Review: London Belles By Annie Groves

Series: Article Row Book #1
Print Length: 451 pages
Publisher: Harper; Reprint edition
Publication Date: March 31, 2011
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0007361505

London Belles is a tale of four very different young women thrown together by war. Finding freedom and independence – as well as love, passion and heartbreak – for the very first time, a unique bond is formed as the hostilities take their toll on Britain.

Four lives. One war that will change them all.

When tragedy strikes, Olive is forced to seek lodgers. Three girls come knocking at her door, each in need of a roof over their heads.

Sally has left Liverpool to work as a nurse in London and when she arrives she is a shell of her former self. Where once stood a vivacious, sociable girl, now stands one plagued by homesickness and a betrayal that is devastatingly fresh in her mind.

Dulcie is living the high life in the West End, a world away from her home in Stepney. Working at Selfridges gives her access to the most fashionable clothes and makeup, but at home she is the black sheep of the family; always second to her sister. So she decides it's time to make a bid for freedom.

Agnes grew up in an orphanage, having been left on the steps as a new-born baby. But with war looming, and the orphanage relocating to the country, she must now seek out a job and lodgings. But with change comes exciting new opportunities, worlds away from the life she's known…

As the women prepare for war, all of their futures hang in the balance. Soon their lives will change irrevocably and the home that binds the London Belles is no longer the sanctuary they once sought.

My Thoughts:

Fans of the PBS series, "Home Fires: and "Mr.Selfridge", are sure to be delighted with this first installment of Annie Groves' "Article Row" series!  As Britain begins to prepare for the inevitable invasion of German forces, Olive and her daughter, Tilly, find themselves taking in boarders in order to make ends meet.  With the addition of Sally, Dulcie, and Agnes, number 13 Article Row quickly becomes more than a boarding house as Olive proves there is love in her heart for just one daughter. As each young woman struggles with her own personal issues, they are quickly bonded by the threats of war.  Annie Groves is an amazing storyteller and manages to capture the reader with extremely well-developed characters. I was immediately captivated by this cast of characters who soon felt more like old friends.  The insight into the preparations for war and everyone doing their bit to assist in the efforts makes for an intriguing and emotional journey into the past.  Keep in mind this is just the first novel in the series, so don't expect the story to come full circle by novel's end...after all it's really just the beginning and what a beginning it is!  I can't wait to read the next installment, "Home For Christmas".  A wonderful beginning to what is sure to be a wonderful series! FIVE stars.

Books In This Series: