Christmas with the Shipyard Girls

Shipyard Girls #7

by Nancy Revell

THE SEVENTH NOVEL IN THE BESTSELLING SHIPYARD GIRLS SERIES.

‘Nancy Revell knows how to stir the passions and soothe the heart!’ Northern Echo
____________________________________________________________
Sunderland, 1942: Christmas is fast approaching and with it comes a flurry of snow and surprises…

Against all odds, Polly’s fiancé has finally returned home from the front line. If they can keep things on an even keel, she might get the winter wedding she’s always dreamed of.

Meanwhile shipyard manager Helen is determined to move on after a turbulent year. Her sights are set on breaking the yard’s production record and no one, not even the handsome Dr Parker, is going to get in her way.

And head welder Rosie’s little sister Charlotte has turned up unannounced. Why is she back and so set on staying?

Join the shipyard girls as they navigate through life, love and war this Christmas.

Praise for the Shipyard Girls

'the author is one to watch' Sun

‘A brilliant read’ Take a Break

‘Well-drawn, believable characters combined with a storyline to keep you turning the pages’ Woman

Genres: Christmas, Family, Fiction

511 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2019

About the author

Nancy Revell is the pseudonym of Amanda Revell Walton a writer and journalist that has worked for all the national newspapers, providing them with hard-hitting news stories and in-depth features. She has also worked for just about every woman's magazine in the country, writing amazing and inspirational true life stories. Nancy has recently relocated back to her home town of Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, with her husband, Paul, and their English Bull Mastiff, Rosie. They live just a short walk away from the beautiful award-winning beaches of Roker and Seaburn, within a mile of where The Shipyard Girls series is set. The subject is close to Nancy's heart as she comes from a long line of shipbuilders, who were well-known in the area.

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 4 out of 5]

1942, has been another year of challenges, for Polly, Gloria, Helen, Rosie and their loved ones. All the workers at Thompson’s Shipyard in Sunderland, are busy trying to get SS Brutus finished on time and the last couple of months before Christmas are frantic.

Polly Elliot is engaged to Petty Officer Tommy Watts, he’s seriously injured in Gibraltar, and being treated on a Red Cross ship, when it's torpedoed, he almost drowns and he's lucky to survive. Tommy’s slowly recovering from surgery in Ryhope hospital, Dr. Parker is sure he will be fit enough to be discharged and Polly’s dreaming of a winter wonderland wedding.

Helen Crawford’s the manager at the shipyard, she’s had a terrible year and only Dr. Parker and her mother know about her tragic loss. She has her sights on breaking the yards production record and getting Brutus off the slips. Helen wants Polly to marry Tommy, has no time for romance herself and she's oblivious to the fact that John Parker admires her from afar.

Rosie Miller lives a double life, she works as welder at the shipyard and she’s part owner in a business. When her younger sister Charlotte Thornton runs away from her Harrogate boarding school, she arrives on Rosie’s doorstep unannounced, she needs Charlie to return to school and before she discovers how Rosie's managed to pay for her expensive education.

I really enjoyed reading Christmas with the Shipyard Girls by Nancy Revell, it’s the seventh book in the popular series, full of familiar characters, secrets, drama, two weddings are planned and only one couple manages to walk down the aisle. Thanks to NetGalley for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, I look forward to reading the eighth book in the series and four stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW what a FANTASTIC book following the shipyard girls Rosie,Gloria,Polly,Martha,Dorothy and Angie as they continue their war work at Thompsons shipyard.We start this book with Polly rushing to the hospital to find Tommy and the girls surviving the bombing,i won't say any more as it would spoil the book but Nancy Revell i cannot believe you made me cry at the end but i had an idea this was going to happen.I can highly recommend this book it's BRILLIANT 5*

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This seventh book of series continues the story of a core group of women who work in the shipyards of NE England during WWII. I have not read any previous books of this series but found it easy enough to get into the relationships of the friends who work together, their families and poignant war losses. One young man comes close to death but slowly recovers, actually making it to the close of book with a Christmas wedding.
Air raids, bombings, family relationship challenges and a bit of rough and tumble living for a few. No matter the challenges the friends stick together. The first book starts the action in 1940 and this seventh book moves it up to 1942.

Thanks to Arrow Book/ Penguin Random House through Net Galley for this advanced copy that will be available Oct 24, 2019.

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweetly heart-warming!

🎄This is not only my first book from this series, but also my first by this author – once again, I have been walking around with my eyes shut to have allowed this wonderful series pass me by.

