Rainy Days For The Harpers Girls by Rosie Clarke is a historical fiction saga. The third book in the 'Welcome To The Harpers Emporium', but it is fine to read as a stand alone. I don't really think it detracts from the story just don't expect not to WANT to read the rest!
This particular instalment starts at the beginning if the first World War,when the men were going of to war and the suffragette movement was forefront. It shows how peoples perspectives were changing and women wanted to carry on working after they got married as well as having the vote. The class divide is also evident at this time, people who couldn't carry on in education and had to work instead. This is a story that follows the Harper Girls through their trials and tribulations and their happy times of romance and the births of babies.
I love a good Historical saga and these books are a cosy read. I am transported back in time with the author, she makes me feel like I could almost be in the period of time she writes about and the characters are so well developed and lifelike that I could almost know them. A delightful story of the Harper Girls that I hope the author carries on for a while.Thank you to rararesources for asking me to be a part of this lovely Blog Tour and Netgalley and Boldwood books for the ARC.

I have been a fan of Rosie's work for a while now. I haven't quite caught up yet with all of her books but I keep pace with her new releases and when I have a spare couple of days, I read one of her earlier books too. Rosie Clarke also writes under the name of Cathy Sharp. I have read, loved and reviewed the first two books in the 'Harpers Girls' series and I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy of the third book in the series. Well ladies, gents and children, the wait is over because the third book in the series is called 'Rainy Days For The Harpers Girls' and it was released on 2nd June 2020. It's another fantastic read from Rosie, which I thoroughly enjoyed but more about that in a bit.
It didn't take me long at all to feel as though I had been reunited with old friends in the Harpers Girls. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first couple of chapters, I picked up where the last book left off if that makes sense. The wait before the release of the third book felt like one of those holidays where you have missed seeing your friends and you literally cannot wait to get back with everybody and catch up on all of the gossip.
To say that reading 'Rainy Days For The Harpers Girls' became addictive has to be one of the understatements of the year. I picked the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters to at least make a start on my new book but I got so 'into' the story that I was still sat there reading over three hours and a fair few chapters later. I just had to keep reading to discover what fate had in store for the girls. I was so engrossed in the story that I didn't realise just how quickly the pages were turning. At one point the pages seemed to turn that quickly that it was almost as if they were turning themselves and then all too quickly I had to say farewell to the Harpers Girls again.
'Rainy Days For The Harpers Girls' is extremely well written, but then I think that to be true of all of Rosie's/ Cathy's books. She writes great historical sagas that draw you into the story from the first word on the first page and her stories really do affect you emotionally. Rosie writes so convincingly and uses such vivid descriptions that I felt that I was literally 'living' the story as if it were real. Every emotion that the various characters went through, I went through.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Rainy Days For The Harpers Girls' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. 'Rainy Days For The Harpers Girls' is a gripping story and a real page turner. I will certainly be reading more of Rosie's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

I’ve enjoyed reading the Harper’s Girls series, and this book is as good as the rest. It’s now 1914 and we catch up with Harper’s just as the war begins. It was great to catch up with old characters and also a few new ones. The book is well written and flows well. Hopefully this isn’t the last we’ve heard from Harper’s, as I’d like to see how all the characters get on. I can recommend this book

This is book 3 of the series and I feel best enjoyed if you read the first two books prior to this. Based on the lives of the girls and families who work at Harpers in Oxford Street. It follows the ups and downs of their lives and relationships whilst working and the hardships of some especially with war looming.. I really enjoyed how the old characters grew and new ones were introduced quite easily. A really enjoyable read.

Rainy Days for the Harper Girls forms part of the Harper Girls series by Rosie Clarke but can also be read as a stand alone. I haven't read the rest of this series set just before the outbreak of WW1 in London but that didn't detract from enjoyment of the book, I still really enjoyed it.

Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres and as soon as I saw the cover for this book and read the blurb, I could wait to read it. Based in the lead up to war being declared, this book talks about the suffragete movement and how perspectives were starting to change and women wanted the opportunity to vote and continue working after marriage. The class divide is also evident and how continuing education simply wasn't an option for some families due to the immediate need to help put food on the table.

Whilst reading there was something for everyone with romance blossoming, the birth of a baby and the continued loyalty of the Harper girls, I really enjoyed it.

