Victory for the Foyles Bookshop Girls by Elaine Roberts is another entry into the lives of the women working at Foyles Bookshop during World War I. Peace is coming but the Spanish Flu has hit. The bookshop itself has been hit and is forced to closed for a couple of weeks. Victoria and Ted finally marry despite his ongoing struggles with shell shock (PTsD) and things seem to be fine. Molly finds herself pregnant and Alice discovers something shocking about her father. They keep selling books and dealing with their men, who have come home with various reminders of their time in the war. This is a heartwarming slice of life that brings the struggles of everyday English people living through the Great War in focus.

There is more than one plot as there are several protagonists. The theme is friendship and how having great friends can see a person through many trials. The reader learns about daily life during this time of fear from bombing to dealing with shortages of nearly everything. It is a testament to the human spirit and more. It is an education for those of us living lives of plenty and peace. Roberts does these women justice as she tells their stories, not so different than ours in many ways. It is fun to read and interesting to absorb. I recommend it.

I was invited to read Victory for the Foyles Bookshop Girls by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #ElaineRoberts #VictoryForTheFoylesBookshopGirls

Victory for the Foyles Bookshop Girls is set in London during WWI and told from three perspectives.

This is #6 in a series and can be read as a standalone. As WWI is drawing to a close, the bookshop girls are facing new challenges. In addition to personal challenges, the Spanish Flu reaches London. Alice, Victoria, and Molly have become as close as sisters, and their commitments to each other and the bookshop have never been more important.

I love the themes of friendship and women supporting women. In trying times and under hardships, women are there for each other. The story is told from three perspectives as Alice, Victoria, and Molly devise strategies for sustaining the bookstore during troubling times, encourage and support each other, and offer practical help to ease the burdens of friends and family.

“This, she thought, is what healing looked like, not the absence of pain, but the courage to create joy despite it…The courage to transform war memories into Christmas magic.”

It is a nice change of pace to read WWI era fiction. I always love home front stories. A major issue in the story is PTSD (referred to as “shell shock”). It’s heartbreaking to think that so many men didn’t receive the help they needed.

Another issue facing them is the Spanish Flu Epidemic. It’s interesting to hear of similar strategies used for this flu outbreak that we used in 2020 during Covid: masks, store closures, social distancing, disinfecting surfaces, etc. The young women working at Foyles bookshop must lean into creative and innovative ways to keep the bookshop going while the flu is raging.

Oops! Evidently, this is #6 in a series which I didn’t realize when I accepted the ARC. Even though I haven’t read the series and this was my first introduction to the characters, I think it reads OK as a standalone. However, reading in order is the most satisfying reading experience. For the end of a series, the story wrapped things up satisfactorily for these three women (from my limited knowledge and perspective). I’m certain readers of the entire series will appreciate the heartwarming and uplifting conclusion.

Content Consideration: PTSD, death, grief, illness

“The magic of books, of Christmas, of peace, of hope renewed.”

I highly recommend Victory for the Foyles Bookshop Girls for fans of heartfelt women’s historical fiction with substantial themes of found family, forgiveness, healing, hope, new beginnings, and friendship. Even though I jumped into the series at the end, I think the entire series would make for good reading.

Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #VictoryForTheFoylesBookshopGirls. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGallery for the e-arc.
I enjoyed this book and the heartfelt story of three women finding strength at the end of World War One.

I love reading a book and you are already familiar with the characters. You don't have to waste time figuring out who's who. That was the case with this new book by Elaine Roberts.

The war is coming close to the end. Men are coming home not the way they left. Some with emotional scars that can't be seen.

Secrets become known. A family being torn apart in ways you can't even comprehend.

The employees of Foyle's Bookshop are there for each other. They support and care for each other. They become more than co-workers. This is rare in today's world where staff work from home and don't really know each other.

It's sad that this was the final book about Alice, Victoria and Molly. I'll miss their determination to carry on no matter what comes their way.

This follows the lives of three woman, Molly, Alice and Victoria who work in the bookshop. It takes place in 1918, near the end of the First World War. The three woman are there for each other when needed. There are various problems and heart aches for them and sometimes it was an emotional read. There is also the threat of the ‘flu epidemic and the precautions they took and how they helped others in the community reminded me of the pandemic. Although the story flows along, I did feel that the pace was a bit lacking and sometimes there wasn’t much action. However, it does give the feel of all working together and caring for each other. I did feel as though Luke, the father got off rather lightly! I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is part of an historical drama series set around Foyles Bookshop in London. It’s good to have read earlier books so that the characters and developed storyline are familiar. As the First World War is coming to an end there’s trauma and sadness with consequences that are real and frightening for many. Long held family secrets are uncovered. There’s friendships and family by choice. Oftentimes emotional.
It was interesting to catch up with the Foyles girls and their families, as their lives progressed through changing and challenging times.

