stories about strong women and for those who appreciate a post-WW11 London setting.

One of my favorite books in 2020 was The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner. Her new book, Bloomsbury Girls, is just as lovely! Set in a cozy, musty bookshop in 1950 London, this novel is a delightful yet poignant look at the lives of the workers in the bookshop - from the women yearning for more to the men who feel their power slipping away to an Indian immigrant who finds himself on the outside looking in.

Vivien is a feisty woman determined to shatter the glass ceiling of the literary world. I loved her bold and challenging way of taking down the men standing in her way (both in the literary and literal world!). Grace’s storyline was the most heartfelt with her devotion to her family and her deadbeat husband. Evie is a young woman with keen intelligence, just looking for someone to take her seriously.

The men in the story also have interesting lives but it’s the women who shine. Their tenacity and determination, earned by the hard-scrabble years of World War II, burst forth onto the page and make you root for their success!

I was captivated by all of the storylines, especially the plots that involved the angst of writing. I enjoyed reading about real writers from history who make an appearance and imagining their participation in the characters’ lives.

Jenner does a great job at weaving in details from her previous book but this is not a sequel so it’s not necessary to read before this book. If you love books about the literary world, be sure to pick this one up!

Loved this book! Natalie Jenner's follow-up novel to The Jane Austen Society is absolutely wonderful! The three women, Vivien, Grace, and Evie, working together at Bloomsbury Books, a rare books bookstore, are some of the best female protagonists in a book that I have read. This story takes place in 1950's London when women were looked upon as mostly homemakers and had to "serve" the men at home AND in the workplace. While these three women did put up with that to a point in the work place, they developed a great friendship and came together to make a big change in for themselves. This is an excellent book about friendship, love, determination, perseverance, and to not be afraid to follow your dreams. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the review copy.

Bloomsbury Girls is a wonderful follow up to Jenner's The Jane Austen Society. It is 1950 and Evie Stone has graduated from Cambridge. Evie soon finds that despite her intelligence and degree, the male dominated world of academia is closed to her. She travels to London and finds a job cataloging books in a bookshop. Here too, male employees virtually ignore Evie and her two other female co-workers. Evie however has an ulterior motive for working at the Bloomsbury bookshop; she is on the hunt for a rare book written by a female naturalist that she believes in hidden somewhere in the stacks. The other female employees have their own troubles. Vivien Lowry, who lost her fiancé in the war, has dreams of being a writer. She also has ideas to save the failing bookstore, but Vivien is thwarted by her boss Alec McDonough. Meanwhile, Grace Perkins who is the secretary to the manager, is working to support her two sons as well as avoiding the increasingly erratic behavior of her husband. The three women eventually pair up in an attempt to rescue the bookstore, as well as bettering each other’s lives.

While this novel builds on many of the characters introduced in The Jane Austen Society, it works as an engaging and complex standalone read. The strong female characters defy the obstacles thrown at them by their male counterparts as well as society itself. Besides the main characters, the bookstore itself becomes a backdrop to many literary figures of the time. Cameos abound with the likes of Daphne Du Maurier, Samuel Beckett, and George Orwell's widow Sonia Blair. Besides the themes of feminism and patriarchy, Jenner touches on racism and homophobia with her introduction of the minor characters.

In the end this is a charming and uplifting read which I could not put down. I fell in love with these three women and rooted for them until the end.

One of the first books I fell in love with in 2021 was Natalie Jenner’s “The Jane Austen Society” - so when I found out her second book was set to be released this May, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it!

“Bloomsbury Girls” is set in post WWII London & follows the lives of the staff at independent bookseller, Bloomsbury Books. Familiar characters from Jenner’s first novel appear in this story that follows Evie Stone (the servant girl at the Knight estate in Chawton and founding member of The Jane Austen Society) and her new colleagues at Bloomsbury. I enjoyed this book with its strong female characters and rich literary history. Reading historical fiction often leads me to looking up actual figures or happenings to see what inspired the story and this book was no exception. Big names like Guggenheim, Doubleday, de Maurier and George Orwell will be familiar enough to keep you wondering about all the factual connections alluded to in Jenner’s story. I think anyone who typically enjoys the genre - & especially those who love books, independent booksellers, & women evening the playing field - will love “Bloomsbury Girls.”

Thanks to @macmillanusa and @netgalley for the opportunity to read it in advance - “Bloomsbury Girls” is available NOW!

When I started reading this one, I had no idea that it was related to Jenner’s previous Jane Austen Society (which I loved) as the reviews I read did not mention it.

