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The Steel Girls #3
Steel Girls on the Home Front
Spring 1940
As the war rages on, Vickers steelworks is busier than ever which is proving tough for Nancy as she juggles working long hours and looking after two young children, all while waiting for her husband to return home safely. Betty is determined to roll up her sleeves and joins the Women’s Voluntary Service to keep busy and stop from fretting about her fiancé. But Patty is left worrying about someone closer to home. Sweetheart Archie has been keeping a secret from her, and one that puts him in great danger. Will it threaten to pull them apart for good? And with life at war tougher than ever, can the factory sisters rally together to find a way through? *** ‘A gentle story with an undercurrent of pure grit’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Heart-warming and magical’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Very well researched and a superb addition to the saga genre’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Every single character becomes your friend’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The love leaps from the pages’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An inspiring, emotional, authentic, heart-warming and gorgeously written saga’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A story of friendship, camaraderie, and just getting on with it’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As the war rages on, Vickers steelworks is busier than ever which is proving tough for Nancy as she juggles working long hours and looking after two young children, all while waiting for her husband to return home safely. Betty is determined to roll up her sleeves and joins the Women’s Voluntary Service to keep busy and stop from fretting about her fiancé. But Patty is left worrying about someone closer to home. Sweetheart Archie has been keeping a secret from her, and one that puts him in great danger. Will it threaten to pull them apart for good? And with life at war tougher than ever, can the factory sisters rally together to find a way through? *** ‘A gentle story with an undercurrent of pure grit’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Heart-warming and magical’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Very well researched and a superb addition to the saga genre’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Every single character becomes your friend’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The love leaps from the pages’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An inspiring, emotional, authentic, heart-warming and gorgeously written saga’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A story of friendship, camaraderie, and just getting on with it’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
368 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2022
55 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 19, 2022
Well written, very descriptive story of a group of women working together at Vickers Steelworks. Each of the characters shows great strength and resilience in those tough times. Some really good characters in there but for me, no main character stood out, they all seemed on a level pegging.
The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger obviously to lead you into the next one, but that felt as if it was the highlight of the story. The rest of the book for me was just a bit too level. Sorry just not for me.
The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger obviously to lead you into the next one, but that felt as if it was the highlight of the story. The rest of the book for me was just a bit too level. Sorry just not for me.
July 20, 2022
Book Three 1940 and it's a new year for the steel girl's in Sheffield.
Patty and Archie are at the hospital, Archie after taking ill at work in Vickers is insisting he is fine and any amount of I told you so would not do patty any good and now he is ready to tell her the truth.
Betty Nancy and Patty are the three musketeers by their foreman Frank the Vickers steel girls, hard grafting shifting steel slabs they just have to get through this flamin war.
Also along with all the other girls they are on a knitting mission for the troops.
I enjoyed every bit of this book of all the characters suffering heartache it's a big struggle but a problem solved is a problem halved as they all pull together, as they look for happy times ahead I am so enjoying this series from the author and the next instalment will not be coming quick enough for me. Fabulous as always 5stars.
Patty and Archie are at the hospital, Archie after taking ill at work in Vickers is insisting he is fine and any amount of I told you so would not do patty any good and now he is ready to tell her the truth.
Betty Nancy and Patty are the three musketeers by their foreman Frank the Vickers steel girls, hard grafting shifting steel slabs they just have to get through this flamin war.
Also along with all the other girls they are on a knitting mission for the troops.
I enjoyed every bit of this book of all the characters suffering heartache it's a big struggle but a problem solved is a problem halved as they all pull together, as they look for happy times ahead I am so enjoying this series from the author and the next instalment will not be coming quick enough for me. Fabulous as always 5stars.
July 3, 2022
I loved being back with the Steel Girls; their never-ending strength, camaraderie and grit through such difficult times. We rejoin the stories of Betty, Nancy and Patty, along with all the others who we’ve come to know and love (ivy and frank am I right?!).
Reading the subsequent books is like slipping back into a comfy shoe. You know you love it, it feels like you’ve never left and you’re happy to be back in happy, guilty comfort. Wartime books can really highlight the sense of community spirit in those days, despite the horrors that were being faced. You can really tell the author did her research and got the balance perfect.
It’s a wonderful, steady read that had me turning pages at the fastest rate I could manage! I just didn’t want to put it down and it was compelling from the start, right towards the end. Book number three was a huge winner for me and I eagerly await the next in this series !!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
Reading the subsequent books is like slipping back into a comfy shoe. You know you love it, it feels like you’ve never left and you’re happy to be back in happy, guilty comfort. Wartime books can really highlight the sense of community spirit in those days, despite the horrors that were being faced. You can really tell the author did her research and got the balance perfect.
