A review by thereadinghammock
The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A war book for people who want to read about something other than the horrors of being at the war front. Packed full of emotion, loss, sisterhood, and the amazing community born out of necessity. Your heart breaks for Audrey in having to survive raising a family after the loss of her husband. You cheer for Nell as she learns to stand on her own two feet and build her confidence. You give Gwendoline some bombastic side eye as she schemes her way through the challenges life throws at her. And you marvel at Zelda's ambition and passion to build a better life for herself.

I was so anti-Gwendoline for the first half of the book, but once we got through round 2 and Sir Strickland attacked her, and Nell came to her rescue, then together, they went to Audrey's, I was fully on board with her redemption arc. I was so happy for her to see everything she'd done to be horrible to everyone else and do so much to correct the hurt she caused everyone. And Nell, what a journey she went on. I know we never find out if she and Paulo get to be together, but in my heart I know they did. And Zelda keeping the baby after Gwendoline recognized the woman from the adoption agency as untrustworthy so they could all raise her and support Zelda together!! It made me so happy. Women helping women, the sisterhood of women!! We love to see it!
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