My thoughts

Victory Bells for the Harpers Girls is the latest book in the series, taking place towards the end of World War One. I found it to be written with such warmth and I really loved the different women’s voices in the book. All of them were skilfully written and interwoven and they had such well-established, caring and believable friendships. The characters at home and in the thick of the fighting had such determination of spirit despite all that they’d faced. Through the characters, I got a real sense of what it must have been for working women at that time, with the end of the war in sight and men returning home.

The book touched on many other issues that were happening at that time because of the war and in society in general. It didn’t shy away from discussing difficult issues, the varying opinions of the trauma caused by the war stuck out in my mind, very well portrayed. Even though I hadn’t read the other books in the series I worried I’d be at a disadvantage, but I needn’t have, as I quickly picked up the story and found it thoroughly enjoyable. With thanks for the free copy I received with no obligation to review.

I loved this book. I couldn't put it down it was such a compelling story. I loved all the characters and their life stories. What a dreadful time it must have been for both the men during the war and their families waiting for them to come home. Harpers sounded like a really lovely place to work more as a family than a place of work. It was so touching to read about the excitement of the end of the war and the sadness it brought with the thought of those who didn't return. Another great read from Rosie Clarke.

Another great addition to a fabulous family saga written by Rosie Clarke! While it is possible to read and enjoy the book as a standalone, it is better to read the series from the beginning to appreciate the complexity of the plotlines and the wonderful job Rosie Clarke does with the character development.
The Harper Emporium store remains the connecting feature for our protagonists. Sally and Ben Harper expect their second child, but Ben might still be required to add to the war effort by going on a special mission. Sadie is also worried about her husband who hasn't been in touch for an unusually long time. Marion also has her own share of anxiety over her husband Reggie's fate. Seventeen-year-old Becky is expecting a child and these weren't easy times to have a secret pregnancy. All these stories, equally fascinating and gripping in its own are intertwined to show how our Harper girls did their duty and showed strength and kindness in equal measure.
A wonderful journey back in time, recommended to everyone who loves women's fiction and stories about life's twists and turns, new beginnings and endings, as well as love and friendship.

What a delightful addition to the Harpers Emporium saga series! I have truly come to love each of the characters and look forward to meeting up with them again. I can easily say that this is one of my favourites and I eagerly await each new installment.

VICTORY BELLS FOR THE HARPERS GIRLS is the sixth book in the series although it can be read as a standalone. But to appreciate it completely I recommend starting from the beginning, although I have yet to read the first one. Ironically, I didn't enjoy the second Harpers book but then it was my introduction to the series and I felt a little lost when I began it. However, since then I have enjoyed each and every book and will endeavour to revisit the second book after diving into the first one to see where it all began.

It goes without saying with a title like this, VICTORY BELLS FOR THE HARPERS GIRLS is set towards the end of the war although it is not the focus of the story. It is more about each characters' personal victories in the wake of the armistice and how the war has changed them and their loved ones. It is more about where the Harpers girls go from here now that the war has ended. By the book's end, there is an opening for a new direction for the girls which sounds promising.

While each book has been a different story, the Harpers store has been the one constant throughout as the girls have made new friends and supported each other through difficult times. Some became VADs to assist nurses at the Front whilst others did their own bit to help keep the home fires burning. And now that the war was coming to an end, what will it mean for the Harpers girls and their loved ones? And how will the changes affect them all?

The year is 1918 and after four years of constant battle and tragic losses, everyone hoped that this year would bring an end to the war. And as the chink in the enemy's armour begins to widen, we see a new hope of peace begin to materialise. But no one is untouched by the ravages of war and we see the impact that it has had on the girls, their loved ones and families. The often dismissed notion of "shell shock" (that we call PTSD today) is introduced as is its effects on some men, one character in particular, despite it being dismissed by many at the time. The challenges that were often faced with returning servicemen and that of their families at home eagerly awaiting their return, only to be presented with a shadow of the man they used to be. And while there is an obvious happiness at being reunited, there was also a quiet sense of unease and anxiety. For those that did return left pieces of themselves behind on the battlefields.

For Harpers, the unavailability of items that were easily sourced prior to the war lead Sally Harper, wife of owner Ben Harper, to come up with some imaginative alternatives. As a run store encased in family values, where there is a need the way is thus paved with hope and opportunities. Harpers cares for its employees and loved ones and so a new direction is offered. Childcare for women who need to work while their men are away at the Front. Returning servicemen needing quiet space, compassion and understanding. And thus opens new doors for the Harpers girls.

Then with the end of the war in sight comes a new enemy - the Spanish flu. Beginning in the trenches, it spreads its tentacles far and wide to the home front the world over as women and children fall victim and succumb, often quickly, leaving family and friends devastated. No one is untouched.