It’s a wonderful, steady read that had me turning pages at the fastest rate I could manage! I just didn’t want to put it down and it was compelling from the start, right towards the end. Book number three was a huge winner for me and I eagerly await the next in this series !!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
November 3, 2025
Steel Girls on the Home Front (The Steel Girls # 3) by Michelle Rawlins. (Audiobook read on Everand app)
Again a cliffhanger ending, I equally love and hate the author for them lol. This book starts out in Spring 1940. the steel mill, Vickers, is more busy than ever as the war continues and the friends do their best to cope. Each must meet their own challenges but when they need strength to cope they still turn to each other.
Again a cliffhanger ending, I equally love and hate the author for them lol. This book starts out in Spring 1940. the steel mill, Vickers, is more busy than ever as the war continues and the friends do their best to cope. Each must meet their own challenges but when they need strength to cope they still turn to each other.
August 14, 2022
Steel Girls On The Home Front by Michelle Rawlins is a fabulous historical novel and the third book in The Steel Girls series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the previous two books first.
Once more we rejoin the Sheffield steel girls in 1940. It is lovely to catch up with familiar faces. The women continue to do their bit for the war effort – whether it’s operating machinery, serving tea or knitting for the troops, the women always give one hundred per cent of themselves.
There is a wonderful community atmosphere as the characters support each other. There are tears and fears, joy and laughter, love and support. Through all the seasons, none of the women battle alone as those around them offer love and care – whether it’s a listening ear, a drink in the pub, or that old favourite, a cup of tea.
Michelle Rawlins has captured the fears perfectly – there is the fear in the air raids, and also a fear that their menfolk will be killed. Some still remember the after effects of World War I and the devastated lives. The reader’s heart breaks for the young girl who misses her daddy.
War provided opportunities for women and for those whose health prevented them from signing up. Everyone wanted to be useful and to do their bit.
I am thoroughly enjoying The Steel Girls series and cannot wait for book four – especially as book three ended with a jaw-dropping moment.
I will leave you with my favourite quote:
“It’s when you are in the midst of the hardest of times, you witness the best of human nature.”
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Once more we rejoin the Sheffield steel girls in 1940. It is lovely to catch up with familiar faces. The women continue to do their bit for the war effort – whether it’s operating machinery, serving tea or knitting for the troops, the women always give one hundred per cent of themselves.
There is a wonderful community atmosphere as the characters support each other. There are tears and fears, joy and laughter, love and support. Through all the seasons, none of the women battle alone as those around them offer love and care – whether it’s a listening ear, a drink in the pub, or that old favourite, a cup of tea.
Michelle Rawlins has captured the fears perfectly – there is the fear in the air raids, and also a fear that their menfolk will be killed. Some still remember the after effects of World War I and the devastated lives. The reader’s heart breaks for the young girl who misses her daddy.
War provided opportunities for women and for those whose health prevented them from signing up. Everyone wanted to be useful and to do their bit.
I am thoroughly enjoying The Steel Girls series and cannot wait for book four – especially as book three ended with a jaw-dropping moment.
I will leave you with my favourite quote:
“It’s when you are in the midst of the hardest of times, you witness the best of human nature.”
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
August 18, 2022
Thank you to HQ Stories for the invitation to join the blog tour and a copy of the book to read and review. This is the first book I’ve read by Michelle Rawlins (although I do have a couple on my book shelf that have been recommended to me). Steel Girls on the Home Front is published today in the UK.
I was born in Sheffield and grew up nearby, so I enjoyed finding out more about what life was like in the city during the Second World War. Michelle has created characters at different ages and stages in their life, who have changed their lives to work at the steel works, to ensure that the British Armed Forces have the equipment they need to protect the UK.
I haven’t read the two previous books in the series, but I quickly picked up the story. Michelle has looked at how the women of Sheffield had to cope with loved ones being away in the forces, the different voluntary work carried out to help local people and the troops, and how the war impacted on all areas of their lives.
Nancy, Betty and Patty have become a strong team and help each other tackle the challenges they face. I loved the camaraderie between the friends and their other families/friends, and how the story flowed. I’m desperate to know what happens next but will need to wait another year (August 2023) for book 4, Steel Girls at War.
Happy to recommend this enjoyable historical fiction saga book and I look forward to reading more from Michelle Rawlins in the future.
