Christmas at Woolworths
Page 33
Bob was speechless.
‘Now, I’m not saying we are getting married that soon as these things need planning. I’m not even expecting a big wedding. But, there again, I don’t hold with this running away on our own business like Betty and Douglas did either. So, what I’m saying is . . .’
Bob followed Ruby into the house as she continued to talk. He’d go along with whatever she decided. As far as he was concerned he’d won the hand of the woman he loved and nothing could change the way he felt right now.
Acknowledgements
This book sees me delve into the lives of my wonderful Woolies girls leading up to Christmas 1942. It made me think back to those long-ago Christmases of my childhood, when Woolworths played such an important part in making everyone’s happy. Who do we thank for this, I wonder? Family . . . friends . . . Woolworths? Whoever it was, thank you for my memories.
It is often said that the life of a writer is a lonely existence. I beg to differ. The comradeship of fellow authors in the Romantic Novelists’ Association is testament to the success of the association. New writers, bestselling authors, publishers, agents and editors – all are there to support each other in our chosen careers. Again, I thank you all for your friendship.
A big hug also for my agent, Caroline Sheldon, who is there to champion my corner and chat about our dogs – what more could one ask for? At Pan Macmillan my thanks are for my editor, Victoria Hughes-Williams, and her colleagues Jayne Osborne and Francesca Pearce. The editorial team, headed by Kate Tolley, are worth their weight in chocolate for the hard work they put into making my books shine.
A great big thank you for the people who tell the world about my books. Emma Draube and her staff at ED Public Relations are second to none.
Research plays a big part in any historical saga author’s work. My first port of call has always been the online Woolworths Museum, which never ceases to make me stop and dream of days gone by – not only my own childhood in the Sixties but as far back as the 1930s and 1940s where my stories are currently set.
Mr Paul Seaton, you have worked wonders with your museum. Thank you, sir. www.woolworthsmuseum.co.uk
For local research I’m either visiting the London Borough of Bexley archives or reading one of Bob Ogley’s wonderful non-fiction books set in Kent during years gone by. I’m fortunate to have these rich sources of information to hand.
Last but not least, I must thank my readers. Sharing your memories of Woolworths and chatting about the characters makes my work so worthwhile.
Elaine xx
If you enjoyed Christmas at Woolworths then you’ll love
The Woolworths Girls
Can romance blossom in times of trouble?
It’s 1938 and as the threat of war hangs over the country, Sarah Caselton is preparing for her new job at Woolworths. Before long, she forms a tight bond with two of her colleagues: the glamorous Maisie and shy Freda. The trio couldn’t be more different, but they immediately form a close-knit friendship, sharing their hopes and dreams for the future.
Sarah soon falls into the rhythm of her new position, enjoying the social events hosted by Woolies and her blossoming romance with young assistant manager, Alan. But with the threat of war clouding the horizon, the young men and women of Woolworths realize that there are bigger battles ahead. It’s a dangerous time for the nation, and an even more perilous time to fall in love . . .
Coming soon in April 2018
Wartime at Woolworths
It is March 1943 and life for the Woolworths employees and their families continues.
Maisie adores her baby daughter, but begins to wonder about her own family who she walked away from some years before. Have they survived the war? She is determined to track them down, never imagining the consequences . . .
Sarah and her husband, Alan, are blissfully happy and Sarah longs for them to expand their family, but dark days lie ahead.
Freda too wonders about her family, and events mean that she has to encounter her past.
Wartime at Woolworths is the next moving instalment in the much-loved Woolworths series.
Praise for Elaine Everest
‘Heart-warming . . . a must-read’
Woman’s Own
‘A warm, tender tale of friendship and love’
Milly Johnson
‘A lovely read’
Bella
‘Elaine brings the heyday of the iconic high-street giant to life in her charming novel’
S Magazine
‘A feel-good summer read’
Bognor Regis Post
Christmas at Woolworths
Elaine Everest was born and brought up in northwest Kent and has written widely – both short stories and features – for women’s magazines. When she isn’t writing, Elaine runs The Write Place creative writing school in Dartford, Kent, and the blog for the Romantic Novelists’ Association. Elaine lives with her husband, Michael, and their Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Henry, in Swanley, Kent. Christmas at Woolworths is her third novel.
You can say hello to Elaine on
Twitter @ElaineEverest or
Facebook at www.facebook.com/elaine.everest
Also by Elaine Everest
The Woolworths Girls
The Butlins Girls
Ebook novella
Carols at Woolworths
First published 2017 by Pan Books
This electronic edition published 2017 by Pan Books
an imprint of Pan Macmillan
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Associated companies throughout the world
www.panmacmillan.com
ISBN 978-1-5098-4366-4
Copyright © Elaine Everest 2017
Design © blacksheep-uk.com
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The right of Elaine Everest to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
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A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
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