Will their families be whole again this Christmas...?

London 1918: It's July and there are whispers that the war could be over soon. It couldn't come quick enough for friends Alice, Victoria and Molly and their respective other halves - all of whom had served and left with the scars of the battlefront. But Foyles is a place of refuge where the girls find solace but find others do too. And in these times, they find they need that solace now more than ever.

Alice has come across a secret that she was never meant to discover - an unposted letter and a photo hidden in a book. But now she has and she is wondering what to do with that knowledge. But before she can confront the other party and telling no one, not even her own policeman husband Freddie, she decides she needs to gather whatever information she has and find out for herself the validity of this secret. And whether she is mistaken, imagining it or it isn't true at all. Only then will she face whatever truth she finds.

Victoria has been in love with Ted Marsden ever since she was sixteen and he a handsome soldier. But Ted has returned home with battlescars that no one can see. The nightmares, the terrors, the fear of being bombed or attacked as real as if he were still on the battlefield. It is what doctors are calling shell shock and many veterans are suffering similar experiences. But Victoria has only ever wanted to marry Ted and as their wedding day approaches, she isn't feeling as if it can go ahead. All she wants to be is Mrs Ted Marsden. But is it too late for them?

Molly harbours her own secret. She has been feeling sick and lightheaded and fears she maybe coming down with something until she realises she is more than likely pregnant. But this brings with more fear. How will Andrew cope with a child, with his own terrors from the front still fresh in his mind? And how can she bring a child into this world while war rages? But time is not on her side; this baby is coming whether she is ready for it or not. But will it be welcome news?

And then they are hit with an unseen enemy which began in the trenches and has begun to spread worldwide - the Spanish flu. Reading through that time was reminiscent of when we more recently endured the COVID pandemic - the hygiene, face masks, disinfecting everything, staying home and even closing up businesses.

This is a relatively quick read that I devoured in a day, despite the plethora of stories within its pages. I somehow missed the second book but it didn't really matter as each can be read as a standalone anyway, with their own stories to tell. I've summarised just the basics but even that barely touches the surface.

Another enjoyable read by Elaine Roberts and the setting of the bookshop is just perfect - where everyone finds solace.

I would like to thank #ElaineRoberts, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #VictoryForTheFoylesBookshopGirls in exchange for an honest review.

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

The Bookshop girls are now in the last months of the First World War, and each has been affected, mostly through the effects of shellshock on their partners. Victoria is debating whether to marry her sweetheart, as he is suffering so badly. They are all still working at the book shop, although events such as the influenza epidemic are going to have an impact on whether they can stay open.

The book dwells heavily on the work done by the bookshop staff to support men returning from the Front as well as providing information and book deliveries during this difficult time. Whether this was based on fact, whether returning soldiers were really so uplifted by books of poetry, I do not know. The result is rather a saccharine story, with heavy emphasis on the effects of reading on the traumatised and the role the bookshop girls had on their customers' wellbeing. The actual plot seems occasionally to fade into insignificance.

Its an interesting read, but I would have preferred more plot development and less sermonizing. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Foyles Girls #6

London, 1918: As their dreams of the war ending looks like they might finally come true, the girls of London's Foyles Bookshop allow themselves to look forward to a brighter future. But their hope may be shattered when the news of a terrible flu that is gripping the world reaches London, and the girls realise they are not out of danger yet. Meanwhile they have their own challenges to face when Alice discovers that her father has been living a double life; Victoria's beloved husband Ted struggles to adjust to life after the trenches; and the secret Molly has been keeping finally comes to light. But working in London's Foyles Bookshop, Alice, Victoria and Molly have become more like sisters than friends. And together they can brave the storm.

This is definitely a series that needs to be read from the beginning. I feel like I personally know Alice, Victoria and Molly now. With the men returning home, some of them have bad injuries, trench foot, or suffering from shell shock, now they are facing Spanish flu.

The characters are well-developed. There were a few surprises along the way. This was a heart-warming read

Published 10th July 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #ElaineRoberts for my ARC of #VictoryForTheFoylesBookshopGirls in exchange for an honest review.

