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The Toffee Factory Girls
Discover the engaging new trilogy from the author of THE SIXPENNY ORPHAN, about three women working in a WWI toffee factory in the North-East!
In 1915 three women start work at a toffee factory in the market town of Chester-le-Street, Durham.
Anne works for the enigmatic owner Mr Jack. She is highly efficient and whips Mr Jack's disorganised office - and Mr Jack himself - into shape. However, behind her business-like façade, Anne hides a heart-breaking secret.
Elsie is feisty, fun and enjoys a good time. However, her gadabout ways get her into trouble when she falls for the wrong man in the sugar-boiling room.
And there's dependable Hetty, who's set to marry her boyfriend when he returns from the war. But when Hetty is sent on an errand by the toffee factory boss, her life changes in ways she could never imagine and a whole new world opens up.
The toffee factory girls begin as strangers before forging a close bond of friendship and trust. And, as the war rages on, they help each other cope through the difficult times ahead.
The Toffee Factory Girls is a heart-warming novel about love, friendship, secrets, war . . . and toffee! It is the first in a trilogy from hugely popular author Glenda Young.
In 1915 three women start work at a toffee factory in the market town of Chester-le-Street, Durham.
Anne works for the enigmatic owner Mr Jack. She is highly efficient and whips Mr Jack's disorganised office - and Mr Jack himself - into shape. However, behind her business-like façade, Anne hides a heart-breaking secret.
Elsie is feisty, fun and enjoys a good time. However, her gadabout ways get her into trouble when she falls for the wrong man in the sugar-boiling room.
And there's dependable Hetty, who's set to marry her boyfriend when he returns from the war. But when Hetty is sent on an errand by the toffee factory boss, her life changes in ways she could never imagine and a whole new world opens up.
The toffee factory girls begin as strangers before forging a close bond of friendship and trust. And, as the war rages on, they help each other cope through the difficult times ahead.
The Toffee Factory Girls is a heart-warming novel about love, friendship, secrets, war . . . and toffee! It is the first in a trilogy from hugely popular author Glenda Young.
384 pages, Paperback
Published October 29, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 12, 2024
I loved this book!! I read it today in one sitting.
It's mainly about three girls Anne, Hetty and Elsie who meet when they start work in the local Toffee Factory. Anne as secretary to Mr Jack who runs the place and Hetty and Elsie who work in the Wrapping room. They each have secrets and these come to light during the story as the girls grow close and become firm friends.
Hetty is quite straight laced and the exact opposite of Elsie, who likes a good time and makes some bad decisions. Anne is trying to make a better life for herself while hiding her heartache.
But it's 1915 and the world is at war and things are grim and about to get worse. Sugar rationing is expected any time and that's the death knell for the factory.
The story was wonderfully done. I liked the main characters, even though I wanted to shake Elsie at times and get her to wise up. Usually one girl will come to the fore in stories like this and at first I thought it would be Anne but it's actually Hetty everything sort of revolves around and she was my favourite too.
This author writes a weekly serial in The People's Friend magazine, that I thoroughly enjoy so I thought I'd give this novel a go on the strength of that. I'm glad I did! This author can write!
I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes a good saga with 'real' people.
Thanks to Headline and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.
It's mainly about three girls Anne, Hetty and Elsie who meet when they start work in the local Toffee Factory. Anne as secretary to Mr Jack who runs the place and Hetty and Elsie who work in the Wrapping room. They each have secrets and these come to light during the story as the girls grow close and become firm friends.
Hetty is quite straight laced and the exact opposite of Elsie, who likes a good time and makes some bad decisions. Anne is trying to make a better life for herself while hiding her heartache.
But it's 1915 and the world is at war and things are grim and about to get worse. Sugar rationing is expected any time and that's the death knell for the factory.
The story was wonderfully done. I liked the main characters, even though I wanted to shake Elsie at times and get her to wise up. Usually one girl will come to the fore in stories like this and at first I thought it would be Anne but it's actually Hetty everything sort of revolves around and she was my favourite too.
This author writes a weekly serial in The People's Friend magazine, that I thoroughly enjoy so I thought I'd give this novel a go on the strength of that. I'm glad I did! This author can write!
