Life is starting to look up in the cafe where Rosie lives with her Aunt Maggie and Uncle Bert. Rationing is over and Roger Bannister's four minute mile is the pride of England. But the Widow Grangor couldn't care less. An ex Gi fresh out of military prison has too settle some unfinished business with Bert.

The story is narrated by Rosie who's now nine. A menacing American soldier is stalking Rosie and her friends. Once again the book is filled with marvellous characters. Rosie's best friend, Jenny is ill and Rosie takes her small gifts to cheer her up. This is another well written addition to this series.

I would like to thank #NetGalley, #RandomHouseUK #TransworldPublishers and the author #PipGranger for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

An unconvential look at life in the East End of London through the eyes of a world wise child. Full of interesting and oftentimes shady characters with a racy turn of phrase, the book reveals the tough reality of life in a desperately poor neighborhood, but is an entertaining read.

This second book in Pip Granger’s Soho series is even better than the first, “Not All Tarts are Apple.” I would rate it a solid five-star read based not only on the warm-hearted portrayal of the childs-eye point of view of the child Rosie, but also the wonderful characterizations of the adult characters as well.

We are introduced to the cross-dressing Sugar Plum and his business partner Bandy, both of whom love Rosie dearly, as well as the menacing figure of “The Widow Ginger,” an unsavory and criminal figure. The “Widow,” in actuality a gay “Yankee” who was involved in black market activities with Uncle Bert, Bandy, and Maltese Joe during the War, comes to Soho to get what he considers his just payoff. Since the Widow is an arsonist, a series of destructive fires affecting the Soho “family” ensue, and the various members rally together to protect each other.

The child viewpoint of grief is well-portrayed as it gradually dawns on Rosie as a shock that her great friend Jenny is declining badly in health. Her attempts to comfort Jenny in small ways with magazines and gifts that will entertain her are both sweet and heartbreaking as she begins to grieve. Interspersed, however, are her childhood joys of eating a delicious icing off a cookie before the cookie itself and playing in a pool with her supposed Dad, T.C., a police officer, for whom she has great affection.

This was a great story with wonderfully-drawn characters, and I thank #netgalley for a copy of the book #The Widow Ginger

Great continuation of the Rosie series. revisit postwar london and the great cast of characters. Loved it!

I enjoyed reading this book. It had colourful characters and a good storyline. There was a lot of description about London after the war .Will recommend that you read this book.

Colourful and enjoyable story set after the war. The characters were diverse and we'll portrayed. A good read.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I have not read anything from this author for ages and I am kicking myself. I really enjoyed this, well written with absolutely great characters and also attention to detail. Loved it.

Book 2 is just as good as the first i love the characters of the soho community everyone is card for.5*