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The Steel Girls #4
Steel Girls at War
In their darkest days, they’ll find the courage to carry on… Summer 1940
The war is raging on but the Steel Girls are fighting their own battles closer to home. After patching things up with Archie, Patty is miffed when he appears to have forgotten all about her 18th birthday. New girl Hattie has a lot to deal with as she trades the counter at Woolworths for the Vickers factory floor. But is she keeping a secret and are things tougher at home than she’s been letting on? Meanwhile, Nancy is besides herself when she receives word that Bert is missing in action and is struggling to keep it together. As the Steel Girls come together to be there in Nancy’s hour of need, will life ever be the same again?
The war is raging on but the Steel Girls are fighting their own battles closer to home. After patching things up with Archie, Patty is miffed when he appears to have forgotten all about her 18th birthday. New girl Hattie has a lot to deal with as she trades the counter at Woolworths for the Vickers factory floor. But is she keeping a secret and are things tougher at home than she’s been letting on? Meanwhile, Nancy is besides herself when she receives word that Bert is missing in action and is struggling to keep it together. As the Steel Girls come together to be there in Nancy’s hour of need, will life ever be the same again?
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2023
84 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 14, 2023
Another great book in a fantastic series. The Steel Girls have a lot to face in this one, but with the strength of friendship and bonds they’ve made at the Steel Factory, they continue to keep calm and carry on!
Back with the lovely girls at Vickers, the War is rumbling on and with the addition of air raids, it’s not ideal to the girls already burgeoning plates. Poor Nancy has a lot on her mind in this one and it was so heartening to see all of the girls rally round her.
I really do love all the characters in this series and I’ve loved watching their stories unfold and develop throughout the books.
They’re honestly written so well and their ability to capture me without fail has me always looking forward to all the follow ups in this series. Dare I hope for many more to come? I hope so as I dont feel ready to leave these epic women just yet. I’m so intrigued to see more of Hattie’s story as she’s steadily gained more of a role.
It amazes me how easily I slip back in in between books and they always leave me smiling and fulfilled. I couldn’t ask for more.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
Back with the lovely girls at Vickers, the War is rumbling on and with the addition of air raids, it’s not ideal to the girls already burgeoning plates. Poor Nancy has a lot on her mind in this one and it was so heartening to see all of the girls rally round her.
I really do love all the characters in this series and I’ve loved watching their stories unfold and develop throughout the books.
They’re honestly written so well and their ability to capture me without fail has me always looking forward to all the follow ups in this series. Dare I hope for many more to come? I hope so as I dont feel ready to leave these epic women just yet. I’m so intrigued to see more of Hattie’s story as she’s steadily gained more of a role.
It amazes me how easily I slip back in in between books and they always leave me smiling and fulfilled. I couldn’t ask for more.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
August 25, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
This is another fantastic addition to this heartwarming series. I slipped right back into this series. I had missed catching up with The Steel Girls.
It was lovely to learn more about Hattie's background as well in this book. She has fit in well with the others at Vickers.
I look forward to what comes next for Nancy, Betty and Patty, and Hattie of course..... ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is another fantastic addition to this heartwarming series. I slipped right back into this series. I had missed catching up with The Steel Girls.
It was lovely to learn more about Hattie's background as well in this book. She has fit in well with the others at Vickers.
I look forward to what comes next for Nancy, Betty and Patty, and Hattie of course..... ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 15, 2025
Steel Girls at War (The Steel Girls # 4) by Michelle Rawlins. (Audiobook read on Everand app)
As the war rages on the group of friends continue to support each other and less dangerous issues also preoccupy some of them.
Although Patty has made up with Archie she is a little hurt that she seems to have forgotten get up coming 18th birthday.. in fact everyone is acting strange about it..
Patty’s friend Hatty has joined them at Vickers and relies on their strength to get through a challenging issue in her home. Meanwhile, Nancy endures her husband being missing and then a reunion that is not what she imagined it would be. The Steel girls must ban together with their families and friends to meet and overcome the challenges the blasted war brings their way,
As the war rages on the group of friends continue to support each other and less dangerous issues also preoccupy some of them.
Although Patty has made up with Archie she is a little hurt that she seems to have forgotten get up coming 18th birthday.. in fact everyone is acting strange about it..