I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes a good saga with 'real' people.
Thanks to Headline and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.
May 21, 2024
The first book in a brand new trilogy.
The Toffee Factory Girls is a total smasher of a book. Set in the early days of WW1 there’s a sense of history underpinning the narrative, especially with the Belgian village of Elisabethville, but it doesn’t over dominate. Rather, Glenda Young allows her characters to tell their own stories.
The plot is wonderful. Three very different woman, Anne, Elsie and Hetty forge a friendship that is ripe for further adventure by the end of the book. Their lives are very different as Anne hides a terrible secret, Elsie finds her flirtatious personality leads to all kinds of trouble and Hetty struggles with a difficult family life with her unloving mother and wayward brother. As Jack’s toffee factory needs to adapt to the challenges of rival toffee makers and the constraints of a global conflict, the story is entertaining and absorbing. I loved learning about the process of toffee making as I got to know the people working in the factory.
I also loved meeting Anne, Hetty and Elsie because they are actually quite ordinary which makes them hugely relatable. The events that befall them ensure the reader cares for them and is completely invested in the story. By the end of The Toffee Factory Girls, their personalities and friendships are brilliantly established, leaving the reader desperate to find out more.
It’s quite hard to review The Toffee Factory Girls because Glenda Young is setting up what promises to be a fantastic trilogy and I don’t want to spoil the story for others. Let’s just say there are themes of war and industry, family, marriage and friendship, romance and prejudice that create a layered, varied and totally absorbing read.
I really enjoyed The Toffee Factory Girls because it’s filled with charm, realism and huge potential for the following books. It’s a perfect example of its genre and deserves to be a huge success.
The Toffee Factory Girls is a total smasher of a book. Set in the early days of WW1 there’s a sense of history underpinning the narrative, especially with the Belgian village of Elisabethville, but it doesn’t over dominate. Rather, Glenda Young allows her characters to tell their own stories.
The plot is wonderful. Three very different woman, Anne, Elsie and Hetty forge a friendship that is ripe for further adventure by the end of the book. Their lives are very different as Anne hides a terrible secret, Elsie finds her flirtatious personality leads to all kinds of trouble and Hetty struggles with a difficult family life with her unloving mother and wayward brother. As Jack’s toffee factory needs to adapt to the challenges of rival toffee makers and the constraints of a global conflict, the story is entertaining and absorbing. I loved learning about the process of toffee making as I got to know the people working in the factory.
I also loved meeting Anne, Hetty and Elsie because they are actually quite ordinary which makes them hugely relatable. The events that befall them ensure the reader cares for them and is completely invested in the story. By the end of The Toffee Factory Girls, their personalities and friendships are brilliantly established, leaving the reader desperate to find out more.
It’s quite hard to review The Toffee Factory Girls because Glenda Young is setting up what promises to be a fantastic trilogy and I don’t want to spoil the story for others. Let’s just say there are themes of war and industry, family, marriage and friendship, romance and prejudice that create a layered, varied and totally absorbing read.
I really enjoyed The Toffee Factory Girls because it’s filled with charm, realism and huge potential for the following books. It’s a perfect example of its genre and deserves to be a huge success.
October 21, 2024
I liked all the characters. I found the plot really twisty but happy 😊.
October 24, 2024
This book was a brilliant read could not put it down.
Can’t wait for the next 2 books to be released.
Worth reading.
Can’t wait for the next 2 books to be released.
Worth reading.
December 13, 2024
This book was a borrowed one as I’m on a ban from buying books. It’s not my usual read and it took a while to get into. The first 100ish pages dragged a bit. Having said that when the plot thickened after those 100ish pages I did enjoy the read. I know it’s part of trilogy but do feel as though it left off in a weird space especially being the next instalment isn’t due till next year.
I did persevere with this book and I’m glad I did as it was nice to read outside my usual comfort zone. I think I will read the next instalment to see what happens next but definitely wasn’t gripping in my opinion. Never the less it was interesting and a good read.
I did persevere with this book and I’m glad I did as it was nice to read outside my usual comfort zone. I think I will read the next instalment to see what happens next but definitely wasn’t gripping in my opinion. Never the less it was interesting and a good read.
