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The Great Western Railway Girls #2
The Great Western Railway Girls Do Their Bit
Discover a brand-new, unforgettable wartime saga filled with courage, camaraderie and hope. Perfect for fans of Nancy Revell and Daisy Styles. 🚂✨ 1940 - As the Nazi invaders race across Europe, the women of the Great Western Railway works pull together like never before.
Catherine wrestles with self-pity after a machine-shop accident. With her fiancé and brothers on the front lines in France, she must find a new way to fight on the home front.
At her side are her steadfast GWR friends, among them Maggie, facing the loss of her father and family home, and Lily, desperate for news of her childhood sweetheart. All are determined to keep morale high and do their bit to win the war.
Amid blackout nights and rationed days, as the war creeps closer to home, these resilient women forge deeper bonds of sisterhood, confronting heartache and embracing joy. Standing up and volunteering to do even more, when hundreds of thousands of exhausted and wounded troops are rescued from Dunkirk and arrive in Dover. Britain’s ships and small boats saved them, now the trains must move them to safety and the women need to help to keep them alive...
An inspiring story of friendship, courage and women’s strength on the home front.
Catherine wrestles with self-pity after a machine-shop accident. With her fiancé and brothers on the front lines in France, she must find a new way to fight on the home front.
At her side are her steadfast GWR friends, among them Maggie, facing the loss of her father and family home, and Lily, desperate for news of her childhood sweetheart. All are determined to keep morale high and do their bit to win the war.
Amid blackout nights and rationed days, as the war creeps closer to home, these resilient women forge deeper bonds of sisterhood, confronting heartache and embracing joy. Standing up and volunteering to do even more, when hundreds of thousands of exhausted and wounded troops are rescued from Dunkirk and arrive in Dover. Britain’s ships and small boats saved them, now the trains must move them to safety and the women need to help to keep them alive...
An inspiring story of friendship, courage and women’s strength on the home front.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2025
About the author
Jane Lark
38 books152 followersJane is a writer of authentic, passionate and emotional Historical and New Adult Romance, and a Kindle top 25 bestselling author.
She began her first historical novel at sixteen, but a life full of adversity derailed her as she lives with the restrictions of Ankylosing Spondylitis.
When she finally completed a novel it was because she was determined not to reach forty still saying, I want to write.
Now Jane is writing a Regency series and contemporary, new adult, stories and she is thrilled to be giving her characters life in others' imaginations at last.
You might think that Jane was inspired to write by Jane Austen, especially as she lives near Bath in the United Kingdom, but you would be wrong. Jane's favourite author is Anya Seton, and the book which drew her into the bliss of falling into historical imagination was 'Katherine' a story crafted from reality.
Jane has drawn on this inspiration to discover other real-life love stories, reading memoirs and letters to capture elements of the past, and she uses them to create more realistic plots.
'Basically I love history and I am sucker for a love story. I love the feeling of falling in love; it's wonderful being able to do it time and time again in fiction.'
Jane is also a Chartered Member of the Institute of Personnel and Development in the United Kingdom, and uses this specialist understanding of people to bring her characters to life.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 22, 2025
4.5★s
It was 1940 and the women of Swindon's Great Western Railway worked harder than ever. Making bombs to drop on Hitler and his army had never been so important. With Catherine trying to work without her right hand - the machine shop accident was catastrophic - and her friends and sisters; Maggie, Lily, Dot, and more, by her side, she knew others were also suffering. Catherine's fiance was fighting, Lily's Lenny was also. Plus her brothers and friend's family members were all over at France and Dunkirk. When the British announced they were picking up the troops and returning them to England, Catherine and her friends quickly prepared what needed to be done. The GWR supplied as many trains as they could; the men would arrive in Dover and be brought to camps to recover; hospitals if they were badly injured. A couple of days leave, then back into the fray. Catherine and Lily worked tirelessly at one of the camps, while others did different jobs, all vital.
