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The Match Factory Girls #1
The Match Factory Girls
In the shadows of 1887 London, one woman must fight for her future – and her child's.
When Amelia Spencer finds herself unmarried, pregnant, and cast out by society, she flees to the Bryant & May match factory, searching for her estranged sister, Sadie. But the East End is no refuge - Sadie is trapped in a violent marriage, and the factory is as dangerous as the streets outside.
Desperate for a fresh start, Amelia takes work at Bryant & May and dares to dream of a better life for herself and her son. A chance meeting with the kind-hearted Nicholas Dupree offers hope - but Whitechapel is no place for fragile dreams.
When the shadows of Amelia’s past return with a vengeance - and a killer begins stalking the women of Whitechapel - Amelia must fight to protect her child and the life she’s struggled to claim, before everything she’s fought for is destroyed.
Love, survival, and dark secrets collide in a heart-pounding saga of courage and redemption.
When Amelia Spencer finds herself unmarried, pregnant, and cast out by society, she flees to the Bryant & May match factory, searching for her estranged sister, Sadie. But the East End is no refuge - Sadie is trapped in a violent marriage, and the factory is as dangerous as the streets outside.
Desperate for a fresh start, Amelia takes work at Bryant & May and dares to dream of a better life for herself and her son. A chance meeting with the kind-hearted Nicholas Dupree offers hope - but Whitechapel is no place for fragile dreams.
When the shadows of Amelia’s past return with a vengeance - and a killer begins stalking the women of Whitechapel - Amelia must fight to protect her child and the life she’s struggled to claim, before everything she’s fought for is destroyed.
Love, survival, and dark secrets collide in a heart-pounding saga of courage and redemption.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2026
45 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kay Brellend has always been a "go to author" for me and this book is definitely one of those books that I am glad to have read.
Set in the factory that makes matches in the East End of London in December 1887 and along the waterfront of the Thames, with its taverns and dark alleys.
This is London in a much different time, it's raw and what you would call rough, but there are still people who care and also those who would certainly not take too kindly to some people and would do their utmost to get rid of them in any way possible.
Amelia Spencer and her sister Sadie are both expecting, Sadie has a man who looks after her (sometimes) and Amelia is all on her own, her parents don't want her at home as it will not be a good impression on her younger siblings so Amelia trudges the snowy streets until she gets offered shelter. But this accommodation turns out to be a convent with some dodgy goings-on and as soon as she can Amelia can't wait to leave. So begins a story of Amelia and her child, her friends and her enemies, as she continues to fight for her child no matter what. Full of dodgy goings on but also people with a heart of gold, but who will she trust?
I really enjoyed reading this book, as I have all the books I have read by Kay Brellend, it's full of love, hate, hardships and friendships (plus a nod to the Whitechapel Murders of1888). But above all its a great five-star read, I absolutely loved it, and can't wait to read more about everyone in the follow-up book.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this great book.
#Netgalley
#BoldwoodBooks
#KayBrellend
#TheMatchFactoryGirls
Set in the factory that makes matches in the East End of London in December 1887 and along the waterfront of the Thames, with its taverns and dark alleys.
This is London in a much different time, it's raw and what you would call rough, but there are still people who care and also those who would certainly not take too kindly to some people and would do their utmost to get rid of them in any way possible.
Amelia Spencer and her sister Sadie are both expecting, Sadie has a man who looks after her (sometimes) and Amelia is all on her own, her parents don't want her at home as it will not be a good impression on her younger siblings so Amelia trudges the snowy streets until she gets offered shelter. But this accommodation turns out to be a convent with some dodgy goings-on and as soon as she can Amelia can't wait to leave. So begins a story of Amelia and her child, her friends and her enemies, as she continues to fight for her child no matter what. Full of dodgy goings on but also people with a heart of gold, but who will she trust?
I really enjoyed reading this book, as I have all the books I have read by Kay Brellend, it's full of love, hate, hardships and friendships (plus a nod to the Whitechapel Murders of1888). But above all its a great five-star read, I absolutely loved it, and can't wait to read more about everyone in the follow-up book.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this great book.
