I was delighted to be able to read an advance copy of Bloomsbury Girls. When I started the book and realized that one of the characters was from The Jane Austen Society, I decided to re-read JAS to refresh my memory. (I loved it just as much as the first time.) It wasn't really necessary, as this book could very much be a stand-alone story. I consider Bloomsbury Girls to be more historical fiction than women's fiction. I loved the London bookstore locale, and the author brought the diverse staff of the store to life. There were minor characters who were literary figures of the time, and I enjoyed learning a little about their lives. The whole book was very atmospheric, and I felt immersed in the post-war London time period. I think it would make a great choice for book discussion groups. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more from the author.

This book was an excellent read. I enjoyed the female-centric storyline, and how the women main characters learned and grew and were empowered. Frankly, I also loved that they stuck it to the stuffy old fashioned men at the end! Some of the characters in this book were first introduced in Natalie Jenner's other book, The Jane Austen Society, which I also read and reviewed here on NetGalley. I love books about books and bookstores, and this was right up my alley. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys history, books, and strong female characters.

“The Bloomsbury Girls” by Natalie Jenner tells the story of and old-fashioned London bookshop, where it’s run by men, but resisted change over many many years. The shop has a number of rules (I believe 51) that must be adhered to, although some of the rules are odd and rather stuffy (or, possibly old-fashioned). This book takes place in the 1950s, where women are, sadly, still regarded as second-class citizens in many ways. The author claims this book is like "Mad Men meets You've Got Mail!" Having only seen Mad Men, I can attest to some similarities regarding having to change with the times and the fact that the three main female characters do have brains, smarts, and talent.

I’m a bit torn about reviewing this book. Some aspects I liked - I’m a sucker for a historical fiction book covering women writers (Daphne du Maurier!), obscure books (yes, the book Evie is trying to find does actually exist), and a dash of 1950s name dropping glam (Peggy Guggenheim). But at the same time, I knew going in that this was going to be a “nicely wrapped up, everything works out well in the end” book, which I wasn’t disappointed by, but was hoping for a bit more of a, well, less neatly wrapped up ending.

There’s a bit of setting up in the beginning of this book and a few times I felt a bit overwhelmed with not only the details of the character’s lives, but also with some of the setting up to advance the plot. But, I believe that if, on the whole, someone enjoys books set in bookstores, reading about the power of female friendships, and having the underdogs win … this might be a book you’d like to read. Although one of the characters, Evie, was in a previous book by this author, this book is a stand-alone.

Bloomsbury Girls by Natalie Jenner is a wonderful historical fiction that is the follow up to one of my favorite books, The Jane Austen Society, and I just loved it!

This is such a gorgeous novel full of historical figures and details, strong and complex female characters, and an interweaving narrative that kept me engrossed throughout.

I loved being able to experience the post-war period in London from the eyes pf three different women in three different circumstances and stages in life. Yet, the struggles, fears, obstacles, and challenges of all three women were so similar. The limitations, the stigmas, the uphill battles that women faced during this time in society (and continue to face) was very frustrating and difficult to read, yet it brought solidarity and familiarity seeing that these women forged strong bonds and relationships and were able to conquer their respective mountains in their own ways. It gave me strength knowing that those paths have been made before, that those battles have been fought on common ground.

Ms. Jenner has a real talent in creating realistic, complex, raw, and human characters. It is just wonderful. No other way to describe it.

I highly recommend this historical fiction novel.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and St. Martin’s Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.

Wow! Just wow. So good. Unique characters, including the most dazzling historical figures. A very touching and genuine view of women’s many challenges and their strength in overcoming them. A story full of books, friendship, perseverance, and love in an intelligent, historical-filled, well-woven plot. Brava!

Full Review:

Vivien, Grace, and Evie worked at Bloomsbury Books and Maps, an old-fashioned book store managed by men set on their ways.

Despite being clearly overqualified for their roles, the women were not considered for promotions and even resented their promising business ideas.

While they ventured through these turbulent waters, each of them had to face personal challenges and find the courage to take control of their lives.

Bloomsbury Girls is a story full of heart and self-discovery, and most of all, a story about women's companionship and its infinite power.

The fictional characters interacted seamlessly with fascinating historical figures as Daphne Du Maurier, Peggy Guggenheim, and Samuel Beckett. I confess I googled them all and was dazzled by their striking personalities.

As a book lover, I was delighted by the setting and the talk about rare and old books.

Vivien, Grace, and Evie were different and yet shared the same yearning for opportunity and independence. Each of them showed a different, but no less admirable, form of strength. I immediately related to them.

As for the male characters, I fell in love with the kind and refined Lord Baskin and the shy Ash. Even Alec McDonough enchanted me despite his rakish ways.

Wow! Just wow. So good. Unique characters, including the most dazzling historical figures. A very touching and genuine view of women's many challenges and their strength in overcoming them. A story full of books, friendship, perseverance, and love in an intelligent, historical-filled, well-woven plot. Brava!

Disclaimer: I've received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. A full review will be published on lureviewsbooks.com around the publication date.