The friendships between the women were important; the support for each other equally so. They were desperate to see their men, but would they return home? Were they still alive?
I thoroughly enjoyed The Great Western Railway Girls Do Their Bit by Jane Lark, and although it's #2 in the series, and I haven't read #1, I don't feel I missed out. But I'm really looking forward to #3 as the ending is a bit of a cliff hanger! Courage, friendship, strength and determination is the main theme through this book. It's also a different look at the war times, from the women left at home as their men fought for their country, and what they went through, and did, to keep the home fires burning. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
It was 1940 and the women of Swindon's Great Western Railway worked harder than ever. Making bombs to drop on Hitler and his army had never been so important. With Catherine trying to work without her right hand - the machine shop accident was catastrophic - and her friends and sisters; Maggie, Lily, Dot, and more, by her side, she knew others were also suffering. Catherine's fiance was fighting, Lily's Lenny was also. Plus her brothers and friend's family members were all over at France and Dunkirk. When the British announced they were picking up the troops and returning them to England, Catherine and her friends quickly prepared what needed to be done. The GWR supplied as many trains as they could; the men would arrive in Dover and be brought to camps to recover; hospitals if they were badly injured. A couple of days leave, then back into the fray. Catherine and Lily worked tirelessly at one of the camps, while others did different jobs, all vital.
The friendships between the women were important; the support for each other equally so. They were desperate to see their men, but would they return home? Were they still alive?
I thoroughly enjoyed The Great Western Railway Girls Do Their Bit by Jane Lark, and although it's #2 in the series, and I haven't read #1, I don't feel I missed out. But I'm really looking forward to #3 as the ending is a bit of a cliff hanger! Courage, friendship, strength and determination is the main theme through this book. It's also a different look at the war times, from the women left at home as their men fought for their country, and what they went through, and did, to keep the home fires burning. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
September 26, 2025
The second book in this series and we're back with the girls in the GWR factory. The ending of the first one was quite dramatic and I was anxious to see what would happen with this person in this story. I felt it was a little tame, the way it was dealt with. I think ordinarily it would have caused a lot more problems.
There are still a lot of characters and I kept getting confused with them. The dialogue came at the expense of a lot of narrative. Too much tell and not enough of the story through the girls own words.
You need to read the first one in the series or you will be quite lost. It lacked something that I couldn't put my finger on.
It might not be for me but it has it's fans and anyone who enjoys stories set in WWII will want to read it.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an early copy.
There are still a lot of characters and I kept getting confused with them. The dialogue came at the expense of a lot of narrative. Too much tell and not enough of the story through the girls own words.
You need to read the first one in the series or you will be quite lost. It lacked something that I couldn't put my finger on.
It might not be for me but it has it's fans and anyone who enjoys stories set in WWII will want to read it.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an early copy.
August 21, 2025
They are back. If you need a book that pulls on your heartstrings , this is the book for.you. if you want a book with strong community and friendships this is the book for you. I gobbled it UP.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
October 2, 2025
Book two in the Great Western Railway Girls series, it was so nice to be back with Maggie, Catherine and Lily and find out how they’re getting on . Catherine is struggling after a serious accident and both Lily and Maggie have personal things to deal with also. However they are always there for each other and this is very clear as the story progresses. I read a lot of historical saga books but this is the first series that involves the railway company and how it helped troops during these difficult times. I felt a bit emotional at times especially reading the parts when the trains went through the station and the women came out with food and other items to hand to the men on the train. They were there to support and encourage the men as they f0ught for their country. Whilst this wasn’t a fast paced read it was such an interesting one that the pace really suited the story. These women who stayed on the Home Front working for the railway company and indeed all other women working during these difficult times showed so much courage and strength . After reading the epilogue I now wait eagerly for book three in the series.
September 27, 2025
Great Western Railway Girls Do Their Bit is the second installment of the Great Western Railway Girls series set during WWII on the home front.