🎄Christmas with the Shipyard Girls is the seventh book in the series, and I definitely think that you do need to read them in sequence to fully understand complex and intricately entwined relationships between the large cast of characters and their backstories. I did more than once feel a little confused by mentions of subplots that had obviously come previously in the series.

🎄Yet saying that I did love the story, there is a moment nearing the end that screamed ‘Officer and a Gentleman’ and I fell in love with this series right there and then. If you have watched that film you will know which scene I am referring to, if not – well, all I will say is watch the film, read the book and see for yourself.

🎄I was intrigued by the other women in their little group of welders, I want to know more about Rosie and Helen, they really caught my eye, I am now searching for both their stories as I am desperate to know their secrets and Polly is an absolute sweetie-pie.

🎄The women are very likable and relatable, each one brings their own personality and unique character to their little group which kept the story moving steadily forward, I really enjoyed getting a snapshot into each of the women’s characters, but this is predominately Polly’s story.

🎄Overall, I found this such a delight to read, it’s charming, steadily paced and flows with ease from one character to the next, I liked the atmosphere of 1940’s Sunderland, the close-knit community and the shipyard industry are interesting and insightful, the writing is eloquent and engaging which keeps you reading.

🎄🎄I will certainly be reading more from this series and this author, I’ve already found two more Shipyard Girls from my local charity shop which I can’t wait to delve into.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas with the Shipyard Girls by Nancy Revell is the seventh installment in The Shipyard Girls series. This book picks up where Courage of the Shipyard Girls ended. The East End just suffered severe bombing. Helen stepped up and earned respect from the ladies for her actions. Polly is thrilled that Tommy is alive and in the local hospital. The ladies have gone through so much since World War II broke out. Polly deserves a bit of happiness after being told her fiancé was dead. Unfortunately, Polly has some news for Tommy, and she is afraid to of his reaction. The characters in is this series are well developed and realistic. I always look forward to catching up with them to see how they are faring. I feel so bad for Gloria who is raising Hope on her own without Jack because of the nasty Miriam. The Shipyard Girls series is one that needs to be read in order. Each book builds upon the previous one. Christmas with the Shipyard Girls focuses on Polly, Rosie and Helen. However, we do spend time with all the ladies including Kate and Lily. I thought the story contained good writing and it flowed along steadily. The author has an engaging writing style that drew me right in. I stayed up late reading to find out what happened in this book. There was repetition of details that I felt could have been eliminated (related to the bombing, who was injured, etc.). Rosie is surprised when she comes home to find her sister, Charlotte. It seems Charlotte left school and does not wish to return. Rosie is worried that her sister will discover her second job which is how she paid for Charlotte’s expensive boarding school. Rosie wants to encourage Charlotte to return to school and enlists Helen’s assistance. She also needs to find out what drove Charlotte to leave school. There is a lot going on in Christmas with the Shipyard Girls. It is a delight to read though the ending is bittersweet. Christmas with the Shipyard Girls has joy, sadness, frustration, new love and so much more. I like how the ladies stick together. They are more than close friends—they are family. I am eager to read Triumph of the Shipyard Girls. I really hope that Miriam gets her comeuppance soon. Christmas with the Shipyard Girls is a charming historical novel that has a happy homecoming, a sibling sticky wicket, wedding wonder, a surprising secret and Christmas cheer.

[Marty Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been an amazing series, and "Christmas With The Shipyard Girls" did not disappoint! The story picked up with us seeing Tommy healing from his injuries from the war and everyone picking up the pieces after another horrid air raid. There were so many happy moments of joyous reunions and tears of disappointment. I don't want to give anything away, but I personally feel this was the best book of the series, to date. However, I can't wait for the next book, as the peek has already made me desperate to read it!

[Shruti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will forever be a huge fan of the Shipyard Girls series!

This seventh instalment keeps the pace of the previous books. It's heartwarming and all about community this time around in Sunderland, so be sure to check this book out to get your Christmas fix sorted!

Read the entire review on This is Lit.

[Layla · Rating 3 out of 5]

another good book. book 7.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always wonderful to catch up with the Shipyard Girls, the fiery, feisty, courageous and strong women who people the captivating and addictive novels of best-selling author Nancy Revell and they are back in another page-turning instalment that will touch your heart, make you laugh out loud and keep you reading way past your bedtime: Christmas with the Shipyard Girls.