I really hope there will be more books in this series as I loved the friendships formed and would love another visit to the wonderful Harper store with its gorgeous window displays.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book.
This is the third book in this series, and I have read all of them. I love the time period (pre-WWI) and the setting (Harper's Dept. Store). In this book the girls continue making life changing decisions. One character is going to have a baby, one is thinking about getting married and another one has met an old love once again. The author also introduces a couple of new characters. I really enjoy reading this series-it is well written and I love the descriptions of the store and the clothes, hats, scarves and jewelry. I can't wait for the next installment!

By now it wouldn't be a surprise that I read and reviewed yet another historical novel, this one in the Saga genre.

I was thankful that I was able to read the previous books in the series before tackling this one and I may have found another author that I will add to my list to keep an eye out for more books. The fact that I read the series in order ended up being for the best. It was such an amazing journey.

Changes keep happening, the characters are taken on an emotional rollercoaster, and have to decided the new step in each moment and each event that takes place. And us, the readers, ended up going with them. Following these strong women on their paths, getting to know them even more, even in this third book.

As we get introduced to new characters, things keep getting exciting. It was as if I was part of the community, of this family. And since it's the third book, I had some time to understand the amazing and loyal girls, the Harper girls.

We don't just follow one person or couple, we follow a group a people through their lives and now, with new character, and news, it was just felt like a new chapter in their lives and my reading journey. Something that may have been because I read book after book, but still, I felt truly emotional about every single one of those women and I just hope there is a forth book coming.

There is a sense of connection while reading this book, it may be because the setting was so realistic, or because it's not as far back into the past as we may think. But I felt as if I was transported to that moment in time, right beside these characters, and living with them.

Overall, I liked this book a lot, as I did the previous, and I recommend you read it in other so you can fully connect with the story and the characters, as well as get to enjoy the series to it's fullest potential.

[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, Rosie Clark and Boldwood Books for the eCopy of this book, via NetGalley, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

With thanks to netgalley and Boldwood books and Rosie Clarke for an early copy in return for an honest review.
Oh how FANTASTIC to be back with the Harper girls, This is third in the series and I honestly hope there are a good few more they are warm inviting and filled with intriguing thoughts, As all the men are going to war it's up too the women now left behind to be shoulders back and paint a smile on there face. The characters are growing with each new book that comes out and its wonderful to see how there all coping and pulling together with each other. I really can't praise this book enough absolutely perfect writing.

Love and War

The Harpers Girls, working at Harpers Department Store, are like family. They care for each other and stick together. Sally , Rachel, Marion, Minnie, Beth, Maggie, and Becky joining in to help. They all have to find the strength to manage as war threatens and then is declared in Britain.

This is a story of the girls, their husbands, boyfriends, rekindled loves, and brothers. Of sending loved ones off to war. Of the day to day existence working at Harpers and what it means to each of the girls. Their home life, challenges, and heartaches. The marriages and romances and loss of loved ones. How they come together to help and encourage each other.

I love how the book describes the dresses they wear and make. The fabric, the colors and the textures. That even when times are grim whether at home with the family or with those gone to war the girls always are at home at Harpers and they are always there for each other.

I love the Characters, all the girls and their husbands, boyfriends and loves. The store characters and the little girl Jenny. How Becky is growing up in a troubled time and is making the most of it, gaining a new stepmother, working a Harpers and meeting that handsome soldier at the dance. I hope there is another book so we can hear more about Becky and her soldier and how the other's fare in the war, the one that went to be a nurse, and the men that left for war.

I love this series as well as the Mulberry Lane series. Rosie Clarke just writes good clean reading, what a refreshing book. It is wonderful after reading something more intense to pick up one of Rosie's books and just sit back and enjoy the story. I would recommend this book and the series.

Thanks to Rosie Clarke, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of the book for an honest review.

Another fabulous read from Rosie Clarke advancing the story of the Harpers Girls that little bit further . . .

Two years on from the opening of Harpers Emporium on Oxford Street, life is moving on for both the owners and the staff, all with one goal in mind; making sure the store continues to get bigger and better!

