Although I have long since been meaning to delve into this series set in the East End during the war, I hadn't yet done so. And despite it being the fourth in the series I was still eager to check it out and hope that it was all I hoped it to be...and it was. A RATION BOOK WEDDING is a captivating heartwarming five star read from beginning to end and best of all it doesn't matter if you've not read the other books - I haven't - because it suffices perfectly well as a standalone.

The East End Ration series centres around the lives and loves of the Brogan family with each book focussing on one or the other as part of their extended family. In this book the attention is on a close family friend Francesca and the Brogan's eldest son, Charlie, amidst wedding preparations for youngest daughter Jo to her intended Tommy Sweete. The fact I have not read any previous book didn't detract from this one in any way. The author expertly weaves brief recaps of previous events with the current plot so that anyone (like me) coming late to the series can do so without feeling lost in amongst all the happenings. This is indeed a credit to the author for her ability to not only keep her loyal readers engaged throughout but to harness new ones with each book, despite it being just part of the greater story.

It's February 1942 and Charlie Brogan has been away fighting in the heat of the North African desert when he is hit by flying shrapnel and sent home to Blighty to recuperate. He is looking forward to seeing his family, his wife Stella and their eight month old son Patrick. But a shock discovery whilst in a military hospital has Charlie demanding immediate discharge to enable him to return back home to the East End as soon as possible. It seems the secret Stella has been harbouring about her own contribution to the war effort that she hoped wouldn't get back to Charlie has been exposed...in more ways than one. And Charlie is far from happy. Needless to say his son Patrick, who is cared for by Charlie's family whilst Stella is working, remains at the Brogans in the company of his father for the foreseeable. And will remain so, if Charlie has anything to do with it. But no judge will separate a mother from her child...

Since the attack on Pearl Harbour just three months prior, the Americans have finally taken notice and joined Britain as one its Allies in its war against Germany. And with the loud brash GIs come many things Britons have not seen for nigh on three years, due to rationing and shortages. But despite being trapped in the darkest days they've seen, everyone is keen to do their bit for King and country and Francesca Fabrino is no exception. After spending long nights twenty five feet below ground level piecing together propellers for Lancaster bombers and dreaming of what can never be with the only man she has ever loved, she throws caution to the wind and applies for a new job as a translator for the BBC Overseas Department. In succeeding, she is then propelled onto a course that could change her life forever.

Charming and debonair Count Leo D'Angelo wastes no time in turning Francesca's head. He courts her and her father alike, who is thrilled that someone respectable (and rich) from the home country has taken a keen interest in his only daughter. For it is his greatest wish that she be happy and hopefully married to someone who is deserving of her. Her hapless love for Charlie Brogan can go nowhere since the man is married, but here is someone who can give his Francesca what she needs. But is it what she wants? Just as she dares to take a leap of faith grab this chance of happiness with Leo, Charlie returns with his marriage in pieces declaring his love for her. Torn between her heart and her head, who will Francesca choose?

As the bombs continue to rain down on London and the air raid sirens continue to sound, something so shocking occurs that has the propensity to change the Brogan family forever. Can they overcome another tragedy and the events that proceed it? Or will their lives be changed forever?

There is so much more to A RATION BOOK WEDDING that you will need to read it to find out. And believe me, you won't be disappointed. Some of it may be predictable, as is with this genre but then that's what makes it so heartwarming. But some of it isn't...and those events will have you turning the pages for the outcome.

Readers will fall in love with the Brogan family, as I have, as well as with Francesca who is Mattie McCarthy's (nee Brogan) best friend. But of all the Brogan clan, I would have to say my favourite would have to be Queenie. Although she featured in the background of this story, she did so on a large scale as a the matriarch of the family and one not to be messed with. I especially loved one particular scene where she took matters into her own hands after her granddaughter Cathy arrives at the family home in a sorry state. I was like "Go Queenie!!"

I love wartime sagas though I have not taken to all of them. It takes a special talent to engage the reader in such a way that they don't ever want to leave the confines of the pages and Jean Fullerton has done just that. I cannot believe I have not read this series before and I have to find a way to squeeze the many other preceding books and those that have come after this one, into my ever growing TBR pile! Because this is one series I don't want to miss out on.

A RATION BOOK WEDDING is a delightful easy read that I devoured in two sittings (last night and today). I just loved everything about it. It is absorbing, captivating and heartwarming with a few surprises along the way. A superbly wonderful read, highlighting the stoicness and camaraderie of the British people during one of their darkest times in history.

