As I write this, I have just finished reading Elaine’s last book, New Horizons for the Woolworths Girls. We have a new cast of characters, with many of the old ones taking a back seat or more minor parts than previously. I wonder if any of them argued with Elaine when she was writing. From my own experience I know they have a habit sometimes of trying to take over. This time our heroine is Annie Brookes and we move from Woolworths Erith to Bexleyheath. The period covered is February 1940 to June 1946. Yes, pretty significant, as once again Elaine takes us through the war years.
Annie is thrown a curved ball when she is called upon to raise her goddaughter as her own but, with the support of her family, little Ivy Rose is surrounded with love and Annie manages to keep working in the job she loves so much. There are some Americans based at Hall Place in Bexley – just up the road and a place I visited myself only last week as it’s local to me. A beautiful building with lovely grounds and a walk along the River Cray. Having taken a dislike to the Yanks for reasons which will become apparent when you read the book, she then meets one who is charming and wins her over. However… well, if I tell you that, I’d be giving far too much away. Suffice it to say that Elaine has worked her magic again and given us a great story. I’m only sorry she isn’t here to receive the praise I know she will receive for another splendid book in this wonderful series.
Elaine’s friend (and mine) Vivien Brown has written a eulogy which appears at the end of the book. She was kind enough to quote something I’d written and I’m copying it here:
Elaine was a force of nature, outspoken in her opinions and ready to stand by them even when they were controversial, but she would be there front and centre if you needed her. I’ve never known anyone give so much of themselves to other people.
I wrote this after Elaine died last August. She was larger than life and her death does not diminish that. I’m proud to have been her friend.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SgkLI9
Natalie Kleinman 
A lovely tribute to Elaine and her book, and I want to read it now. Elaine helped me to write pitch letters for the one-to-ones when I first joined the NWS. She was patient and kind in her approach. I will never forget her support!
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You are one of so many Elaine helped, encouraged and nurtured. She had a huge capacity for giving
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Elaine had a big heart and would help anybody with their writing. She wrote using excising timelines and wove her fictitious character around this period. Many people can see the resemble of their own family in her character. She may have moved on, but these characters will live on in her books for ever. Michael Everest
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I’ve received so many messages on other forums in response to the blog, Michael. She was much loved, for herself and for her wonderful books
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