The Booklover’s Letters

What an arresting and lovely book! I am ashamed to admit this was my first by this Deborah Carr but am absolutely smitten with her beautiful storytelling so am seeking out every single book she has written. Set in England just before, during and for a time following WWI, this book details the inspiring acts of the philanthropic Florence and Jesse Boot, the owners of the infamous Boots empire.

In a wonderful mix of fiction and nonfiction, we are taken into the lives of Florence and Jesse as well as their three adult children as they navigate the war in different ways. The Boots' kindness and compassion are legendary but I knew no more than that. So inspiring and refreshing to learn more! They put their words into action...immediately. When they saw a need, they were there. Not only did they take an exceptionally uncommon interest in their employees they wanted them to have a happy and safe place to work. Florence generously gave gifts and hampers to those who needed them without drawing any attention to herself and amazingly covered taxi and funeral costs! Much more, too. My occupation used to be in Human Resources and this woman is unbelievably inspiring to me.

We see decisions the three Boots children made to help during the war and the effects on them and their parents. The interwoven stories are breathtaking. The book inspired me to research this unusual family.

All Historical Fiction readers, particularly those who enjoy reading about compassionate female mentors, ought to read this.

My sincere thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for allowing me the privilege of reading this enchanting book! It enriched my day.

With grateful thanks to netgalley and publishers for an early copy in return for an honest opinion.
Having read the first two books in this trilogy I was absolutely delighted the be asked to read the 3rd one.
Deborah Carr is one amazing Author and story teller,the amount of work and detail that has gone in to this most atmospheric book is totally beautiful world wars is an extremely delicate subject but this has been done beautifully Mrs Boots is one amazing lady ,I've totally loved this trilogy and can't praise it enough.