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The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital

By Joanna Nell
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3.85 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 2,230 ratings, 280 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital by Joanna Nell is a heartwarming story centred around a group of hospital volunteers who serve tea while offering an unexpected companionship. As they navigate the challenges of modernisation threatening their roles, their bonds deepen, revealing friendship, purpose, and resilience amidst change. Set against the backdrop of St Jude's Hospital, the narrative explores themes of community and the importance of small acts of kindness.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this heartwarming and delightful read if you love stories about friendship, resilience, and community spirit in everyday settings. Set in a bustling hospital, it follows a group of spirited ladies who work in the hospital's tea room, showcasing their unique challenges and the power of camaraderie. With its mix of humour and poignancy, it’s perfect for anyone who appreciates character-driven narratives full of warmth and charm.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
The heartwarming and hilarious bestseller by the author of treasured novels, The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village and The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home

The Marjorie Marshall Memorial Cafeteria has been serving refreshments and raising money at the hospital for over fifty years, long after anybody can remember who Marjorie Marshall actually was. Staffed by successive generations of dedicated volunteers, the beloved cafeteria is known as much for offering a kind word and sympathetic ear (and often unsolicited life advice) as for its tea and buns.

Stalwart Hilary has worked her way up through the ranks to Manageress; Joy has been late every day since she started as the cafeteria's newest recruit. She doesn't take her role as 'the intern' quite as seriously as Hilary would like, but there's no doubt she brings a welcome pop of personality. Seventeen-year-old Chloe, the daughter of two successful surgeons, is volunteering during the school holidays because her mother thinks it will look good on her CV.

Chloe is at first bewildered by the two older women but soon realises they have a lot in common, not least that each bears a secret pain. When they discover the cafeteria is under threat of closure, this unlikely trio must band together to save it.

'Takes readers on a sweet journey. A warm-hearted read from Nell, who tells engaging stories with older protagonists' The Australian

The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital is a delight. Warm characters and observations and great pace' AMANDA HAMPSON

'Another funny, warm-hearted read' Herald Sun

Praise for the novels of Joanna Nell:

'Tender and funny' Woman's Weekly

'Whip-smart dialogue, humour and sarcasm ... highly addictive' Sun Herald

'Lively and whimsical' Sydney Morning Herald

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital by Joanna Nell is celebrated for its heartwarming narrative that combines humour with poignant themes. The characters are often described as endearing, and their interpersonal relationships add depth to the plot. Readers appreciate the blend of wit and emotion, highlighting the book's ability to balance light-hearted moments with more serious undertones.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780733648663

Publisher: Hachette Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 July 2022

Country: Australia

Imprint: Hachette Australia

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 29.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 270g

Pages: 352

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Joanna Nell Literary Fiction

About the Author

Joanna Nell is a British-Australian writer, GP and advocate for positive ageing. Her essays and short fiction have won multiple awards and been widely published in magazines, journals and literary anthologies. Her first five novels, The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village, The Last Voyage of Mrs Henry Parker, The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home, The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital and Mrs Winterbottom Takes a Gap Year, were national bestsellers. Joanna lives on Sydney's Northern Beaches.

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  • The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital
    The heartwarming and hilarious new novel by the author of cherished bestsellers, The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village and The Great Escape from Woodlands Nursing Home The Marjorie Marshall Memorial Cafeteria has been serving refreshments and raising money at the hospital for over fifty years, long after anybody can remember who Marjorie Marshall actually was. Staffed by successive generations...
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