Welcome to my stop on Rachel’s Random Resources Book Tour for A Better Tomorrow for the East End Library Girls (Library Girls, #4) by Patricia McBride – a stirring tale of courage and camaraderie, perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane, Elaine Roberts, and Lesley Eames.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Publication December 4, 2024
Boldwood Books
About the Book:
As the war nears its end, the library girls rally for their community…
With London still in the grip of war, Cordelia, Mavis, and Jane find themselves facing a new challenge. Determined to make a difference, the librarians band together to organise rent strikes, standing up against dirty landlords and unfair practices.
Meanwhile, with the arrival of American GIs in the East End, Cordelia is presented with a temptation too irresistible to bear. Should she follow her head or her heart – stay faithful to her beloved Robert fighting abroad, or enjoy the brief respite from the constant air raids and destruction?
As the women fight for what’s right, the promise of a better tomorrow begins to take shape. But will their efforts be enough to secure a better life for their community?
My Review:
I absolutely love everything about this historical fiction series. My only complaint is that I love these books so much so I read them very quickly and then I have to wait for the next one. The life of a reader, right?
This entry, like the others in the series, does an excellent job of focusing not just on the individual stories and lives of each of the main characters, but also including a main story line that involves everyone. Here Cordelia, Mavis, and Jane are determined to do something about the awful living conditions residents of the East End face due to the unscrupulous behavior of greedy landlords. I love that the library is a true center for the community and is about books and more! Each librarian is also dealing with their own issues and Patricia weaves all these stories together seamlessly. I was fascinated and captivated by all the stories.
I adore Cordelia, Mavis and Jane and all the side characters we meet. Each woman is strong in their own way and the way they work together for the betterment of the community demonstrates their great care and even bigger hearts. I love that these women see just how BIG of an impact that library can have, and they aren’t afraid to try bold new things.
The East End of London during WWII is a setting I didn’t know much about until I started reading this series. And I am once again amazed by all that this community dealt with during this time and the great pride they have. They take care of one another and work together. Patricia’s vivid, detailed writing brings this area to life on the page. I truly feel like I’ve visited with Mavis in her house or the library after I have finished reading.
Fans of character driven, page-turning historical fiction shouldn’t wait to read this series. They are also excellent as audiobooks. Five stars.
About the Author:
Patricia McBride is the author of several fiction and non-fiction books as well as numerous articles. She loves undertaking the research for her books, helped by stories told to her by her Cockney mother and grandparents who lived in the East End. Patricia lives in Cambridge with her husband.
Social Media Links
Facebook: @PatriciaMcBrideAuthor
Instagram: tricia.mcbride.author
Bookbub profile: Patricia McBride Books – BookBub
sarahcantstopreadingbooks.com 
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