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The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital

The Marjorie Marshall Memorial Cafeteria has been serving refreshments and raising money at St Jude's Hospital for over fifty years. Staffed by successive generations of dedicated volunteers, the beloved institution is known as much for offering a kind word and a sympathetic ear as for its tea and buns.

Stalwart Hilary has worked her way up through the ranks to Manageress. Joy has been late every day since she started and doesn't take her role quite as seriously as Hilary would like, but brings a welcome pop of colour. Seventeen-year-old Chloe, the daughter of two successful surgeons is volunteering during the school holidays.

Chloe is at first bewildered by the two older women but soon realises they have alot in common, not least that each bears a secret pain. When they discover the cafeteria is under threat of closure, this unlikely trio must band together to save it.

The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village: Work

PRAISE FOR THE TEA LADIES OF ST JUDE'S HOSPITAL

"Engaging. Takes readers on a sweet journey."

The Australian

"Joanna Nell is an accomplished writer...an astute observer of the human condition"

Living Arts Canberra

"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 Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village: Testimonials
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In this episode of the Australian Writers Centre's podcast So You Want To Be A Writer, Joanna narrates the first chapter of The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital and shares some insights into the writing process, including tips for aspiring authors.

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