#Netgalley
#BoldwoodBooks
#KayBrellend
#TheMatchFactoryGirls
January 24, 2026
The Match Factory Girls was exactly the book I needed right now. The premise sounded exciting with the hints of jack the Ripper and Whitechapel. I ended up devouring it in just two sittings. From the very first chapters, Kay Brellend pulled me straight into the grit, heart, and resilience of Amelia's world, and I found myself completely absorbed.
This book snapped me out of a reading slump. And instead of doom‑scrolling and switching between distracting apps for hours I was glued to this book. The characters felt real, the pacing was good, and the story had an emotional core that had me hooked. I felt every worry that Amelia had for her and her baby, the family drama at home when she gave them the news that she was pregnant and the consequences that would come from taking refuge at a mother and baby home.
Whitechapel was a dark, dangerous and grimy place but, Amelia was safer there with newfound family and friends than at the refuge she had escaped from. Although her past was never far away, danger stalked her, creating suspense and a tense atmosphere.
For a gripping, heartfelt read that sucks you in, The Match Factory Girls is it!
This book snapped me out of a reading slump. And instead of doom‑scrolling and switching between distracting apps for hours I was glued to this book. The characters felt real, the pacing was good, and the story had an emotional core that had me hooked. I felt every worry that Amelia had for her and her baby, the family drama at home when she gave them the news that she was pregnant and the consequences that would come from taking refuge at a mother and baby home.
Whitechapel was a dark, dangerous and grimy place but, Amelia was safer there with newfound family and friends than at the refuge she had escaped from. Although her past was never far away, danger stalked her, creating suspense and a tense atmosphere.
For a gripping, heartfelt read that sucks you in, The Match Factory Girls is it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"In the shadows of 1887 London, one woman must fight for her future and that of her child"
...
When Amelia Spencer finds herself unmarried, pregnant, and cast out by society, she flees to the Bryant & May match factory, searching for her estranged sister, Sadie. But the East End is no refuge - Sadie is trapped in a violent marriage, and the factory is as dangerous as the streets outside.
Desperate for a fresh start, Amelia takes work at Bryant & May and dares to dream of a better life for herself and her son. A chance meeting with the kind-hearted Nicholas Dupree offers hope - but Whitechapel is no place for fragile dreams.
When the shadows of Amelia’s past return with a vengeance - and a killer begins stalking the women of Whitechapel - Amelia must fight to protect her child and the life she’s struggled to claim, before everything she’s fought for is destroyed.
…
In the grand tradition of authors such as Catherine Cookson and Josephine Cox, Kay Brellend boldly carries the torch with this page-turning, completely immersive opening episode, in a brand new historical saga, set in the East End of London.
The attention to detail in the narrative and dialogue is wonderful and the location is described in more than enough detail to satisfy even the most ardent of 'armchair travellers'. Often, challenging mores can make for a difficult read, especially when translating some of them into modern times and living and wondering exactly what has changed and how far we have really advanced as a society. However, the author manages to weave fact and fiction together seamlessly to form an interesting storyline, which is a true piece of social history, graphically highlighting many issues of the time; from unwanted pregnancy, prostitution, and gender and class discrimination by employers; to unfair and dangerous labour practices, the cheapness and fragility of human life, and the often pious and inhumane nature of the church.
However, there are good and bad in every corner and facet of life, so scratch beneath the surface and it isn't too difficult to find, even in a community shunned by all who are 'decent', one well-meaning and loving heart for every depraved and rotten soul; or one kind and selfless deed for each act of violence and greed. The many characters are well defined, each with their own role to play in this slowly unfolding story of one young woman's struggle to maintain her dignity and morals, whilst atoning for her lapse in judgement having been cruelly taken advantage of, and most importantly protecting her baby from the many unscrupulous individuals who would harm him or take him from her, to satisfy their individual motives and personal gain. There are those who I loved to hate, those I simply despised and those who were deserving of my sympathy and empathy. But Amelia herself demanded nothing from me, except my utmost admiration and respect, for her fighting spirit and refusal to give up or cave in, when it would have been all too easy for her so to do.