The bottom had truly fallen out of Polly’s world when she had received the shocking and devastating news that her beloved fiancé Tommy had died on the front line. Heartbreak and anguish had become her constant companions, yet Polly had refused to give up hope. Even though she cried herself to sleep every single night, she had never stopped yearning to be able to hold Tommy in her arms again. But just when all hope had been nearly lost and Polly had begun to resign herself to never seeing Tommy again, the man she loved had returned back to her. In hospital recovering from a serious injury, Polly feels as if all her Christmases have come at once. The man she loves most in the world is alive and he will soon be with her again and she can finally have the winter wedding she had always dreamed of. Can happiness finally be within Polly and Tommy’s reach? Is their love strong enough to survive all the obstacles that will be standing in their way? Or will they fall at the final hurdle?

Shipyard manager Helen has had the year from hell yet she refuses to be beaten. Helen refuses to dwell on the past and is intent on focusing on the future and on making a success of both her personal and professional life. After one romantic disappointment after another, Helen has met the dashing Doctor Parker, a man who seems to be as attracted to her as she is to him. As the two continue to grow closer, could a future be in the cards for the pair of them? Or will their chance at happiness be thwarted? Not only is Helen’s personal life going great guns, but the determined ship manager also wants the yard to break the production record and nothing and nobody is going to stand in her way. But will Helen end up paying a very dear price for her ambition and determination?

Head welder Rosie is in for a shock when she finds her younger sister Charlotte on her doorstep one dark winter night. Why did Charlotte leave her expensive boarding school and come all the way to Sunderland? Why has she made it perfectly clear that she is not about to go back to her school? If Charlotte wants to make her own way in the world, then Rosie is going to show her that being a grown-up is no picnic, so she takes her with her to the shipyard and puts her to work. Will Charlotte sink or swim? Is she going to stick around the shipyard? Or will she return back to her boarding school with her tail between her legs?

The run-up to Christmas will once more be fraught with drama and excitement for the Shipyard girls, but their friendship and support for one another will see them through the darkest and most challenging of days.

Nancy Revell’s books are always a joy to read and Christmas with the Shipyard Girls is certainly no exception.
Full of warmth, humour, heart and exquisite period details that sweeps you back to wartime Sunderland, Christmas with the Shipyard Girls is a well-written, emotional, dramatic, uplifting and captivating read that celebrates women’s friendships, triumphs, tragedies and strengths with terrific flair and style.

Nancy Revell juggles multiple characters and plotlines with deftness and skill and each storyline is written with care, sensitivity and compassion and you will be unable to choose a favourite as each one is so fantastically written and bursting with realistic characters that jump off the pages.

As addictive as ever, Christmas with the Shipyard Girls is another addictive and engrossing saga by the immensely talented Nancy Revell.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novel in the popular and immensely readable Shipyard Girls series, telling the story of a group of women who worked as welders on the ships that were vital to the war effort. This volume is set in the months leading up to Christmas in 1942, when the Second World War was raging and places like Sunderland where the Shipyard is sited were particular targets for bombing raids. This novel continues the saga of the women, their friends and family, as they try to work and survive. They are a varied group, and those they live with and love are memorable characters. This being the seventh book in the series, many of the themes and people are well known, but it is possible to read these books out of order as they tend to concentrate on one or two characters.

In this book, Polly is the centre of much of the story as she struggles with what should be a joyful time, but instead finds enormous challenges. As with all the books in this series, the research into the actual ship building, repair and maintenance is impeccable, yet never gets in the way of the human element. I enjoyed this book so much that I read it through the night. It is the sort of book that does not depend on a mystery, but rather on the simple question of what will happen next, and in particular, what will various characters choose to do. Polly has much to think about in this book, as despite the surprise appearance of someone she loves, she is not completely happy with her future. Revelations and twists dominate her story, as her friends and family are greatly concerned with what she will do. Meanwhile Helen, who has faced an awful dilemma in the recent past, has changed and become significantly more comfortable with the women in the Yard, which she effectively runs. While she is willing to help the people who she has become close to, she still has ambitions which seem to be dominating her life. Rosie’s life is made more tricky by the sudden arrival of her younger sister Charlotte, who is desperate to stay in the town while remaining silent about what has happened at her private school. She is especially intrigued by the amazing Lily, whose over the top personality is displayed to great effect in this particular book, and who raises lots of questions.

