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The Clarks Factory Girls #2
Courage for the Clarks Factory Girls
1915: As war continues to rage across the Channel, the families of the Somerset village of Street can no longer avoid its long shadow.
Workers in the Clarks shoe factory, at the heart of the village, have left for the army in droves, and news from the Front seems to grow darker by the day.
When life-long friends Louisa, Jeannie and Kate receive the news they had been fearing, all hope seems lost. And Louisa’s world will be rocked further when she makes another discovery, one that will see her cast out by her family, changing her life forever.
Kate and Jeannie are determined to be strong for their friend, but each of them has their own problems to bear, and when Jeannie’s beloved brother Lucas enlists, she fears history is about to repeat itself.
Can the Clarks factory girls help each other through the darkest days and keep hope alive?
The second in the heartwarming and gripping new saga series perfect for fans of Elaine Everest and Rosie Clarke.
Workers in the Clarks shoe factory, at the heart of the village, have left for the army in droves, and news from the Front seems to grow darker by the day.
When life-long friends Louisa, Jeannie and Kate receive the news they had been fearing, all hope seems lost. And Louisa’s world will be rocked further when she makes another discovery, one that will see her cast out by her family, changing her life forever.
Kate and Jeannie are determined to be strong for their friend, but each of them has their own problems to bear, and when Jeannie’s beloved brother Lucas enlists, she fears history is about to repeat itself.
Can the Clarks factory girls help each other through the darkest days and keep hope alive?
The second in the heartwarming and gripping new saga series perfect for fans of Elaine Everest and Rosie Clarke.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2024
286 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 10, 2024
1915. Best friends Louisa Clements, Jeannie Musgrove and Kate Davis have been working at the Clarks Factory since they left school and they sew shoes linings in the Machine Room. Like everyone in Street, Somerset, their worried about the war and what’s happening across the channel. The local lads are signing up, with their pals and they think it’s going to be a grand adventure.
Louisa's the first of the trio to suffer a loss, she then discovers she has another problem and her strict parents are extremely disappointed in their only child’s reckless behaviour. Louisa’s forced to make a difficult choice, it breaks her already shattered heart and she’s not sure if she will ever forgive her parents. Kate’s life has never been easy and it’s much harder since her mother passed away. Her siblings have left home and she’s has to keep house for her dad and work full time, and he’s mean, moody, a drunk, and it gets worse. Jeannie’s family are Quakers and she can't believe it when her older older brother Lucas joins up, her mother takes the news badly and Jeannie has to work, do all the chores and make sure her teenage brothers don’t get into trouble and despite John and Peter promising Lucas they would help her and behave.
The narrative focuses on Louisa’s, Kate’s and Jeanie’s relationships with their families and how the war changes things, their struggles and problems, how the friend’s help and support each other when they can and unfortunately somethings they are out of their control.
I received a copy of Courage for the Clarks Factory Girls by May Ellis from Boldwood Books and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. The story includes relevant topics and subjects for the time and the impact the war had on the villagers. The Clark family were Quakers and so are many of their employees, this caused friction in Street and women started giving out white feathers.
When the British government announces all unmarried men between the ages of eighteen to forty one will be called up and everyone wonders what will happen to those who won’t fight due to their religious beliefs. The narrative shows the inequality between men and women and the forms of abuse and violence against them is another relevant topic and how it’s handled and big brothers come in handy.
The main theme of the novel is the friendship between the three you ladies, how each one has to overcome obstacles and challenges, and they show maturity beyond their years. Five stars from me, I have enjoyed both books in this series so far, Courage For The Clarks Factory Girls and The Clarks Factory Girls at War and I’m really looking forward to the next book by Ms. Ellis and to see what happens next in Louisa, Kate and Jeannie lives and the other characters.
Louisa's the first of the trio to suffer a loss, she then discovers she has another problem and her strict parents are extremely disappointed in their only child’s reckless behaviour. Louisa’s forced to make a difficult choice, it breaks her already shattered heart and she’s not sure if she will ever forgive her parents. Kate’s life has never been easy and it’s much harder since her mother passed away. Her siblings have left home and she’s has to keep house for her dad and work full time, and he’s mean, moody, a drunk, and it gets worse. Jeannie’s family are Quakers and she can't believe it when her older older brother Lucas joins up, her mother takes the news badly and Jeannie has to work, do all the chores and make sure her teenage brothers don’t get into trouble and despite John and Peter promising Lucas they would help her and behave.