Patty’s friend Hatty has joined them at Vickers and relies on their strength to get through a challenging issue in her home. Meanwhile, Nancy endures her husband being missing and then a reunion that is not what she imagined it would be. The Steel girls must ban together with their families and friends to meet and overcome the challenges the blasted war brings their way,
July 24, 2024
Time taken to read - 3 days
Pages - 382
Publisher - H Q Stories
Source - Netgalley
Blurb from Goodreads
In their darkest days, they’ll find the courage to carry on… Summer 1940
The war is raging on but the Steel Girls are fighting their own battles closer to home. After patching things up with Archie, Patty is miffed when he appears to have forgotten all about her 18th birthday. New girl Hattie has a lot to deal with as she trades the counter at Woolworths for the Vickers factory floor. But is she keeping a secret and are things tougher at home than she’s been letting on? Meanwhile, Nancy is besides herself when she receives word that Bert is missing in action and is struggling to keep it together. As the Steel Girls come together to be there in Nancy’s hour of need, will life ever be the same again?
My Review
This is book four in the Steel Girls saga, I have read book two and now this one, I know I know, I will get the others and correct the order lol. So it is 1940, war is on and we centre around the lives of Hattie, Patty, Nancy and of course Betty. Hattie is joining the rest of the girls and coming to work in Vickers - jobs normally filled by men but war is on, female are filling many initially male roles and most people want to do their bit for the war. We see Pattie getting caught up in expectations for her 18th birthday, Hattie we learn more about her home life, Betty has some of her own past being known (as the book progresses) and Nancy - coping with the kids and her loved one away to war. Things go from bad to worse when word arrives that Bert (Nancy's husband) is MIA, Nancy tries to cope day to day and her friends rally because that is what communities do especially in these terrifying times of war.
The book of course centres around family, community, the horrors of living with the constant threat of bombs. Friendship is always at the heart of these books and covers everything from the mundane worries, ie Patty and her concerns re her special birthday being forgotten to rationings, after effects on survivor from world ward one & the ripples from that. Which brings me to the next part, and I suppose trigger warnings would go to this part, domestic violence/abuse within the marital home is mentioned. We also see the effects of one who is sent home from the war and the trauma/ptsd of what they seen/survived. It is quite dark and I think really well done because all of these things are important/authentic to that time period. Young girls would be caught up and fixating on something positive and happy to them (Patty) whilst we see the raw and physical affects of grief/worry for ones loved one MIA.
I think we get a wee bit more background on a few characters in this one whilst keeping the momentum going as sometimes in series things can get a bit stale, not so here. Betty, you know I love a Betty and I don't remember her being a huge character in the other books but certainly noticed her more in this one and wanted to hug her. A sense of community, love, loss, fear, friendship all within the context of ongoing war, enough horrors to keep it real but not overshadowing the actual story and characters, 4/5.
Pages - 382
Publisher - H Q Stories
Source - Netgalley
Blurb from Goodreads
In their darkest days, they’ll find the courage to carry on… Summer 1940
The war is raging on but the Steel Girls are fighting their own battles closer to home. After patching things up with Archie, Patty is miffed when he appears to have forgotten all about her 18th birthday. New girl Hattie has a lot to deal with as she trades the counter at Woolworths for the Vickers factory floor. But is she keeping a secret and are things tougher at home than she’s been letting on? Meanwhile, Nancy is besides herself when she receives word that Bert is missing in action and is struggling to keep it together. As the Steel Girls come together to be there in Nancy’s hour of need, will life ever be the same again?
My Review
This is book four in the Steel Girls saga, I have read book two and now this one, I know I know, I will get the others and correct the order lol. So it is 1940, war is on and we centre around the lives of Hattie, Patty, Nancy and of course Betty. Hattie is joining the rest of the girls and coming to work in Vickers - jobs normally filled by men but war is on, female are filling many initially male roles and most people want to do their bit for the war. We see Pattie getting caught up in expectations for her 18th birthday, Hattie we learn more about her home life, Betty has some of her own past being known (as the book progresses) and Nancy - coping with the kids and her loved one away to war. Things go from bad to worse when word arrives that Bert (Nancy's husband) is MIA, Nancy tries to cope day to day and her friends rally because that is what communities do especially in these terrifying times of war.