This ensemble book is particularly strong on the motivation of characters, even those who are not central to the story on this occasion. People like Dorothy and Angie are drawn in well, full of life and given an enjoyable amount of dialogue. There are wonderful descriptions of clothes, even though the central set of women spend much of the time wearing overalls, which reflects a time of rationing and new clothes being a rare treat for many of the women. This book manages to make the whole area, the streets, the yards and the whole locality really come to life, as the buildings are described as illustrating the damage and destruction suffered in recent raids. This is a vibrant and involving novel which has a great sense of community, as well as secrets and half known elements of life. It finishes at Christmas, but much of the novel concentrates in the period from October, so I would suggest that this book could be enjoyed at any time. This is the first of two books in the series with Christmas in the title, and I am looking forward to reading the other one after the intervening installment!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Christmas With The Shipyard Girls' is the seventh instalment of the bestselling 'Shipyard Girls' series. I have adored each and every book in the series. I read the synopsis for 'Christmas With The Shipyard Girls' and I just knew that I was going to in for one hell of a read. I wasn't wrong either. I totally, utterly and absolutely ADORED reading 'Christmas With The Shipyard Girls' but more about that in a bit.
It somehow feels unfair to single out a single character for further analysis so instead I will focus on the two women welders Polly & Rosie and the lady in charge of the shipyard, Helen. Poor Polly has been through the mill a fair bit. She lost one of her brothers in an incident, whilst he was overseas. Her other brother also suffered whilst fighting for his country and he has been left with a disability. If that wasn't enough for the poor lass, then her handsome fiancé Tommy, who joined the navy, has been posted as being missing. Polly has found it hard to carry on, which is no wonder. I really felt for Polly and I so wanted her to get her happy ever after ending after all the trauma she has been through. A miracle happens and it emerges that Tommy is actually in a hospital having suffered quite serious injuries. Polly is over the moon but it emerges that the Tommy she knew and loved is different to the Tommy that she meets up with in the hospital. Tommy has suffered some quite severe emotional, mental and physical trauma. Will Tommy and Polly get married? Is there another twist in the Tommy and Polly story? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out.
Now for Rosie, who is the other female welder. Rosie has a sister called Charlotte (or Charlie for short), who was at a private school in Harrogate. What Charlotte doesn't know is that Rosie originally worked as a prostitute in order to fund Charlotte's education. Rosie isn't in that line of work as such any more but she has an interest in the business as she does the books for Lily, who is the owner of the bordello, and Rosie has some shares in the business. Plus of course, Rosie works as a female welder at the Thompsons Shipyard to help the war effort. Rosie is also married to Peter, who has been sent abroad on a hush hush sort of mission. Her life is further complicated by the fact that in peacetime Peter is actually a police officer. Rosie certainly feels torn between her husband and her loyalty towards Lily and the girls. Rosie doesn't seem to be able to sit still for very long. Charlie has returned to Sunderland from Harrogate for reasons, which are not immediately apparent but which are slowly revealed over time. I actually admired Charlie for having the bottle to do what she did. What follows when Rosie goes to confront the headmistress of Charlie's school is pure gold. You will have to read the book to find out what happens. Charlie is an inquisitive kid and she is also a highly intelligent kid, who is becoming highly suspicious of just exactly why Rosie won't let Charlie get too close to Lily and why Rosie disappears of a night. Does Charlie find out what her sister does? What is her reaction? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
On to Helen, who is running Thompsons Shipyard in the absence of her father Jack, who has been sent to Glasgow for reasons you can discover for yourself in a previous book. If somebody had told me after the first book that I not only would I warm to Helen by the time I got to the seventh book and I would consider her to be a friend then I would have thought that you had lost the plot!! Well exactly that has happened and no plots have been lost. Helen has become a real life, kind and compassionate human being- no thanks to her mother Miriam. Helen has been through the mill with some pretty traumatic experiences which I won't disclose now but when you read the book you might understand how and why Helen has become 'human'. Helen is extremely close to her father, Jack, who as I mention above has been sent to Glasgow and she can't bring herself to forgive Miriam for what she has done. I don't blame her either. I just wish Miriam would take a very long walk off the end of Roker Pier- either that or I will jump inside the pages of the book to slap her silly and push her off Roker Pier. Anyway enough of my burblings about Miriam so back to Helen I do go. Helen doesn't have a boyfriend in this book but she does have somebody who is absolutely crazy about her but I don't know that she realises just how in love with her that he is. Helen has formed a close relationship with Gloria who works at the shipyard and with Gloria's bairn called Hope for reasons which will become clear when you read the book. Will Helen find the happiness that she deserves? Well for the answer to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
Oh my word, it didn't take me long at all to get into this story and I just knew that I would be unable to put the book down. For me, 'Christmas With The Shipyard Girls' is the true definition of an unputdownable page turner. The book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I did not want to miss a single second of the story. By the time I got to the bottom of the first page I felt as though I had reunited with old friends. I became so absorbed by the story that I lost all track of time and I was able to shut out all other distractions. My addiction to the book meant that I could binge read the book over the course of a day. I was gutted to reach the end of the story because it meant that I had to say farewell for now to the ladies from the shipyard and their friends and family.
'Christmas With The Shipyard Girls' is absolutely brilliantly written but then I wouldn't expect anything from Nancy Revell. She is a superb writer who has created a superb series and superb characters. Nancy writes so realistically and convincingly that I really did feel that I had been transported back to 1940s Sunderland with all the associated noises and smells. I have relatives who lived in 1940s Sunderland and by reading this excellent series I really feel as though I had a better understanding of how they lived and worked. For reasons that make sense to me, reading this book helped me to somehow feel closer to them. I found that I became too involved in this story to the point where I was randomly saying comments to the book as if the character in my firing line could hear me or I read something that sounded rather painful.
Reading 'Christmas With The Shipyard Girls' really took me on one hell of an emotional rollercoaster ride with all the ups and downs, highs and lows, love and hate and well you get the picture. I found that I was so in tune with the characters that I went through every emotion that the different characters were going through. This series has a bit of everything- there's drama, romance, drama, betrayal, humour, love, pessimism and optimism.
In short, 'Christmas With The Shipyard Girls' is a fantastic addition to 'The Shipyard Girls' series. This is one of those series' that just goes from strength to strength and each new book is better than the last. This series of books would make a fantastic television series particularly with the fondness for nostalgia and period drama. I cannot wait to read more about the Shipyard Girls, their lives, loves and families. Fortunately I don't have too long to wait because the next book in the series is called 'Triumph Of The Shipyard Girls' and it is due for release on 19th March 2020. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board for 'Christmas With The Shipyard Girls' can only be 5* out of 5*.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas with the Shipyard Girls is the seventh in the Shipyard Girls series which follows a group of incredible women who work at the docks in Sunderland helping to manufacture ships for the war effort. Nancy Revell continues to bring this series from strength to strength and I always eagerly await each new book as at this stage all the women have become firm friends. It didn't at all feel like it had been several months since the last story, instead it was just a case of picking up the book and continuing right where we left off. All the group women have had good times and bad, peaks and troughs and ebbs and flows in their lives since the outbreak of war but one thing is clear their bond of unity and friendship strengthens with each book and they are more like sisters now rather than co-workers and friends.