Set in post-war London (1950s), this story follows Evie Stone (from the previous book), a young woman who is among the first class of Cambridge female students to earn a degree. Though more qualified, she is denied an academic position at the college in favor of a rival male student. She lands at Bloomsbury Books, a 100-year-old bookstore as a rare book cataloger…with a secret agenda. The store is run by men, guided by the manager’s 51 unbreakable rules and includes a motley crew of eight employees. I loved them all.

Vivien is a temperamental, ambitious shopgirl who has been overlooked for a promotion and dreams of being a successful writer. Grace is a married mother of two with an unhappy marriage and grand but unfulfilled ideas for store improvements. Ash is a young man from India who is a scientist that has had to take a lesser position because he faces a different kind of discrimination than the women.

There are several themes at the heart of this story: female friendships/sisterhood support; discrimination in various forms; and taking steps forward for change (both for oneself as well as for the community). There is some romance, but the spotlight here is on the strong, supportive women who no longer want to serve at the tea breaks or blend quietly into the background. They want to be recognized for providing the inspiration, the backbone and the glue that holds the store together. This was a joy and a pleasure to read, and I recommend it wholeheartedly.

My thanks to Natalie Jenner, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing the free early arc of Bloomsbury Girls for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

Happy Publication Day to Natalie Jenner, author of Bloomsbury Girls! Thank you @Netgalley and @stmartinspress for the ARC. I adored Jenner’s last book, The Jane Austen Society, so was delighted to read her latest. Set in post-war London, in a century-old bookshop and featuring three amazing female characters–this was outstanding! I felt immediately transported and didn’t want to leave. If you like character-driven historical fiction, definitely give this a try.

Having read Jenner’s debut, The Jane Austen Society, I was intrigued to read her second novel. After all, it does take place in a bookshop (!!!) and is set in a period I love, the early 1950s. However, this book didn’t quite live up to my expectations.



What I did love about the book was the setting. Bloomsbury Books is a character itself with its rich history and quirks. Bookworms will feel at home as they read about this delightful bookshop.



I also liked the main characters, Vivien, Grace, and Evie. Each were strong women in their own rights and endearing women to read about. They were living, breathing women, each unique and relatable in many ways. I loved reading about them learning to stand up for their selves in many aspects of their lives. It was also a treat to read about real-life literary stars of the day, like Daphne du Maurier and Sonia Blair. Such fun!



There were several mature scenes throughout the book that took away from the reading experience for me.



Bloomsbury Girls is a fun and thought provoking look at women and literature in the post-war world. Certain scenes aside, I think this is a good book that many readers will enjoy.



I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I went back and forth between reading this and listening when I was doing other things. Every time I began again, I had to go back and remind myself what this was even about. It had the obvious theme of sexism and gender roles. But it put it in a neat little package of civility and politeness. The women were angry but not in a way that made their anger even interesting. I enjoyed meeting these women but I fear I will forget them shortly.

Bloomsbury Girls
by Natalie Jenner
St. Martin's Press
Pub Date: May 17

Readers and booksellers alike will adore Bloomsbury Girls, a 1950s spin-off of sorts from author Natalie Jenner's wonderful debut, The Jane Austen Society.

Some characters from the first appear in this latest, especially Evie, who joins the London bookshop, Bloomsbury Books, to secretly find a rare copy of The Mummy: The first woman-written science fiction book. What happens when she finds it sends the narrative awhirl!

This fine tale captured me as Evie and her colleagues -- widow Vivien and married Grace forced to work because her husband can't -- develop supportive relationships as they strive to realize dreams of a better life.

Across their path come luminaries from the literary and art worlds, including Daphne du Maurier, Samuel Beckett, and Peggy Guggenheim, who add richness to a story I absolutely loved. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the author, St. Martin's Press, and
and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.

#BloomsburyGirls #NatalieJenner #stmartinspress #NetGalley #1950LondonNovel #fiftiesbookstore #feminism #postwarBritain #booksellers #SequelTheJaneAustenSociety #bookstagramcommunity

I absolutely loved the jane Austen Society- so when I Saw that Jenner has a new book coming out I requested immediately. This book follows Bloomsbury books which has been in business for 100 years (since 1950). There are three women working at Bloomsbury books and they are at odds with the Male department heads. The men believe that they are in charge- but overtime you can tell that these three women are the ones calling the shots. I love that this book focuses on Evie who was in the Jane Austen Society- and I loved this connection so much! One of my favorite things about this book is that each chapter starts out with one of the 51 rules that the owner of the book shop has and that the contents of the chapter are focused around that rule. This book is such a great representation of strong women and how they can make so many changes, absolutely amazing!

