British author Elaine Everest, who was inspired by stories of the war years in her hometown of Erith, Kent, to write her bestselling Woolworths Girls series, died August 16. She was 70. The Bookseller reported that after The Woolworths Girls, Everest wrote 15 more historical sagas set around World War II. A Christmas Wish at Woolworths, the 11th title in the Woolworths Girls series, will be released in paperback this fall.
Before becoming a novelist, Everest was a journalist, writing for women's magazines and newspapers. She was also a qualified creative writing tutor, and ran the Write Place creative writing school in Hextable, Kent.
"I have had the pleasure of representing Elaine's novels for well over a decade," said her agent, Caroline Sheldon. "Elaine herself had a Saturday job in Woolworths and in her writing she brought alive the adventures and gossip of a group of young girls working in the iconic store. Her writing was full of vigor and energy alongside the period detail and nostalgia that her readers loved. She will be much missed by all who knew her and the many who loved her books."
Lucy Hale, managing director of Pan Macmillan, commented: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Elaine Everest, whose heartwarming tales of love, resilience and community spirit have captured the hearts of hundreds of thousands of readers. Not only was Elaine a supremely talented storyteller; she was also an incredibly hard-working author who loved connecting with her readers, and who we all loved working with."
Katie Loughnane, publishing director of Pan Fiction, added: "It has been a privilege to work with Elaine, who is undoubtedly one of Britain's best-loved saga writers. I have always been inspired by the women in her stories, who never fail to find laughter, forge friendships and--above all--demonstrate resilience and hope during times of uncertainty. Elaine will be sorely missed by the whole team at Pan Macmillan, as well as those in our wider community: authors, bloggers, booksellers and, of course, her legions of dedicated readers."