The Great Western Railway Girls Do Their Bit continues to follow the lives of Catherine, Maggie, and Lily. As the war increasingly affects their daily lives, they are determined to do their bit to win the war. Despite blackout nights, rationing, and dire news, they are resilient, and their bonds of friendship strengthen.
My favorite subgenre of WWII histfic is “women on the home front.” I often wonder how I would have done my bit to help win the war. These are stories of grit, determination, and women supporting women. Many women took on work that had been done by the men. They worried continuously about their husbands and sons who were fighting, and dealt with injuries upon their return.
This series highlights the vital role the Great Western Railway (GWR) played in the war effort, from moving supplies and essential goods to evacuation efforts to the transportation of injured soldiers. The three main characters of the series all work for the GWR in some capacity.
Strong themes in this series are women supporting women and friendship. Putting their differences aside, Catherine, Maggie, and Lily take care of each other and their families while facing some complicated circumstances. Their grit and camaraderie are inspiring as they cling to hope for a better and happier future.
Content Consideration: hardships of war on the home front
Fans of WWII histfic will appreciate this compelling story of friendship and life on the home front. I’m looking forward to the third installment.
Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #TheGreatWesternRailwayGirlsDoTheirBit upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
The Great Western Railway Girls Do Their Bit continues to follow the lives of Catherine, Maggie, and Lily. As the war increasingly affects their daily lives, they are determined to do their bit to win the war. Despite blackout nights, rationing, and dire news, they are resilient, and their bonds of friendship strengthen.
My favorite subgenre of WWII histfic is “women on the home front.” I often wonder how I would have done my bit to help win the war. These are stories of grit, determination, and women supporting women. Many women took on work that had been done by the men. They worried continuously about their husbands and sons who were fighting, and dealt with injuries upon their return.
This series highlights the vital role the Great Western Railway (GWR) played in the war effort, from moving supplies and essential goods to evacuation efforts to the transportation of injured soldiers. The three main characters of the series all work for the GWR in some capacity.
Strong themes in this series are women supporting women and friendship. Putting their differences aside, Catherine, Maggie, and Lily take care of each other and their families while facing some complicated circumstances. Their grit and camaraderie are inspiring as they cling to hope for a better and happier future.
Content Consideration: hardships of war on the home front
Fans of WWII histfic will appreciate this compelling story of friendship and life on the home front. I’m looking forward to the third installment.
Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #TheGreatWesternRailwayGirlsDoTheirBit upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
October 8, 2025
1940 for the Railway Girls
1940 was the year of retreat for the British, the year of the fires of the evacuation of France. All of these are experienced through the eyes of the girls who bonded so much in book one of the series. I learned how important the Railway was in helping to evacuate the rescued men from the boats and get them to medical help or wherever they needed to be. It was an emotional time, and not everyone made it back. Some of those who did make it home suffered from what became known as shell shock. I look forward to the next book in the series.
1940 was the year of retreat for the British, the year of the fires of the evacuation of France. All of these are experienced through the eyes of the girls who bonded so much in book one of the series. I learned how important the Railway was in helping to evacuate the rescued men from the boats and get them to medical help or wherever they needed to be. It was an emotional time, and not everyone made it back. Some of those who did make it home suffered from what became known as shell shock. I look forward to the next book in the series.
November 10, 2025
Jane Lark continues her enthralling World War Two saga series with the second terrific instalment, The Great Western Railway Girls Do Their Bit.
As the Nazi’s reign of terror continues to gather pace, Catherine, Maggie and Lily realise that with the future being so uncertain, the only way they can get through this horrible time is by sticking together and being there for one another. After a machine shop accident changed her forever, Catherine feels adrift and frightened. With her brothers and fiancé away doing their duty for king and country, she needs to find a new way to keep the home fires burning and to do her bit.
Both Maggie and Lily have got their own crosses to bear. Maggie has lost everything after losing her father and family home in one fell swoop and Lily pines for news of her childhood sweetheart. However, they refuse to let anyone quell their spirits. There are some very tough times ahead, but Catherine, Lily and Maggie vow to continue forging forward and not to give in to the enemy.