Whilst I am completely sold on the idea of this book being the prelude to a series, personally I found this worked equally well as a stand-alone story and I didn't come away feeling that an 'ending' was missing, or that some stone had been left unturned.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my copy, to read and offer an honest review.
...
When Amelia Spencer finds herself unmarried, pregnant, and cast out by society, she flees to the Bryant & May match factory, searching for her estranged sister, Sadie. But the East End is no refuge - Sadie is trapped in a violent marriage, and the factory is as dangerous as the streets outside.
Desperate for a fresh start, Amelia takes work at Bryant & May and dares to dream of a better life for herself and her son. A chance meeting with the kind-hearted Nicholas Dupree offers hope - but Whitechapel is no place for fragile dreams.
When the shadows of Amelia’s past return with a vengeance - and a killer begins stalking the women of Whitechapel - Amelia must fight to protect her child and the life she’s struggled to claim, before everything she’s fought for is destroyed.
…
In the grand tradition of authors such as Catherine Cookson and Josephine Cox, Kay Brellend boldly carries the torch with this page-turning, completely immersive opening episode, in a brand new historical saga, set in the East End of London.
The attention to detail in the narrative and dialogue is wonderful and the location is described in more than enough detail to satisfy even the most ardent of 'armchair travellers'. Often, challenging mores can make for a difficult read, especially when translating some of them into modern times and living and wondering exactly what has changed and how far we have really advanced as a society. However, the author manages to weave fact and fiction together seamlessly to form an interesting storyline, which is a true piece of social history, graphically highlighting many issues of the time; from unwanted pregnancy, prostitution, and gender and class discrimination by employers; to unfair and dangerous labour practices, the cheapness and fragility of human life, and the often pious and inhumane nature of the church.
However, there are good and bad in every corner and facet of life, so scratch beneath the surface and it isn't too difficult to find, even in a community shunned by all who are 'decent', one well-meaning and loving heart for every depraved and rotten soul; or one kind and selfless deed for each act of violence and greed. The many characters are well defined, each with their own role to play in this slowly unfolding story of one young woman's struggle to maintain her dignity and morals, whilst atoning for her lapse in judgement having been cruelly taken advantage of, and most importantly protecting her baby from the many unscrupulous individuals who would harm him or take him from her, to satisfy their individual motives and personal gain. There are those who I loved to hate, those I simply despised and those who were deserving of my sympathy and empathy. But Amelia herself demanded nothing from me, except my utmost admiration and respect, for her fighting spirit and refusal to give up or cave in, when it would have been all too easy for her so to do.
Whilst I am completely sold on the idea of this book being the prelude to a series, personally I found this worked equally well as a stand-alone story and I didn't come away feeling that an 'ending' was missing, or that some stone had been left unturned.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my copy, to read and offer an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood for an advance copy of this novel.
Kay Brellend starts a new series with this book, dedicated to the over-worked, underpaid, scrappy, and resourceful young women, many little more than children, employed by the Bryant and May match factory (historically factual) in East End London as the 19th century closed. Gritty and realistic, this is no fanciful ‘happily ever after’ historical romance. Whether employed in dangerous factories or noisy pubs, in the exploitive homes for unwed mothers that passed for social services, as scavengers or rag pickers, as the lowest of prostitutes in dark street corners and stairwells, lower-class women were exploited.
Amelia Spencer was one of the more fortunate of girls who had to earn their keep. Born into a modestly better-off worker’s family, she fetched employment keeping house for her betters. It was a round the clock job with scarce time off, but domestic service gave her a decent home to live in, clean clothes, good food, and, so she thought, better marriage prospects. Until she was seduced into believing that handsome and charming Andrew Bowman really intended to marry her. Pregnant and in disgrace, shunned by her parents who want to keep up their ‘respectable’ appearance, she ends up in Whitechapel, seeking help from her older sister Sadie. A match factory girls herself, married to a drunk who is in and out of jail, takes all her money, and beats her, Sadie is falling even further down the social scale. She sells her body for bits of cash that mostly go to buy cheap drink and opiates. And there are a great many other Sadies in Victorian London.
