The Library Girls of the East End
1940, London
When Cordelia accepts the post of head librarian in Silver Town Library, her mother is more than a little disapproving. The East End has high levels of poverty and illiteracy, and her mother says it’s no place for a woman of her status.
But Cordelia is determined to make a difference in these times of strife, and along with her colleagues, Jane and Mavis, she begins to help the local community, making sure everyone knows what the library can offer them.
And maybe even a romance will blossom, giving Cordelia the strength to make it through the chaos and destruction that constantly threatens their livelihood.
Against a background of war, air raids and rationing, it becomes clear the library is more than a building filled with books - it is the beating heart of a community refusing to be torn apart.
Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/LibraryGirlsSocials
Author Bio –
Patricia McBride is the author of the very popular Lily Baker historical saga series. She is now writing a new WW2 series for Boldwood, based in the East End of London during the Blitz, the first title of which, The Library Girls of the East End, will be published in November 2023.
Social Media Links –
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patriciamcbrideauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tricia.mcbride.writer/
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MY THOUGHTS
The Library Girls of the East End is written by Patricia McBride. This is the first book that I have read by this author. It will not be my last. This is the first book in a new series by the author. One of the things that I loved most about this book is her characters are at all different walks of life.
Cordelia, Mavis and Jane are the three main characters and completely different from each other. Cordelia's mom is not happy when she accepts a position as head librarian in Silver Town Library, which is located in the East End. There is a lot of poverty in the East End. Cordelia wanted to make a difference and along with Mavis and Jane - she wants to show everyone what the library has to offer. Mavis is a tough cookie - she holds onto secrets - but also does not let others walk over her. Jane was worried when they heard there was a new librarian that it would be someone who is full of themselves. However, the three form a deep friendship.
Life is not all sunshine and summertime for our girls. They are dealing with a variety of issues. These issues include: gender inequality, domestic abuse, unplanned pregnancies and the adjustment of women taking over male roles.
The book is well written. The storyline is engaging. I have read a lot of WWII books this year, and I love that this one is set in the East End of London.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Rachel's Random Resources for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
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