I was born in Sheffield and grew up nearby, so I enjoyed finding out more about what life was like in the city during the Second World War. Michelle has created characters at different ages and stages in their life, who have changed their lives to work at the steel works, to ensure that the British Armed Forces have the equipment they need to protect the UK.
I haven’t read the two previous books in the series, but I quickly picked up the story. Michelle has looked at how the women of Sheffield had to cope with loved ones being away in the forces, the different voluntary work carried out to help local people and the troops, and how the war impacted on all areas of their lives.
Nancy, Betty and Patty have become a strong team and help each other tackle the challenges they face. I loved the camaraderie between the friends and their other families/friends, and how the story flowed. I’m desperate to know what happens next but will need to wait another year (August 2023) for book 4, Steel Girls at War.
Happy to recommend this enjoyable historical fiction saga book and I look forward to reading more from Michelle Rawlins in the future.
September 2, 2022
Steel Girls on the Home Front is not just about women doing the men's work whilst they are off fighting.
It's about the support they give to one and another and uplifting each other in the realisation of what their menfolk were dealing with. And when it comes so overwhelming, then there is this extended family to help them through it!
But these women don't just stop at working long hard shifts in the Steel factories, No they take on extra voluntary work, knitting or making first aid kits etc, anything that can take their minds off the horrors of war and whether or not they menfolk will return.
It's been humbling to read this (dare I say) historical account of all these women who pulled together, to help and support each other. Even the elderly helped out, growing vegetables, cooking meals and looking after children, so that younger and fitter women could work in factories to help the war effort,
Reading this book reminded me that I own a pair of Dressmaking scissors that were actually 'Made in Sheffield' and possibly in a steel factory exactly like the one in this book. And these were made not long after WW2, when steel factories were returning back to normal, whatever normal would be. I feel proud & humble to own my Sheffield scissors especially after reading Steel Girls on the Home Front.
It's about the support they give to one and another and uplifting each other in the realisation of what their menfolk were dealing with. And when it comes so overwhelming, then there is this extended family to help them through it!
But these women don't just stop at working long hard shifts in the Steel factories, No they take on extra voluntary work, knitting or making first aid kits etc, anything that can take their minds off the horrors of war and whether or not they menfolk will return.
It's been humbling to read this (dare I say) historical account of all these women who pulled together, to help and support each other. Even the elderly helped out, growing vegetables, cooking meals and looking after children, so that younger and fitter women could work in factories to help the war effort,
Reading this book reminded me that I own a pair of Dressmaking scissors that were actually 'Made in Sheffield' and possibly in a steel factory exactly like the one in this book. And these were made not long after WW2, when steel factories were returning back to normal, whatever normal would be. I feel proud & humble to own my Sheffield scissors especially after reading Steel Girls on the Home Front.
August 22, 2022
Set in a wartime city, this is a gentle novel that still shows the harsh realities of war. Centred around Vickers Steelworks, the girl’s friendships develop and strengthen. Whilst enjoying the continuing saga, I felt I was learning more about the Second World War and experiences of those living through it.
Betty, Nancy, and Patty help each other cope with the ever increasing physical and emotional stresses of war. You could also feel the anxiety as the air raid sirens sound, people not knowing whether this is the moment that the bombs are going to fall from the sky. There is the gentle blossoming of Ivy and Frank’s companionship and the difficulties that a young Patty has in understanding her boyfriend Archie’s decisions. Nancy finds her fears and emotions increasing over her husband Bert, as there is a lack of news from Norway and France. Betty is buoyed by the steady flow of letters from William who has enrolled with the RAF, making his way to Canada. The book ends on a nail-biting cliff hanger.
I enjoyed the third book of the series and I look forward to the next book. Many thanks to Michelle Rawlins, her publishers and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Betty, Nancy, and Patty help each other cope with the ever increasing physical and emotional stresses of war. You could also feel the anxiety as the air raid sirens sound, people not knowing whether this is the moment that the bombs are going to fall from the sky. There is the gentle blossoming of Ivy and Frank’s companionship and the difficulties that a young Patty has in understanding her boyfriend Archie’s decisions. Nancy finds her fears and emotions increasing over her husband Bert, as there is a lack of news from Norway and France. Betty is buoyed by the steady flow of letters from William who has enrolled with the RAF, making his way to Canada. The book ends on a nail-biting cliff hanger.
