Elaine Everest, author of the Woolworths Girls series, has died at the age of 70.
The author of historical legends died on Friday (16 August), her publisher Pan Macmillan confirmed.
Everest was inspired by stories from the war years in her hometown of Erith in Kent to create her Sunday News Bestselling series “Woolworths Girls”, published by Pan Macmillan in 2016.
Since signing his contract with Pan Macmillan, Everest has written another 15 historical saga novels set around the Second World War. A Christmas wish at Woolworthsthe 11th title in the Woolworths Girls series, is out in paperback on 24 October. Before becoming a novelist, Everest was a journalist and wrote for numerous women’s magazines and national newspapers. She was also a qualified lecturer in creative writing and ran The Write Place writing school in Hextable, Kent.
Everest’s agent Caroline Sheldon said: “I have had the pleasure of representing Elaine’s novels for over a decade. Our partnership began with the bestselling Woolworths Girls series, published by Macmillan and now comprising 11 titles.
“Elaine herself had a Saturday job at Woolworths and her writing brought to life the adventures and gossip of a group of young girls who worked in that iconic store. Her writing was full of verve and energy, but also the historical detail and nostalgia that her readers loved. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her and by the many who loved her books.”
Lucy Hale, managing director of Pan, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Elaine Everest, whose heartwarming stories of love, resilience and community spirit captured the hearts of hundreds of thousands of readers. Elaine was not only a hugely talented storyteller, but also an incredibly hard-working author who loved to connect with her readers and who we all enjoyed working with.
“We at Pan Macmillan are honoured to have published 14 wonderful novels by Elaine and we were all looking forward to the publication of A Christmas wish at Woolworths this year. We are thinking of her husband Michael and everyone closest to her during this difficult time.”
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. The women in her stories have always inspired me, always finding something to laugh at, making friends and – most importantly – showing resilience and hope in uncertain times. Elaine will be sorely missed by the whole team at Pan Macmillan and our wider community: authors, bloggers, booksellers and of course her legions of loyal readers.”