The narrative focuses on Louisa’s, Kate’s and Jeanie’s relationships with their families and how the war changes things, their struggles and problems, how the friend’s help and support each other when they can and unfortunately somethings they are out of their control.
I received a copy of Courage for the Clarks Factory Girls by May Ellis from Boldwood Books and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. The story includes relevant topics and subjects for the time and the impact the war had on the villagers. The Clark family were Quakers and so are many of their employees, this caused friction in Street and women started giving out white feathers.
When the British government announces all unmarried men between the ages of eighteen to forty one will be called up and everyone wonders what will happen to those who won’t fight due to their religious beliefs. The narrative shows the inequality between men and women and the forms of abuse and violence against them is another relevant topic and how it’s handled and big brothers come in handy.
The main theme of the novel is the friendship between the three you ladies, how each one has to overcome obstacles and challenges, and they show maturity beyond their years. Five stars from me, I have enjoyed both books in this series so far, Courage For The Clarks Factory Girls and The Clarks Factory Girls at War and I’m really looking forward to the next book by Ms. Ellis and to see what happens next in Louisa, Kate and Jeannie lives and the other characters.
July 1, 2024
This is the second book in the Clarks Factory Girls series. For the most part you can read this as a standalone story, but to get the most out of your read I would advise you to read the first book before this one. The stories focus on 3 great friends, their relationships with each other, their families, and men.
Set during wartime you can expect some heartache, but May Ellis always balances the good with the bad so that you don't end up feeling melancholy after reading one of her books. I was close to tears a couple of times while I was reading this, and I wondered how a particular character was going to cope with the situation she found herself in. I was pleased that the author wrote a believable storyline for her, not all sweetness and light, but not all doom and gloom either.
I enjoyed this latest installment of the Clarks Factory Girls and very much look forward to the next one in the series.
Set during wartime you can expect some heartache, but May Ellis always balances the good with the bad so that you don't end up feeling melancholy after reading one of her books. I was close to tears a couple of times while I was reading this, and I wondered how a particular character was going to cope with the situation she found herself in. I was pleased that the author wrote a believable storyline for her, not all sweetness and light, but not all doom and gloom either.
I enjoyed this latest installment of the Clarks Factory Girls and very much look forward to the next one in the series.
May 23, 2024
1915 C&J Clarks shoe factory.
Together they can brave the storm as we once again join Louisa Jeannie and Kate.
A lovely story of hardship and courage to be enjoyed.
I am loving this series from the author.
Inspirational chapter after chapter right through, as we see the girls in their private lives bring you sorrow and happy endings.
Together they can brave the storm as we once again join Louisa Jeannie and Kate.
A lovely story of hardship and courage to be enjoyed.
I am loving this series from the author.
Inspirational chapter after chapter right through, as we see the girls in their private lives bring you sorrow and happy endings.
July 2, 2024
Whilst I found this second book in the series a wonderful opportunity to renew my acquaintance with the three main characters, Louisa, Jeannie and Kate, this book would work perfectly well as a standalone novel.
If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
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If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
August 11, 2025
Another story featuring the girls from the Clarks factory and their families and friends.
A compelling read and I couldn't wait to see how it ended.
Looking forward to book three of the series!
A compelling read and I couldn't wait to see how it ended.
Looking forward to book three of the series!
October 18, 2025
Courage for the Clark’s Factory Girls (The Clark’s Factory Girls #2. BY May Ellis. (Audiobook read on Hoopla app)
The year is now 1915. The war continues and life has changed for the people at the factory with (as was happening everywhere around the country) young men were leaving their jobs in droves to enlist and join the fight to drive back the Hun. News from the front was grim and everyone feared for their loved ones who had enlisted or showed signs of enlisting.
Louisa, Jeannie, and Kate’s lives are affected as well. Louisa will face heartache which will lead to a heartbreaking decision that will place a further wedge in her relationship with her parents. Kate’s life will get indescribable worse before it gets incredibly better and Jeanie will endure the consequences of her brother enlisting and trying to keep her family together in his absence.
The year is now 1915. The war continues and life has changed for the people at the factory with (as was happening everywhere around the country) young men were leaving their jobs in droves to enlist and join the fight to drive back the Hun. News from the front was grim and everyone feared for their loved ones who had enlisted or showed signs of enlisting.