As the friendship between the three of them strengthens, they volunteer to do more for their beloved country, particularly after the troops are rescued from Dunkirk. Will Catherine, Maggie and Lily find the courage to carry on even when the odds are stacked against them? Or will they finally crumble under pressure?
Evocative, poignant and full of heart, The Great Western Railways Girls Do Their Bit is a first-rate saga about friendship, community, resilience and romance from Jane Lark that will thrill fans of Rosie Clarke and Nancy Revell. An emotional, uplifting and inspiring read about three women prepared to do whatever it takes to rise above the obstacles in their way, The Great Western Railways Girls Do Their Bit is another must-read by Jane Lark.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As the Nazi’s reign of terror continues to gather pace, Catherine, Maggie and Lily realise that with the future being so uncertain, the only way they can get through this horrible time is by sticking together and being there for one another. After a machine shop accident changed her forever, Catherine feels adrift and frightened. With her brothers and fiancé away doing their duty for king and country, she needs to find a new way to keep the home fires burning and to do her bit.
Both Maggie and Lily have got their own crosses to bear. Maggie has lost everything after losing her father and family home in one fell swoop and Lily pines for news of her childhood sweetheart. However, they refuse to let anyone quell their spirits. There are some very tough times ahead, but Catherine, Lily and Maggie vow to continue forging forward and not to give in to the enemy.
As the friendship between the three of them strengthens, they volunteer to do more for their beloved country, particularly after the troops are rescued from Dunkirk. Will Catherine, Maggie and Lily find the courage to carry on even when the odds are stacked against them? Or will they finally crumble under pressure?
Evocative, poignant and full of heart, The Great Western Railways Girls Do Their Bit is a first-rate saga about friendship, community, resilience and romance from Jane Lark that will thrill fans of Rosie Clarke and Nancy Revell. An emotional, uplifting and inspiring read about three women prepared to do whatever it takes to rise above the obstacles in their way, The Great Western Railways Girls Do Their Bit is another must-read by Jane Lark.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 27, 2025
The Great Western Railway Girls Do Their Bit is the second book in the series and it was a joy to be reunited with these girls.
There are some truly emotional highs and lows woven through the entire story. Joyous celebrations and happy homecomings; mixed with loss, grief and the trauma of war.
But in every circumstance, these girls display immense courage; their friendship is visibly strong; and they are determined to keep fighting.
Mr and Mrs Faraday, Chief Gardener of the GWR Park and his wife, are particular favourite characters of mine in this story. Their kindness, generosity and good old common sense seems to know no bounds. I think their home could literally be bursting at the seams and they would still warmly welcome another person in!
How perfectly fitting that this book should be published today, 27th September 2025, which marks 200 years since the first passenger rail service. I am proud to be a girl working in rail and today our industry is celebrating the bicentenary of an invention that changed the world. The GWR Girls Do Their Bit wonderfully portrays the crucial role the railway had during wartime; specifically in the Dunkirk evacuation when trains collected and transported more than 338,000 rescued troops.
Just last month, I had the pleasure of visiting Steam, the museum of the Great Western Railway in Swindon. Many of the GWR buildings have been preserved and the museum does indeed make reference to women taking on roles there during wartime. I highly recommend a visit to this brilliant museum and the surrounding area…..go and walk in the footsteps of Lily, Catherine and Maggie in the workshops and the railway village…..and yes, even The Glue Pot is still there!
Thank you to Boldwood Books for a digital copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There are some truly emotional highs and lows woven through the entire story. Joyous celebrations and happy homecomings; mixed with loss, grief and the trauma of war.
But in every circumstance, these girls display immense courage; their friendship is visibly strong; and they are determined to keep fighting.
Mr and Mrs Faraday, Chief Gardener of the GWR Park and his wife, are particular favourite characters of mine in this story. Their kindness, generosity and good old common sense seems to know no bounds. I think their home could literally be bursting at the seams and they would still warmly welcome another person in!