I cannot wait to immerse myself into the Brogan family once again. A definite 5 star read, perfect for fans of "Call the Midwife", historical sagas and wartime fiction.

I would like to thank #JeanFullerton, #Netgalley, #CorvusBooks for an ARC of #ARationBookWedding in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

I very much enjoyed this book. It has a good story and excellent main characters. I would definately recommend this book.

With its balance of description and emotion this historical novel by Fullerton transports the reader successfully into the WW2 era. It combines the fearful experiences of life among the ever-present bombings but also tells the powerful story of a lifelong love and the entanglement of hopes and disappointments it involves.
Having read many novels based in this era I now tend to be a little fearful a book will be okay but perhaps not particularly gripping. However ‘A Ration Book Wedding’ was one of those that hooked me and has left me wanting to read more of Fullerton’s material.

Thank you to Corvus (Atlantic Books) and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

Jean Fullerton's books are always a smashing read - and this one is no exception. Well rounded characters, a strong sense of family, and an authentic vibe of the times. Loved it.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

5☆ A Captivating, Heart Warming, Authentic Saga, I can't Recommend Enough!


A Ration Book Wedding is the fourth book in this captivating and heart warming series. I definitely recommend reading all books in order, as the characters and backstories are just too good to be missed!

It was such a joy to be back with the Brogan family. A lot has happened to the Brogan's over the last few books, so the idea of a wedding filled me with joy.

I'm not going to go into any details as I don't want to risk spoiling anything if your yet to catch up on the series.

But what I will say is, A Ration Book Wedding is beautifully written, Authentic, Captivating, Poignant and Uplifting.
As always Jean Fullerton ​transports her readers into the heart of the story, WWII and creates so much Atmospheric sensations, the bombings, the underground factory, rations, loved ones being called up for war, the spirit of the war effort, the community, the Heartache, Romance, Love, Laughter and Sadness.
Not to forget the loveable characters I have grown so fond of, especially Queenie!

If you are looking for a captivating historical saga and your yet to read this wonderful series, then I highly recommend you grab yourself a copy!


Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

I really do enjoy the strong sense of family and community evoked in Jean Fullerton’s wonderful tales of East London during the War and in her latest saga, A Ration Book Wedding, she has once again penned a charming, hopeful, delightful and romantic read I thoroughly enjoyed.

It’s 1942 and with the Americans having finally joined Britain as one of its allies, it looks like maybe, just maybe, there could be a chink of light at the end of the very dark tunnel England has been trapped in for what seems like forever. Everybody is keen to do their bit for king and country and twenty-three year old Francesca Fabrino is certainly no exception. Working in a factory in East London, Francesca hopes that by throwing herself into her work and into doing her bit, she might stop thinking about the recently married Charlie Brogan, who is with the Eight Army at the moment fighting North Africa. Life does have a habit of giving you what you need, rather than what you want, when you least expect it, and that certainly proves to be the case when she starts a job for the BBC Overseas Department, that propels her into the path of some very interesting people – including one who could well end up turning her entire life upside down.

Count Leo D’Angelo is handsome, charming, debonair and wastes no time in turning Francesca’s head. For the first time in a very long while, Francesca feels like maybe she can start making inroads and move on from her hopeless love for Charlie. Leo is everything she could possibly want in a partner and so much more besides. Dare she take a leap of faith and grab this unexpected chance of happiness with a man who might truly make her happy? But just when Francesca had been about to throw all caution to the wind and embrace a future with Leo, Charlie returns with his marriage in tatters, but his heart finally ready for Francesca. Torn between two men, what is Francesca going to do now?

Should she take this chance to be with her one true love? The man who had chosen another instead of her? Or should she listen to her head and choose Leo, who can make her happy beyond her wildest dreams?

Jean Fullerton’s East End sagas are wonderful gems that never fail to raise a smile and touch the heart and A Ration Book Wedding is another diamond of a novel that I adored. Francesca is an absolutely terrific heroine readers will cheer for to get the happy ending she so richly deserves and the whole cast of characters in this novel are delightful, eccentric, kind-hearted and so real they will feel like old friends by the last page.

Gripping, hopeful and heart-warming, A Ration Book Wedding is another irresistible read from the Queen of the East End saga, Jean Fullerton.

A Ration Book Wedding is book no.4. Based during the blitz 1942. I really enjoyed firstly from the historical fact but more from visiting old friends “The Brogans”. You can imagine all the family situations and how the family is held together. It can be read on it’s own but I thoroughly recommend reading them all, in order. You can get lost in the book. Worth all 5stars and more.