July 2, 2024
Very nice storyline with local interest.
July 31, 2024
It was a good book. I found it to be a bit flat to be honest. The ending was very vague, to ensure that you read the next book in the series. It had a good storyline and some likeable characters.
January 28, 2025
This was a fast read. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Waiting for the next book from the library.
March 29, 2025
I loved it 😍
May 27, 2025
A fun, historical fiction full of drama and friendship
June 14, 2024
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 354
Publisher - Headline
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
Discover the engaging new trilogy from the author of THE SIXPENNY ORPHAN, about three women working in a WWI toffee factory in the North-East!
In 1915 three women start work at a toffee factory in the market town of Chester-le-Street, Durham.
Anne works for the enigmatic owner Mr Jack. She is highly efficient and whips Mr Jack's disorganised office - and Mr Jack himself - into shape. However, behind her business-like façade, Anne hides a heart-breaking secret.
Elsie is feisty, fun and enjoys a good time. However, her gadabout ways get her into trouble when she falls for the wrong man in the sugar-boiling room.
And there's dependable Hetty, who's set to marry her boyfriend when he returns from the war. But when Hetty is sent on an errand by the toffee factory boss, her life changes in ways she could never imagine and a whole new world opens up.
The toffee factory girls begin as strangers before forging a close bond of friendship and trust. And, as the war rages on, they help each other cope through the difficult times ahead.
The Toffee Factory Girls is a heart-warming novel about love, friendship, secrets, war . . . and toffee! It is the first in a trilogy from hugely popular author Glenda Young.
My Review
Book one of a trilogy and I am very much looking forward to the next two coming! Set in 1915 we follow the stories of Anne (reserved, new to the area and looking for a job in the toffee factory).
Next is Elsie, already working in the factory, pretty, plucky and has an eye for the lads and having a good time, why not with war and all. Final and third of the three is Hetty, a bit more reserved and pining for her love who has gone off to do his duty. Despite all three being quite different, working at the factory brings them together, forming a friendship and helping each other through some hard times, heartache and uncertainty!
So as with a lot of books set in this time and with Young's writings the book has some emotive, heartwarming moments and some very dark and brutal, showcasing some of the best and worst of human behaviours. Characters you love to hate, lukewarm to some and loving the others. The ladies are very different and end up facing their own issues in a time when war is amongst us and no one is sure of what tomorrow may bring.
I find these books tend to take you out of your own time and let you settle into one where your next meal isn't always guaranteed, a very different time where society treat and judged women harshly and the consequences of such things. Brutality, domestic violence, poverty, shame class divisions, heartache, love and loss are just a few of the themes in the book. I am also not a fan of toffee but seriously tempted to get some whilst reading this one! 4.5/5 for me this time, this only came out a few months ago so will be waiting impatiently for book two!
Pages - 354
Publisher - Headline
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
Discover the engaging new trilogy from the author of THE SIXPENNY ORPHAN, about three women working in a WWI toffee factory in the North-East!
In 1915 three women start work at a toffee factory in the market town of Chester-le-Street, Durham.
Anne works for the enigmatic owner Mr Jack. She is highly efficient and whips Mr Jack's disorganised office - and Mr Jack himself - into shape. However, behind her business-like façade, Anne hides a heart-breaking secret.
Elsie is feisty, fun and enjoys a good time. However, her gadabout ways get her into trouble when she falls for the wrong man in the sugar-boiling room.
And there's dependable Hetty, who's set to marry her boyfriend when he returns from the war. But when Hetty is sent on an errand by the toffee factory boss, her life changes in ways she could never imagine and a whole new world opens up.
The toffee factory girls begin as strangers before forging a close bond of friendship and trust. And, as the war rages on, they help each other cope through the difficult times ahead.
The Toffee Factory Girls is a heart-warming novel about love, friendship, secrets, war . . . and toffee! It is the first in a trilogy from hugely popular author Glenda Young.
My Review
Book one of a trilogy and I am very much looking forward to the next two coming! Set in 1915 we follow the stories of Anne (reserved, new to the area and looking for a job in the toffee factory).