Amelia still has a way to fall before she reaches bottom, but the author lights a candle in the form of a few kind people willing to extend a hand despite their own poverty. These include an elderly rag lady who takes her in when she and her baby are homeless and penniless; a fellow unwed mother who provides moral support while they toil in a terrible church-run home for the ‘fallen;’ and most of all, tavern keeper and shipper Nicholas Dupree, who is always there and waiting.
The author draws an environment so historically accurate that much of the detail, from the perspective of the ‘underclass’ of the Victorian slums, comes to life like the scenes depicted by Dickens in his bestselling novels. The match factory strike was real, as were the terrible conditions, that often gave rise to disfigurement and death by ‘phossy jaw.’ I would have liked to read more about the match factory girls. For a book by that title, their appearance in the narrative seems sporadic. The end wraps things up quickly after a long and intense build-up, and I feel like the serial killer substory is both too much and too little. But it clearly leads into a sequel, so we will see where the next generation of working-class London girls takes up its own stakes.
Kay Brellend starts a new series with this book, dedicated to the over-worked, underpaid, scrappy, and resourceful young women, many little more than children, employed by the Bryant and May match factory (historically factual) in East End London as the 19th century closed. Gritty and realistic, this is no fanciful ‘happily ever after’ historical romance. Whether employed in dangerous factories or noisy pubs, in the exploitive homes for unwed mothers that passed for social services, as scavengers or rag pickers, as the lowest of prostitutes in dark street corners and stairwells, lower-class women were exploited.
Amelia Spencer was one of the more fortunate of girls who had to earn their keep. Born into a modestly better-off worker’s family, she fetched employment keeping house for her betters. It was a round the clock job with scarce time off, but domestic service gave her a decent home to live in, clean clothes, good food, and, so she thought, better marriage prospects. Until she was seduced into believing that handsome and charming Andrew Bowman really intended to marry her. Pregnant and in disgrace, shunned by her parents who want to keep up their ‘respectable’ appearance, she ends up in Whitechapel, seeking help from her older sister Sadie. A match factory girls herself, married to a drunk who is in and out of jail, takes all her money, and beats her, Sadie is falling even further down the social scale. She sells her body for bits of cash that mostly go to buy cheap drink and opiates. And there are a great many other Sadies in Victorian London.
Amelia still has a way to fall before she reaches bottom, but the author lights a candle in the form of a few kind people willing to extend a hand despite their own poverty. These include an elderly rag lady who takes her in when she and her baby are homeless and penniless; a fellow unwed mother who provides moral support while they toil in a terrible church-run home for the ‘fallen;’ and most of all, tavern keeper and shipper Nicholas Dupree, who is always there and waiting.
The author draws an environment so historically accurate that much of the detail, from the perspective of the ‘underclass’ of the Victorian slums, comes to life like the scenes depicted by Dickens in his bestselling novels. The match factory strike was real, as were the terrible conditions, that often gave rise to disfigurement and death by ‘phossy jaw.’ I would have liked to read more about the match factory girls. For a book by that title, their appearance in the narrative seems sporadic. The end wraps things up quickly after a long and intense build-up, and I feel like the serial killer substory is both too much and too little. But it clearly leads into a sequel, so we will see where the next generation of working-class London girls takes up its own stakes.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I don’t know what I think about this book - I did struggle at times to finish it. This is not like me at all.
It is very loosely based around the Bryant and May match factory - where work is hard and wages are low, conditions are terrible and ‘fines’ are taken for the slightest misdemeanour without compunction. This leads to a hand to mouth existence for the women usually before the menfolk drink the wages - and rent money - away. It’s not surprising that women turn to the oldest profession to keep a roof over their heads and meagre amounts of food in their bellies.
Of course there are unwanted babies and babies born out of wedlock - so Sister Evangeline’s home for wayward girls seems a beacon in the darkness. John Wolff -her protector is an evil character.
I found their relationship rather hard to read if I am honest.
I think the reason instruggkes is that I knew that area of Whitechapel in the late 1970s when I left rural Somerset for London to train as a nurse - and the book lacked the realism that this area held. Leman Street police station was mentioned but there was little mention of the street names.
