I only made it through 2 chapters before DNF'ing. I didn't realize it was part of a series. There were too many characters, too many scenarios, and too much internal dialogue trying to get the reader up to speed. Too confusing.

Holding down the Homefront

The country is at war and the Girls working at Harper's department store are hanging together to keep things going on the homefront. They each have their own challenges during this time , but the girls help each other and others in their circle of friends.

There are Losses and new loves, marriages and new children to bring to the world. The country is fighting the war, the ladies left on the homefront are fighting to keep home, life and work going as normal as possible.

This book is another book about the Harper girls. I love these books they always lighten the day. They are a joy to read. I love the characters, the old ones and the new ones. These ladies are resourceful and helpful with love and grace. Maggie, Sally, Rachel and Marion are the four main characters. Lovely ladies with determination and faith.

I love reading Rosie Clarke's books on the Harper girls as well as her other novels. This book did not disappoint and I would happily recommend it.

Thanks to Rosie Clarke, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy for my honest review.

I am loving reading about the lovely Harper Girls and their families, in this story there are lots of changes as life continues to tick along despite still the war still raging on. Sally has some exciting news as she starts to piece more of her childhood together and how she came to be in the care of the nuns. Whilst Sadie must decide what to do about returning home or staying in France as she adapts to life as a Mother.

This story was full of love and loss, as everyone is gripped by the fear of losing their loved ones as the Germans continue to bomb supply boats. Despite the loss there is also lots of love to go round as new babies and children are welcomed into the fold and more Harper Girls are married.

I loved the ending of this story and already want to know what comes next as life starts to come together for some of the key ladies who make up the Harper Girls. A wonderful step back in time as everyone begins to see light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully an end to the war that has claimed the lives of so many young men

I've read all of the previous Harpers Girls books and loved this one every bit as much. As always, the story was emotional - how can something be set in WWI and not be? As ever, after finishing the book, I am left with a feeling that I can't wait to read more about the Harpers Girls - I always feel sad when the book comes to an end - Rosie Clarke is such a great author. I can't wait for her next book.

I am swiftly becoming a fan of wartime sagas, so decided to read and review the latest instalment in the Harper’s Emporium series. I do wish that I’d read the previous editions, as it took me a while to find my groove and get a feel for the characters. That said, I managed and was able to enjoy the story as a standalone.
As the synopsis explains, The Great War continues to rage, and we catch up with the Girls as America joins the allies. Whilst war is the backdrop, the story focuses on those left behind and the impact of and to the wounded. In particular, Maggie’s story gives a clear insight into the devastation of armed conflict, and how far medicine has come in the last century.
Speaking of Maggie, I found her story the most compelling, and will look for more books in this series, to see how she continues dealing with her choices. She is certainly a strong character and I felt moved by her devotion to her vocation and to her decisions. No spoilers, but I hope you also enjoy how her story develops.
The book has strong storylines and compelling characters with some excellent plot twists. I am blessed that I’ve not experienced the struggles of living through a world war, and yet I seek out stories which give me a feeling for life in those times. I assume that it’s generational, as my parents lived through the war, and like many of their peers, their experiences stayed with them.
I would recommend this book, but would encourage you to read the whole series, if this is an example of the quality, you won’t be disappointed.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I’ve read the previous books in this series and was looking forward to reading this. I wasn’t at all disappointed.

It was so nice to be back with the girls, and follow their lives. Throughout the book, you get to know the history of these girls and how their relationships were made. Each character had their own story and it was interesting reading about them.

There was sadness and happiness so beautifully written in, you felt what the characters were feeling.

Highly Recommend It.

Rosie Clarke never ceases to teach me with her knowledge of the past century. I love reading these novels. The characters are all written so that I can relate to them. Hearing about the Harpers Girls lives and loves during the heart of WWII, I felt as though I could've been there. Each one has their own story to tell but Harpers and Sally in particular, joins them together.

This is the 5th book in the series. I fell in love with the harper Girls already in book 1. I just love following their lives. If you want to fall in love with a series this is def the series for you. Strong friendship strong female characters. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

Set in 1917, the First World War is claiming lives, the results are being felt at home. Family and friends worry constantly about those who are serving, those who have been injured, and those that have not been in contact. Shortages are being felt as some things are becoming more difficult to source for the Harpers Store. Inferior quality products are emerging as materials are being used for the war.

Life still has to go on, work still needs doing, homes need to be looked after, mouths have to be fed and it is when times are difficult and fraught that you rely on people around you. Harpers is the linchpin of the story, it is where many of the characters have met over the course of the story. With each book that is released more characters are brought in.

The main four Harpers Girls are Maggie, Marion, Sally, and Beth. They have come on from their early days at Harper's. This is the point where I do mention that these books can be read as stand-alone stories, but I do think they are better read in order as the character's lives are developed more and more with each book.

This one, as the title suggests is set during a point where people are obviously wishing for a return to normality, wondering when it will be over and that loved ones can return home. Life is hard for those left behind, and I like how the author describes how lucky her characters feel to be in situations that they are. They either work or have a family or have someone in their lives that helps them, whether it is a family, partner, or friend.