Louisa, Jeannie, and Kate’s lives are affected as well. Louisa will face heartache which will lead to a heartbreaking decision that will place a further wedge in her relationship with her parents. Kate’s life will get indescribable worse before it gets incredibly better and Jeanie will endure the consequences of her brother enlisting and trying to keep her family together in his absence.
July 14, 2024
This is the second book in the Clarks Factory Girls series, but can easily be read as a standalone.
It’s September 1915. Eighteen-year-old Louisa Clements lives in the village of Street in Somerset. She is planning to marry Mattie Searle, once he gets home from the war in France. She works at the Clarks shoe factory along with her friends Kate and Jeannie. But then Kate’s sister Peg arrives to tell her the worst news – Mattie has been killed.
Kate and Jeannie have their own problems too. Kate’s mother has recently died and her father gets drunk and hits out. And then there’s Beryl, but I’ll leave you to find out about her. Oh my! Meanwhile, Jeannie’s older brother Lucas (19) decides to enlist, leaving only Jeannie, her mother and two younger twin brothers – Peter and John - at home.
Meanwhile, Louisa has more problems to deal with, her parents insisting she move to live with her aunt. Peg is married to Will Searle (Mattie’s brother) and when they move to Lincolnshire (my home county!), Louisa escapes with them.
I enjoy books set in England in the past and featuring great female friendships. I love all the historical detail and finding more about the time when my Nanna (1907-2007) was young. I especially enjoy the social aspect of it, particularly how women managed with their partners, sons and brothers at war and how they kept life at home stable. In this story, it’s shocking that an eighteen-year-old has to deal with the enormity of losing her fiancé in war, because she seems so young, but of course, this kind of thing happened all the time during WWI.
It was also interesting finding out about the girls’ work at the Clarks shoe factory and what their job entailed. It’s all beautifully described with the smells and the sounds painting a vivid picture.
The story was really easy to get into, I was hooked at the first page. You feel so much sympathy for young Louisa and get drawn into the world of her, her family and friends in 1915. It’s well-paced and holds the reader’s interest throughout, as we follow the lives of the characters with all the ups and downs.
Overall, I enjoyed every aspect of the novel and look forward to catching up with the characters in future books.
It’s September 1915. Eighteen-year-old Louisa Clements lives in the village of Street in Somerset. She is planning to marry Mattie Searle, once he gets home from the war in France. She works at the Clarks shoe factory along with her friends Kate and Jeannie. But then Kate’s sister Peg arrives to tell her the worst news – Mattie has been killed.
Kate and Jeannie have their own problems too. Kate’s mother has recently died and her father gets drunk and hits out. And then there’s Beryl, but I’ll leave you to find out about her. Oh my! Meanwhile, Jeannie’s older brother Lucas (19) decides to enlist, leaving only Jeannie, her mother and two younger twin brothers – Peter and John - at home.
Meanwhile, Louisa has more problems to deal with, her parents insisting she move to live with her aunt. Peg is married to Will Searle (Mattie’s brother) and when they move to Lincolnshire (my home county!), Louisa escapes with them.
I enjoy books set in England in the past and featuring great female friendships. I love all the historical detail and finding more about the time when my Nanna (1907-2007) was young. I especially enjoy the social aspect of it, particularly how women managed with their partners, sons and brothers at war and how they kept life at home stable. In this story, it’s shocking that an eighteen-year-old has to deal with the enormity of losing her fiancé in war, because she seems so young, but of course, this kind of thing happened all the time during WWI.
It was also interesting finding out about the girls’ work at the Clarks shoe factory and what their job entailed. It’s all beautifully described with the smells and the sounds painting a vivid picture.
The story was really easy to get into, I was hooked at the first page. You feel so much sympathy for young Louisa and get drawn into the world of her, her family and friends in 1915. It’s well-paced and holds the reader’s interest throughout, as we follow the lives of the characters with all the ups and downs.
Overall, I enjoyed every aspect of the novel and look forward to catching up with the characters in future books.
November 2, 2024
May Ellis’ Courage for the Clarks Factory Girls is a poignant, emotional and uplifting saga written straight from the heart.
