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Secrets of the Homefront Girls

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( 860 ratings, 77 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
Set in Stratford during 1939, Secrets of the Homefront Girls follows the lives of young women working on the lipstick production line at Yardley's cosmetics factory amidst the turmoil of WWII. Headstrong Renee Gunn, known as queen of the lipstick belt, mentors Esther, an Austrian refugee adapting to life in England. While they keep spirits high at work, personal challenges arise: Renee's sister Lily returns home harbouring a dark secret, and Esther struggles with her new life. Bound by friendship and loyalty, these women confront the dangers of war and the weight of their own secrets.
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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?

This novel will appeal to readers interested in historical romance, women’s wartime stories, and richly depicted social dramas. Fans of emotionally charged sagas set during WWII and those who appreciate strong female friendships and authentic period detail will find this book especially engaging.

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The story of the courageous women of World War Two, working in the Yardley factory in London's East End

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

A new series from bestselling author Kate Thompson.

Kate Thompson's wartime novels always strike a chord and Secrets of the Homefront Girls is no exception. You can almost smell the Yardley violets drifting over the factory as the girls live lives complicated by the trials and tribulations of war. My Weekly

Kate Thompson's put the lives of women working in the Yardley factory during the Blitz at the heart of her latest novel. Woman's Hour

Stratford, 1939.

Britain may be at war, but on the home front keeping up morale and keeping up appearances go hand in hand. For the young women working on the lipstick production line at Yardley's cosmetics factory, it's business as usual.

Headstrong Renee Gunn is the queen of the lipstick belt - although her cheeky attitude means she's often in trouble. When Esther, an Austrian refugee, arrives at Yardley's, it's Renee who takes her under her wing and teaches her to be a true cockney.

But outside of the factory, things are more complicated. Lily, Renee's older sister, has suddenly returned home after six years away and is hiding a dark secret. Meanwhile Esther is finding life in England more difficult than expected, and it's not long before Renee finds herself in trouble, with nowhere to turn.

In the face of the Blitz, the Yardley girls are bound together by friendship and loyalty - but could the secrets they are hiding be the biggest danger of all?

A compelling saga set around the tenacious women of the East End. Daisy Styles

Kate Thompson is a skilful and humane storyteller who lights up the sooty face of the old East End with tales full of drama and human interest. Annie Murray

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?

Praised as a compelling saga that vividly captures the tenacity of East End women, the novel is celebrated for its beautiful writing and well-drawn characters. Reviewers highlight Kate Thompson's skillful and humane storytelling, which illuminates the wartime experiences filled with drama, emotion, and social commentary. The book authentically conveys the spirit and hardships of the era, with characters who feel vividly alive, earning acclaim for bringing history to life with compassion and depth.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781473698116

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 July 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Hodder Paperback

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 32.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 432

About the Author

Kate Thompson is a journalist and Sunday Times bestselling writer. As well as being passionate about capturing lost voices and untold social histories, Kate's also a library campaigner. Her 100 libraries project celebrates the richness and complexity of librarians' work and the vital role of libraries in our communities. Alongside her journalism and writing, Kate is also a podcaster and has her own podcast, From the Library with Love.

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