There is a dark cloud hanging over Britain with the threat of war attached and life has a dull edge to it these days. As young men plan to be among the first to sign up to fight for their country, women are just as determined to do their bit. The staff at Harpers are no different and the thought of war hangs over each and every day. Our original girls are moving on with their lives in many different ways, but their friendships are as strong as ever. The introductions of a few new characters keeps things fresh, but none of the originals are forgotten. Beautifully crafted, each one takes on a personality of their own and it all adds up to a stirring read with a bit of mystery, lots of love and a big dollop of uncertainty. A cracking addition to the series, and one I heartily recommend. A superb read which earns every one of the five stars I'm happy to give.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley and to Rachel's Random Resources for my spot in this tour; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

This is the 3rd book in the “Welcome To Harpers Emporium” series. I have read the first 2 and enjoyed this one as well. Set just before the beginning of WWI It is always interesting to read about the Harper girls with their mixed backgrounds and upbringings. The times were so different than today....there was a sense of loyalty and respect for one another. Love these stories. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honext review.

I enjoy this author and most of her books. This is part of a series. Unfortunately she ended is so abruptly I can only assume she’s keeping us in suspense until the next book .

I have absolutely loved this book, this is my favourite so far out of this series. I absolutely love the Harper's girls and this has been a great revisit to them.
These books pull me in and make it impossible for me to put them down until I have completely finished the books.
This author is able to set the scene perfectly and keep me completely engrossed in the story.
I'm so thrilled to have been able to follow the journey throughout the books. I adore all of the girls in this series, their happy times and challenges make these books which are utterly impossible to put down.

I love this series and this book was as good as the previous.
I'm always happy to meet the Harper's girl as they are likeable and fleshed out.
The story is well written, engrossing and entertaining and I loved the plot and the vivid historical background.
I can't wait to read the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

This is the 3rd book in the “Welcome To Harpers Emporium” series, I have not read the previous two books even though I do have them on my kindle! It did take me a couple of chapters to get to grips with the characters that are obviously already established, but once I started to get to know them I was well away and absolutely enthralled and captivated by this book.

The story is about the workers at Harpers Emporium, even though the main cast have backstories I found that very quickly I was given enough detail to get me up to speed. But, I do so wish I had read the previous two books so I knew the full stories of each of them.

Set just before the first World War, there is a tension of things in Europe, and also of the Suffragette movement. These things are great for keeping the reader in the time and setting of the book. The Harpers Girls are a mix of backgrounds and upbringings, but one thing I loved was that each of the employees was looked upon with respect and valued as a member of staff. It gave the book such a lovely feeling of togetherness and also loyalty.

For some times are tough with large families to support, others are lonely and unmarried, but the sense of support was very evident within the story. As the war eventually does come there is a feeling of doing the right thing as some of enlist, this again adds another emotion to the story, one of worry and also bravado.

I absolutely loved this book and if you are a fan of historical fiction that has a strong friendship and family feel to it then I really would suggest picking up this series, and I would also start from the beginning! I would definitely recommend this book.

I'm loving the Harper Girls series immensely. The characters are captured amazingly well and make you feel as if you are going through things with them. Please hurry with the next one! I was actually devastated when I realised I was at the end of the book. Thank you so so much for the ARC!

Rosie Clarke's books are true with the background stories are very believable . The Harper girls continue their journey through work and their lives. I was just a bit surprised at the ending so am hoping that the next book in the series follows very shortly, I want to know what happens to the girls and the store. This is a 5 star novel and a great read, it can be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading these in the order they were written. Have a copy and enjoy this.

Full of fun female characters at a time when the whole world turned upside down. I enjoyed Rainy Days for the Harper Girls, and even though I haven't read the previous ones in the series, Rainy Days started and ended without me needing to. I enjoyed a twist on the female suffragettes and a look on WW1 from the eyes of the women who couldn't be there to fight along side their men.

Great to catch up with the Harper girls in this third book, another wonderfully written instalment as we follow old and new characters as war approaches and the girls move in different directions, really looking forward to more in this brilliant series.

When I first picked up this book it was like visiting old friends, everyone was instantly recognised. Sally and Ben lead the way in a friendly yet professional way. The war is just gearing up, the historical pieces of information are fascinating. I particularly enjoyed reading about Miss Minnie and Johnathon.This is the 3rd in the Harper series and not the last I hope as apart from wanting to know more about everyone I particularly want to know what happens to Marion and Maggie.