1915 and the war continues to rage across the Channel. The workers in the Clarks shoe factory have joined the army and the news from the frontline gets darker and more upsetting with each passing day. Lifelong friends Louisa, Jeannie and Kate are all on tenterhooks forever dreading the day they will get the news they fear the most. When their worst fears are realised, Louisa’s world is rocked even further when she makes another discovery that leaves her alone, vulnerable and ostracized by her own family.
Seeing their friend upset and having lost everything, Jeannie and Kate vow to do whatever it takes to be there for Louisa and help her out in her hour of need, but the two friends have got their own crosses to bear and their own demons to contend with. Jeannie’s dear brother Lucas has just enlisted and she fears that history will end up repeating itself all over again.
With everything seeming hopeless, will there ever be light at the end of the tunnel for Louisa, Jeannie and Kate? Can they keep their spirits up when everything seems so desperate? Or should Louisa, Jeannie and Kate resign themselves to heartbreak and despair?
May Ellis’ wartime saga is tender, touching and brilliantly evocative. An engrossing tale about friendship, community, love and the hope that keeps up going during our darkest days, Courage for the Clarks Factory Girls is a spellbinding saga from May Ellis readers will thoroughly enjoy curling up with.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
1915 and the war continues to rage across the Channel. The workers in the Clarks shoe factory have joined the army and the news from the frontline gets darker and more upsetting with each passing day. Lifelong friends Louisa, Jeannie and Kate are all on tenterhooks forever dreading the day they will get the news they fear the most. When their worst fears are realised, Louisa’s world is rocked even further when she makes another discovery that leaves her alone, vulnerable and ostracized by her own family.
Seeing their friend upset and having lost everything, Jeannie and Kate vow to do whatever it takes to be there for Louisa and help her out in her hour of need, but the two friends have got their own crosses to bear and their own demons to contend with. Jeannie’s dear brother Lucas has just enlisted and she fears that history will end up repeating itself all over again.
With everything seeming hopeless, will there ever be light at the end of the tunnel for Louisa, Jeannie and Kate? Can they keep their spirits up when everything seems so desperate? Or should Louisa, Jeannie and Kate resign themselves to heartbreak and despair?
May Ellis’ wartime saga is tender, touching and brilliantly evocative. An engrossing tale about friendship, community, love and the hope that keeps up going during our darkest days, Courage for the Clarks Factory Girls is a spellbinding saga from May Ellis readers will thoroughly enjoy curling up with.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 1, 2024
In the second book in May Ellis’ Clarks Factory Girls series, readers join Kate, Louisa and Jeannie after many of the men in the village and from the factory have enlisted to serve in World War I. All three women receive devastating news related to their families in 1915, and they must cope, together and alone, to overcome their grief and anger and rebuild their lives in these dark times. Supporting each other despite their own troubles becomes difficult, especially when Louisa’s parents cast her out, and when Jeannie’s brother Lucas enlists, their fears and worries only grow. In the dark days of 1915 amidst their grief, the Clarks Factory Girls must find their courage to support each other and keep the home front together. Louisa, Jeannie, and Kate continue to be fascinating, strong, and complex heroines, and the alternating perspectives balance each other out throughout the novel. The new challenges and new characters in this book add to those relationships and challenges established in the first book of the series, a realistic development for these fantastic characters. The village and the factory remain central characters in this novel, and Ellis continues to develop the setting in the second book of the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
July 5, 2024
I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
This WWI saga is the second book in a series, and it follows Louisa, Kate and Jeannie - three friends who work together at the Clarks shoe factory. I read the previous book in this series a few months ago, and I really enjoyed that one, so it sparked joy to read about these characters again.
The main characters are very close friends, and that resonated with me; I love how supportive they are of each other. There is something about reading a saga like this that often makes me feel oddly nostalgic for a time period that I never lived in, and that was the case here too.
I found this a very easy, comforting read, and I cared a lot about the characters and what happened to them. Before I finished reading, I thought again about the use of the word “courage” In the title, and how brave the characters had been.
If you enjoy wartime sagas, I would recommend this. I think readers will enjoy it even if they haven’t read the previous book in the series, and I would be interested in reading more by this author in future.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This WWI saga is the second book in a series, and it follows Louisa, Kate and Jeannie - three friends who work together at the Clarks shoe factory. I read the previous book in this series a few months ago, and I really enjoyed that one, so it sparked joy to read about these characters again.