How perfectly fitting that this book should be published today, 27th September 2025, which marks 200 years since the first passenger rail service. I am proud to be a girl working in rail and today our industry is celebrating the bicentenary of an invention that changed the world. The GWR Girls Do Their Bit wonderfully portrays the crucial role the railway had during wartime; specifically in the Dunkirk evacuation when trains collected and transported more than 338,000 rescued troops.
Just last month, I had the pleasure of visiting Steam, the museum of the Great Western Railway in Swindon. Many of the GWR buildings have been preserved and the museum does indeed make reference to women taking on roles there during wartime. I highly recommend a visit to this brilliant museum and the surrounding area…..go and walk in the footsteps of Lily, Catherine and Maggie in the workshops and the railway village…..and yes, even The Glue Pot is still there!
Thank you to Boldwood Books for a digital copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2025
The second book in the Great Western Railway Girls. This is a book I was actually waiting for after reading the first one. I was interested in discovering how the girls get on after the events from previously.
Catherine, Lily, and Maggie are all suffering in their different ways. Each are still determined to try to keep everyone's chins up and carry on doing their best to help win the war. After Dunkirk, they take part in helping the thousands of troops, injured and exhausted troops from Dover to safety. The enormity of the task hits home when they realise they have to help them stay alive until then.
I have to say, I always say I love to be educated and entertained. This series is educating me in the role of the Great Western Railway Girls during the war. I had no clue about these things before this. I am in awe of the people who lived through these times. Jane Lark has essentially brought back to life the spirit of the communities and women during the 1940s.
Her characterisation is excellent. The women are so lifelike that I felt like I was returning to friends. All three grow closer as the story unfolds, and I was so glad to see it happen. I really felt emotional for them all as I read.
The research for this series has to have been immense. It is so well done and with so much sensitivity that the empathy I felt for the troops, the women, and even the community, as everyone pulled together to support them in their recovery.
Historical fiction with heart! I didn't want to get to the end and leave everyone. I did try to savour each chapter, but there was no hope, I kept turning the pages thinking, "Just one more chapter." Even now, I am still thinking of this story.
Catherine, Lily, and Maggie are all suffering in their different ways. Each are still determined to try to keep everyone's chins up and carry on doing their best to help win the war. After Dunkirk, they take part in helping the thousands of troops, injured and exhausted troops from Dover to safety. The enormity of the task hits home when they realise they have to help them stay alive until then.
I have to say, I always say I love to be educated and entertained. This series is educating me in the role of the Great Western Railway Girls during the war. I had no clue about these things before this. I am in awe of the people who lived through these times. Jane Lark has essentially brought back to life the spirit of the communities and women during the 1940s.
Her characterisation is excellent. The women are so lifelike that I felt like I was returning to friends. All three grow closer as the story unfolds, and I was so glad to see it happen. I really felt emotional for them all as I read.
The research for this series has to have been immense. It is so well done and with so much sensitivity that the empathy I felt for the troops, the women, and even the community, as everyone pulled together to support them in their recovery.
Historical fiction with heart! I didn't want to get to the end and leave everyone. I did try to savour each chapter, but there was no hope, I kept turning the pages thinking, "Just one more chapter." Even now, I am still thinking of this story.