I also found the references to the Jack The Ripper murders somehow unrealistic - perhaps it was meant to be an analogy and not realistic to that known about those times. They were certainly hard for women at the time.
This book centred around Sadie and Amelia Spencer - Sadie had made a bad marriage and Amelia needed the services of Sister Evangeline. She also falls for a pub landlord Nick Dupree with his own hard upbringing and dodgy dealings.
The end was rather rushed but set up for more stories in the second of the series.
It is very loosely based around the Bryant and May match factory - where work is hard and wages are low, conditions are terrible and ‘fines’ are taken for the slightest misdemeanour without compunction. This leads to a hand to mouth existence for the women usually before the menfolk drink the wages - and rent money - away. It’s not surprising that women turn to the oldest profession to keep a roof over their heads and meagre amounts of food in their bellies.
Of course there are unwanted babies and babies born out of wedlock - so Sister Evangeline’s home for wayward girls seems a beacon in the darkness. John Wolff -her protector is an evil character.
I found their relationship rather hard to read if I am honest.
I think the reason instruggkes is that I knew that area of Whitechapel in the late 1970s when I left rural Somerset for London to train as a nurse - and the book lacked the realism that this area held. Leman Street police station was mentioned but there was little mention of the street names.
I also found the references to the Jack The Ripper murders somehow unrealistic - perhaps it was meant to be an analogy and not realistic to that known about those times. They were certainly hard for women at the time.
This book centred around Sadie and Amelia Spencer - Sadie had made a bad marriage and Amelia needed the services of Sister Evangeline. She also falls for a pub landlord Nick Dupree with his own hard upbringing and dodgy dealings.
The end was rather rushed but set up for more stories in the second of the series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kay Brellend has always been a "go to author" for me and this book is definitely one of those books that I am glad to have read.
Set in the factory that makes matches in the East End of London in December 1887 and along the waterfront of the Thames, with its taverns and dark alleys.
This is London in a much different time, it's raw and what you would call rough, but there are still people who care and also those who would certainly not take too kindly to some people and would do their utmost to get rid of them in any way possible.
Amelia Spencer and her sister Sadie are both expecting, Sadie has a man who looks after her (sometimes) and Amelia is all on her own, her parents don't want her at home as it will not be a good impression on her younger siblings so Amelia trudges the snowy streets until she gets offered shelter. But this accommodation turns out to be a convent with some dodgy goings-on and as soon as she can Amelia can't wait to leave. So begins a story of Amelia and her child, her friends and her enemies, as she continues to fight for her child no matter what. Full of dodgy goings on but also people with a heart of gold, but who will she trust?
I really enjoyed reading this book, as I have all the books I have read by Kay Brellend, it's full of love, hate, hardships and friendships (plus a nod to the Whitechapel Murders of1888). But above all its a great five-star read, I absolutely loved it, and can't wait to read more about everyone in the follow-up book.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this great book.
#Netgalley
#BoldwoodBooks
#KayBrellend
#TheMatchFactoryGirls
Set in the factory that makes matches in the East End of London in December 1887 and along the waterfront of the Thames, with its taverns and dark alleys.
This is London in a much different time, it's raw and what you would call rough, but there are still people who care and also those who would certainly not take too kindly to some people and would do their utmost to get rid of them in any way possible.
Amelia Spencer and her sister Sadie are both expecting, Sadie has a man who looks after her (sometimes) and Amelia is all on her own, her parents don't want her at home as it will not be a good impression on her younger siblings so Amelia trudges the snowy streets until she gets offered shelter. But this accommodation turns out to be a convent with some dodgy goings-on and as soon as she can Amelia can't wait to leave. So begins a story of Amelia and her child, her friends and her enemies, as she continues to fight for her child no matter what. Full of dodgy goings on but also people with a heart of gold, but who will she trust?
I really enjoyed reading this book, as I have all the books I have read by Kay Brellend, it's full of love, hate, hardships and friendships (plus a nod to the Whitechapel Murders of1888). But above all its a great five-star read, I absolutely loved it, and can't wait to read more about everyone in the follow-up book.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this great book.