Once again the message of love, hope, faith and charity radiates from the book and I thoroughly enjoyed the story and seeing the continuation of certain storylines which have kept me riveted but also the introduction of some new ones. That's what makes this series so good, nothing is rushed and resolved within a chapter or dealt with in a light-hearted manner. Instead I think everything is very true to life at the time and having plots begin in book one and even now at this stage said storylines are still progressing that's what keeps the reader glued and always eager to return and read more about the shipyard girls.

Those new to the series will easily have no problems catching up on what has already happened. There is plenty of back story provided at just the right points without unnecessary pages dedicated as filling in. Long term fans will be deeply satisfied with this book as there is lots of excitement and plenty of twists and turns. Storylines for characters I have been deeply invested in since book one are really starting to pick up the pace and are starting to reach their climax. Although saying that I am sure there are lots more books to come given we have only just reached 1942.

I really loved the prologue set in Gilbraltar, it gave us a really good insight into Polly's fiancé Tommy and how he came to arrive back home to Britain. I felt in the last two books or so that he had been more or less forgotten about and I remember saying a chapter or two from his viewpoint would have been good. Well this time around I certainly got what I had been asking for and it's made me realise that the author really has everything planned out so well and that she has such a clear vision for the direction she wishes the series to take. Things can't be rushed and just like the women at the time anxiously waited for news of their loved ones fighting abroad as a reader even though I am so keen to see how everything will pan out I just have to be patient.

Tommy is not the same man that left the shipyard to do his bit for the war effort. He couldn't be, given all that he had witnessed in his role diving in the waters to check for mines. He has been through such a trauma and although Polly and all his friends and family welcome him back with open arms, they slowly start to realise that they have to be careful as this war is having such a devastating effect on everybody that people are no longer the same and can't perhaps always be treated like the way they were before. I really enjoyed Polly and Tommy's storyline and was pleased that finally some sort of happiness may be on the horizon for them but of course not without its trials. Polly frustrated me slightly in this book in that she knew what her heart wanted but because she had done something that she believed others would perceive as being wrong she was going up the walls so to speak and not being very clear with anyone least of all Tommy. Though even the reader could see her intentions were all in the right place. She was frightened that she had made a mistake that there was no coming back from but really Polly should have more faith in both herself and those around her.