The book of course centres around family, community, the horrors of living with the constant threat of bombs. Friendship is always at the heart of these books and covers everything from the mundane worries, ie Patty and her concerns re her special birthday being forgotten to rationings, after effects on survivor from world ward one & the ripples from that. Which brings me to the next part, and I suppose trigger warnings would go to this part, domestic violence/abuse within the marital home is mentioned. We also see the effects of one who is sent home from the war and the trauma/ptsd of what they seen/survived. It is quite dark and I think really well done because all of these things are important/authentic to that time period. Young girls would be caught up and fixating on something positive and happy to them (Patty) whilst we see the raw and physical affects of grief/worry for ones loved one MIA.
I think we get a wee bit more background on a few characters in this one whilst keeping the momentum going as sometimes in series things can get a bit stale, not so here. Betty, you know I love a Betty and I don't remember her being a huge character in the other books but certainly noticed her more in this one and wanted to hug her. A sense of community, love, loss, fear, friendship all within the context of ongoing war, enough horrors to keep it real but not overshadowing the actual story and characters, 4/5.
August 27, 2023
Steel Girls At War by Michelle Rawlins is a powerful historical novel that I became totally engrossed in. It is the fourth book in the Steel Girls series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the previous books first in order to get to know the characters and to see their development and progression.
The book is set over the summer of 1940 in Sheffield. We return to the familiar faces who work in the steel industry. The camaraderie, love and support grow ever stronger. It is the women who pick up the slack left behind by the men going to war.
Women stepped up and into the jobs vacated by men. They still had homes to run and children to look after. They developed a network of support and love.
This book focuses in on one particular family. They are the microcosm for the macrocosm of what was happening in homes up and down Britain. We follow a young mother and her children as they wait for news on the whereabouts of a husband and father. We can understand the conflicting emotions of worry and despair needing to be balanced with remaining upbeat for the sake of the children. It is important to hold on to hope. “Without hope you haven’t got anything.”
June 1940 saw the evacuation of Dunkirk. Lives were left on hold as they wait for news.
Returning soldiers came home with more than injured bodies, minds were damaged too. PTSD moved in, altering personalities. We witness how hard it is for wives and children. Our hearts go out to them.
Sheffield, with its steel industry, became a target for the Luftwaffe. Lives were disturbed by nightly raids but the brave people of Sheffield still went to work on very little sleep.
All the characters were well drawn, realistic and likable. Their support, camaraderie and interactions are wonderful to witness. Lives that were threatening to crumble were lifted up and supported by those with more strength. No one was left to suffer alone.
Steel Girls at War was a powerful read as we witnessed lives on the homefront. I love the Steel Girls series. The love and support warms my heart.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The book is set over the summer of 1940 in Sheffield. We return to the familiar faces who work in the steel industry. The camaraderie, love and support grow ever stronger. It is the women who pick up the slack left behind by the men going to war.
Women stepped up and into the jobs vacated by men. They still had homes to run and children to look after. They developed a network of support and love.
This book focuses in on one particular family. They are the microcosm for the macrocosm of what was happening in homes up and down Britain. We follow a young mother and her children as they wait for news on the whereabouts of a husband and father. We can understand the conflicting emotions of worry and despair needing to be balanced with remaining upbeat for the sake of the children. It is important to hold on to hope. “Without hope you haven’t got anything.”
June 1940 saw the evacuation of Dunkirk. Lives were left on hold as they wait for news.
Returning soldiers came home with more than injured bodies, minds were damaged too. PTSD moved in, altering personalities. We witness how hard it is for wives and children. Our hearts go out to them.
Sheffield, with its steel industry, became a target for the Luftwaffe. Lives were disturbed by nightly raids but the brave people of Sheffield still went to work on very little sleep.
All the characters were well drawn, realistic and likable. Their support, camaraderie and interactions are wonderful to witness. Lives that were threatening to crumble were lifted up and supported by those with more strength. No one was left to suffer alone.
Steel Girls at War was a powerful read as we witnessed lives on the homefront. I love the Steel Girls series. The love and support warms my heart.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
July 28, 2023
Another great book in the series; thank you Michelle! As a Yorkshire lass I love the 'Yorkshireness' of this series!
I feel like I've learnt lots of local history from this series as well as it being a great series of stories. This title also explores the horrors that people who had fought in the war came home with. Mental health issues, especially with men, have existed for many years but only now do we encourage people to talk more and have help in place.
I would highly recommend the whole series. Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to preview the title.
I feel like I've learnt lots of local history from this series as well as it being a great series of stories. This title also explores the horrors that people who had fought in the war came home with. Mental health issues, especially with men, have existed for many years but only now do we encourage people to talk more and have help in place.