I enjoyed the third book of the series and I look forward to the next book. Many thanks to Michelle Rawlins, her publishers and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 28, 2022
A lovely Novel about Women in WW2 who were largely forgotten about , but without whom the war effort could have ground to a halt . They were looking after their families , each other & working too in this really hard environment . #NetGally, #GoodReads,#FB,#Instagram,#Amazon.co.uk, #
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August 30, 2022
More adventures from our steel girls Nancy, Betty and Patty. The girls are really getting into life at Vickers now, and after helping the people of Sheffield keep warm they’ve decided to knit for the troops, and especially the friends of their loved ones. The camaraderie is lovely and they try to rally round whoever is having a difficult moment. It’s heartwarming to know that in the most difficult and trying times in life everyone pulled together. I don’t want to give anything away but the book ended with me wanting to know what happened next. I hope there is more to come from the steel girls
July 16, 2022
The third book in the series and it follows on with ease. , Love this series and this book too . From page one you feel transported to the 1940s. It’s as if you are working in the Steelworks and then back to the girl’s front rooms - such in depth emotions and descriptions. It really makes you understand what the women of Sheffield went through during the war years, how much love friendship and support through very difficult times and yet still with endurance. Highly recommend this very gifted author who can write in a way that you feel you are part of the story.
October 15, 2022
Another book in the wonderful series of the steel girls.
We carry on with Betty, Nancy & Patty and their lives in the factory at Vickers. We see where Betty decides to help the troops with sending knitted socks and hats to them this is to keep her busy. Nancy is also worried about her Bert who is in France. Patty and Archie are loved up but have their trials.
The book I felt was a bit slow at times and didn’t quite flow as the other two books. I found the characters worked well together.
We carry on with Betty, Nancy & Patty and their lives in the factory at Vickers. We see where Betty decides to help the troops with sending knitted socks and hats to them this is to keep her busy. Nancy is also worried about her Bert who is in France. Patty and Archie are loved up but have their trials.
The book I felt was a bit slow at times and didn’t quite flow as the other two books. I found the characters worked well together.
August 19, 2024
This book was a lovely follow on into the series, I loved being back with the characters and being part of their lives again and watching the war unfold, I just felt like the storyline lacked a little for me in this book which was a shame. The ending finished on a cliffhanger which means I definitely have to pick the next book up in the series soon but this one is wasn’t as good as the others I have read in this series.
July 23, 2022
I was honoured to be given an early ARC of the Steel Girls on the Home Front and to catch up with all the characters again. Michelle definitely did not disappoint. I loved it!
A beautifully written book, which totally draws you in and had me enthralled from the beginning.
I am now excitedly awaiting the next in the series.
Without a doubt I would highly recommend this.
A beautifully written book, which totally draws you in and had me enthralled from the beginning.
I am now excitedly awaiting the next in the series.
Without a doubt I would highly recommend this.
October 22, 2022
Set in Sheffield during the first year of the war, Patty and her friends are juggling long working hours as steelworkers, with family life, voluntary work and absent menfolk.
A nicely written story examining the relationships between the women and their families, and the struggles to cope, not knowing if the men are alive or dead.
This is the 2nd in the series, but that was not a problem.
A nicely written story examining the relationships between the women and their families, and the struggles to cope, not knowing if the men are alive or dead.
This is the 2nd in the series, but that was not a problem.
August 26, 2023
Guess I read too many other novels on WWII so maybe unfairly comparing this one to others. While all the characters seem like wonderful women, it was confusing with so many characters. And all the women had just about the same dialogue as each other. To me, the best part of the book was the Author notes at the end, clear concise description of what the women were facing.
July 29, 2022
Michelle Rawlins. You have done it again! Revisit the lively girls who work in the steel factory and follow their hopes and worries as Hitler progresses in the war that scares them all. Another cliff hanger of an ending. I can't wait until the next one. 5 stars from me.
March 24, 2024
fantastic saga. I am in hospital and it is making life and time a lot easier to bear
Recommend this saga to anyone who needs to take their mind off other things You can get lost reading this book
Recommend this saga to anyone who needs to take their mind off other things You can get lost reading this book
April 2, 2024
Michelle Rawlins. You have done it again! Revisit the lively girls who work in the steel factory and follow their hopes and worries as Hitler progresses in the war that scares them all. Another cliff hanger of an ending. I can't wait until the next one.
5 stars from me.
5 stars from me.
July 15, 2022
Another heartwarming read . Loved, being back with the Steel Girls again. Settle in a cosy chair and disappear into the lives of the Steel Girls . You will not be disappointed.
