The Tea Ladies of St Jude's Hospital

‘Heartwarming and full of loveliness. A great read’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I loved it!… One to tug at the heart strings, could not put it down. Wonderful’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Delightful! Absolutely delightful!… A story about friendship, family, new beginnings, and love, this book left me with such a warm, fuzzy feeling, and was a joy to read’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Three unlikely friends. One chance to save the community. It might just be the perfect blend….

The Marjorie Marshall Memorial Cafeteria is at the heart of St Jude’s Hospital. Staffed by successive generations of dedicated volunteers, for over fifty years the beloved cafeteria has been serving up a kind word and sympathetic ear along with tea and scones.

Hilary, the stalwart Manageress, has worked her way up through the ranks; Joy, the latest recruit, is driving Hilary mad by arriving late every day; and seventeen-year-old Chloe, the daughter of two successful surgeons, is volunteering in the holidays and bemused by the older women.

But when they discover the cafeteria is under threat of closure, the unlikely trio must put aside their differences. As they realise the secrets and sorrows they have in common, the women grow closer – but can they bring the community together and save the day?

Full of wisdom and warmth, this is a gorgeously poignant, hilarious story about unlikely friendships, growing old disgracefully, and coming together to save the things we love. Fans of Judy Leigh, Jill Mansell and Sally Page will be hooked from the very first page.


Readers love The Tea Ladies of St Jude’s Hospital:

‘Heartwarming, witty, touching and just all-round lovely to read, I thoroughly recommend this, and all other Joanna Nell books for anyone who loves a cosy, people-centred story about strength, hope, and found family‘ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A mix of quirky characters volunteer at the old cafeteria at St Jude’s Hospital… Great characters, nice depth, and some great twists and turns, leaves you full and satisfied at the end. I just want one of Joy’s scones to make it complete!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Uplifting book full of heart… An easy and fabulous read and one I got through in no time, how I loved them all and enjoyed their adventure immensely’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This was a lovely heart-warming story. At times really funny but with moments that have you reaching for the tissues this was a lovely cosy read’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


Praise for Joanna Nell:

‘Hugely entertaining . . . funny and heart-warming’ Woman & Home

‘Warm-hearted book that had me rooting for all the characters and laughing out loud’ Libby Page, author of The Lido

‘Poignant and warm-hearted . . . a tonic for our times’ Holly Miller, author of The Sight of You

‘A warm and touching story with a cast of characters who became my friends’ Katie Marsh, author of How Not to Murder Your Ex

‘A funny and poignant exploration of growing old disgracefully’ Culturefly