The main characters are very close friends, and that resonated with me; I love how supportive they are of each other. There is something about reading a saga like this that often makes me feel oddly nostalgic for a time period that I never lived in, and that was the case here too.
I found this a very easy, comforting read, and I cared a lot about the characters and what happened to them. Before I finished reading, I thought again about the use of the word “courage” In the title, and how brave the characters had been.
If you enjoy wartime sagas, I would recommend this. I think readers will enjoy it even if they haven’t read the previous book in the series, and I would be interested in reading more by this author in future.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.
July 23, 2024
This was such a lovely book and I really enjoyed it. I haven’t read the first book in the series but I think it worked well as a standalone.
Louise, Kate and Jeannie are best friends and work together in the Clark’s shoe factory. It is wartime and many of the local men and boys are off fighting in the war. Louise gets awful news that her fiancé Mattie has died in battle. Louise is broken hearted and can’t imagine life without him.
Jeannie’s brother Lucas was best friends with Mattie and blames himself for Mattie enlisting. He signs up himself and Jeannie tries her best to talk him out of it but he is determined to go.
Kate’s dad is cruel to her and she is left alone with him when her mum dies and her brothers are all married. He takes all of her wages off her and expects her to do everything. She is unhappy at home and sees no way out.
The girls support each other through everything and look out for each other always.
I am looking forward to reading the next instalment and finding out more about the girls and their lives.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Louise, Kate and Jeannie are best friends and work together in the Clark’s shoe factory. It is wartime and many of the local men and boys are off fighting in the war. Louise gets awful news that her fiancé Mattie has died in battle. Louise is broken hearted and can’t imagine life without him.
Jeannie’s brother Lucas was best friends with Mattie and blames himself for Mattie enlisting. He signs up himself and Jeannie tries her best to talk him out of it but he is determined to go.
Kate’s dad is cruel to her and she is left alone with him when her mum dies and her brothers are all married. He takes all of her wages off her and expects her to do everything. She is unhappy at home and sees no way out.
The girls support each other through everything and look out for each other always.
I am looking forward to reading the next instalment and finding out more about the girls and their lives.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2024
This is the second book in the Clarks Factory Girls series and it was for me another wonderful read. It’s a dark and scary time for the Clarks factory workers and many of the male employees have left to do their duty.in the army. Those that are left behind worry about their loved ones who have gone to fight in the war. The story again focuses mainly on the three friends Louisa, Jeannie and Kate. Each of them are dealing with their own personal problems but they are always there to help and support one another. I just love the characters in this book, especially the friendship between the three girls. Admittedly there are some pretty nasty characters as well but in a way I love them also as the author writes them so well I can almost picture them in my head and feel their nastiness oozing out of the pages ! The descriptions of the factory and life in Street is depicted so well in the book and I truly loved every chapter. I can’t wait for the third book to catch up with everyone again.
June 28, 2024
This book does not disappoint and is just as good as the first book.
We see how the lives of Louisa, Kate & Jeannie carry on. Louisa is trying to get on with life after Mattie has gone off to War. Kate is dealing with her Father who continues to make her life not very good. Jeannie is trying to make sure her Mother is cared for as she continues to be weak. Some of the men go off to War. Will things get any better for the woman.
I could not put this book down and wanted to read on more to find out what happened to them all.
It certainly makes you think how the men coped with the War and the woman keeping the families together.
The characters all work well together and I look forward to reading the next book in the series to find out what happens to them all.
Would recommend this book and the author weaves the story together well.
We see how the lives of Louisa, Kate & Jeannie carry on. Louisa is trying to get on with life after Mattie has gone off to War. Kate is dealing with her Father who continues to make her life not very good. Jeannie is trying to make sure her Mother is cared for as she continues to be weak. Some of the men go off to War. Will things get any better for the woman.
I could not put this book down and wanted to read on more to find out what happened to them all.
It certainly makes you think how the men coped with the War and the woman keeping the families together.
The characters all work well together and I look forward to reading the next book in the series to find out what happens to them all.
Would recommend this book and the author weaves the story together well.
December 19, 2024
This is the second in the Clarks Factory Girls series and follows the lives of Kate, Louisa, and Jeannie as WWI continues. Louisa gets surprising news, Kate has to deal with her abusive father as he moves his girlfriend into their house, and Jeannie tries to deal with her mom, and brothers when her brother Lucas signs up. The girls navigate their lives at the factory as the war rages on.