I just love this series of books, and I found that, even though it was a while since I’d read the last one, I just was seamlessly transported back into this era.

There’s exciting changes for Francesca as she leaves the factory for the glamorous world of the BBC, and meets the suave and urbane Leo. But she’s always loved Charlie, and can’t really let go of this, even though he’s married.

You can’t help but feel that these two are meant to be, and hope that it will work out for them. They’re both characters that I really like.

As always, Jean Fullerton’s books are so authentic. This book totally consumed me, and it was such a pleasure to read.

The plot is, as always, so entertaining and engaging, but it’s the fabulous characters that make this book.

Even though it’s set in an era of war, with tragedy and hardship, it’s a truly warm and uplifting read. I really hope there’ll be more in this series, I could never tire of them.

This was another fantastic, atmospheric read from one of my favourite saga writers. I’ve really enjoyed following the Brogan family and all their ups and downs over the years. They’ve definitely been through their share of misfortune and have started to feel like old friends as I feel I have been through so much with them! It was lovely to be back with them and able to celebrate happy and sad times alongside them.

One of the things I most like about this author is her ability to transport the reader back in time to the second world war so that they feel like they are actually there watching everything unfold alongside the characters. I enjoyed learning more about what daily life was like during the blitz in London and to have to live with the challenges of rationing and visiting air raid shelters. I was surprised at some of the items on the ration list and what people had to use as a substitution. It was definitely a difficult time and I was pleased to experience it all alongside one of my favourite families!

I have to admit that Francesca has always been one of my favourite characters so I was very excited that she might get her chance with Charlie after all this time. I’ve been routing for them from the start so I found that part of the book hard to out down as I raced through the pages desperate to know the outcome. The ending was brilliant and has left me very eager to read more from the Brogan family in the future.

Huge thanks to Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Corvus for my copy of this book via Netgalley.

Jean Fullerton does it yet again! Love this author. Captures everything perfectly well. Giving you a good sense of how it all was. Cannot wait to read more from this author. Thank you netgalley for the ARC

A Ration Book Wedding is the fourth book in the Ration Book series by Jean Fullerton. You don't need to read the rest of the series because this one can be read as a standalone...BUT I am glad that I read the other books first because it really is lovely connecting with all the family members on a deeper level having read more about them. I feel as if they are my family and although the Brogan family aren't perfect, I love them!

In an earlier book, we learn that Francesca Fabrino, a good friend of the Brogan family has a huge crush on Joe Brogan. Her heart is broken when he never looks at her as more than his sister's best friend and then marries Stella, a woman with a bad reputation. Joe can't see the wood for the bosoms when it comes to his wife and he believes that she will settle into married life. But while the cat's away the mouse will play. Joe goes abroad to fight in the war and Stella takes on a job as a stripper/exotic dancer in a club. Of course, Joe knows nothing about it, he thinks she is working in a factory and looking after their baby son. Will he find out the truth about her?

Francesca still hurts over her unrequited love but when she takes on a new job as an interpreter for an Italian radio program at the BBC she meets Leo. He is a very rich and handsome Italian count and he is smitten with Francesca as soon as he sees her. He can offer her the world, but will she be able to forget her love for Joe and start a new life with a new man?

Who is the one to have the Ration Book Wedding, one of Joe's sisters is supposed to be getting married, but perhaps Francesca is the one who will be married instead? Or maybe both of them will?

I don't want to say anything else about the plot because I don't want to give anything away. What I will say is that I loved this book from the first page to the last and I couldn't read it quickly enough to see what would happen and if there would be a happy ending. More than one couple has a happy ending which made me smile. A wartime book can include the drama of the fighting and injuries and the distress of loved ones being lost, but as long as there is an equal amount of hope, love and happiness thrown in as well then I will always enjoy the story. This book had the perfect mix and as with every book in the series, I am more than happy to recommend you read them. I am sure you will love the Brogans as much as I do, and if you have read the rest of the books you will appreciate how each character has grown. Some you might start off not liking but when you finish this book you will see them in a new light.

I hope there will be more books in the series because there is at least one more character that I would like to see have a better, happier life, and another having their comeuppance. I will say no more.

A Ration Book Wedding is the fourth book in author Jean Fullerton’s "East End Ration" series. Although I haven’t had the pleasure of reading the previous books in this series, I didn’t have any problems keeping up with the storyline and the characters and felt it could easily stand alone. But after getting to know the Brogan family, I look forward to going back at a later date to read the previous books in this series!

Charlie Brogan is fighting in North Africa and dreaming of coming home to his wife and son. When an injury has him shipped home to recover, his homecoming is not at all what he expected.