This is a story that does have sad moments and ones that are fraught with despair. It is not only people who are in the midst of the fighting that falls ill. Things carry on at home as they normally would regardless of what is happening in the world, they add stress and worry. The author brings the feeling of hope and also of despair so well into her stories. She has a wonderful way of giving her characters various events to deal with. These may be worrying or add a sense of dread or intrigue, but they also have a way of making her characters stronger.

This is a story for those readers who like historical fiction, sagas, family drama, and stories with a sense of belonging and of friendship. A book and series that combines the individual tales of the characters and gives an overall sense of hope but with several twists to keep the reader on their toes. A book and series I would definitely recommend.

Wartime Blues for the Harper Girls was an enjoyable read and I found myself getting lost in the story of the Harper Girls.

Although this is the 5th in the series , it is my first one I have read and now I have bought them all. That's how much I enjoyed this book and Rosie Clarke did an excellent job of giving enough of a back story so you can read it as a stand alone .

I cant wait to read the series from Book 1

Rosie Clarke and the Harper Girls have a new fan!!

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a satisfying and great read.

I love this series of books and book number 5 is very welcome. The friendship between Sally and the other women who work or did work at Harpers department story is still going strong.
The war has interrupted their lives in dramatic ways. Some lives are more complicated, some are suffering from heartbreak and they all are just making the best of what they have and longing for the day the war ends.
Tears and laughter, heartbreak and happiness are all found in the pages of this book.
I loved being back with the Harper girls again and looking forward to the next book.

I loved this book hope theres going to be another one because there are people that need to come home.
Spoiler alert I'm glad Sally got to meet her mum and had answers.
I'm glad maggie is happy in her new life.
I hope mr Marco comes home to sadie and baby.

Having not read the previous books from the series this didn't stop my enjoyment of a wonderfully written wartime saga, loved the characters and at times did find it a little hard to keep up with them all but still thoroughly enjoyed the read, would love to read the previous books and of course the next in the series

Having read the first 4 books in the Harper girls series I was delighted to catch up with this lively lot of outstandingly courageous ladies and what there doing for there country while the men are fighting away from home. This book did not disappoint and now I’m looking forward to reading more by this author ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As WWI rages on in 1917 London, the effects of war on Harpers store are felt as fewer people are able to afford much. So, employees must continue to find ways to economize yet offer items people need as well as give back to the community. Toys are in short supply so innovation is important.

The Harper girls are back and new characters are introduced, too. I really like the combination of the old and new, in both the characters and story. It reminds me of regeneration which is a theme in this series. Though there is incredible heartache there is also joy as well old and new love. Some characters are married, some are not. But most men are fighting in the war and the women are taking care of business and families in their absence. Letters are scarce, worry is rife. Horrific injuries and illnesses are common but thankfully there are also recoveries. Again, the theme of healing, growth and survival. Not just survival but the determination to enjoy.

My favourite characters in this story are Rachel, Sally and Maggie for different reasons. They have appealing traits and beautiful strength.

Rosie Clarke and Historical Fiction/Women's Fiction fans ought to read this...you will find heartache, moving forward and hope amidst difficult circumstances.

My sincere thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this fabulous book.

Love this book & the series the characters welcome me back each time.This was a wonderful addition to the series.So many twists turns heartbreak. Hated to finish the story close the book.looking forward to next in series.#netgalley #boldwoodbooks

Book 5 of the series and what a brilliant series this is!! Although it follows on it is so easy to sit back and escape into the Harpers world. There are connections made throughout the book on the history of the characters and their relationships. The storyline threads along so lovely each character followed individually and the tale is told with ease and so interesting. You are never left wondering what and how each persons life is progressing - such emotions of sadness and happiness are all portrayed. If you want to know what the book is about please read the synopsis. Recommend and hope there is a book 6 soon.

I've read all the Harpers series and sadly this was the most disappointing. I found aspects of the storyline very far fetched such as Rachel and the child and Sally's Mum turning up. I enjoyed the starting chapters about Marco but after that it didn't quite have the page turning excitement of other books in the series. I feel it lacked more happiness; it seemed many characters were just making the best of the situation not finding true happiness. I'm usually in tears by the end of the book but not so with this one.

London 1917 I just love all the authors books in this series and this one I just couldn't put down . As the harper Girls work on to keep everything going, its such a heart breaking story with some twists and turns to be enjoyed. Brilliant book from an exceptional writer. It's a must read, and worth my rating. Loved it.

Like going to visit family, everyone instantly recognisable and loved. The Harper girls are each doing their own things, Maggie nursing though there are some trials for her. Sally struggles to keep the store stocked while Ben is doing secret work for the war.. Beth has her young family, Rachel is still in the store. Then there is the favourite Mr Marco, he has personal problems which aren’t always what they seem.
This is an easily read book as it lulls you from the offset. Then sends you off happy, not least because there will be a follow on.