I love these historical novel and this a good one: compelling, festive, and full of emotions.
I was glad to catch up with the characters and loved the plot
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I enjoyed this book, it gave a very Christmas flavour with all the excitement of library life. The girls showed their supportive natures for the library users. It’s a comfort read.

This is the third book in the East End Library Girls series and another brilliant book from Patricia McBride. Once again, we are immersed in the lives of the Eastenders of London, during the traumatic and difficult times of the Second World War, but this Christmas, they have the excitement of a visit from the King and Queen of England to look forward to!

Cordelia, Mavis and Jane are back between the pages of our book and honestly, I adore them. They are the stalwarts of the Silvertown library, which is very much the heart of the community, bringing people together for friendship during these hard times. The story and the characters are just so warm and endearing. Despite the setting, you can’t help but be drawn into their camaraderie and love.

If you like warm, light-hearted, historical fiction, then pour yourself a cup of tea, put your feet up and enjoy Patricia’s latest book about these brilliant east-end girls.

Thank you to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review A Christmas Gift for the East End Library Girls by Patricia McBride.

A brilliant read, great storyline and was fab catching up with all the girls again, finding out what they have all been up to, a great sense of community spirit which sees some characters come out of their shell a lot more, wonderful read

A Christmas Gift For the East End Library Girls the third book in a charming, heartwarming women's fiction series set in London during WWII. Cordelia, Mavis, and Jane continue working together at the East End Library as war rages on. Christmas is approaching and in this outing, the King and Queen plant to visit their branch of the library. This is exciting for everyone, but also stressful for the three ladies. Will they get the library ready for the visit? Can they repair damage from the air raids? While they go about their personal lives, the members of the community pitch in to help get the library ready.

I really enjoy books about the home front and how those left behind survive and move forward with their lives. All three of the ladies have someone they love fighting and each is able to come home at some point in this book. While they work to keep up the spirits of everyone in the East End, and work hard to make the library a central place to spend time, each of them is dealing with a personal issue. With the support of each other and people in the community, they work through various problems and situations. I did enjoy the Christmas feel to this book. It would be difficult to enjoy Christmas amidst the danger of bombings, the fear that something might happen to your loved one or yourself, but they do what they can, especially for the children. Themes in this book and series include women supporting one another, domestic abuse, sexual assault and the results, communities helping one another, danger of war, love, PTSD, and more. If you enjoy books set during war, but dealing with those left at home or women stepping up and supporting one another, then I highly recommend this book and series.

Such a great read! Highly recommend this one.

Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

In the latest East End Library book, the holidays are upon Cordelia, Mavis, and Jane when they receive the news that the King and Queen will be visiting the East End and their library just before the holidays. After a hard year of bombings and personal challenges, this news is incredibly exciting, though the pressure of a royal visit is certainly on. Knowing how much this visit will mean to the community, the three women -- Mavis especially -- throw themselves into preparations, but holiday cheer and surprises are around the corner for all of them. A fascinating and heartwarming continuation of the series, readers are sure to enjoy Cordelia, Jane, and Mavis’s lives during a World War II winter. McBride’s characters are, as always, charming, lively, and heartwarming, and their interactions with each other and their loved ones really add to the heart of this novel. The emotional stakes are really present in this novel, and the added emotion of the winter holidays amplifies the interpersonal connections that are so critical to this novel. A strong sequel with real emotion and lovely, compassionate characters, readers are sure to love McBride’s latest book and her description of a winter day in the East End Library.

I love this saga series. Mavis is one of my favourite characters and I'm glad in this novel we got a little more Mavis time. It is clear to see over the books how much Cordelia has grown as a character, you really do forget that she is a Lady. It may have Christmas in the title but for me it is far from a Christmas book, it touches on Christmas but it is mostly about the preparations for the Royal visit. I really hope that there is more from this series as it is a great series. If you like a saga novel, I recommend this one as it a story that you can't put down.

A Christmas Gift for the East End Library Girls is the third book in the engaging Library Girls series by talented writer, Patricia McBride.

Set in 1941 Silvertown, London East End after the Blitz, the story unfolds at the library where Mavis eagerly awaits news on adopting young Joyce while her son Ken, serves overseas. Amidst the gloom, Mavis finds solace in her work alongside Cordelia, Jane and volunteers Tom. As they strive to boost spirits with community activities, an unexpected honour contest their way when the King and Queen express an interest in visiting the library after hearing about the Stirling work the team have been doing. Will they manage to prepare in time?

Patricia’s novels effortlessly transport readers back to World War Two era, offering a captivating tale that resonate are with the characters experiences. The anticipation for more stories from the Library Girls is real!