This heartwarming, and often heartbreaking, story is filled with births, marriages and deaths - hatches, matches and dispatches - as each characters' lives are changed in ways they may never have foreseen prior. Sally welcomes the birth of her newest baby, Becky Stockbridge harbours her own secret pregnancy to find love where she least expects it and a much-loved character the focus in a previous story succumbs to the new pandemic. We revisit the original Harpers girls - Maggie and Colin as they make a new life for themselves with the possible adoption of children in the midst, Rachel and William also make a new life but away from the bustling life surrounding Harpers, Beth is reunited with husband Jack after years at sea, Sally keeps things running at Harpers whilst husband Ben is away on yet another secret mission. As well as the newer Harpers girls in Marion, Becky, Sadie and even Minnie.

As the saga moves on, so too do the characters as change brings opportunity and new hope. Families grow while some dwindle. The ebb and flow of life as the war comes to a close bringing with it joys and sorrows. While there may be new hope, things will also never be the same again.

VICTORY BELLS FOR THE HARPERS GIRLS is a wonderful addition to this heartwarming series as each of the characters' lives face challenges and change. I have loved watching them all grow and blossom through adversity and shine in spite of it.

I have enjoyed the journey I have taken with the Harpers girls but I must say I think VICTORY BELLS FOR THE HARPERS GIRLS is my favourite thus far. There is just something about it that offers new hope and promise. And I cannot wait for the next book to see where the girls will go from here.

A delightfully epic read that is a joy to lose oneself in, VICTORY BELLS FOR THE HARPERS GIRLS is a feel-good read that marks the end of an era in history and offers a new hope for those who have survived the Great War, both at home and on the Front. Can be read as a standalone, but wholly recommended to enjoyed in order from the very beginning so readers can get to know each of the characters as they grow and evolve over the years.

A wonderful heartwarming series, VICTORY BELLS FOR THE HARPERS GIRLSis a fantastic addition that I thoroughly enjoyed. I look forward to more from Harpers and whatever is to come in the future.

I would like to thank #RosieClarke, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #VictoryBellsForTheHarpersGirls in exchange for an honest review.

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

This was a lovely book to read. The characters were all brilliant and I loved how they were all willing to help each other in times of crisis. I enjoyed reading about the shop and how things worked back then. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Victory Bells for the Harper Girls by Rosie Clarke is the sixth book in the Harpers Emporium Series Saga. Harpers Emporium is a store in London of the same name. It is about the owners, and the employees, their lives and loves, and how WWI has affected them.
The lives of Sally, Ben, Becky, Marion, and Reggie all intertwined to create a believable story of how war affects people. Can their lives continue on finally? The Victory Bells toll, but not all are happy endings. Some people come back, only to have disabilities that must be dealt with. We even have a few spies that still must do their job, even after the war is over. Lives lost, new life opens up a whole new world.

This book/series is about community and how they all come together to help each other cope with what the war has wrought. The whole story revolves around one of London's department stores. There are a lot of characters to try to remember and how they all fit into the story. I think maybe, reading the previous five books may help with this.

I enjoyed the story, a poignant read from start to finish. Do you love a sweet story, this I the read for you! I give it four stars!

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

This book, Victory Bells for the Harpers Girls is the last book in the series and I’ve loved reading each one.

It was about three friends. Sally, Becky and Marion. Each one waiting for the return of their loved ones.

It’s set in 1918, London, as war is finally ending and loved ones are coming home, it’s time to celebrate. The story is so beautifully written by Rosie that I found myself unable to put it down. Wanting to know what is going to come.

Reading this books, I felt all the emotions, and there was sad parts as well as happy. The sad part was a soldier who came home with the shakes. Back then people didn’t know about it and today it’s known as PTSD.

I highly recommend this series.

Loved the latest book in this series.Catching up with the Harper girls their friends and family the town is always wonderful.This is one of my favorite sagas highly recommend.#netgalley #boldwoodbooks.

Each of the books in this series follows the lives of key characters. The Girls made friends and have carried their friendships on through difficult times. Some helped nurses during the War and others did what they could to keep things going. The constant has been Harpers, an Emporium that has had its good times and its bad.

Set towards the end of World War I, this book is again such a wonderful read. It could be read as a stand-alone but I do think it is better to read in order as the lives of the characters have helped define them and their lives.

The war has had an impact on the country and also on families and friends, the constant worry as to who will get that dreaded telegram, who will have letters from family members, who will come back and also those that will never return. I really liked the emphasis the author took on some of the problems those who returned had to deal with, shell shock as it was known was dismissed by many. But for those fortunate to receive the proper care things could be easier for them over time. Encompassing the challenges of those returning as well as those lost gives a balance that felt right. While the obvious happiness of a reunion is evident, there was also a quiet sense of unease and nerves.

As I mentioned, the constant in this book is Harpers Emporium. For those who work and manage the store, there is a constant worry about getting stock and also keeping the business going so that those who work there can still get a wage. Things are in short supply, and there is a lot of moving around to make the shelves look full. Being a close-knit group friendships are as important as family. It is times of worry and distress having a non-judgmental ear is important.