Francesca "Fran" Fabrino has been in love with Charlie Brogan ever since she was a young girl of six years old. When Charlie gets married and ships off to North Africa, Fran tries her best to get over him and move on. Then Charlie returns to recover and everything changes for both of them…

This is the second book I’ve had the pleasure of reading from Ms. Fullerton and the first in this particular series and I must say she's definitely an author I enjoy and recommend. From the moment I picked up this story, I was transported back in time to London in 1942 during WWII. Ms. Fullerton’s writing draws the reader in and keeps them captivated till the end with the sights and sounds of WWII and her fascinating characters and intriguing storyline.

Charlie and Fran were a sweet couple and the reader can’t help but want to see them overcome the impossible and find a way to be together. The secondary characters in this book were fabulous and I must go back to read the previous books in this series in the near future. I really enjoyed my time with the Brogan family and I definitely wouldn’t mind revisiting them again in the future! A fabulous story that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!

Having very much enjoyed two of the previous books in the series, A Ration Book Christmas and A Ration Book Childhood (I’ve yet to read the first book, A Pocketful of Dreams), it was a pleasure to be reunited with the spirited Brogan family. Although A Ration Book Wedding picks up some of the storylines from the previous book, it can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone and, for new readers, there are brief recaps of previous events inserted unobtrusively by the author.

The focus of this book is Francesca, best friend of Mattie, one of the daughters of the Brogan household. Francesca has always nursed a secret passion for Mattie’s charming but slightly ne’er do well brother, Charlie, now married to Stella. Formerly the gloriously named Stella Miggles, Stella is, let us say, ‘no better than she ought to be’ and is harbouring a secret about her singular contribution to the war effort she hopes won’t get back to Charlie. She is also decidedly short on maternal affection towards their young son, Patrick.

As certain unsavoury individuals learn to their cost, the Brogans look after their own. Matriarch of the clan, Queenie, is a one woman force to be reckoned with. I suspect I won’t have been the only reader silently mouthing ‘Go Queenie!’ at one particular point in proceedings.

As with previous books in the series, the atmosphere of wartime London is vividly evoked, from the details of daily life – rationing, the blackout, war work, the National Loaf, nights spent in bomb shelters – to the scenes of blitzed streets and bombed out buildings. Even John Lewis Oxford Street doesn’t escape the wrath of the Luftwaffe. What sacrilege!

I loved learning facts about wartime Britain such as that Ministry of Food regulations restricted restaurants to offering only two vegetable dishes with a meal or that factories manufacturing components were constructed in the tunnels of the Underground.

When Francesca gets a job as a translator at the BBC – much to the dismay of her father who holds an old-fashioned view of a woman’s role – it not only brings her into contact with the dashing Count D’Angelo but provides the opportunity for a fascinating insight into broadcasting operations during the war.

As Francesca helps with preparations for the wedding of Mattie’s sister, Jo, she ponders on her own romantic opportunities. When fate intervenes to make something attainable that seemed previously unattainable, her decision becomes more difficult. Should it be dinner at Claridges or a pie and mash supper? What does Francesca choose? You’ll have to read the book to find out.

A Ration Book Wedding is another drama-filled visit to the larger-than-life Brogan family and a vivid insight into daily life for Londoners during World War 2. Love, betrayal, happiness, sorrow – the book has it all. Oh, and steamed pigs’ hearts, braised liver and mash, and plenty of bread and dripping.

London in 1942 and the nightly bombings continue. Life goes on for the Brogans in the East End, but it is never easy. There's a web of deceit, lies and secrets as the family try to get through the war. The complex characters and authentic historical setting make this an engaging read.

The story portrays the sense of community and the effects of rationing believably. Getting ready for a family wedding has its problems. Francesa, a close family friend, is torn between new love and requiting a long-held desire.

This is an easy book to like. It's another excellent chapter in a relevant relatable wartime saga.

I received a copy of this book from Atlantic Books-Corvus via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

A lovely feel good read, despite the conflicts happening in the story line. I read it having not read the others in the series and although I could tell there were back stories, it did not detract from my enjoyment of this story.

Stella's job and that type of underworld activity, in WWII, is not one I have come across in other books, as such a main part of the story and that contrasted well with the growing romance between Francesca and ...( I will not spoil it).

I enjoyed following the ups and downs of Francesca and finding out a little more about the era. Would thoroughly recommend.

