Another funny, warm-hearted read

HERALD SUN

The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital is another heartwarming and hilarious novel by bestselling author Joanna Nell.

The Marjorie Marshall Memorial Cafeteria has been serving refreshments and raising money at the hospital for over fifty years, long after anybody can remember who Marjorie Marshall actually was. Staffed by successive generations of dedicated volunteers, the beloved cafeteria is known as much for offering a kind word and sympathetic ear (and often unsolicited life advice) 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 as the cafeteria's newest recruit. She doesn't take her role as 'the intern' quite as seriously as Hilary would like but there's no doubt she brings a welcome pop of personality. Seventeen-year-old Chloe, the daughter of two successful surgeons, is volunteering during the school holidays because her mother thinks it will look good on her CV.

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

The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital
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’Takes readers on a sweet journey. A warm-hearted read from Nell, who tells engaging stories with older protagonists.'

The Australian

Reviews

β€˜The Tea Ladies is a delight. Warm characters and observations and great pace.'

Amanda Hampson

β€˜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.'

New Zealand Herald

Interviews

In this episode of the Australian Writers Centre's podcast So You Want To Be A WriterJoanna 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.

Join Better Homes and Gardens Editor Dora Papas for an exclusive virtual event with Joanna Nell to discuss her latest novel The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital.

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