Even though this is the second in the series, it could be read as a stand-alone. I loved the girl's friendships. Throughout the story, the girls have to deal with family issues, as well as WWI. A few of the characters, including Jeannie and Lucas, as well as the Clark family, owners of the factory were Quakers were pacifists and didn't feel like they could get involved in the war. This caused a lot of debate between other villagers who weren't Quakers and the pressure of being conscripted and possibly sent to war against their will. This was a page-turner as I wanted to see what would happen next in their lives. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to @netgalley, @boldwoodbooks, and the author of this ARC
Even though this is the second in the series, it could be read as a stand-alone. I loved the girl's friendships. Throughout the story, the girls have to deal with family issues, as well as WWI. A few of the characters, including Jeannie and Lucas, as well as the Clark family, owners of the factory were Quakers were pacifists and didn't feel like they could get involved in the war. This caused a lot of debate between other villagers who weren't Quakers and the pressure of being conscripted and possibly sent to war against their will. This was a page-turner as I wanted to see what would happen next in their lives. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to @netgalley, @boldwoodbooks, and the author of this ARC
July 4, 2024
I have been wearing Clark Shoes for years. Great shoes that last a long time. I was intrigued by the title. This is part of a series. I recommend reading the previous book as it gives you a better understanding of the plot.
This book continues the story of three girls who work at the Clark Factory. They become very close friends. Kate, Louisa and Jeannie are there for each other in every way possible. It is rare to find friendships like that.
I loved the story. It was heart wrenching at times. It brought you to WW2 when the local lads went off to serve their country. This caused grief and hardships for the families they left behind.
I look forward to the next chapter as the ending leaves you hanging!!
I received this book from Boldwood to review.
This book continues the story of three girls who work at the Clark Factory. They become very close friends. Kate, Louisa and Jeannie are there for each other in every way possible. It is rare to find friendships like that.
I loved the story. It was heart wrenching at times. It brought you to WW2 when the local lads went off to serve their country. This caused grief and hardships for the families they left behind.
I look forward to the next chapter as the ending leaves you hanging!!
I received this book from Boldwood to review.
July 8, 2024
Courage for the Clarks Factory Girls is the second book in The Clarks Factory Girls series by May Ellis.
Kate, Louisa and Jeannie are still working at Clarks Shoe Factory and Louisa’s love is fighting for his country in France. When the girls receive some news, it devastates them; Louisa discovers something that destroys her family life. Kate and Jeannie do all they can to support her but are struggling themselves.
I particularly love the characters in this series; the depth of their friendship is heartening despite their different faiths and beliefs. If only the world could realise that being kind is the best thing to be in life!
Grab your copy today!
Kate, Louisa and Jeannie are still working at Clarks Shoe Factory and Louisa’s love is fighting for his country in France. When the girls receive some news, it devastates them; Louisa discovers something that destroys her family life. Kate and Jeannie do all they can to support her but are struggling themselves.
I particularly love the characters in this series; the depth of their friendship is heartening despite their different faiths and beliefs. If only the world could realise that being kind is the best thing to be in life!
Grab your copy today!
June 24, 2024
Such a thoroughly enjoyable series. I was thrilled to catch up with Kate, Louisa and Jeannie. In this book they are once again supporting each other through the sorrows and joys of their private lives. I felt so inspired by the courage they each have despite whatever hardships are thrown at them. Every chapter is heartfelt and you can feel the sincerity through the words. I had to remind myself that the characters and story is fictional. I didn't want it to end and can't wait for the next book to see what is instore for the girls.
July 4, 2024
Clarks shoes were an absolute staple when I was growing up and although I know this is fiction I love reading about the factory and the girls that work there.
It's 1915, times are dark and the war is raging. Ellis' writing style allowed me to slip back in time and easily picture the scenes as they emerged from the pages.
Jeannie, Kate and Louisa are such wonderful characters who are being buoyed along by their friendships and camaraderie.
The story is highly enjoyable, heartfelt and a brilliant inclusion to the saga.
It's 1915, times are dark and the war is raging. Ellis' writing style allowed me to slip back in time and easily picture the scenes as they emerged from the pages.
Jeannie, Kate and Louisa are such wonderful characters who are being buoyed along by their friendships and camaraderie.