Don’t miss out on this captivating read. .

Book 3 in the East End Library Girl series . I can honestly say this series gets better and better with each book . Everything about this book was wonderful. The brilliant characters and a superb story . This is one of these books once you start reading it’s impossible to put down . I absolutely loved it .⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Chistmas Gift for the East End Library Girls is book #3 in the Library Girls series by Patricia McBride, however, I read this without reading the other books in the series. Set in World War II, this historical fiction novel features a visit from the King George and Queen Elizabeth. 

Following three kindhearted women in the devastated, war torn East End of London, who find ways to help there local community as they struggle through these hard times with very little. 


The community bonding and efforts of the locals that do what they can when they have the spare time and with their available materials is so heartwarming. 


There are mentions of rape, abortion, and family disownment within this story but there are no real details and is only a quick reference to the past. 

This book would be great for historical fiction lovers who are interested in a holiday time setting without an over emphasis on Christmas, extravagant gifts, and decorations. If you have read the other books in the Library Girls series or enjoy other books by Patricia McBride.


Overall Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed the characters within this story and the community they shared. The relationships within this book and the connection is really the driver for my rating so, if you're like me and enjoy this aspect of books you may love this one. It was a bit slow but I know that happens with historical fiction so I was expecting it and does not negate this being a great read and I would recommend you pick this one up!

This book is the third book in the series and it works perfectly well as a standalone, but I have now downloaded the first book, so I can start from the beginning.
It’s World War II, 1941 and the three girls work at the East End library in London. They receive a telephone call saying the king and queen want to visit and this begins a whole load of excitement, but also panic as they realise the library needs some sprucing up before a royal visit. Luckily, there’s a really good community spirit in Silvertown and many people turn up offering to help.
You follow each girl’s story throughout the book. There’s Lady Cordelia Carmichael, who is the boss at the library. Her boyfriend Robert is away fighting. As well as working at the library, she also volunteers for the Women’s Voluntary Service helping to pack parcels up to send to the soldiers.
Mavis Kent has a boyfriend fighting in the War and a son Ken, who is in Scotland. She found an orphaned little girl, Joyce, who she hopes to adopt one day. She currently lives in a children’s home, but comes over for visits. Mavis is hoping she will spend Christmas with her too. The Mavis and Joyce storyline was my favourite.
Jane’s husband George is away and their daughter Helen has just come home after being evacuated to a farm. She finds it hard to settle in back home and then George arrives back from the war.
I really enjoyed this book. It has a bit of everything – romance, good times, sad times – and I loved the friendship between the girls. It’s well-researched, atmospheric, and feels authentic to the time. I enjoyed being immersed in the 1940s and feeling how it would have felt, dealing with things like rationing, shortages, bombings and air raid shelters.
The chapters are a good size and I got into the story straight away, especially following the three women and what happens to each of them over the book. It is a very heart-warming novel with its friendships and kindness. It’s a feel good, uplifting story which reminds you of the simple pleasures from the time, when a child was happy with a second hand book or a homemade dress.
I’m now looking forward to reading book one, to find out how it all started.
I love reading this genre and will add this author to my ones to look out for their new releases and other books they have written.

A Christmas Gift For the East End Library Girls is the third in the series, set in London during WWII.

Cordelia, Mavis, and Jane continue to work at the East End Library as they endure effects of the war. With news that the King and Queen plan to visit, can they get the library ready in time?

A zero angst read of friendship and community during WWII.

I received an ARC from NetGalley, and all opinions are my own.

I absolutely adored this heartwarming work of historical fiction. If you loved The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan or The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Bradley, this is a work of historical fiction you must pick up. This was my first entry into the series and I had no issues following along. I read this in one sitting and it was fun to escape to Christmas in London while it was a billion degrees in my real life.

The story features such strong characters even in the face of the hardships of war–you can’t help but admire them. And while they face those hardships, they also make the best of what they have. They are creative and thoughtful and there for each other in the face of the ups and downs of life. It’s a gentle, character driven story that I could not put down and I was sorry when it ended. I actually hugged my kindle when I finished. I will be investigating the previous entries to the series and eagerly hoping for more to come.

I instantly requested this book after scrolling and coming across the cover. While I waited for my request I found the first two books in the series and absolutely devoured them. The three main characters feel like old friends! I wanted to save this one for the holidays but I was just so curious to see what the library girls were up to. I loved this sweet story that's full of friendship, hope, and community. It really captures why libraries are so valuable.

