The Dover Cafe at War

A heartwarming WWII tale (The Dover Cafe Series Book 1)

Ginny Bell

• Publisher: Zaffre
• eBook ISBN:
  9781838771447
• Year: 2020

'Brilliantly written and researched . . . I loved it.' Rosie Goodwin

The first book in a brand-new World War II saga series. Perfect for readers of Ellie Dean and Annie Groves and for fans of the Home Fires series.

Dover, 1939

At the heart of Market Square lies Castle's Café, run by the formidable Nellie Castle and her six children.

Since the scandalous birth of her son ten years ago, Marianne, Nellie's eldest daughter, has preferred to stay in the kitchen, hidden away from the scrutiny of the town gossips. Overcome with shame, she has never revealed the identity of Donny's father - not even to her own mother.

But with World War II just around the corner, soon Marianne's past catches up with her. And suddenly the lives of the Castle family become a lot more complicated.

Will the secrets from her past destroy their future?

Don't miss the series so far:

The Dover Cafe at War
The Dover Cafe on the Front Line
The Dover Cafe Under Fire
Return to the Dover Cafe
The Dover Cafe on Trial
Secrets at the Dover Cafe

And look out for Wedding Bells at the Dover Cafe. Coming June 2027.

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Readers love The Dover Café at War:

'A brilliant evocation of a family and community pulling together in wartime. Full of drama, laughter, and nail biting cliff hangers. A triumph!' Annie Clarke, author of The Factory Girls series

'Well-researched and expertly written . . . Perfect for those days when all you want is a book to lose yourself in.' Fiona Ford, author of The Liberty Girls


'A joyous read, the sort of book to read in one sitting.' Kitty Danton, author of A Wartime Christmas


'A rattling good novel that gives the reader a front seat at the Dover café during World War 2 . . . a really good start to what looks to be a fascinating saga.' Shirley Mann, author of Lily's War

'Brilliantly researched, written with warmth and insight, brimming with emotion and drama, and starring a cast of superbly drawn characters who are guaranteed to touch the hearts of readers everywhere.' Lancashire Post

'What a brilliant book . . . can't wait to read the next one.' Netgalley reviewer

'This book is such a joy to read.' Netgalley reviewer

'This was a wonderful read. Looking forward to the next in the series.' Netgalley reviewer

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Contents
• Dedication
• Prologue
• Chapter 1
• Chapter 2
• Chapter 3
• Chapter 4
• Chapter 5
• Chapter 6
• Chapter 7
• Chapter 8
• Chapter 9
• Chapter 10
• Chapter 11
• Chapter 12
• Chapter 13
• Chapter 14
• Chapter 15
• Chapter 16
• Chapter 17
• Chapter 18
• Chapter 19
• Chapter 20
• Chapter 21
• Chapter 22
• Chapter 23
• Chapter 24
• Chapter 25
• Chapter 26
• Chapter 27
• Chapter 28
• Chapter 29
• Chapter 30
• Chapter 31
• Chapter 32
• Chapter 33
• Chapter 34
• Chapter 35
• Chapter 36
• Chapter 37
• Chapter 38
• Chapter 39
• Chapter 40
• Chapter 41
• Acknowledgements
• About the Author
• A letter from the author
• Marianne’s Vegetable Turnovers
• Welcome to the world of Ginny Bell!
• Tales from Memory Lane
• Memory Lane Club
• Copyright