Gloria very much featured on the periphery in this book but I didn't mind in the slightest because she had had an awful happen to her in the last two books so I was glad to see that Rosie and in particular her sister Charlotte recently 'escaped' from boarding school now were once again getting a chance to have their storyline explored in much more detail. It really had been niggling away at me as to just what was up with Charlotte and why she kept begging Rosie to come home. I could see Rosie was torn in two in that she wanted to keep her sister happy as she was her sole 'mother' figure but yet at the same time she was playing a dangerous game.

Her double life was in danger of being exposed and that was her main reason for giving Charlotte such short shrift. Yet at the same time similar to Polly I think Rosie should have given her sister more credit than she did. People won't always judge you first hand. Instead they will take the time to listen to what is being said and make their own decision. Rosie was afraid of losing Charlotte's respect but also everything she had worked so hard for. She had reached a point where her work and private life were going well and although she deeply misses Peter she feels some sort of positivity starting to shine through. Would Charlotte's arrival upset the apple cart big time and throw plenty of spanners in the works? Will Rosie crack under the strain of keep a secret that has stayed that way for quite some time? The way this strand of the book played out was brilliant and engrossing.

Helen again was a character who I felt didn't feature as prominently as before although I am keeping a close eye on whether things with her doctor friend will develop into something more. At this stage, I am still questioning whether she is too good to be true. Had she been demonised for too long by her cruel, narcissist of a mother? Or can a leopard really change its spots? I'm reserving judgement on Helen until we get even further into the series because I still think something major is in store for her. After all both her and her mother's actions have already played such a crucial role in several of the events that have occurred. A string of events have been set in motion by the pair but said events have not yet been begun to be reeled in and dealt with by several of the girls. Simply because the time is not right for confrontation or perhaps the full facts or the wrongdoings have not yet been exposed.

Given the title of this book does have Christmas in it, I would have hoped that this special event would feature at some point in the story. It soon became evident that this wasn't just a normal run of the mill Christmas book that flood the market at this time of year, more so that it suited timeline wise for the author to have Christmas feature in the story. It wasn't a dominant force at all and featured more so towards the end as everyone bands together to hopefully make a special occasion come to fruition especially when it seemed very much in doubt for the majority of the book. It didn't bother me in the slightest that this wasn't a full blown Christmas book because to be honest I am more interested in the overall story arc that is being created with this special and unique group of women some of whom I haven't even mentioned here. But really I did love this book which once again highlighted the bravery, sacrifices and selflessness and Rosie and co. I can't wait until book eight -Triumph of the Shipyard Girls is published next year.

[Karen Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The exciting and emotional scenes at the end of Courage of the Shipyard Girls saw Polly finally reunited with her fiancé, Tommy after fearing he had been killed in action. Christmas with the Shipyard Girls, the seventh book in the series, takes us back to June 1942 when Tommy was drifting in and out of consciousness and being tended for by a Red Cross nurse. A lone bomber targets their ship and the devastating result ends up haunting Tommy as he recovers from his physical injuries back in Sunderland.
Although this is a series which highlights the work of women during the Second World War, it also gives readers an insight into the courageous work of the men, both overseas and back home. Before he was injured, Tommy had been an navy diver who checked for limpet mines attached to ships in Gibraltar Harbour. The bravery of these men isn't as well-known as it should be and so I applaud Nancy Revell for drawing attention to their work here. As with many men who returned from war, Tommy is also mentally scarred by his experiences. He and Polly are looking forward to their wedding but both are keeping secrets from one another which could end up spoiling their happiness. As the readers we know their secrets ahead of the couple and it's heartbreaking to see two genuinely good people burdened by a sense of guilt and risking what is clearly something very special.
The storyline doesn't just follow Polly, of course and Rosie has her hands full with the return of her little sister, Charlotte (Charlie). Rosie is initially desperate for her to return to her boarding school, partly because she understandably fears for her safety - this was a period when Sunderland was still being heavily bombed - but also because she is concerned that Charlotte will find out about her past. Rosie once worked as a prostitute to fund her sister's school fees and she still does the bookkeeping for Lily's bordello. It's clear, however, that Charlotte is as inquisitive as she is resourceful and she is fascinated by Lily and the women who work in the bordello, particularly Vivian and Maisie.
The other women in Rosie's team of welders continue to support each other through their various dramas and I especially liked seeing how Helen's relationship with them is changing now she has broken away from her toxic mother. Her friendship with Dr Parker is hugely enjoyable aspect of the story, albeit frustrating at times with the will-they-won't-they nature of their relationship. Both are obviously attracted to one another but for various reasons are not willing to make the first move. It's rather touching to see Helen so vulnerable and unsure but I hope she is eventually able to become as confident in her personal life as she is professionally in her role as shipyard manager.
It's probably obvious that each new book in this series is like meeting up with old friends. I have become invested in their lives and have become emotionally attached to them all; I feel desperately sorry for Gloria, kept apart from her lover, John; my heart breaks for Hannah, who is Jewish and receives devastating news about her parents; I love seeing how Dorothy and Angie manage to embrace being young even when they are completely exhausted by the demands of their job and I adore gentle Martha whose parents are so concerned about her and in one of the most emotive scenes in the novel, finally realise how proud they should also be of their daughter. Newcomers to the series may be concerned as to whether they can start here - the answer is a definite yes as Nancy Revell always ensures she includes enough back story to quickly bring new readers up to speed with what has occurred previously. However, this is such a beautifully written series which captures the sense of time and place so evocatively that really I would recommend reading the previous books if possible.
Christmas with the Shipyard Girls is perhaps best summarised by the words of the vicar in his Christmas sermon, 'Hope. Faith. Peace. Joy. And Love.' This engrossing, poignant and perceptive look at the lives of these characters, who so warmly encapsulate the essence of the real people of wartime Sunderland, is a sheer delight to read from start to finish. I cannot wait to read Triumph of the Shipyard Girls next year.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book #7 in the Shipyard Girls series. It can be read as a standalone book, but I would recommend reading the series in order for continuity of the storyline. In this book we are back in Sunderland, 1942. War is still raging and we again meet the welding women working in the shipyards, experiencing their highs and low at Christmas time.