Next is Elsie, already working in the factory, pretty, plucky and has an eye for the lads and having a good time, why not with war and all. Final and third of the three is Hetty, a bit more reserved and pining for her love who has gone off to do his duty. Despite all three being quite different, working at the factory brings them together, forming a friendship and helping each other through some hard times, heartache and uncertainty!
So as with a lot of books set in this time and with Young's writings the book has some emotive, heartwarming moments and some very dark and brutal, showcasing some of the best and worst of human behaviours. Characters you love to hate, lukewarm to some and loving the others. The ladies are very different and end up facing their own issues in a time when war is amongst us and no one is sure of what tomorrow may bring.
I find these books tend to take you out of your own time and let you settle into one where your next meal isn't always guaranteed, a very different time where society treat and judged women harshly and the consequences of such things. Brutality, domestic violence, poverty, shame class divisions, heartache, love and loss are just a few of the themes in the book. I am also not a fan of toffee but seriously tempted to get some whilst reading this one! 4.5/5 for me this time, this only came out a few months ago so will be waiting impatiently for book two!
March 3, 2024
Following the lives of three women who work at the Toffee Factory during WW1 in Chester-le Street, County Durham in the North East of England. Anne works in the office for the boss, Mr Jack, often offering helpful advice to make the work better for the women workers, but she hides a secret. Hetty is waiting patiently for her boyfriend Bob to return home from the war, but hearing nothing, she imagines the worst news. When she discovers a Belgium man (Dirk) living in a Belgium community, she is torn between waiting for Bob or seeing Dirk. Elsie likes nothing better than having a good time, but is her friendship with Frankie going to get her in big trouble?
These three young women have choices to make, hearts to break and work to do at the toffee factory, and as the war intensifies, the supply chain is surely going to be stretched to breaking point.
I got totally hooked on this storyline from the first few pages, with terrific characters thrown together at the Toffee Factory. They work hard all day but find time for their friends, too. I am sure that this will be another winner for Glenda Young, all her books have believable characters, romantic situations and friendships aplenty and this is no exception, a real page turner that saga lovers will love.
I loved everything about this book and didn't want it to end. A big five-star read from me.
#GlendaYoung
#TheToffeeFactoryGirls
These three young women have choices to make, hearts to break and work to do at the toffee factory, and as the war intensifies, the supply chain is surely going to be stretched to breaking point.
I got totally hooked on this storyline from the first few pages, with terrific characters thrown together at the Toffee Factory. They work hard all day but find time for their friends, too. I am sure that this will be another winner for Glenda Young, all her books have believable characters, romantic situations and friendships aplenty and this is no exception, a real page turner that saga lovers will love.
I loved everything about this book and didn't want it to end. A big five-star read from me.
#GlendaYoung
#TheToffeeFactoryGirls
April 11, 2024
Loosely based on real-life Horner’s toffee factory, this story from established saga writer Glenda Young takes us back to 1915, and to Chester-le-Street, where the men have gone off to war, and the women are picking up their jobs. New to the factory floor are Elsie and Hetty, who soon become firm friends. For Hetty, the factory is a welcome escape from the brutal reality of her home life with a discontented mother, ne-er-do-well brother, and the loan shark breathing down their necks. For Elsie, it’s a chance to flirt with the men who haven’t yet signed up to war, eat purloined toffee, and have some fun.
Also new to the factory is Anne Wright, owner Mr Jack’s factotum, who instinctively sees just what the factory needs to survive the war and build up its reputation for sweet treats par excellence. She moves amongst the girls with compassion and resolve. But she is hiding her own heartache, and needs a friend, too.
The scene is set for adventure and romance, and the story delivers both, as Anne, Hetty and Elsie navigate the pitfalls of life and love.
Along with the characters, I love the background of this story – who wouldn’t want to spend time in a toffee factory? Glenda Young recreates the scene perfectly, with great historical flair and accuracy. You can almost smell the sugar burning and hear the crinkle of sweetie wrapping paper as Elsie tries, and fails again, to get Mr Jack’s logo perfectly placed.
The story doesn’t shrink from harsh reality.There’s drama here, and tragedy, too, with at least one scene that will make you cry.