December 15, 2025
In the latest book in this charming World War II historical fiction series from Jane Lark, readers follow Catherine, recovering from an injury sustained while working in the machine shop, and her friends Maggie, grieving her father and childhood home, and Lily, missing her childhood sweetheart. As the war becomes more and more real with blackouts and rationing, the three women must band together in the face of the Nazi threat and the challenges they face at home. With soldiers needing to be evacuated from Dunkirk and other difficulties ahead of them in 1940, the girls must do their bit and keep hope alive as the war continues. The characters are the absolute stars of the book, and the mix of internal and external conflicts add great depth to their storylines. Their dynamic as friends really pulls readers into the story, and the world-building and historical details are naturally excellent as a backdrop to the narrative. The growth from the previous installment in this historical fiction series really adds to the sense of continuity between books, and readers will really enjoy how Catherine, Maggie, and Lily’s storylines progress in this cozy and emotional new World War II title from Jane Lark.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
September 12, 2025
Having enjoyed the first in this series, I was keen to read another. The lives of the characters has moved on to 1940, with many of the young men now away in Europe. The young women of Swindon who work at the Great Western Railway have taken over many of their jobs and are showing determination and grit. Catherine is coming to tewrms with the loss of her right hand but is still very keen to do some sort of work to help the war effort.
The group of friends are all trying to carry on despite the constant worry of the war. Maggie has to face moving from her family home and Lily is desperately missing her great friend and loved one. The lives of the community are all impacted by events in the war over in France and real historical events loom large. Through them, you see the spirit and the fear of those at home and also in some cases, the terrible effect the fighting is having on the young men who are fighting. There is sadness and romance in this story which any lover of second world war fiction will become hooked in and keen to find out what happens in book 3.
In short: vividly written
Thanks to the publisher
The group of friends are all trying to carry on despite the constant worry of the war. Maggie has to face moving from her family home and Lily is desperately missing her great friend and loved one. The lives of the community are all impacted by events in the war over in France and real historical events loom large. Through them, you see the spirit and the fear of those at home and also in some cases, the terrible effect the fighting is having on the young men who are fighting. There is sadness and romance in this story which any lover of second world war fiction will become hooked in and keen to find out what happens in book 3.
In short: vividly written
Thanks to the publisher
September 21, 2025
The Great Western Railway Girls #2
1940: As the Nazi invaders race across Europe, the woman of the Great Western Railway works pull together like never before.
Catherine wrestles with self-pity after a machine shop accident. With her fiance and brothers away on the front lines near France, she must find a way to fight on the home front.
At her side on the steadfast GWR friends among them Maggie, facing the loss of her father and family home, and Lily, desperate for news of her childhood sweetheart. All are determined to keep up morale and do their bit to win the war.
This is an emotional read. We learn of some of the things the women had to do to keep things moving at home while the men were away fighting in the war. We also learn how women made strong friendships during these difficult times. The railway is sending trains to the coast to pick up troops. This is a great addition to the series and I cannot wait to read what is happening in the next book.
Published 27th September 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #JaneLark for my ARC of #TheGreatWesternRailwayGirlsDoTheirBit in exchange for an honest review.
1940: As the Nazi invaders race across Europe, the woman of the Great Western Railway works pull together like never before.
Catherine wrestles with self-pity after a machine shop accident. With her fiance and brothers away on the front lines near France, she must find a way to fight on the home front.
At her side on the steadfast GWR friends among them Maggie, facing the loss of her father and family home, and Lily, desperate for news of her childhood sweetheart. All are determined to keep up morale and do their bit to win the war.
This is an emotional read. We learn of some of the things the women had to do to keep things moving at home while the men were away fighting in the war. We also learn how women made strong friendships during these difficult times. The railway is sending trains to the coast to pick up troops. This is a great addition to the series and I cannot wait to read what is happening in the next book.
Published 27th September 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #JaneLark for my ARC of #TheGreatWesternRailwayGirlsDoTheirBit in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2025
It took me a while to become invested in this story. I enjoyed reading more about the lives of friends Catherine, Lily and Maggie. It wasn't until the women played their part in helping when soldiers needed rescuing from Dunkirk that I could immerse myself in the story. From that point, I couldn't read quickly enough to find out what would happen and who, if anybody, from the girls' friends and families came home.
I was fascinated to read about the significant role the trains and the staff who operated them played in repatriating the soldiers from the Dunkirk beaches. It made me quite emotional how everybody pulled together and how many of the returning soldiers were badly injured. Books based on fact will always affect me because I know, although I am reading about fictional characters, somebody will have gone through what these characters did. The author has obviously put much research and care into writing this, and it shows.
