The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital

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What to expect

The heartwarming and hilarious new novel from the bestselling author of THE SINGLE LADIES OF JACARANDA RETIREMENT VILLAGE.

Three unlikely friends. A lot of scones. And one chance to save the community...

The Marjorie Marshall Memorial Cafeteria is at the heart of St Jude's Hospital. Staffed by successive generations of dedicated volunteers, for over fifty years the beloved cafeteria has been serving up a kind word and sympathetic ear along with tea and scones.

Hilary, the stalwart Manageress, has worked her way up through the ranks; Jo, the latest recruit, is driving Hilary mad by arriving late every day; and seventeen-year-old Chloe, the daughter of two successful surgeons, is volunteering in the holidays and bemused by the older women.

But when they discover the cafeteria is under threat of closure, the unlikely trio must put aside their differences. As they realise the secrets and sorrows they have in common, the women grow closer - but can they bring the community together and save the day?

Full of wisdom and warmth, The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital is a gorgeously poignant, hilarious story about unlikely friendships, growing old disgracefully, and coming together to save the things we love...

(P) 2022 Hachette Australia

Critics Review

PRAISE FOR JOANNA NELL
Hugely entertaining . . . funny and heart-warming
Woman & Home
A gentle, warm-hearted book that had me rooting for all the characters and laughing out loud at points. A book that shows it is never too late to learn how to live, to make new friends and to fall in love.
Libby Page, author of The Lido
A warm and touching story with a cast of characters who became my friends - I loved The Single Ladies of the Jacaranda Retirement Village with all its wit, wisdom and spirit
Katie Marsh, author of The Rest of Me
The perfect blend of funny and moving; Peggy Smart had me laughing and crying in this ultimately uplifting story
Natasha Lester, author of The Paris Seamstress
A funny and poignant exploration of growing old disgracefully and enjoying your twilight years.
Culturefly
I adored this funny yet moving story about home, friendship, and what it means to live. Poignant and warm-hearted, it's a tonic for our times. I was truly sad to say goodbye to these spirited and endearing characters.
Holly Miller, author of THE SIGHT OF YOU
PRAISE FOR THE GREAT ESCAPE FROM WOODLANDS NURSING HOME
Tender and funny
Woman & Home
Engaging, funny and resoundingly human.
Books + Publishing
Witty, warm . . . A wonderful read about growing older, and grabbing hold of life.
The Australian
Celebrates so well, the treasures that life's later stages can hold.
Dianne Yarwood (The Wakes)
Heart-warming, tender and oh-so-funny, this is a story that will leave you smiling.
Ali Lowe
Joanna Nell has done it again! You will fall in love with Mrs Winterbottom. This book is a charming, funny and wise exploration of the pleasures and perils of retirement. It's a meditation on the meaning of love, and the ebbs and flows of relationships. If you want a laugh-out-loud holiday read that will make your heart swell, this is the book for you.
Tracey Spicer AM
This heart-warming story about growing old gracefully - and disgracefully . . . is a funny, witty and thoroughly enjoyable read for all ages.
Daily Telegraph
I loved taking a gap week from my life with Mrs Winterbottom. Nell's writing is, as always, delightfully funny and as heart-warming as a cup of tea.
Megan Albany
I haven't been this entranced by a character since Eleanor (Oliphant, of course). This book is a joy - it's a celebration of age instead of an apology for it, and a reminder that life is always an adventure if you let it be. I loved this uniquely endearing book.
Kelly Rimmer (Single Ladies)
An uplifting story, full of essential human truths.
Tracey Spicer OAM (Single Ladies)
Whip-smart dialogue, humour and sarcasm . . . extremely well written and highly addictive.
Sun Herald (The Last Voyage)
Funny, insightful and deliciously refreshing - the most heart-warming book we've read in a long time.
Women’s Weekly (Single Ladies)
Joanna is an accomplished writer . . . an astute observer of the human condition.
Living Arts Canberra
Lively and whimsical . . . with some serious points to make about ageing, love, community and friendship.
The Sydney Morning Herald (Single Ladies)
A funny, witty and thoroughly enjoyable read for all ages.
The Daily Telegraph (Single Ladies)
One of the funniest and most moving books this year.
Indira Naidoo, ABC Radio Nightlife
A powerful work wrapped in a gentle cover of affection and fun . . . This is a wise, kind and insightful writer.
Living Arts Canberra
Sharp dialogue, wit and heart-warming emotion make The Great Escape From Woodlands Nursing Home the perfect weekend read.
Better Reading
This novel is a delight . . . it's honest, hopeful, sad and hilarious.
Napier Courier (NZ)
Takes readers on a sweet journey. A warm-hearted read from Nell, who tells engaging stories with older protagonists.
The Australian
In creating senior-driven stories free of stereotype and suffused with charm, she has captured the wit, experience, smarts, attitude, sorrow and mischief of an age group that is all too often invisible.
Better Homes & Gardens
Laugh-out-loud funny, nicely plotted and executed with absolutely delightful moments.
NZ Herald (The Great Escape)
Beautifully written, with a lot of humour and some real laugh out loud moments, The Last Voyage of Mrs Henry Parker is utterly delightful. Highly recommended.
Better Reading
A touching story about the power of memory.
Australian Women’s Weekly (The Last Voyage)
The Tea Ladies is a delight. Warm characters and observations and great pace.
Amanda Hampson

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