But overall, Anne, Hetty and Elsie’s stories are ones of triumph over circumstances. This story comes to a natural resolution for them all, while leaving the door open for plenty challenges, excitement and romance to come.
Also new to the factory is Anne Wright, owner Mr Jack’s factotum, who instinctively sees just what the factory needs to survive the war and build up its reputation for sweet treats par excellence. She moves amongst the girls with compassion and resolve. But she is hiding her own heartache, and needs a friend, too.
The scene is set for adventure and romance, and the story delivers both, as Anne, Hetty and Elsie navigate the pitfalls of life and love.
Along with the characters, I love the background of this story – who wouldn’t want to spend time in a toffee factory? Glenda Young recreates the scene perfectly, with great historical flair and accuracy. You can almost smell the sugar burning and hear the crinkle of sweetie wrapping paper as Elsie tries, and fails again, to get Mr Jack’s logo perfectly placed.
The story doesn’t shrink from harsh reality.There’s drama here, and tragedy, too, with at least one scene that will make you cry.
But overall, Anne, Hetty and Elsie’s stories are ones of triumph over circumstances. This story comes to a natural resolution for them all, while leaving the door open for plenty challenges, excitement and romance to come.
May 4, 2024
Novel set in 1915 Chester-le-Street
This novel is set in 1915, when WW1 was raging, and boys and young men were heading off to war. The women left behind had to fill the extra gaps, and thus three young women, in different capacities, find themselves working at Jack’s Toffee Factory in Chester-le-Street. Here, the owner takes care of his workers, an anomaly in the period.
These are plucky young women, who have to find their way through everyday life. Irascible landlords, threatening behaviours, wayward family members and generally learning to face the hardships of the time. Together, the women – Anne, Hetty and Elsie – are a force of nature, determined to do right by others…
The author really does an excellent job of researching the setting and period and if you follow her on Social Media you can join her on her research adventures. Just imagine! All the toffees had to wrapped in paper by hand and the logo had to be straight and just so. She describes the Durham Light Infantry heading off too (until 2016 there was a museum dedicated to the brigade, founded in 1758, although there are rumours of a new museum opening in the future). In Birtley, there was a Belgian village – Elizabethville – that was built around the needs of an armaments factory, populated by French and Walloon speakers, with their own school, cafe and hospital. These elements are incorporated into the storyline to add veracity and a sense of history.
This is the first in a trilogy. The novel is easy to read and bowls along at a good pace, with drama aplenty.
This novel is set in 1915, when WW1 was raging, and boys and young men were heading off to war. The women left behind had to fill the extra gaps, and thus three young women, in different capacities, find themselves working at Jack’s Toffee Factory in Chester-le-Street. Here, the owner takes care of his workers, an anomaly in the period.
These are plucky young women, who have to find their way through everyday life. Irascible landlords, threatening behaviours, wayward family members and generally learning to face the hardships of the time. Together, the women – Anne, Hetty and Elsie – are a force of nature, determined to do right by others…
The author really does an excellent job of researching the setting and period and if you follow her on Social Media you can join her on her research adventures. Just imagine! All the toffees had to wrapped in paper by hand and the logo had to be straight and just so. She describes the Durham Light Infantry heading off too (until 2016 there was a museum dedicated to the brigade, founded in 1758, although there are rumours of a new museum opening in the future). In Birtley, there was a Belgian village – Elizabethville – that was built around the needs of an armaments factory, populated by French and Walloon speakers, with their own school, cafe and hospital. These elements are incorporated into the storyline to add veracity and a sense of history.
This is the first in a trilogy. The novel is easy to read and bowls along at a good pace, with drama aplenty.
July 4, 2024
Uplifting, cosy and brimming with sisterhood
1915 in the English market town of Chester-Le-Street the boys are going to war and the girls are being recruited by the local toffee factory…Anne is a girl in need of new start and she is thrilled to get the job as secretary to the Factory’s boss but she is hiding a heartbreaking secret.
Elsie is beautiful and flirty and used to getting attention from the men working in the sugar boiling room. She begins romance with Frankie Ireland a man known to have a temper and a bas reputation.