The story is highly enjoyable, heartfelt and a brilliant inclusion to the saga.
January 18, 2025
The second book in this series - definitely best read in order - is another lovely read featuring the 3 best friends and their interaction with each other and their close family and co workers. Sensitive, authentic, you get to really know the characters and look forward to the next book in the series. Understanding how incredibly difficult times and traditions must have been for women especially in that time with war looming and many of the Clark's workers belonging to the Quaker faith.
Very much enjoyed.
Very much enjoyed.
July 11, 2024
Great read
I have really enjoyed the two books in the series. I love in Street and it has been great to read about and see today the roads they lived on. I can remember when Clark's was a factory before the Outlet village was built, first half then some years later the second half that opened onto the high street. Great character s, good story line keeps you reading. So pleased that is a next one coming. I was bought Clark's shoes as I grew up. Thank you.
I have really enjoyed the two books in the series. I love in Street and it has been great to read about and see today the roads they lived on. I can remember when Clark's was a factory before the Outlet village was built, first half then some years later the second half that opened onto the high street. Great character s, good story line keeps you reading. So pleased that is a next one coming. I was bought Clark's shoes as I grew up. Thank you.
May 21, 2024
Another saga involving Jeannie, Louisa and Kate. Best as always to read it in order and I can’t wait for the next one as this book leaves you with so many questions. WW1 is still in full flow so adjustments need to be made as well as village problems and the involvement of Clark’s Shoe Factory. An easy 5 stars 🌟 with wonderful characters and storyline. Thanks to May and her publisher.
June 13, 2024
It was nice to catch up with Jeannie, Kate and Louisa again. Life was hard during World War One and the girls were all finding it difficult for reasons of their own. I enjoyed following the ups and downs of their lives and their strong friendships that helped them. I look forward to seeing what happens next to them all in the next book.
July 9, 2024
Another wonderful read in this series. Courage for the Clarks Factory Girls did make for some heartbreaking reading at times (Louisa's story in particular). I just loved the friendship between thr three girls and how they were always looking out for one another during those dark days. I can't wait to see what the third book has in store for them.
September 20, 2024
This was so much better than the first book in the series. Having introduced the characters and their different beliefs in book 1, in book 2 we now see how those beliefs effect their lives as well as getting to know each character's personality more. I found it much easier to work out who I like and dislike, I can't wait for book 3
January 20, 2025
A lovely second book based on girls working at the Clark’s shoe factory during World War 1. This book highlights how attitudes have changed over the years ( thankfully!) towards unmarried pregnancies and bigoted so called God fearing people.
I now appreciate the horrors my grand father endured in the trenches too. I’m about to start the third book- can’t wait!
I now appreciate the horrors my grand father endured in the trenches too. I’m about to start the third book- can’t wait!
June 6, 2025
Book 2 ❤
I absolutely love this series. When you can't put a book down after the first couple of pages, you know you're in for a treat and this book didn't disappoint. The three friends and their families are still struggling with the loss and hardships they've suffered courtesy of the first world war but hopefully things can only get better. I'm off to find out with book 3.
I absolutely love this series. When you can't put a book down after the first couple of pages, you know you're in for a treat and this book didn't disappoint. The three friends and their families are still struggling with the loss and hardships they've suffered courtesy of the first world war but hopefully things can only get better. I'm off to find out with book 3.
May 27, 2024
Thank you to @theboldbookclub for giving me the chance to read this book. I love the girls from the Clarks shoe factory and what they get up to. I can’t wait for the next one to come out what a great series.
June 10, 2024
Set in 1915, this series follows the girls working at C&J Clarks shoe factory. A story of hardship and courage, sorrow and happiness.
I’m thoroughly enjoying this series.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest review.
I’m thoroughly enjoying this series.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest review.
July 7, 2024
abrupt ending
Repetitive at times and felt as if the story had been “padded out” I found this disappointing which caused me to flick forward the pages, to get to a more interesting part of the book.
Repetitive at times and felt as if the story had been “padded out” I found this disappointing which caused me to flick forward the pages, to get to a more interesting part of the book.
July 28, 2024
The continued story of Kate, Louisa and Jeannie is just as good as the first book in this series. The friends prove once again their love for each other in several challenging situations. Another enjoyable book by Mary Ellis. I look forward to what cones next. Thanks #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks
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