#Netgalley
#BoldwoodBooks
#KayBrellend
#TheMatchFactoryGirls
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
London, 1887. When Amelia Spence finds herself unmarried, pregnant and cast out by society, she flees to the Bryant and May match factory, searching for her estranged sister, Sadie. But the East End is no refuge - Sadie is trapped in a violent marriage, and the factory is as dangerous as the streets outside. Desperate for a fresh start, Amelia takes work at Bryant and May and dares to dream of a better life for herself and her son. A chance meeting with kindhearted Nicholas Dupree offers hope - but Whitechapel is no place for fragile dreams.
Amelia was deceived by Andrew Bowman and now she's pregnant. The only person who might help her is her sister Sadie.
There was a great mix of characters - some you'll like, others you'll loathe. The story tells how hard it was for women in 1980s Whitechapel. This is the first book in a new Victorian saga. This is my first read by the author, but I'm already looking forward to her next book.
Published 24th January 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #KayBrellend for my ARC of #TheMatchFactoryGirls in exchange for an honest review.
Amelia was deceived by Andrew Bowman and now she's pregnant. The only person who might help her is her sister Sadie.
There was a great mix of characters - some you'll like, others you'll loathe. The story tells how hard it was for women in 1980s Whitechapel. This is the first book in a new Victorian saga. This is my first read by the author, but I'm already looking forward to her next book.
Published 24th January 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #KayBrellend for my ARC of #TheMatchFactoryGirls in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2026
"I've been looking for you. I'm in trouble and could do with a place to stay."
Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres 📚❤️, but I usually read books set around the Second World War, so the late 1800s is a rarity for me ⏳. The author weaves fact and fiction together seamlessly 🧵, incorporating difficult subjects including prostitution, abuse, gambling, and factory strikes ⚙️.
It seems absurd to me that girls who were brought up well, with a good education and a decent job, were banished to the workhouse by their parents if they fell pregnant 😔. I appreciate that, in some walks of life, this still happens even now, but it continues to baffle me that parents could do that to their own flesh and blood 💔.
Even though it is set in the East End of London 🏙️, which we all know or imagine to be part of a large city, there is still a huge sense of community spirit and support, which I loved 🤝💞. Young and old alike are more often than not willing to help their neighbours with whatever they need 👵👧.
I’m looking forward to seeing what Kay has in store for us in the next book in the series ✨📖.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review The Match Factory Girls by Kay Brellend, and for including me on the tour 🙏📚.
Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres 📚❤️, but I usually read books set around the Second World War, so the late 1800s is a rarity for me ⏳. The author weaves fact and fiction together seamlessly 🧵, incorporating difficult subjects including prostitution, abuse, gambling, and factory strikes ⚙️.
It seems absurd to me that girls who were brought up well, with a good education and a decent job, were banished to the workhouse by their parents if they fell pregnant 😔. I appreciate that, in some walks of life, this still happens even now, but it continues to baffle me that parents could do that to their own flesh and blood 💔.
Even though it is set in the East End of London 🏙️, which we all know or imagine to be part of a large city, there is still a huge sense of community spirit and support, which I loved 🤝💞. Young and old alike are more often than not willing to help their neighbours with whatever they need 👵👧.
I’m looking forward to seeing what Kay has in store for us in the next book in the series ✨📖.
Thank you to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review The Match Factory Girls by Kay Brellend, and for including me on the tour 🙏📚.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When Amelia Spencer finds herself unmarried, pregnant, and cast out by society, she flees to the Bryant & May match factory, searching for her estranged sister, Sadie. But the East End is no refuge - Sadie is trapped in a violent marriage, and the factory is as dangerous as the streets outside.