Hetty’s sweetheart is off to the trenches and she needs to find a way to pay her father;s debts fast but the Tina job in the factories leads her on an unexpected adventure…
This story the first in a trilogy was beautifully absorbing and engaging, I loved the bonds that formed between the three girls and the way they grew into strong women…overcoming abuse and grief to build new lives also this has left me with questions and I am really looking forward to the next book
I was intrigued but the Toffee Factory itself and really enjoyed all of the period detail and the depiction of the struggles of women in this era, struggles which still resonate.
I liked all three MC’s. Anne was clever and resourceful, Elsie was wild and gorgeous and Hetty was kind and decent ( I always find decency to be an underrrated quality)…Hetty was my favourite.
Bookish confession saga as are my bookish guilty pleasure they are filled with truths and sisterhood and I sorta love them.
1915 in the English market town of Chester-Le-Street the boys are going to war and the girls are being recruited by the local toffee factory…Anne is a girl in need of new start and she is thrilled to get the job as secretary to the Factory’s boss but she is hiding a heartbreaking secret.
Elsie is beautiful and flirty and used to getting attention from the men working in the sugar boiling room. She begins romance with Frankie Ireland a man known to have a temper and a bas reputation.
Hetty’s sweetheart is off to the trenches and she needs to find a way to pay her father;s debts fast but the Tina job in the factories leads her on an unexpected adventure…
This story the first in a trilogy was beautifully absorbing and engaging, I loved the bonds that formed between the three girls and the way they grew into strong women…overcoming abuse and grief to build new lives also this has left me with questions and I am really looking forward to the next book
I was intrigued but the Toffee Factory itself and really enjoyed all of the period detail and the depiction of the struggles of women in this era, struggles which still resonate.
I liked all three MC’s. Anne was clever and resourceful, Elsie was wild and gorgeous and Hetty was kind and decent ( I always find decency to be an underrrated quality)…Hetty was my favourite.
Bookish confession saga as are my bookish guilty pleasure they are filled with truths and sisterhood and I sorta love them.
May 11, 2024
There are two reasons why I chose to read The Toffee Factory Girls by Glenda Young. The first is that I was in the audience at an event when Ms. Young was sharing her journey as an author. The second being I learned that her books are set in locations close to my home which left me intrigued and wanting to read her work.
I thoroughly enjoyed this narrative. Anne, Hetty and Elsie are three ladies who become friends after meeting whilst working at Jack's toffee factory. I loved getting to know these three completely different characters. I appreciated learning the difficulties they faced due to the war and on a more personal level too. Recognising many of the settings featured throughout the story was an added bonus. I live in the North East of England and as far as I am aware, there are not many recently released novels that have scenes set in this part of the country.
This is the first book of a trilogy that shares the lives of Hetty, Anne and Elsie, and I'm already looking forward to discovering what happens next when Secrets of the Toffee Factory Girls releases in 2025. In the meantime, I have Glenda Young's other series to read and enjoy.
I award The Toffee Factory Girls 4-4.5 stars.
I thoroughly enjoyed this narrative. Anne, Hetty and Elsie are three ladies who become friends after meeting whilst working at Jack's toffee factory. I loved getting to know these three completely different characters. I appreciated learning the difficulties they faced due to the war and on a more personal level too. Recognising many of the settings featured throughout the story was an added bonus. I live in the North East of England and as far as I am aware, there are not many recently released novels that have scenes set in this part of the country.
This is the first book of a trilogy that shares the lives of Hetty, Anne and Elsie, and I'm already looking forward to discovering what happens next when Secrets of the Toffee Factory Girls releases in 2025. In the meantime, I have Glenda Young's other series to read and enjoy.
I award The Toffee Factory Girls 4-4.5 stars.
May 16, 2024
Glenda Young's "The Toffee Factory Girls" is a beautifully written and heartwarming story set in a toffee factory in 1915. The characters of Anne, Elsie, and Hetty are all unique and captivating, each with their own struggles and secrets. The way they come together to form a bond of friendship and support during a time of war is truly inspiring.
The author's attention to detail and vivid descriptions bring the setting of Chester-le-Street to life, allowing readers to easily immerse themselves in the story. The historical backdrop adds depth and context to the characters' experiences, making the novel not only entertaining but also educational.
