Wartime on Sanctuary Lane

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.
As the Great War rages across Europe, twenty-one year old Ruby Archer decides to ‘do her bit’ at an East End munitions factory. The work is relentless and deafening, but the camaraderie of the other girls carries her through.

As the threat of another Zeppelin attack grows by the day, Ruby cannot ignore the abandoned animals scavenging the local streets. She rescues a stray kitten, Tess, and takes in an injured terrier Mac, but when all the local cats mysteriously disappear, she knows she needs to do more, and with the help of her friends plans to open a weekly animal clinic.

But opposition quickly closes in from all sides – when there is a war to win everyone from the local vet to Ruby’s own family are against the idea. With the help of her friends, can Ruby convince them that in wartime every life matters?

©2024 Kirsty Dougal (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critics Review

I was hooked from the start. The meticulous period detail and true-to-life characters had me immersed in the action, and I didn’t want the story to end. A joy to read

Vicki Beeby, author of The Ops Room Girls

Superbly plotted . . . a heartwarming and engrossing read

Maisie Thomas, author of Christmas with the Railway Girls

A big-hearted book which had me glued from beginning to end. With a sassy, brave and instantly loveable character in Ruby, I was with her through every step, high and low, in this wonderfullly engaging novel. Be prepared to have a few tissues to hand as this is both an emotional and heartwarming read! Impeccably researched, the author brings the East End of London during the first world war vividly to life. I recommend this book to animal and historical fiction lovers alike!

Louise Fein, author of People Like Us

An uplifting, heartwarming tale that shows that, with friendship and community, anything is possible. Packed with lovable, plucky characters, this novel transported me to the East End in wartime

Gillian Harvey, author of Perfect on Paper

This was a really lovely book with a huge amount of heart. I adored feisty Ruby and rooted for her throughout. I felt I could see, touch and smell east London in WWI. This is a warm, uplifting read, which animal lovers in particular will enjoy

Victoria Darke, author of The House in the Water

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