The story begins with Tommy, Polly’s fiancé who was reported to be missing. The story grabbed me from the first page and I found this first meeting with Tommy particularly heart-breaking. At the beginning of the book, however, there are a lot of characters to reconnect with and this took me a while to remember who was who! The book focusses mainly on the characters of Polly, Rosie and Helen although all the women from the previous books have a part in the story. The women certainly have their ups and downs and you find these emotional and sad at times yet uplifting and heart-warming at others! I particularly loved Polly’s character and was so happy for her at the beginning where she’d received news about her fiancé, Tommy. She goes through so much upset and bad times that it would be lovely for Polly to finally get her happy ending! Unfortunately, as the bombs are still falling on the country and the men are still at war, this proves to be difficult not just for Polly but for all the ladies of the shipyard!

The story isn’t just based on the lives of the women, but also the work they do and the difficulties they face during wartime. These stories show the friendship and camaraderie not just between the main characters but also amongst the whole community. They also show how difficult it was living through the war years.

Whilst I’ve never been to the North East, through this series of books I feel like I’ve come to recognise the area well and the author has done a great job of researching the industries that were there during, and probably after the war. I’m assuming the author is also from the area as the local knowledge throughout these books is outstanding! If I was to recommend a wartime saga series of books then I’d have no hesitation recommending this one!

[Sarah Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m now up to date with reading this series. I love how each book builds on the foundations of the others telling the stories from the perspective of different characters, enhancing our knowledge of & relationship with them as they progress.
The epilogue completely changed this book for me. Whilst we read the tale from Arthur’s romanticised & rather lovely perspective, the other characters wouldn’t know of that; instead having their perfect day marred with latent sadness & depriving Tommy of a chance to pay his last respects; which seemed a cruel ending.
I’m still living in hope that we’ll be invited further into the worlds of Martha & Hannah (& therefore by virtue of Hannah’s relationship with him, Olly) in the future as I’m itching to know more about both. I’m convinced that Martha has depths which are yet to be plumbed, and clearly she is the unwitting owner of the big remaining secret which may come out if Gloria & Jack’s story is to develop.
Either way, I’m really looking forward to the next instalment, please keep them coming Nancy!

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the seventh shipyards girls book that starts in October 1942 in Sunderland County Durham. Heart rendering read, every single one of this author's work as a reader I feel myself there with all these women welders in J.L. Thompson and son shipyards that I remember so well living in Sunderland. Building the mighty Brutus its all systems go. A heart warming wartime saga of the girl's lives that get better and better. This book takes us into Polly, Rosie and Gloria and all work colleges under the manager Helen, stories of loved ones bringing us some new characters. This book takes us up to Christmas December 1942 I just didn't want it to end. such a magical book , It leaves you craving to know how the next book will plan out for the characters. an enchanting story, moving you to tears. It's a perfect Christmas gift for all loved one's. Another winner in my books well deserved star's.