Elaine Roberts delivers in her third installment of the Foyles Bookshop Girls series. In this installment, the book centers around Alice's family secret, the end of World War I, PTSD, the Spanish Flu, and new beginnings. Her writing style allows you to get to know her characters and form an emotional bond with them. The dialogue is witty, with a few inspiring truths that are still relevant today. She tackles the effects of PTSD with attention to detail and the seriousness it deserves. Fans of this series or Historical sagas about people in a small area or city will fall in love with this book. Fans of World War I historical fiction and its aftermath will enjoy this series. I look forward to more books on World War I from this author.

Wartime and Spanish flu to contend with in this one!

Alice's dilemma is such a tricky one and you can understand why she doesn't want to cause disruption to her family. She's inquisitive and determined to get to the bottom of things and I can appreciate that. Not sure I'd have had her patience or ability to unpick without challenging her dad immediately.

Molly has her own worries and i felt like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders. shes supportive of her husband but it seems she needs a little support back. Mental health and PTSD in men was very much a taboo back then and this shows us how that can impact people and their families. Ted is another example of that and is affected worse than most. You can't help but feel sorry for Victoria and Ted. They really try but it's just not easy.

I do love Christmas and this ends on a really positive note despite all the things the characters have ensured (and their community). The women have a lot of strength in this and the family/community spirit is a good thing to end on.

I loved catching with friends Victoria, Molly and Alice who all work at Foyles Bookshop in London. It’s 1918 with the end of the war becoming more than just a possibility but the three friends have their own lives to navigate. Although this covers the hardships and issues faced during WW1 this is such a heartwarming read about family and friendship and supporting others during the highs and lows of life. Each of the main characters has their own individual stories threaded through this but through it all their togetherness shines through. Alice is convinced that her father is hiding something quite monumental, Victoria is coming to terms with the challenges that her fiancé Ted is facing daily now he is back from the front, and Molly is hiding her own secret. At times this is an emotional read but one that draws you in. Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC

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

It's 1918 and Alice, Molly and Victoria continue their work in Foyles Bookstore and are still there for each other and their friends to help and support them.

The girls each have their own worries, Alice is suspicious of her father and when she looks into it, she shocked by what she finds out. Molly is hiding a secret and Victoria’s fiancé is still suffering from what he faced on the frontline.

When the flu epidemic break out and those visiting the bookshop start to get ill the girls find a way to help them by taking books to houses so that they can still find some joy. As well as helping those coming back from the war find some peace in a book, as well as the children wanting to read.

Soon rumours start to spread of the war ending, but those that have come, it still seems to be ongoing, for they are still facing the trauma.

The story was well written, kept you turning the pages to read what happens next.

It had times when you felt emotional reading what the soldiers went through.

I highly recommend this book.

The next instalment of the Foyles Bookshop Girls saga. Victoria, Alice and Molly have become like sisters as they are so close but also work at Foyles Bookshop in London. This storyline sees WW1 finish but for many returning soldiers their war is till going on inside their minds. A new baby is born, a family is thrown into turmoil and one of the girls husband dies. A little bit predictable at the end but then who doesn’t love a bit of cheese. Thanks to Elaine, Boldwood her publisher and NetGalley

I have been missing out. This is the first book I have read by Elaine Roberts. I will definitely be going back and reading the rest of the series. The author writes characters that I couldn't help but become invested in. The story being about World War One made for a fascinating story.

The Girls of Foyles are dealing with a lot of issues. The girls have husbands coming home different than when they left. They are dealing with shell shock, severe injuries, nightmares, loss of purpose and so much more. London is being bombed bringing back what they had hoped to have left behind.

When the Spanish Flu hits the worst becomes unbearable. The girls are dealing with one tragedy after another. Family issues do not go away in war time. For Alice it will be a defining moment. Thank goodness she will have the girls by her side.

Christmas is coming and London can finally celebrate. It will be the first without war, but there is much that must be done. Leave to the Foyle Bookshop girls to bring a smile to those around them. After many tears while reading about the trauma, the devastation and loss it was nice to close the book knowing that there was a brighter tomorrow.

It’s 1918 and the three friends Alice ,Victoria and Molly who work at Foyles Bookstore believe that war is coming too an end when people start being struck down with flu. They all have their own troubles,Alice finding out her father has another family in Norwich,Victoria’s intended is suffering terribly from serving in the war and Molly has a secret she is keeping from her friends.This has been another great story in the Foyles Bookshop series.Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books.

