Engaging characters and a good sense of the period

I immediately felt myself drawn to the feisty Jo, especially her willingness to stick up for her little brother. The descriptions of the products in the general store - fig rolls, Ovaltine - created a real sense of nostalgia and reminded me of the shop my parents ran when I was younger (although this was long after WW2, I hasten to add!).

I liked the way the author conveyed the atmosphere of the East End of the period - the pie and mash shop and roly-poly and custard for pudding, what more could you ask for?

I love the cover because the girls on it look like they actually belong in the period it's set. Sometimes the models used for historical fiction covers look too modern somehow despite being dressed in period costume.