BLOG TOUR
BLURB
Alice, Victoria and Molly couldn't be more different and yet they share a friendship that stems back to their childhood – a friendship that provides everyday solace from the tribulations and heartbreak of war. Perfect for fans of Elaine Everest, Daisy Styles and Rosie Hendry.
All the Foyles girls want this Christmas is their loved ones back safe and sound and to look foward to a New Year without the shadow of war...
The final book in Elaine Roberts' heartwarming Foyles Girls trilogy.
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EXTRACT
Molly looked down at her ankle boots, momentarily getting distracted by the wet dirty toes.
Mr Leadbetter cleared his throat.
Molly jerked and stared hard at the books on the shelves in front of her. ‘No, sir, I do appreciate you letting me return.’ Colour filled her face. ‘I do love being around books, but the excitement just got the better of me.’
Mr Leadbetter smiled, showing a row of creamy white teeth. ‘Then you are in the right place, but the real question is, do you like children?’
Molly glanced at him through her eyelashes. ‘As you know, before I left, I spoke to you about working with the children, so they would come to love books the way I do.’
Mr Leadbetter nodded and stepped forward. Molly automatically followed him, weaving in and out of the bookshelves. He suddenly stopped and Molly just managed to not bump into him.
‘Sorry to be a nuisance, but I wondered if you could help me?’ A young girl stood in front of the two of them.
Mr Leadbetter gave her his best smile. ‘Of course, what can we do for you?’
‘I want to buy my mother a book and someone told me she would enjoy Howards End by E. M. Forster.’ She looked up high on the bookshelves and indicated the area the book was in. ‘I think that’s it, but I can’t reach it.’
Molly and Mr Leadbetter looked up to where she was pointing.
Molly nodded. ‘I can see it.’
Mr Leadbetter easily reached up and pulled the book from the shelf. The books either side looked like they were going to topple down, but he managed to push them back with his other hand.
Molly smiled at the young girl. ‘That’s a lovely choice of book and I hope your mother enjoys it.’
The girl laughed. ‘I don’t know, but my friend said her mother had read and returned it for her tuppence refund.’
Mr Leadbetter examined the book. ‘Well, the cover is full of some lovely greenery over a large house, so it looks like it could be a good read.’
Molly laughed. ‘It’s about a strong intelligent woman, so if it interests you maybe you should read it afterwards.’
The girl beamed at them. ‘Thank you, I will.’ She took the book from Mr Leadbetter and they watched her make her way to a wooden counter for a bill payment slip.
‘That was a good show of knowledge, Miss Cooper.’
Molly smiled. ‘I told you I love books.’
Mr Leadbetter nodded. ‘Actually, I don’t know why I’m taking you to the children’s section, when you know Foyles like the back of your hand. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you what to do, or explain how we feel about our customers – you remember the customer always comes first, so please be helpful and remember you do not handle any money, under any circumstances. There’s a counter to the left as you arrive in the section, and that’s where you will be, but when things are quiet, please tidy and dust the shelves.’
Molly nodded. ‘Yes, sir, don’t worry, I will work hard.’ She frowned. ‘After the munitions factory, this will be a joy to do.’
Mr Leadbetter softened his tone. ‘It must have been hard for you.’
Molly gave a faint smile. ‘It was physically hard, but repetitive.’ Her eyes welled up. ‘There were some good people lost in that explosion.’ She pulled a plain cotton handkerchief from her black calf-length skirt and dabbed her eyes. ‘Some people lost everything they had, including their homes. This war has a lot to answer for.’
Mr Leadbetter lifted his arms a little, before letting them drop by his side. He cleared his throat. ‘It sounds like it’s a good job you are back with your friends.’
Molly nodded. ‘Yes, and thank you again for letting me come back.’ She took a deep breath. ‘I best get on and let you find Victoria, I mean Miss Appleton.’
‘Yes, yes.’ He turned to walk away, stopping to look over his shoulder at the blonde-haired girl he liked to think was the daughter he never had. ‘It’s good to have you back, Miss Cooper.’
Molly smiled and gave a slight nod. ‘Thank you, sir.’
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