It's 1918 and World War I is rumored to be ending soon, but the trauma to it soldiers continues to rage. As book three picks up, the Foyles Bookshop Girls, Victoria, Molly, and Alice, are still doing all they can to provide top-notch service and books to their loyal patrons, returning soldiers looking for solace in a book, and children, all while also trying to keep morale up as the war and it's casualties continue to mount while everyone anxiously awaits a truce.

Book 3 finds Victoria doing all she can to support her fiancé Ted as he struggles with the nightmares of his war service, Molly and Andrew starting their family, and Alice and Freddie raising two small sons during wartime and a huge secret that could destroy Alice's family . A minor character who is anything except minor, Foyles Bookshop Manager Mr. Leadbetter, stands out in this story. His love of books and the bookshop as well as his caring and fatherly attitude towards all of his employees shines through in this story. He is a truly good man who gives his all, especially through the influenza pandemic.

A recurring theme through the Foyles Bookshop Series is the devotion of the staff to each other and their customers. They are truly doing their part to support the War to End All Wars with their comradery, knowledge of books, attention to detail, and truly supporting each other through all of trials life throws their way. The girls know that they and their patrons find solace in the books and the store itself is a safe haven for many returning soldiers who are still fighting the war in their minds.

It's certainly uncertain and rocky times for the bookshop girls but through it all there friendship remains steady. With a flu epidemic sweeping the world everyone is on high alert. The characters are my favourite and I don't think there is anyone that I don't like because they all have a great part to play in the story. I was swept away back in time with this beautiful book and I wouldn't change a single thing. I will say that you may need some tissues.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this novel, the sixth in Elaine Roberts’ Bookshop Girls series.

For those unfamiliar with the author’s Great War saga, the bookshop in question is Foyles, located on the famous bookstore alley, Charing Cross Road in London, England. It is managed by the avuncular Mr. Leadbetter, who sees his store as a haven for the war-weary and books as the proverbial balm for the soul. These are sentiments wholeheartedly shared by his female clerks, the series’ bookshop girls, and often repeated in some form by each of them as well as some secondary characters. The ‘girls,’ childhood friends who are only ‘girls’ because that was what most under-30 women were called in those days, have worked as a team since their hiring. By now, in the war’s final year, Molly and Alice are married, and Victoria marries Ted early in the book. Alice has two little boys with her returned veteran husband Freddie. Molly has not been married long to Andrew, also a vet, and is newly pregnant. Although both men struggle with shell shock—as post traumatic disorder was then called—Ted’s version is the most severe. Victoria is so anxious that his illness will prevent their marriage that she doesn’t even buy a wedding dress, content to borrow from Alice. They all tell each other what she tells Ted: love, patience, friendship and family will get them through it.

Despite the title, the much anticipated victory doesn’t come until the book’s end. The story really has to do with the challenges still being faced on the home front, the shortages, rationing, blackouts, fears about bombardment, the problems of returned men, and the ways in which women have valiantly stepped up to fill the roles of the missing men. Some, like Freddie, Andrew and Ted, have profound but invisible wounds; many will never recover from their physical damage; and many others will simply never return.

In addition, just as rumors abound about the German defeats, the world is shaken by the Spanish Flu pandemic. Under Mr. Leadbetter’s guidance, the bookstore increasingly modifies its practices in order to protect its staff and customers. These are strikingly like the ones adopted during the recent COVID crisis: masks, ritual disinfecting of all surfaces, gloves, home deliveries, periodic shutdowns to let the worst of it pass. Perhaps because all this is recent memory, you can really feel the fear and dread layered over the larger picture of a terrible and seemingly unending war.

The constant refrain, literally, is that the war has changed everyone and everything. That is readily apparent in the on-going challenges of living through the fourth year of a war that, when it began in September 1914, was supposed to be over by Christmas. But it’s also repeated constantly, and usually followed by the corollary that the bookshop girls had stood resolutely together to see each other through whatever ear brought them. This includes a dark secret that Alice uncovers about her family. Another repeated phrase refers to Molly, who, practically from the first month of her pregnancy, is ever posed with ‘a hand (sometimes both) on her baby bump.’ That sounds far too contemporary for the way middle class pregnant women behaved in public over a century ago.

Even without reading any of the five earlier volumes, this one tells an affecting story about how women on the home front—a Great War concept—individually and together contributed to what finally, at long last, did become a victory, and certainly did bring about stark changes that could never be undone.

With war coming to and end the bookshop girls are heading into a new era. Alice Victoria and Molly are more like sisters now having been there for each other for so long. So when problems rise the girls always look out for each other and help through the good times and bad.
Brilliant to catch up with the Bookshop family loving this series and hope it continues as there are further adventures to be had by the girls