I would highly recommend the whole series. Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to preview the title.
June 4, 2023
This is the fourth book of the series and another brilliant and absorbing read. Based in 1940 during the war years and the Steel girls who work together and help each other through life’s ups and downs throughout the war. Love the way the story easily follows on with the characters and their lives. Such a great story that you actually feel you are there experiencing their hardships and joys. Loved it and would highly recommend.
September 2, 2023
This is a war time series of books based on the real-life experiences of Sheffield women in the 2nd World War. It can be read as a standalone book, but I would recommend reading it in the order of the series. Each book focuses on one particular steel girl and their family.
We are now into the summer of 1940 and Germany are dropping bombs on England. The Yorkshire families experience of worry and shock at this development is explored well by the author. They are worried for their partners who are out in Europe fighting the war. The increasing friendship, bond and love is shown by the support they give to each other.
Each book has got me gripped and this book even more so. I became absorbed in the characters, willing things to be ok when I knew in reality it couldn’t be. It even had me googling bits about the war to find out more. The way that the author drew me into the story and how it compelled me to find out more about our history without being too heavy meant that I felt that I could only give it a 5. I really feel that this historical novel with hints of romance (a love of each other) is a must read.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Michelle Rawlins for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
We are now into the summer of 1940 and Germany are dropping bombs on England. The Yorkshire families experience of worry and shock at this development is explored well by the author. They are worried for their partners who are out in Europe fighting the war. The increasing friendship, bond and love is shown by the support they give to each other.
Each book has got me gripped and this book even more so. I became absorbed in the characters, willing things to be ok when I knew in reality it couldn’t be. It even had me googling bits about the war to find out more. The way that the author drew me into the story and how it compelled me to find out more about our history without being too heavy meant that I felt that I could only give it a 5. I really feel that this historical novel with hints of romance (a love of each other) is a must read.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Michelle Rawlins for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 23, 2023
Truly special as totally absorbing. It’s wonderful to follow all the characters - Hattie, Daisy, Archie, Betty etc. as they cope with getting through the war. I feel it confirms the importance of friendship and community in troubled times. Thank you Michelle for yet another beautifully written and observed novel!
April 30, 2023
I absolutely love this book, I enjoyed watching the girls develop and change. The girls stories are so interesting and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
I love Michelle Rawlings, she is an excellent writer and I would read any book she writes.
Thank you Michelle for giving me lots of reading time
I love Michelle Rawlings, she is an excellent writer and I would read any book she writes.
Thank you Michelle for giving me lots of reading time
May 2, 2023
A wonderful sequel about this amazing group of women in Sheffield and their foreman. It really gets into the relationships that develop and describes them so that you can almost feel them. To really describe this book there would have to be a spoiler alert, which I don't want to do so instead go and read it, you won't be disappointed.
October 17, 2023
The Steel Girls series
This book as well as the previous three really brought an understanding of the life of the people who lived it. It had me on tender hooks reading about the difficulties the young men had to deal with and the fears the family experienced for their loved ones.
This book as well as the previous three really brought an understanding of the life of the people who lived it. It had me on tender hooks reading about the difficulties the young men had to deal with and the fears the family experienced for their loved ones.
April 2, 2024
I have been looking forward to reading this next book in the steel girls series and it was definitely worth the wait.
It continues to follow Patty, Nancy and Archie. the characters are as usual complex and likeable person Introducing new girl Hattie, The style is as good as always.. A very enjoyable read.
It continues to follow Patty, Nancy and Archie. the characters are as usual complex and likeable person Introducing new girl Hattie, The style is as good as always.. A very enjoyable read.
August 30, 2023
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 second book I’ve read by Michelle Rawlins and you can read my previous review here: https://mentoringmumof2bookreviews.ho...
Steel Girls at War will be published tomorrow in the UK. I was born in Sheffield so I have 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.
Michelle has looked at how the women of Sheffield had to cope with loved ones being away in the forces (and the return of injured soldiers), the different voluntary work carried out to help local people and the troops, and how the war impacted on all areas of their lives.
The Steel Girls have become a strong team and help each other tackle the challenges they face. This book looks at the aftermath of the Dunkirk evacuations and the start of the bombing in Sheffield. It tackles some tough issues that were faced up and down the UK in 1940, but reminds us that people still celebrated birthdays, got engaged and changed jobs. I have tried to pick a favourite character but there are too many to pick just one. Nancy’s story was the most emotional as she waited for news.