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 11, 2022
Another fantastic addition to this series and with an ending like that, I already can't wait for the next one! I really recommend this series to anyone who likes wartime fiction. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 1, 2022
Steel Girls on the Homefront
I enjoyed the camaraderie of the women and support they provided each other. Also loved learning about the British and their unique dialect.
I enjoyed the camaraderie of the women and support they provided each other. Also loved learning about the British and their unique dialect.
January 9, 2023
Terrible terrible ending. Wish I’d never bought it
March 13, 2024
Delightfully charming and full of the power of true friendship!
This is the third book in the delightful Steel Girls series, I love following these women as they make their way through the challenges presented to them during their roles at Vickers and the war. I would highly recommend that you read them in order as each book picks up where the last finished.
I wouldn’t want you to miss anything!
This one is no different, this time we pick up from where poor Archie collapsed at the Victory Knitters sale and now bless him he’s having to deal with an awful lot of hen-pecking (mainly from Patty) plus now feeling useless and even worse looked on with pity.
I really feel for Archie, he’s a big-hearted, adorable lad who just wants to live his life and do his bit for the war effort (more on that later).
We have now reached 1940, the war didn’t finish at Christmas as everyone thought only ramping up, the steelworks are turning out more and more for the war, every busier than the next, more men disappearing off to join up and more women working long, gruelling hours within the hot dangerous Vicker factory.
Nancy, Patty and Betty are back and finally finding their feet as crane drivers, navigating this new way of life keeping all the balls in the air with family, worrying about those being sent so far away, the rationing, the constant news from the front and the huge amount of work at the factory.
The atmosphere within Sheffield is on a knife edge, the foreboding feeling hangs in the air of what’s to come, and people are worried not just about what’s happening in Europe but also that life is becoming increasingly tougher for those on the home front.
Nancy is struggling even more than she was in the previous two books, with her husband Bert being deployed to France and now the reality of what is happening has finally dawned on her. Though I wish she wouldn’t constantly repeat herself, it wears a little thin after repeatedly reading about how guilty she feels.
Betty, who has always been a personal favourite of mine is going through the mill herself this time, her beloved William has been sent off to finish bomber pilot training in Canada and she is feeling his absence, Betty being Betty she has once again thrown herself into another venture, bringing more kindness and creativity to Vickers, carrying on with the Vicktory Knitters group (no my inability to spell hasn’t shown its face again, the group is called Vicktory Knitters) and now volunteering on her one day off to send gifts off the men at the front. Though a little of her spark has dimmed, she is still the strongest and most resilient member of their little group!
My heart absolutely went out to Betty and Nancy, they are both such integral parts of the whole series, Betty has the ideas and motivation to keep going and Nancy is definitely the mother figure of the group I do hope that we don’t have heartbreak for either of them, I don’t think I could take it let alone Nancy and Betty.
And then we have Patty….I don’t know what it is about this character but for some reason, she irritates the hell out of me, it started with the first book and her incessant use of the word ‘mom’, (don’t get me started on that issue!!). True she doesn’t appear to have grown up slightly, though she still acts like a spoilt brat and now she has her claws into poor Archie.
Poor sod!
All the bloke wants to do is his bit for the war effort, he knows he will never be sent to the front due to his medical issues, and he will never be accepted into the forces so he joins the air raid wardens and in my opinion, he really comes into his own, the responsibility and having such an important role has given him a confidence he didn’t have before. Unfortunately, his gal Patty doesn’t approve and when she doesn’t approve then everyone suffers.
Every single time she stamps her feet and pouts and basically has a temper tantrum I feel like screaming; ‘leave the poor bloke alone!’ Honestly, Archie has the patience of a saint and this is why I have taken to him so much, I am hoping that life becomes easier for him and he will be less nagged!
Anyhow, I must stop ranting!
Finally, Frank and Ivy, aww, I love these two!! They are absolutely adorable, they’re growing closer and closer with each passing page. In my opinion, they are the foundations of the entire series, always there in the background, a shoulder to cry on, support, and advice just always there and I look forward to seeing what happens with this couple as the series progresses.
Overall, a light-hearted, comforting and charming story of friendship and loyalty, of digging in your heels and helping each other. Though a little too slow-paced for my liking and at times a little repetitive, but still delightful!
I can’t wait to start book four which is currently sitting on the TBR Book Trolley, so watch this space!
This is the third book in the delightful Steel Girls series, I love following these women as they make their way through the challenges presented to them during their roles at Vickers and the war. I would highly recommend that you read them in order as each book picks up where the last finished.