I really don't know what to think of this book. I thought the author tried to cover too much ground, trying to include violence, murders, labor strife and relationships, introducing so many characters at once. I also found difficulty reading the colloquialisms used, and might have enjoyed an audiobook more. It is the first in a series, but I didn't find the FMC believable and will likely not read future books in this series. On the positive side, I did learn about the Match Factory and would like to read non-fiction accounts of the era to learn more. I appreciate receiving an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
I really don't know what to think of this book. I thought the author tried to cover too much ground, trying to include violence, murders, labor strife and relationships, introducing so many characters at once. I also found difficulty reading the colloquialisms used, and might have enjoyed an audiobook more. It is the first in a series, but I didn't find the FMC believable and will likely not read future books in this series. On the positive side, I did learn about the Match Factory and would like to read non-fiction accounts of the era to learn more. I appreciate receiving an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kay Brellend did a wonderful job of bringing Whitechapel in the 1880s to life for the reader. Life for unmarried pregnant women was very hard, especially if you wanted to keep your child. Amelia has been duped by Andrew Bowman and is pregnant with nowhere to go, so she seeks out her sister. Things don’t work out, but this sets off a chain of events where her child’s life is in danger from two men. There is a diverse cast of characters, ranging from kind and helpful to very mean and dangerous. With an interesting story line that covers a lot of issues, like unwanted pregnancies, class, labour practices, murders and gender discrimination, there is also heartwarming kindness and love. This is the start of a series, and I hope to continue reading about these characters. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my copy to read and offer an honest review.
January 25, 2026
I really enjoyed this saga based in the East End and specifically Whitechapel. It’s 1887 and Amelia Spencer finds herself pregnant and unmarried. Her family have turned their back on her so she goes to Whitechapel to find her estranged sister Sadie. However Sadie is married to a brute of a man and although Amelia finds work at the Bryant & May factory the work is dangerous. A chance meeting with Nicholas Dupree gives her the opportunity to change the direction her life looks like taking. Amelia’s past though is closing in and putting her dream of a new start in jeopardy. While all this is happening there is a killer who is targeting women…….. I loved how this flowed, the historic details and, in my opinion, the very well described characters and locations. The interactions between the characters and gave them depth, along with how they were portrayed. I had no idea how the story was going to end which helped to keep me totally engaged.
February 3, 2026
I enjoyed this book set in 1887 in Whitechapel. Amelia Spencer was working in service and finds herself pregnant to the piano teacher. When the family she works for realises the situation she’s immediately sacked. Having saved her wages up she heads for Whitechapel to see her older sister Sadie. Things don’t go as planned and not only does she lose her place to stay she also loses her money to her thieving brother in law. Going back to her parents isn’t quite as she’d hoped either and her Mum makes her leave on a cold snowy Christmas Eve. Amelia gets caught up with lots of unsavoury characters as she tries to find a home for herself and her baby. It’s a gripping read and I look forward to book two in this fab new series
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really felt for Amelia, being pregnant and alone. I thought it was understandable that she tried to search for her sister Sadie. I found the moment they met heartwrenching. Sadie has her own problems with a violent marriage.
I knew about the East End. I think the author does a great job from the beginning of making the book atmospheric throughout. I’d also heard of the Jack the Ripper murders, and I’m always uneasy about those.
I was concerned for both sisters, and found myself annoyed with Sadie and how she’d changed after awhile.
I really liked Nicholas and how helpful he was towards Amelia. I was relieved when they met, and that was well weaved into the story. I liked that subplot.
I’m glad this is the first in the series, and an looking forward to the next book.
Kay Brelland’s writing style is very detailed in terms of character backstory. However, I felt like this was good and bad. It was good as learned about the characters, but I also felt there were too many characters being introduced at once, and not enough time was spent on one before someone else was introduced. I found it hard to keep track of who was who now and then.
I felt Amelia was a real fighter. I liked that she met Kitty and they were friends. I was concerned them both when they were with Sister Evangeline. I was concerned for their wellbeing and that of their babies.
I did want to know what was going to happen. I liked the mixture of themes: family dynamics, approaches to life, love, and mystery.
4 stars
Thanks so Kay Brelland and Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
I knew about the East End. I think the author does a great job from the beginning of making the book atmospheric throughout. I’d also heard of the Jack the Ripper murders, and I’m always uneasy about those.
I was concerned for both sisters, and found myself annoyed with Sadie and how she’d changed after awhile.
I really liked Nicholas and how helpful he was towards Amelia. I was relieved when they met, and that was well weaved into the story. I liked that subplot.
I’m glad this is the first in the series, and an looking forward to the next book.
