PERHAPS A GIFT VOUCHER FOR MUM?: MOTHER'S DAY
ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK ----- Gertie's beloved husband has died, and she doesn't know how or why she should bother going on without him. The bookshop that was their dream has become her nightmare, and she plans to sell. It's 1938 though, and war is in the air again, so when she is asked to take in a young Jewish girl who has been evacuated from Munich, she decides it is the least she can do. Gertie always wanted children, but 15yo Hedy is not what Gertie had in mind - a seemingly sullen and ungrateful, headstrong miss. Books and reading, however, will provide the path to understanding for both of them… And as the war descends upon London, Gertie finds a new purpose in life, and another place in the community.
This is a sweetly gentle and diverting read, the sort that perfectly accompanies a pot of tea and a sunny corner on a Sunday afternoon. Lindy
After a career in bookselling and publishing, Annie Lyons became an author. When not working on her novels, she teaches creative writing. She lives in south-east London with her husband and two children and puppy, Nelson.
ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK ----- Gertie's beloved husband has died, and she doesn't know how or why she should bother going on without him. The bookshop that was their dream has become her nightmare, and she plans to sell. It's 1938 though, and war is in the air again, so when she is asked to take in a young Jewish girl who has been evacuated from Munich, she decides it is the least she can do. Gertie always wanted children, but 15yo Hedy is not what Gertie had in mind - a seemingly sullen and ungrateful, headstrong miss. Books and reading, however, will provide the path to understanding for both of them… And as the war descends upon London, Gertie finds a new purpose in life, and another place in the community.
This is a sweetly gentle and diverting read, the sort that perfectly accompanies a pot of tea and a sunny corner on a Sunday afternoon. Lindy
A warm and tender tale about the power and healing of friendship and community and the magic of books . . . Annie writes her characters with humanity, humour and respect and their stories will stay with me for a very long time. A wonderful, heart-warming read -- Ruth Hogan Full of heart . . . Annie Lyons has cleverly woven the horror and heartbreak of war with the resilience of human nature, the strength of love, and the importance of friends . . . satisfying, funny, uplifting . . . A fabulous story, perfect for fans of Lissa Evans and AJ Pearce. I adored it. -- Kerry Barrett Annie Lyons has the rare gift of bringing an unfamiliar world alive in such a way that the reader drops right into the heart of the action . . . This is a book to be read and re-read - each time there will be something new to discover . . . a triumph -- Celia Anderson If you're looking for a warm and nostalgic read, The Air Raid Book Club will definitely be your cup of tea. This story of love, bravery and found family is heart-wrenching and utterly charming. I sobbed my way through the final chapters. -- Fiona Lucas This story of grief, community, friendship and the restorative power of books, is charming, witty and thoroughly absorbing from first page to last. Gertie is the very best of heroines: feisty and compassionate. I adored following her and Lyons' cast of colourfully drawn characters through the desperate landscape of the Second World War to the swooping joy of an ending which left tears rolling down my face. This book is exactly what we need right now to remind us that, with kindness, love and compassion for our fellow man, there is always light beyond the darkness -- Lisa Timoney I devoured it . . . and was caught up in the world of Gertie and Hedy and the Book Club in WW2, turning the pages to find out more . . . a beautifully written story and a book full of heart. -- Beezy Marsh A tender, touching and utterly heart-warming tale, set against the horrors of the Blitz. Readers will adore Gertie and Hedy -- Sarah Steele, author of The Lost Song of Paris A charming, uplifting story of resourceful women and the healing power of books -- Clare Chambers, bestselling author of Small Pleasures