A Christmas Gift for the East End Library Girls is the third installment in Patricia McBride’s World War II saga, set against the backdrop of the Blitz in London’s East End, one of the hardest-hit areas during the bombings. The story picks up in October 1941, with London still reeling from the relentless German air raids. Mavis, Cordelia, and Jane, the beloved Library Girls, are shocked when they receive an unexpected call from Buckingham Palace—the King and Queen wish to visit their library. Overwhelmed by the honor, the women are at a loss as to how they will spruce up their tired-looking building with the limited resources they have.

However, true to the resilient spirit of the East End, the community and library patrons rally to help. Even the most difficult and unlikely characters come forward, offering their skills, assistance, and cherished possessions to ensure the library is ready for the royal visit. As if the challenge of preparing the library isn’t enough, Christmas is fast approaching, adding another layer of pressure to their already demanding lives in Silvertown.

The story unfolds at a slow pace, allowing readers to get to know the protagonists better. Mavis is determined to adopt a little girl orphaned by the bombings. Jane, whose husband is away fighting on the front lines, is heartbroken and lonely as she misses her daughter, who has been sent to the countryside for safety. Cordelia, whose beloved Robert is serving as a doctor on the front, runs the library, which has become a haven for the women and Tom, their young volunteer, who have become like family in these trying times.

Through the lives of the Library Girls, Patricia McBride poignantly explores issues such as domestic abuse, post-traumatic stress, and the devastating impact of war. Despite its moments of heartbreak, A Christmas Gift for the East End Library Girls is a tribute to the women who endured unimaginable physical and emotional hardships during the war. It is an enjoyable read that honors their strength and resilience.

I'm reviewing this for NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This historical saga is the third book in the Library Girls series, following the lives of the librarians at a London library during WWII. I enjoyed the previous books in the series, so I was quite looking forward to this.

When I started reading this, it wasn't long before I escaped to 1940s London. I was pleased to see the return of some characters that I recognised from the previous books. I also really liked Ann, who was a newly introduced character.

I appreciated some of the references to books and literature throughout the book. There was a lovely festive feel, and it seemed to me that helping others, and giving to others in need, were key themes in the story. Whether you're looking for a festive read or not, this was comforting and heartwarming to read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

This is the 3rd installment of the East End Library Girls series and focuses on our favorite librarians holding down the fort at the Silverwood Library during WWII. They get the news that the King and Queen are visiting their library, and the librarians and customers work together to make it a welcoming place for their visit. Mavis is trying to adopt Joyce, Jane is welcoming back her daughter from the farm she was living on, and her husband from the war. Cordelia is making due without her love Robert, as he is fighting off in Africa and running the library as her mother is adjusting to her new role supporting the war efforts.


I enjoyed the newest book in the series. The series focuses on women supporting women on the homefront during the war. As well as how the library became a part of the community, helping them and bringing them together as they dealt with bombings, and loss, and supporting each other through these ideals.


Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley @rachelsrandomresources, and the author for this ARC

We are back with Lady Cordelia, Mavis and Jane in the library.They are getting ready for a royal visit but the library needs a good clean and paint.Everybody volunteer 's to help out .Mavis is also in the process of trying to adopt Joyce the little girls she helped who had been bombed out of her home and lost her mother in the bombing. Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood.

A Christmas Gift For the East End Library Girls is installment #3 in a heartwarming histfic/women’s fiction series set in London during WWII.

Cordelia, Mavis, and Jane continue their good work at the East End Library as they endure effects of the war. As we catch up on their personal lives, good news that the King and Queen plan to visit the library lifts their spirits but also heightens their anxiety. Can they get everything ready in time while also dealing with damage caused by air raids? The community will need to pitch in as they spruce up the library as best they can with few resources.

I appreciate a gently written series featuring women supporting women and themes of friendship during the hardships of WWII. The young women and the community face some difficult things at times, but though determination and smart thinking they are quickly resolved. I look forward to each new installment. I do recommend reading them in order for the most satisfying reading experience. If you love books by Lesley Eames or Jennifer Ryan, you might also love this heartwarming series.

One of my favorite themes is women supporting women, especially during the WWII years. As women supported the war effort in various ways, they leaned into friendship and joined their resources and efforts. These are inspiring stories that always cause me to ponder my own actions in similar circumstances.

Who can resist books about books and libraries?! Put “books” or “library” in the title and I’m hooked! The main setting for this series is a library located in London’s impoverished East End. This particular library offers more than books and under the women’s leadership, becomes the heart of the community.

I recommend this series for fans of gently written historical fiction/women’s fiction with strong and inspiring female characters. The romance is firmly closed door and no profanity.

Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks @rararesources for a complimentary e ARC of #AChristmasGiftForTheEastEndLibraryGirls upon my request. All opinions are my own.