Overall, "The Toffee Factory Girls" is a captivating read that will take you on a journey of friendship, love, and resilience. I highly recommend it to fans of historical fiction and those looking for a heartwarming story that will stay with them long after the final page. I can't wait to read the next installment in the trilogy!
The author's attention to detail and vivid descriptions bring the setting of Chester-le-Street to life, allowing readers to easily immerse themselves in the story. The historical backdrop adds depth and context to the characters' experiences, making the novel not only entertaining but also educational.
Overall, "The Toffee Factory Girls" is a captivating read that will take you on a journey of friendship, love, and resilience. I highly recommend it to fans of historical fiction and those looking for a heartwarming story that will stay with them long after the final page. I can't wait to read the next installment in the trilogy!
February 4, 2024
Amidst war three girl's find friendship, love and hope.
1915 in the market town of Chester-le-street Durham.
Anne Wright, Elsie Cooper and Hetty Dawson all become friends working at Mr Jack's toffee factory. As men are leaving to go to war, women are stepping in and making sacrifices to keep the factory going, with the sugar rationing coming in soon what will the future hold for them all.
All these amazing characters have a story and a hidden secrets to share.
This is a beautiful heart warming saga that I just was unable to put down from my local north east region, and knowing this market town so well through many visits over the years myself, it felt like I was there in the book with them. You will laugh, you will cry, you will cherish every single chapter as it pulls you into another era to be enjoyed.
I loved every bit right through.
1915 in the market town of Chester-le-street Durham.
Anne Wright, Elsie Cooper and Hetty Dawson all become friends working at Mr Jack's toffee factory. As men are leaving to go to war, women are stepping in and making sacrifices to keep the factory going, with the sugar rationing coming in soon what will the future hold for them all.
All these amazing characters have a story and a hidden secrets to share.
This is a beautiful heart warming saga that I just was unable to put down from my local north east region, and knowing this market town so well through many visits over the years myself, it felt like I was there in the book with them. You will laugh, you will cry, you will cherish every single chapter as it pulls you into another era to be enjoyed.
I loved every bit right through.
February 29, 2024
I've read every one of Glenda's books and there isn't a bad one to be found. Very excited at the new series of the Toffee Factory Girls. Read in six hours and it was not a disappointment. The story revolves around three very different girls who work at Jack's toffee factory, each with their own secrets and worries.
The story itself was excellent. Engaging, great plot, brilliantly told. I am so looking forward to the second book in this series.
If you haven't read any of Glenda's books, you are seriously missing out. From Belle of the Back Streets to the Seaview series and now these wonderful stories, get them all and you won't be disappointed.
I'm not going to compare Glenda's writing with any other well known author because I don't like doing that. She's Glenda Young. A fantastic writer of characters and stories you can really care about.
The story itself was excellent. Engaging, great plot, brilliantly told. I am so looking forward to the second book in this series.
If you haven't read any of Glenda's books, you are seriously missing out. From Belle of the Back Streets to the Seaview series and now these wonderful stories, get them all and you won't be disappointed.
I'm not going to compare Glenda's writing with any other well known author because I don't like doing that. She's Glenda Young. A fantastic writer of characters and stories you can really care about.
May 30, 2024
The Toffee Factory Girls by Glenda Young is a lovely novel about 3 friends who meet while working at Jack's Toffee Factory in 1915 England The trio include: Anne Wright, the reserved, yet very kind secretary to Mr. William Jack, the factory owner; Hetty Lawson, the reserved, hard-working, unappreciated daughter, and the the flamboyant, careless and carefree, Elsie Cooper. Perhaps unlikely friends in a different time, they form a very strong alliance, and support each other through joy and sorrow. It is an easy read, a heart-warming novel with characters that captured my heart. Thanks to NetGalley, Headline Publishing Group and Glenda Young for the opportunity to read and review an Advanced Reader Copy of The Toffee Factory Girls. I definitely recommend it; 4 Stars.
February 12, 2025
All in all, although 'The Toffee Factory Girls' has all the key elements of a typical saga - romance, mystery, feisty heroines and a rich array of background characters who swirl the plot around and keep the reader guessing until the end (and beyond), it certainly stands out from the others on the shelves. Once again, Glenda Young has taken a relatively forgotten and mundane chunk of local history, and given it a rich and exciting new life. I can't wait to see what's coming next for The Toffee Factory Girls.