It's always such a treat to return to the lively Brogan family to see what they have been getting up to in the East End of London during WW2. As the story opens we are now in 1942, and the Brogan family are still doing their best to keep safe, disappearing into the bomb shelters during the frequent air raids, and making ends meet in the best way they can. Charlie Brogan, fighting in North Africa, is constantly in their thoughts especially when the family receive word that he is being shipped home. This news is not met with any great enthusiasm by Charlie's flighty wife whose questionable reputation leaves a lot to be desired.

Whilst the story centers around the Brogans, A Ration Book Wedding also gives us Francesca Fabrino's story, which I found particularly fascinating especially when she seeks employment at the BBC. Those who have read the previous books in the series will appreciate the story focusing on this lovely character, who has, up to now, been rather overshadowed by the more rambunctious Brogans.

As always the author make this corner of London's East End entirely her own. The Brogans with their lively characters come alive in the stories she tells of their lives and loves during this particularly difficult time, when bombs were dropping on London, and lives and families were destroyed. This stoical endurance is brought sharply into focus by Queenie Brogan, the indomitable matriarch, who doesn't suffer fools and who dispenses her own brand of rough justice.

There's a real sense of history and an authentic feel to the hardships the Brogan's endured but it's also about the fun times, of the challenges they faced and how they coped with the difficulties, especially preparing for a family wedding when rationing made sure everything was in short supply.

A Ration Book Wedding continues this saga in a story which is both poignant and exciting. There are some lovely sections which made me smile, and some truly difficult moments which had me scared for the outcome, but throughout it all the author's passion for story telling shines through. I am sure we have much more still to challenge the Brogans as they go through their eventful lives.

A Ration Book Wedding is Book 4 in the East End Ration series and I have been captivated by this atmospheric WWII family saga. The Brogan family have lived in the East End of London for a long time. With their Irish heritage they still attend mass regularly and uphold their beliefs and family values.
The year is 1942 and London is still heavily involved in the bombings by the Luftwaffe but the city and it's residents have become accustomed to a new way of life visiting air raid shelters and queueing up for food rations. Jean Fullerton's writing puts you at the heart of the era and you can feel the gravity of what's happening. There's an honesty within her words and you can feel a real sense of time and place felt within the pages.
The Brogan family have grown up through hardship, tragedy and heartache and sadly life doesn't spare them any less with another gripping, heart wrenching but ultimately heart-warming story.
With this instalment in the series we have daughter Jo's wedding to look forward to but matters of the heart for Charlie reach boiling point with many emotive repercussions. We also learn a lot more about Fran's story, Francesca Fabrino is best friends with Mattie Brogan and spent a lot of time growing up within the Brogan household. Fran is working hard to help with the war effort but when an exciting opportunity comes her way her life is about to change in more ways than one.
Jean Fullerton writes a saga filled with the daily life trials within a family unit living during times of conflict. We experience the alternate daily rituals through the voices of the well loved characters. There are a few characters in this story that I despised but I'm certain authors enjoy creating baddies within every storyline. I didn't want this book to end and found it compelling reading. WWII saga at it's best!

The great thing about sagas is that the reader is already familiar with the characters in this book. We've followed the stories of the sisters in the brogan family and in this book it's the turn of family friend, Francesca. Secretly in love with her best friend's brother, Charlie, she knows that there is no chance for them as Charlie is married to Stella and has a baby boy.

With little choice but to make a life for herself, she embarks on a whirlwind courtship with the delectable Count, who is also. an Italian.

Jean Fullerton skilfully evokes the wartime era of the East End and seeing the war through Francesca's eyes adds another dimension. A really enjoyable addition to the series.

Another terrific read in this fabulous series!

Once again, we're back in the heart of the Brogan family as the Blitz rages around them. With Charlie now married and currently serving in North Africa, Francesca Fabrino still holds a candle for him and she, like the rest of the family are well aware of his wife's 'contribution' to the war effort. Will Fran ever manage to move on? Perhaps a new job will fill the hole in her heart . . .

I love everything about this series. All the books follow each and every member of the family and really epitomises the spirit on the Home Front during WWII. I especially enjoy that only a brief mention is ever made of preceding books and only when needed to explain a current situation. Jean Fullerton pens a wonderful flowing tale of unpredictability with a superb cast of characters; several times I pondered on where a story line was heading. There are more than a few surprises along the way and I revelled in all the details - it's like getting to know an old friend all over again. More please! Definitely worth all five sparkling stars!

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley and to Rachel's Random Resources for my spot in this tour; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

An enjoyable and entertaining book like the others in this series.
I liked the well researched historical background, the plot and the characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.