Natalie Jenner's BLOOMSBURY GIRLS is remarkable. Not only is the story of Bloomsbury Books, a tradition-bound book store in rapidly changing, postwar 1950s London, but it is also a wise, layered view into the stories we are allowed to tell -- and to read.. Within the hierarchical, old world regimen of the bookstore, three women from very different backgrounds powerfully influence and forever change the lives of their fellow booksellers, book lovers, and themselves. What most impressed me about the book is that beyond the pitch perfect, nuanced views into lives is that I was inspired to look into authors who visited the store and to poke into the reality of a publisher devoted to publishing and selling the works of formerly lost or neglected works of fiction and nonfiction by women. I deeply enjoyed this read, wrapped up in the story and inspired by what I learned. I received an advance copy of this novel and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

wonderful!

Bloomsbury Girls is a wonderful follow-up to The Jane Austen Society. It would help if you have read the previous book but it is not necessary. You are plunged into the world of full service (including antiquated/rare) bookstores and the literary world in post ww2 Britain. Lots of real characters, strong women, and antiquated morals, men, and society. Such a rich and detailed setting, you feel like you are part of it. I highly recommend this book!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-constrained e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

As a thank you to netgalley and St. Martin’s press, I am writing this review for having received an advanced reader’s copy of Natalie Jenner’s second novel “Bloomsbury Girls.” After receiving and reviewing Jenner’s debut “The Jane Austen Society” in 2020, it easily became one of my anticipated novels of 2022. The novel is set in post war Britain after the events of “The Jane Austen Society”. The setting takes place mostly in “Bloomsbury Books” a rare and new bookstore, and features three women who are at the helm of change in publishing. Vivien Lowry, Grace Perkins, and Evie Stone have formed a connection due to the store and the many resources it possess. Together they plan to address concerns that are highlighted by Jenner’s brilliant research examining women authors of the time period bringing reverent attention to women authors who came before and explores their role in publication and overall writing careers. Jenner’s writing flows easily and captures the reader's attention by exploring the nuanced relationships featured. These women come in contact with affluent writers at the time (ex. Daphne Du Maurier, Ellen Doubleday, Samuel Beckett,etc) and reminds the reader how society evolves yet stays the same. Their messages evolve yet the stories remains the same. It is in this cycle of beginning,middle and end does Jenner have the landscape needed to tell her story. This novel is one that will stay with you after and give you wholesome vibes. It is everything you could want from an author whose care of the written word is as open and loved as what was produced here.Of five stars on goodreads I give this novel a high four out of five stars.

Bloomsbury Girls was a cozy, satisfying read. Set in a London bookstore post-war, it explores the lives of the staff, particularly the three women that work there. I enjoyed the depth of the three protagonists and the feminist themes running through the book. Jenner includes real historical figures from the time in the story (connected to the bookstore) which led me down some fun wikipedia rabbit holes.

I have not read Jenner’s The Jane Austen Society but would like to now. If you are a historical fiction fan, particularly set around WWII, you will enjoy this charming book!

I’m not really sure why nothing mentions that this is a direct sequel to The Jane Austen Society, a book I have not yet read but want to. There are many references to events of that book, but this book is totally understandable without having read its predecessor.

Set in post-WWII London, this book deals with issues that many women faced in that time. Having become accustomed to working while the men were away at war, many women found themselves at loose ends when the men came home and expected the women to return to domestic duties. Worse still, many men didn’t come home, leaving women without husbands and fiances. And those women who did venture into academia or professional life were often constrained by what was considered “appropriate” for them to do.

This sets the scene for us as we watch the women of Bloomsbury Books, a hundred-year-old London bookstore. Its owner is an occasionally hands-on lord. Its manager is exceedingly attached to his 51 rules, but when he has to take a medical leave, the women of the shop get to stretch their wings a little.

While there is a great deal of social commentary, there’s also a bit of mystery, as Evie searches for a “lost” volume of one of the first-ever science fiction books, which predated Frankenstein and was written by a 17-year-old girl.

All three of our women undergo a great deal of growth, with the help of each other and a cast of historical characters. Watching them learn to mold their lives into what they want, rather than what society tries to push onto them, is very satisfying.

It’s difficult to believe this book was nearly 400 pages—I read it in a day.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Homosexuality. Mild cursing. Unmarried people have sex—offscreen. Domestic abuse. Racism.

Who Might Like This Book:
If you love literature, this is for you. There are so many works of literature name-dropped. If you like to see strong women find their way, try this book. If you like well-researched historical fiction that includes lots of people who really lived, this will satisfy.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my opinion.

This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2022/05/new-this-week.html