Set during the second world war, the story graphically describes the horrors of bombs exploding in the streets, and the appalling poverty endured by families. Cathy’s husband has abused and mis-treated her throughout their married life, and when he is reported missing in action she feels bitter relief. Her mother in law defends his actions, blaming Cathy and saying she deserved all she got.
There is a compelling sense of sisterhood within the Eastend community where the story is set, along with several engaging, humorous characters. As a reader, you empathise with Cathy and her son Peter, who are trying to survive the grinding poverty along with the terror of bombs exploding in the neighbourhood. Not helped with her mother in law holding her finger on the purse strings, and not giving Cathy enough money to pay the rent and feed her son.
When Archie – a brave, courageous bomb disposal officer, enters Cathy’s life the story explores their developing friendship and romance.
This is a gripping, atmospheric romance with a real sense of hardship and community spirit, with a touch of humour to see them through. Although I hadn’t read previous books in the series, the characters are so well described, that I immediately connected with them and wanted to know what happened.
Expertly researched, especially the work carried out by the brave bomb disposal units, and the terrors they faced daily. Highly recommended.

This is a cosy family saga set in London during the Second World War. Cathy is married to a nasty, abusive husband who is serving overseas, and she and her son live with his vicious, spiteful mother. When he is declared missing in action, she begins to hope her life might improve if he never returns. Then she meets Archie, a Scottish bomb disposal man, who is a widower with a small daughter.

The story swirls around the backdrop of the War, the Blitz and rationing. It is told well, and although fairly predictable, it draws the reader in and you really want Cathy to stand up to her spiteful mother in law.

I enjoyed it as an easy read. I did spot one anachronism - Cathy reads Peter a 'Thomas the Tank Engine' story - actually these books weren't published until 1945.

Thank you to NetGalley, Atlantic Books and Corvus for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another great book in this series. It’s always best to read them in order and this one focuses on Cathy Wheeler nee Brogan. These characters are rough East Enders but also if they are with you they are true friends. Cathys husband is missing in action (WW2) and living with my nasty Mother in law forces her to take in a bomb disposal Sargent. What those living during this period went through was amazing and the book also lives through the disaster at Bethnal Green Station as too many people went there for safety but on one night hundreds died in the stampede. My only negative comment is that it was sad to See Cathy quite so angry. Thanks to Jean Fullerton, the publishers Corvus and NetGalley.

I've read all of the Ration Book series and this, in my opinion, is the best one yet, It concentrates mainly on Cathy's story and was brilliantly written. Dramatic, emotional, funny in places and an utter joy to read. I really hope there are more books in the series to follow! Jean obviously researches her subject well.

A good read .The book is well written and the characters are varied and very interesting, and the Brody's are central to the story line and when handsome Archie meets Kathy there's an instant attraction that will cause problems for them all. I really enjoyed it

Loved this story of Cathy and the Brogan family, was willing Cathy's awful mother in law would get her just desserts for being such a spiteful woman, cringed every time she called her grandson Stanley instead of James and thought what a horrible woman, heart was in my mouth when Archie ended up in hospital and was praying he survived, a fabulous story which I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish and a happy ending what more could you ask for

I have thoroughly enjoyed all the books in this series. I did find at times the bitterness and nastiness of Violet quite upsetting and not what I wanted to be reading just before going to sleep! It wasn't quite as easy to read as the others in the series. The tube station accident story was very powerful and could perhaps have been more in detail/a little longer. It is so important that people know what happened and how it was covered up by the British Government at the time so as to not reduce morale. It is also important to know that not all essential jobs during the war saw people having to go to the Continent. The work of the Bomb Disposal squads was vital and well portrayed in this book.
As always I look forward to the next in the series.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. A real good old fashioned read, great characters and a great storyline.

I have really loved reading this book as i love the series of The Ration Book Stories,The Brogan family are a close knit family and always there for each other.This book focus's on Cathy Wheeler nee Brogan who's marriage is far from a happy one added to this is her mother-in-law Violet who thinks her son Stanley is wonderful.As the war continues Cathy has her son Peter and her work at the rest centre to keep her occupied and away from the house.as the blackout falls each night she joins her mother in the shelter where they bed the children down and sit knitting or sewing.Then one day Bomb Disposal Sergeant Archie McIntosh turns up when Cathy is after a lodger as she needs money to feed her and Peter and to pay the rent.As they meet and get to know each other there is a mutual attraction but Cathy is married.I have to say Jean Fullerton always draws you into the story and you do feel as though you are there.EXCELLENT book loved it 5*

Well what can I say another brilliant book in this wonderful series. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC I had to read it in one sitting