Homefront Hearts
Publication Date: May 3, 2022
The Germans pause their bombing raids on London but life on the homefront is certainly far from ordinary. The Seamstress on Cider Lane is a lighthearted and hopeful romance, perfect for fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and The Last Bookshop in London.
Gifted seamstress Nora Archer opens a sewing shop just as clothing becomes rationed and scarce in Britain. London’s fashionable elites soon discover her remarkable talent for giving garments new life and her skills are soon in high demand.
Having lost his flat during the Blitz, Jack Parker is relieved to finally locate a new home. He finds himself living under the same roof as Nora, the spirited and enchanting woman he thought he’d lost, as well as Nora’s protective aunt.
Despite her aunt’s warnings, Nora can’t help falling for Jack. However, the sweet and bookish teacher is from a different world and Nora doesn’t know if she fits in or if Jack might be too good to be true. She can’t deny the intense attraction between herself and Jack—and neither of them wants to.
When a struggling friend’s desperate plea for help lures Nora into the dodgy clothing black market, she risks not only her business and reputation but also her blossoming relationship with Jack.
Will Jack and Nora’s wartime romance survive when Nora’s secrets are revealed?
War-torn London often serves as a rich backdrop for World War II historical novels illustrating the challenges of the era.
Author Jillianne Hamilton delivers two strong main characters trying to do their part for the war effort in The Seamstress on Cider Lane.
Nora Archer and Jack Parker meet one memorable evening that ends with them huddling together in a bomb shelter. Weeks later, they encounter each other in the home of Nora’s aunt and uncle, where Jack is the new tenant.
This sets the stage for a rather complicated romantic scenario. Although they clearly are attracted to each other, in order for them to pursue a relationship, one would have to move out.
Jack’s character is troubled by his designated role in the war. Instead of being immersed in research, he finds himself serving as a history teacher to young children. While it is better than being on the front lines, Jack finds himself longing for his old life. There are some humorous aspects that accompany his time in the classroom.
Nora, on the other hand, opens her own sewing shop with the help of her relatives. When a friend approaches her with some black-market goods, Nora makes the fateful decision to sell them. Although this greatly expands her clientele, it puts her in great jeopardy.
As their relationship grows, Nora gets insight into Jack’s background. It’s one thing to sew dresses for the high society women, but it is much different to actually mingle with them on Jack’s arm.
The Seamstress on Cider Lane offers interesting characters whose decisions may put them in jeopardy of a happily ever after.
Jillianne Hamilton writes entertaining historical fiction and historical romance novels with happy endings. Her stories feature feisty female protagonists and plenty of sass and wit, using the past as an exciting backdrop. Her debut novel was shortlisted for the 2016 PEI Book Award.