Kay Brelland’s writing style is very detailed in terms of character backstory. However, I felt like this was good and bad. It was good as learned about the characters, but I also felt there were too many characters being introduced at once, and not enough time was spent on one before someone else was introduced. I found it hard to keep track of who was who now and then.
I felt Amelia was a real fighter. I liked that she met Kitty and they were friends. I was concerned them both when they were with Sister Evangeline. I was concerned for their wellbeing and that of their babies.
I did want to know what was going to happen. I liked the mixture of themes: family dynamics, approaches to life, love, and mystery.
4 stars
Thanks so Kay Brelland and Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
February 2, 2026
I thought this book was very good it was interesting to read about the match factory and the hardship of working there for the women.
I thought the main character was a strong woman and seemed to have a nice side to her. It was shocking what the woman got from working in the factory the illness they got. The book was well researched. There were a few tragedies. Also the killer in Whitechapel would they catch him.
I could not put this book down. It was well written and I kept wanting to read on to find out what happened.
Look forward to the next book to find out what happens next.
I thought the main character was a strong woman and seemed to have a nice side to her. It was shocking what the woman got from working in the factory the illness they got. The book was well researched. There were a few tragedies. Also the killer in Whitechapel would they catch him.
I could not put this book down. It was well written and I kept wanting to read on to find out what happened.
Look forward to the next book to find out what happens next.
February 2, 2026
The Match Factory Girls was my first book by Kay Brellend, and I was not disappointed. From the very beginning, the story drew me in and quickly became an addictive read that was hard to put down. The characters and setting are engaging, and the plot keeps you turning the pages, eager to see what happens next.
This is the kind of book that makes time disappear, and I found myself reading for far longer than planned. A strong and compelling start to what promises to be a fantastic series.
I can’t wait for the next book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
This is the kind of book that makes time disappear, and I found myself reading for far longer than planned. A strong and compelling start to what promises to be a fantastic series.
I can’t wait for the next book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
New victorian saga book one.
In the shadows of 1887 London, one woman must fight for her future and her child's.
Amelia Spencer alone and pregnant turfed out by her parents seeks out her big sister Sadie, Whitechapel is no place for dreams to come true.
A mothers courage, a fight for hope, a unputdownable story of survival, what a dynamic start to a new series from this author.
Absolutely had my heart reading a inspiring heartbreaker.
I loved this read.
In the shadows of 1887 London, one woman must fight for her future and her child's.
Amelia Spencer alone and pregnant turfed out by her parents seeks out her big sister Sadie, Whitechapel is no place for dreams to come true.
A mothers courage, a fight for hope, a unputdownable story of survival, what a dynamic start to a new series from this author.
Absolutely had my heart reading a inspiring heartbreaker.
I loved this read.
January 27, 2026
The first part of the book was a little slow, but it soon became more interesting. Dealing with society and the poorer people of the time. I enjoyed the story in the end.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and Boldwood Publishing and leaving a review by my own accord.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and Boldwood Publishing and leaving a review by my own accord.
December 18, 2025
The Match Factory Girls is a new saga based in London. The story is so absorbing and draws the reader in. The characters are fantastic.
February 11, 2026
I enjoyed this saga
January 25, 2026
Amelia turns up pregnant, alone, and searching for her sister Sadie at the Bryant and May Match Factory in 1880s London. However, Whitechapel is a dangerous place, and her sister Sadie is trapped in a violent marriage.
Wow, this was a definite page turner. This was:
- the fight for a woman to keep her child in the 1800's
- dangerous conditions at the match factory
- Jack the Ripper murders
- rough life in Whitechapel during the 1880s
- opposite sides of the track romance
- running a pub in 1800s London
- murder mystery
- romance
- the different classes in England
This was the 1st in a series. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley, and the author for this arc
Wow, this was a definite page turner. This was:
- the fight for a woman to keep her child in the 1800's
- dangerous conditions at the match factory
- Jack the Ripper murders
- rough life in Whitechapel during the 1880s
- opposite sides of the track romance
- running a pub in 1800s London
- murder mystery
- romance
- the different classes in England
This was the 1st in a series. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley, and the author for this arc
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