I wouldn’t want you to miss anything!
This one is no different, this time we pick up from where poor Archie collapsed at the Victory Knitters sale and now bless him he’s having to deal with an awful lot of hen-pecking (mainly from Patty) plus now feeling useless and even worse looked on with pity.
I really feel for Archie, he’s a big-hearted, adorable lad who just wants to live his life and do his bit for the war effort (more on that later).
We have now reached 1940, the war didn’t finish at Christmas as everyone thought only ramping up, the steelworks are turning out more and more for the war, every busier than the next, more men disappearing off to join up and more women working long, gruelling hours within the hot dangerous Vicker factory.
Nancy, Patty and Betty are back and finally finding their feet as crane drivers, navigating this new way of life keeping all the balls in the air with family, worrying about those being sent so far away, the rationing, the constant news from the front and the huge amount of work at the factory.
The atmosphere within Sheffield is on a knife edge, the foreboding feeling hangs in the air of what’s to come, and people are worried not just about what’s happening in Europe but also that life is becoming increasingly tougher for those on the home front.
Nancy is struggling even more than she was in the previous two books, with her husband Bert being deployed to France and now the reality of what is happening has finally dawned on her. Though I wish she wouldn’t constantly repeat herself, it wears a little thin after repeatedly reading about how guilty she feels.
Betty, who has always been a personal favourite of mine is going through the mill herself this time, her beloved William has been sent off to finish bomber pilot training in Canada and she is feeling his absence, Betty being Betty she has once again thrown herself into another venture, bringing more kindness and creativity to Vickers, carrying on with the Vicktory Knitters group (no my inability to spell hasn’t shown its face again, the group is called Vicktory Knitters) and now volunteering on her one day off to send gifts off the men at the front. Though a little of her spark has dimmed, she is still the strongest and most resilient member of their little group!
My heart absolutely went out to Betty and Nancy, they are both such integral parts of the whole series, Betty has the ideas and motivation to keep going and Nancy is definitely the mother figure of the group I do hope that we don’t have heartbreak for either of them, I don’t think I could take it let alone Nancy and Betty.
And then we have Patty….I don’t know what it is about this character but for some reason, she irritates the hell out of me, it started with the first book and her incessant use of the word ‘mom’, (don’t get me started on that issue!!). True she doesn’t appear to have grown up slightly, though she still acts like a spoilt brat and now she has her claws into poor Archie.
Poor sod!
All the bloke wants to do is his bit for the war effort, he knows he will never be sent to the front due to his medical issues, and he will never be accepted into the forces so he joins the air raid wardens and in my opinion, he really comes into his own, the responsibility and having such an important role has given him a confidence he didn’t have before. Unfortunately, his gal Patty doesn’t approve and when she doesn’t approve then everyone suffers.
Every single time she stamps her feet and pouts and basically has a temper tantrum I feel like screaming; ‘leave the poor bloke alone!’ Honestly, Archie has the patience of a saint and this is why I have taken to him so much, I am hoping that life becomes easier for him and he will be less nagged!
Anyhow, I must stop ranting!
Finally, Frank and Ivy, aww, I love these two!! They are absolutely adorable, they’re growing closer and closer with each passing page. In my opinion, they are the foundations of the entire series, always there in the background, a shoulder to cry on, support, and advice just always there and I look forward to seeing what happens with this couple as the series progresses.
Overall, a light-hearted, comforting and charming story of friendship and loyalty, of digging in your heels and helping each other. Though a little too slow-paced for my liking and at times a little repetitive, but still delightful!
I can’t wait to start book four which is currently sitting on the TBR Book Trolley, so watch this space!
December 8, 2022
I like the blue and yellow cover as one war reminds us of another. In 1940 the Sheffield steelworks was under pressure, losing men to the forces and required to turn out products. Women are filling the jobs, with men whose health keeps them at home. The tale shows how various works like clothing swaps, knitting and a tea table are set up by the determined women. Nancy, Betty, and Patty are the main characters, but if you put the book down and come back next day you may have trouble knowing who was whom. If the names were more distinct it would be easier.
The preparations for bombing and digging for victory are shown, all based on the author's local researches. While this is the Phoney War period, life was stressful and couples were parted.
I read an eARC from Fresh Fiction and Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
The preparations for bombing and digging for victory are shown, all based on the author's local researches. While this is the Phoney War period, life was stressful and couples were parted.
I read an eARC from Fresh Fiction and Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
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