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 and hope there will be more books in the series.
Happy to recommend this enjoyable historical fiction saga book and I look forward to reading more from Michelle Rawlins in the future.
Steel Girls at War will be published tomorrow in the UK. I was born in Sheffield so I have 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.
Michelle has looked at how the women of Sheffield had to cope with loved ones being away in the forces (and the return of injured soldiers), the different voluntary work carried out to help local people and the troops, and how the war impacted on all areas of their lives.
The Steel Girls have become a strong team and help each other tackle the challenges they face. This book looks at the aftermath of the Dunkirk evacuations and the start of the bombing in Sheffield. It tackles some tough issues that were faced up and down the UK in 1940, but reminds us that people still celebrated birthdays, got engaged and changed jobs. I have tried to pick a favourite character but there are too many to pick just one. Nancy’s story was the most emotional as she waited for news.
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 and hope there will be more books in the series.
Happy to recommend this enjoyable historical fiction saga book and I look forward to reading more from Michelle Rawlins in the future.
August 18, 2023
An easy read comfort book. I liked it, but a lot of character dialogue which could seem unnecessary at times. Loved the characters and the way they interacted with each other. I would give 3.5 * as rating.
September 17, 2023
I really loved this book. Following the lives of the women and their families who work in a steel factory in Sheffield during the 1940s.
Definitely on the look out for the others in the series.
If you like this sort of book I can highly recommend you read this book 📙
Definitely on the look out for the others in the series.
If you like this sort of book I can highly recommend you read this book 📙
October 5, 2023
Amazing, can't wait for next in series x
September 23, 2024
Excellent
Loved all 4 books couldn't put them down loved getting to know all the characters only wish there were more in this set.
Loved all 4 books couldn't put them down loved getting to know all the characters only wish there were more in this set.
November 18, 2024
It was so lovely reading about the steel girls, Nancy and Berts story was written so well.
June 16, 2025
Brilliant
Another fathntastic book by Michelle rawlins. These books just keep getting better and better. They tell a story of resilience
Another fathntastic book by Michelle rawlins. These books just keep getting better and better. They tell a story of resilience
December 29, 2025
I love historical fiction. I just wish I had read the previous books as this is a series. It reads well as a stand alone though
January 29, 2025
Book Four Vickers steel works Sheffield 1940.
All girls working together with new girl Hattie joining from Woolworths, with the men away during WW2, their friendship keeps them going doing their bit, Vickers is man labour and the women buckle down, during gruelling labour intensive days keeping busy.
I just love this series and every single book brings us getting to know the characters more and more in their private lives, and we read the hardships of some lucky enough to have their men home on leave, and seeing traumatic changes in them.
The author always is so spot on in every chapter of bringing the books to life that I love to curl up and read, but will always think just one more chapter It takes me into another world and leave all my troubles and thoughts behind .
I highly recommend this book once again and can only give out the brilliant five stars that is so deserved.
All girls working together with new girl Hattie joining from Woolworths, with the men away during WW2, their friendship keeps them going doing their bit, Vickers is man labour and the women buckle down, during gruelling labour intensive days keeping busy.
I just love this series and every single book brings us getting to know the characters more and more in their private lives, and we read the hardships of some lucky enough to have their men home on leave, and seeing traumatic changes in them.
The author always is so spot on in every chapter of bringing the books to life that I love to curl up and read, but will always think just one more chapter It takes me into another world and leave all my troubles and thoughts behind .
I highly recommend this book once again and can only give out the brilliant five stars that is so deserved.
October 26, 2023
The women staffing the steel mills at Sheffield are kept busy and the war starts to come to them. Light relief is provided by secret plans to celebrate one of the girls' eighteenth birthday. But married women have husbands off at Dunkirk, and girls with boyfriends are facing the reality of men being called up and heading off to train and be stationed goodness' knew where.
The female camaraderie and friendly folks show at their best in such wartime stories. I also love the descriptions of the massive and dangerous steelworks, a work environment most of us would never see. These were brave women to drive the cranes and handle the goods, and other women did vital support work by keeping the workers fed.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
The female camaraderie and friendly folks show at their best in such wartime stories. I also love the descriptions of the massive and dangerous steelworks, a work environment most of us would never see. These were brave women to drive the cranes and handle the goods, and other women did vital support work by keeping the workers fed.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews