I was on my online library looking for books to put on my hold list. So often books will be on the hold list for months so I try to keep the list full with the hope that I will eventually get the books. The latest book from the hold list was The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan. I “read” the book by the cover as the “50’s” look of the gal’s dress made me think the book might be historical fiction. Happily, I guessed right.
I really liked this book. It’s told through the perspective of four different women during WWII in England. All of the women are on their own in questionable circumstances trying to make the best of the life they were given. Each is vying for a chance to be the hostess of a BBC radio show designed to help women work with food rationing.
This is a great book that I really think most anyone could like.  I recommend it highly. It was a little predictable…but I still very much enjoyed it.
Here is what Amazon had to say…
“Two years into World War II, Britain is feeling her losses: The Nazis have won battles, the Blitz has destroyed cities, and U-boats have cut off the supply of food. In an effort to help housewives with food rationing, a BBC radio program called The Kitchen Front is holding a cooking contest – and the grand prize is a job as the program’s first-ever female co-host. For four very different women, winning the competition would present a crucial chance to change their lives.
For a young widow, it’s a chance to pay off her husband’s debts and keep a roof over her children’s heads. For a kitchen maid, it’s a chance to leave servitude and find freedom. For a lady of the manor, it’s a chance to escape her wealthy husband’s increasingly hostile behavior. And for a trained chef, it’s a chance to challenge the men at the top of her profession.
These four women are giving the competition their all – even if that sometimes means bending the rules. But with so much at stake, will the contest that aims to bring the community together only serve to break it apart?”
Amazon readers gave the book a 4.4 rating. I would give it a 4.6 rating. I’m off to see what other books the author has.
You can find the book HERE on Amazon.
I read The Chilbury Ladies Choir by the same author (Jennifer Ryan). It was also a WWII sotry taking poace in England. I liked it!!!
Thanks for the recommendation. I just looked and my local library has it.
I also that that one. It’s in my paperback library.
Oops, posted before I read comment back to myself. It’s suppose to say WWII story taking place in England. Sorry about that.
Book recommendation: The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J Ryan Stradal. Takes place in Iowa and Minnesota, description can be found on Amazon. I listened to the audio version and loved it! Story told from the point of view of two sisters, so goes back and forth but the reader does a great job. A lot of the characters touch the lives of both sisters without realizing it. Great Read!!! or listen, lol!