1945 Liverpool is met with the end of World War II, so things like air raid sirens, falling planes, food rations, and the like, are now becoming things of the past. In the first book in the series, The Factory Girls of Lark Lane, we met Alice Lomax, Sadie Romano and Millie Markham, women that worked in a munitions factory in 1940 Liverpool. Now, with the war over, Alice and Terry have a chance of setting up a home with young Cathy. Terry is struggling to learn how to get to know his young daughter. For now, Alice and Sadie are working hard in a haberdashery shop. Sadie is raising young son Gianni and she is estranged from her husband Luca.

Things start looking up for Alice and her little family, however, she is beset by unspeakable tragedy. Her husband Terry, after surviving the horrors of war, loses his life in a tragic accident. Now Alice is alone. Sadie thought she was alone too, but Gianni's father is back, and she is none too pleased. He lives a life she doesn't find conducive to raising a family. Both women must forge ahead and do so without ever giving up hope. As Millie has already found the love of her life, she plays a very small role in this story, The Shop Girls of Lark Lane.

Just as in the first book in this series, these women must cope with challenges. While reading this story, I couldn't help but shed more than a few tears when Alice lost Terry. It also broke my heart that Alice may have felt that she couldn't raise Cathy alone, as well as her brother, Brian, and allowed Terry's friend, Jack Dawson, come into her life. A lot of writing on the wall was not necessary to see that Jack was a walking disaster. All we wanted at this point was for Alice to find peace and joy. Involving herself with a man who drank far too much, well, it didn't seem that it could lead to much.

I must admit to reading this Lark Lane series out of order. Last year I read the first book, and I just completed the third, The Nurses of Lark Lane. Although I have already written that review, I elected to stop and read this book and publish this review first. I do think each story could indeed do well as standalones. However, the stories are so very well-connected, with remarkable growth with all of the characters, that I recommend readers and lovers of continuity to read the series in order. As it stands, this book will definitely leave readers eager to continue the series.

Pam Howes touches on some sensitive issues in this book, especially with Jack and his abominable behavior. The way he treats Alice and Cathy was just horrible and rather painful to read. Although the book works hard at showcasing the strength that Alice has, her reasons for marrying Jack gave me pause. However, her family and friendships never left her without hope. Despite my feeling sad more than once, I feel this is a very important series and I am both honored and thrilled to have read it. ( )

The Shop Girls of Lark Lane is the second book in the Lark Lane series. I do recommend reading The Factory Girls of Lark Lane first. Otherwise, you will be missing necessary background information on the characters. I do want readers to know this book is dark and realistic (not an upbeat, perky story). It shows what life was like for women after World War II. I thought The Shop Girls of Lark Lane was a slow starter. I had a hard time getting into the story, but I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next. The book picks up as you get further into it. I like the main characters which consist of Alice, Sadie, Millie, Granny Lomax, and Brian. Alice is lucky to have such good friends and a helpful mother-in-law. It is a shame that Alice does not always appreciate Granny Lomax. Brian is helpful as well with young Cathy and around the house. Millie has met the love of her life and has plans with him for a new future in Canada. Sadie is worried when Gianni’s circus performer Italian father returns to Liverpool. I do not want to say too much and spoil The Shop Girls of Lark Lane for you. At the end of the book, readers are left wondering what will happen next for Alice (cliffhanger). I look forward to reading The Nurses of Lark Lane when it comes out. The Shop Girls of Lark Lane is an emotional and realistic novel that tug at your heartstrings. ( )