[Mrs Bookworm Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I know it isnt Christmas, but as im going through the shipyard girls at break neck speed I had to read this book from cover to cover. I couldnt put it down this series of books have kept me entertained with all sorts of emotions. It has been one of my favourite series of books and I will be sad to finish the last book. The book has depth to each character, making you feel that you are friends with all the welders and helen of course.... all the other characters make the series perfect i nees friends like the welder ladys. I hope eceryone reads the shipyard books and feels lifted as this series of books is just fantastic

[Nicola Louise Ankers · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had taken me a full month to read this book, as I have been working a lot. But I had thoroughly enjoyed reading it, it had shown true love, compassion + what it was like to have lived back during the war.
The Love That Polly + Tommy had is and was unbreakable, so that they had finally got married at the end of the read. I just hope that anyone reads this book enjoys it as much as I did. I had actually bought this book from a charity shop for £1 but I have seen it in a local shop called the works that you can grab it from. I have full blown been confurted in to reading these types of books 📚

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the first book I read in this series and won't surely be the last. It kept me hooked till the end and I turned pages as fast as I could.
I loved the likeable and well-thought cast of characters, I cared and rooted for them.
The plot is engrossing and entertaining and I liked the setting.
An excellent read, highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

[LimeCream · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't read the first six books when I was approved to review this, but reading it as a standalone was still a brilliant experience. Well written with an air of authenticity, I enjoyed this war-time festive read very much. I will definitely book buying the other books and will read them in order.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read this lovely book in exchange for an honest review.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful instalment in the lives of Rosie's team of welders and their friends. This one focuses on Polly & Tommy, with Tommy having arrived back injured from Gibraltar, and also on Charlotte, Rosie's sister, who has run away from her boarding school.
This cast of characters are wonderful people that readers have learnt to love over the seven books in the series. May there be many more books to come.

[Debbie Roughley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was hard work and confusing possibly due to the large number of characters. Not having read the other books in series meant the back stories of the characters weren’t clear and stopped you becoming invested in them. It was hard to become sentimental about Polly and Tommy when you didn’t know about their romance from the start. This book isn’t a stand alone novel and anyone who decides to read it needs to read the others in the series first.

[Crystal Spedden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't aware that this was part of a series....... But with that said this was a fantastic book! I wanted to read it due to the christmas theme and it lived up to it! The Author is able to capture your whole attention to the characters without really needed to read the previous books. Im going to have to start with book one and read them so I can read all about the shipyard girls. Mainly Lily since that is my daughters name. I'd love to read more about her :)

[Karin Allum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Nancy Revell, war time setting makes you think while reading how hard life must of been for those who lived these times. You feel like you become one of the girls in the dockyard , the more you read the more engrossed I became. Emotionally I got caught up with polly and Tommys story, I felt sympathy and understanding for Polly being afraid of more heartache but understanding Tommys dilemma.
I can’t wait to find another book by Nancy Revell.

[Gillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love this ongoing saga of these women who worked in the shipyard as welders in the second world war. There is no great mystery or thrill about it but it does teach us about the strength of human character and friendship during those really tough times. I will keep reading these stories until the author finds she has no more to say about all her lovely characters. I'll be quite sad to say goodbye to them :-)

[Karen Szyszko · Rating 4 out of 5]

The seventh installment in the series finds us in late 1942 getting ready for Christmas. While reading this book, I told myself that it wasn't as good as the previous books. But, yet, I found myself crying more while reading than I did with the previous books. Rina's words to Polly - OMG! The tears started. Agnes' reaction at seeing Polly in her bridal finery. OMG! Again, the waterworks started. And, finally, the Epilogue caught me off guard. OMG! What a beautiful read this has been.

[Alison Woodland · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW The latest edition to the Shipyard Girls series rang all the bells. It was another heart rending story of a small group of female welders, their families and friends. When Tommy returned home having been seriously injured he and Polly began to plan their wedding. With many twists and turns their turned out to be a dream. A wonderful story that I could not put down. A real page turner

[mois reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Polly and Tommy

I loved this book from page 1 Tommy and pollys love story has had its fair share of ups and downs .now Tommy has returned from the war in a very bad state but with pollys love gets a lot better .and there is also George and Lilly's wedding to look forward too as well as Tommys and pollys but things don't go to plan an excellent book. 5 stars .

[Jennifer Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was transported back in time

Once again an amazing read I felt as though I had been transported back in time to the shipyards can't wait for the next book in the series
I have recommended the Shipyard Girls series to all my friends hopefully they will enjoy reading about those brave women .

[Heather Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better with each book. If you like WW2 saga stories then you will love this series following the group of women welders during WW2 in the Sunderland Shipyards. You get everything love, hate, laughter and sorrow and in this one even Christmas! Would recommend 💯 percent this series.