The saga of the Brogan family continues in the 4th book in the 4th book of the Ration Book series. The family handles the ups and downs of life while being bombed in East London during WWII. A lot happens in this book, which has an emphasis on Charlie and his marriage and Francesca's life. As is generally the case, all ends well in this feel-good page turner. ( )

I love stories set in this era, and have found each book in this series has been well-researched, and delivered so brilliantly, that I feel I'm living the drama alongside the Brogan family.

As the war rages on, Charlie Brogan is injured and returns home to convalesce. He is now married to the loathsome Stella Miggles, and they have a son, Patrick. The cigarette-smoking, good-time girl that she is, Stella leaves Patrick nightly with Ida Brogan while she continues to work in the BonBon club, and takes full advantage of her in-laws generosity.

Cathy Wheeler hasn't spoken to her sister, Mattie McCarthy, since Cathy's husband Stan was convicted of being a Nazi. He is now on parole in the army. Cathy believes it is Mattie's fault that Stan was arrested. But there's another Brogan wedding coming up, Jo is marrying Tommy Sweete and both Mattie and Jo would love to have Cathy back in the fold again.

Francesca Fabrino, who has long held a torch for Charlie, leaves behind factory work to join the BBC Overseas Service, working at Radio Roma. Here she meets Count Leonardo D'Angelo, who her father, Enrico, believes would be an excellent catch for her. Leo is instantly smitten, but Fran still hankers after the married Charlie.

The wonderful Ida struggles on, now that she has Michael as well as Billy to look after. Billy is feeling a bit pushed out now that Jeremiah's son Michael is firmly ensconced in the Brogan family, and he shows it. Holding it all together, Ida is a bit under the weather. Or is it more than that?

A Ration Book Wedding had me hooked from the first page. It picks up the story of the Brogan family a couple of months after the end of A Ration Book Childhood. It's an absolutely enthralling read. It feels so realistic; the people, the family dramas and the backdrop of war; I felt I'd stepped back in time and was part of the story.

I love the strong characters in the Brogan family. I am still immensely fond of Jeremiah's mother, Queenie, and admire her greatly for taking matters into her own hands when Cathy arrives at the Brogan family home in a sorry state. Part of me thinks she did what she did to show Cathy's in-laws there is no messing with the tight-knit Brogans. But part of me wonders whether she intervened before then Brogan men could get themselves into serious trouble. The old lady is a bit fey too - though not always sure what the signs are telling her!

A Ration Book Wedding is another truly great story, well-researched and written, leaving the reader wanting more. And I for one, cannot wait for the next instalment! ( )