There are changes afoot for a few of the characters and having the means and opportunity to talk things through really brings the closeness of the characters out. This is something that I have really enjoyed with each book I have read. The author has kept the characters moving, progressing, growing and learning. Families expand and unfortunately, families also reduce. Times of joy have a tinge of sadness as things for some will never be the same.

This is another gorgeous book to read. Keeping up with the coming and goings of the characters as they continue their lives is something I look forward to with each instalment. While there is sadness there are also things to look forward to, changes, developments, new plans and new beginnings. If you love your sags and historical fiction stories then this is one you are going to really enjoy. It is one I would definitely recommend.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
This is another great story in this series! Sally Harper is taking care of her brand-new baby daughter, as well as keeping Harper's Emporium going. I liked the introduction of the character of Becky Stockbridge. Her story line added to the saga, and I liked the way things turned out for her. When Marion's husband Reggie returns from the war, she knows things are not right with him. The author does a good job of dealing with the war in London, as well as celebrating the end of the war and victory!

Revisiting the Harpers girls, Sally is busy with the store and looking after the family when Ben is unexpectedly taken away! After having her little boy and her husband Marco away on duty Sadie is busy planning to return to work when life takes a different course. Becky is worried that her family may not think her the good girl they think when they hear what has happened to her, then Maggie with the assistance of her husband Colin decide to look after her. Marion is enjoying her work helping with the window displays but will her husband Reggie feel the same when he returns from the war? Rachel thinks family is more important after the changes war has brought to them and reconsiders her future with the store. Love the way family is underlying in work and in the home.

Once again it was great to catch up with the Harper girls and tie up some loose ends. There were, as always, many stories running throughout the book and these had happy, sad and intriguing closures. The history was there but delivered through a bunch of liable fictional characters. A great read.

My thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review, which I freely give.

The final instalment of the Harpers girls. Sally & Ben are expecting their 2nd child and Ben is going to be at the birth. He is still working in London on War work. Again it is a mixture og good and bad times. Very sad at times, happy & funny and the girls cope well. Sally has new plans for the store including a creche so that the girls can continue to work by bringing the babies who will be well looked after. Ben is sent to France on a dangerous mission. Sally is worried as she has not heard from him although she knew it was a dangerous mission. Other Hapers girls are worried as they have not heard from theire men.

All comes together towards the end, although I felt the last 2 chapters were rushed. Some of the happenings I found were just mentioned. I do not want to say to much as I do not want to spoil it. It was like oh by the way ........ Never the less it was a good read which I can recommend.

What a wonderful book was so great catching up with the Harper girlies I feel I've actually been on there journey can highly recommend this series fabulous characters and premise.

Victory Bells For The Harpers Girls by Rosie Clarke is a marvellous historical novel. It is the sixth book in the Harpers Emporium series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The novel covers the year 1918, a year that everyone hoped would bring the end to the world war. As the book closes on 1918 we see the hope of peace has materialised.
War touches everyone. Many suffered losses. Those who did return often left pieces of themselves on the battlefields of Europe. Many suffered physical wounds – disfigurations were common as it was only with the end of World War I that plastic surgery and reconstructions began. The men who returned whole in body had often left their minds behind. Shell shock or PTSD was not understood. The returning men needed love, care and compassion. Their families witnessed huge personality changes in previously mild-mannered men.
Harpers store is a family run store with family values. It is a community in microcosm that looks after its own. This care evolves as needs are identified and met. Women need childcare to be able to work. Returning men need a quiet space and compassion. Harpers management is a group that sees needs and values their employees.
World War I produced spies and resistance members. Quiet men often lead lives of extraordinary bravery.
As if the losses of World War I were not enough, Europe suffered an outbreak of the deadly Spanish flu. Loved ones could succumb quickly, leaving families devastated.
All the characters were well drawn, realistic and likable. They exuded love, care and compassion. Their warmth reached beyond the pages to envelop the reader.
Victory Bells For The Harpers Girls was an epic read of community and love. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I received a free copy via Net Galley from Boldwood and Rachel’s Random Resources. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

Fantastic to catch up with the Harper girls and all the other characters, lovely storyline yet again, a smidgen of heartbreak and how the fabulous characters all pull together in times of need, wonderfully written and a fabulous page turner

I read this as a stand alone book and didn’t even realise it was part of a series until after I’d finished reading it..

I enjoyed the story, it was a bit confusing at times remembering each character but this did not make it any less enjoyable to read.

I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Great catch up with everyone, I have really enjoyed this series, like catching up with old friends. I hope we can meet up in peacetime with another book

I absolutely adore Rosie's books and this one was not a disappointment.
You really feel like you know these characters and the series' just flow so well.

Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed this book I did feel the end to the war was somewhat an anti climax in it. Victory in the title made it seem that this would be the focus but it seemed to not really be a big deal. I would have imagined Harpers would have made a speech to their staff, given them the day off or a token gesture but very little was mentioned.
I have enjoyed the whole series and love the characters and hope their stories will continue through the coming years.