Full review over on my blog - http://clydescorner.org/2024/05/23/re...
Full review over on my blog - http://clydescorner.org/2024/05/23/re...
June 28, 2024
A book club read, appropriate as we started meeting in Birtley and still meet in the local area.
I’ve seen books like this on the shelf for years and never felt drawn to them, perhaps as I am not the intended audience.
I really wanted to like the 3 main characters, but none of them nor any of the other characters had much depth. They felt very 2 dimensional and I had no strong feelings about any of them.
This book purely gets 3 stars as I have never heard of Elizabethville until now and that interested me, shame there wasn’t more in the book about it!
I’ve seen books like this on the shelf for years and never felt drawn to them, perhaps as I am not the intended audience.
I really wanted to like the 3 main characters, but none of them nor any of the other characters had much depth. They felt very 2 dimensional and I had no strong feelings about any of them.
This book purely gets 3 stars as I have never heard of Elizabethville until now and that interested me, shame there wasn’t more in the book about it!
March 11, 2024
Set in WW1 the Toffee Factory Girls follows the lives of 3 girls who work at a toffee factory in Chester-Le-Street, County Durham. Anne works in Mr Jack's office and Hetty and Elsie in the wrapping room. Together they forge a strong friendship as they help each other through the challenges of life and the secrets of their past.
Whilst it took me a while to get into it, I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Whilst it took me a while to get into it, I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
May 13, 2024
A delight to read. I grew to love the girls from the Toffee Factory.
Each girl had a story to tell. Not one of them shared a similar background. But yet they became the closest of friends. We could learn from this.
I really enjoyed the book. I look forward to the next installment as it ended with me having a lot of questions.
This is my first Glenda Young book. It sure won't be my last.
Each girl had a story to tell. Not one of them shared a similar background. But yet they became the closest of friends. We could learn from this.
I really enjoyed the book. I look forward to the next installment as it ended with me having a lot of questions.
This is my first Glenda Young book. It sure won't be my last.
June 13, 2024
Really enjoyed this book and being honest not the type of book i would pick off the shelf however i won a copy and was excited to try it and i'm glad i did.
Great plot and such warm characters, i found myself looking forward to picking it up to find out what happens next - i've already read the snippet of the net book and as v disappointed to find out its not here until 2025!
I have already ordered a couple of Glenda Youngs other books from the library to keep me going!
Great plot and such warm characters, i found myself looking forward to picking it up to find out what happens next - i've already read the snippet of the net book and as v disappointed to find out its not here until 2025!
I have already ordered a couple of Glenda Youngs other books from the library to keep me going!
May 26, 2024
This was quite good. Predictable but not a bad story. One thing that really irritated me was how the book is set in the north east and yet they kept calling the mother mum and it’s never mum. It’s always MAM. Just a small irritant for accuracy as being from the north east I know lol otherwise canny read.
December 22, 2024
This book was so wholesome in a weird way. The book follows the story of Anne , Elsie and Hetty through the start of the war and all ending up working in the biggest factory in Durham. A bit of romance , bit of drama with relationships and family issues but mostly friendship.
Typical book in the works 3 for £6 offer but is a great read to wind down too.
Typical book in the works 3 for £6 offer but is a great read to wind down too.
June 29, 2024
An easy, fluffy, soapy read. There wasn't much depth to the characters and although I liked that it was based on a local factory the constant mention of place/street names annoyed me a bit.
I had never heard of the Birtley Belgians and that was the most interesting thing in the book.
I had never heard of the Birtley Belgians and that was the most interesting thing in the book.
July 30, 2024
This is the first in a new storyline series by Glenda. Based in Chester-Le-Street, not too far from Ryhope where her other books are based. Three new girls, who form a bond, sharing their lives together.
February 28, 2025
A readable book that has you into the life's of Elsie, Hetty and Anne all getting jobs at Jack's Toffee Factory. The three become friends. The girls all have a story to their lives. Once started you cannot wait to see how it works out. I have now started the next one.
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