A slow start led to an epic ending, and I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
I was fascinated to read about the significant role the trains and the staff who operated them played in repatriating the soldiers from the Dunkirk beaches. It made me quite emotional how everybody pulled together and how many of the returning soldiers were badly injured. Books based on fact will always affect me because I know, although I am reading about fictional characters, somebody will have gone through what these characters did. The author has obviously put much research and care into writing this, and it shows.
A slow start led to an epic ending, and I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 27, 2025
It was great to catch up with the Railway Girls with the promise of more to come. Book 3 is in the pipeline.
This was full of sadness, friendship, community and in some ways hope.
The return of the soldiers from Dunkirk was dealt with with empathy and full of information about how not only the Railway Girls but the whole of Swindon did their best to support the men when they were at their lowest.
As with other Jane Lark books this was well researched and well written. It took a while to get to remember the characters - I have read a lot of books since the previous one of these. But there was just enough information to work out who was who. There was one occasion when I looked in book 1 to place a character..
A great read for those that love historical WW2 fiction and like the idea of a different slant on the work that women did during the war..
Roll on book 3
This was full of sadness, friendship, community and in some ways hope.
The return of the soldiers from Dunkirk was dealt with with empathy and full of information about how not only the Railway Girls but the whole of Swindon did their best to support the men when they were at their lowest.
As with other Jane Lark books this was well researched and well written. It took a while to get to remember the characters - I have read a lot of books since the previous one of these. But there was just enough information to work out who was who. There was one occasion when I looked in book 1 to place a character..
A great read for those that love historical WW2 fiction and like the idea of a different slant on the work that women did during the war..
Roll on book 3
December 21, 2025
Having been a while since I read book one in the series it took me a while to once again get acquainted with the characters. There are also lots of "main characters" rather than the usual couple so it made it even harder to remember everyone. I was pleased that the book had a more war focus than the first in the series with the Dunkirk evacuation featuring heavily. It is through books like this that I have learnt so much about things which happened during the war. I did think the book missed mentioning the important of the "little ships" that went to rescue the men from the beaches. I felt the book ended quite abruptly but assume things such as the Nun storyline will be further explored in book three.
I did enjoy the title and would recommend it to people who enjoy historical fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for allowing me to read and review an Arc copy.
I did enjoy the title and would recommend it to people who enjoy historical fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for allowing me to read and review an Arc copy.
October 22, 2025
Another wonderful book in the series. We continue with the railway girls and see what happens with them.
I liked finding out what will happen with the woman and their families would there be heartache only time would tell. How they were all working on helping the forces by building the bombs. It was interesting to read about the evacuation of the troops in France and how the trains came by the station and all the town people being at the station to give practically all the food they had.
I really enjoyed all the woman and showed how strong characters they were. You could see how some of the soldiers were suffering from the War and any noise they were affected.
The story certainly kept me wanting to read on to find out what happened to them.
I liked finding out what will happen with the woman and their families would there be heartache only time would tell. How they were all working on helping the forces by building the bombs. It was interesting to read about the evacuation of the troops in France and how the trains came by the station and all the town people being at the station to give practically all the food they had.
I really enjoyed all the woman and showed how strong characters they were. You could see how some of the soldiers were suffering from the War and any noise they were affected.
The story certainly kept me wanting to read on to find out what happened to them.
August 29, 2025
I loved this book! It was good to catch up with the Railway Girls they feel like old friends. The troops are being brought home from the beaches of Dunkirk where they are trapped. Personal water crafts are being called on to go and pick them up. The railways are doing their bit, they are sending trains to the coast to pick the troops up and bring them to safety for rest, food and medical care. A lot of exciting stuff is going on in this book with the women’s personal lives so I sat down and read this and couldn’t put it down. A really enjoyable read and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Highly recommend.
September 24, 2025
Thank you for the publisher, Boldwood Books, and to NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. I did not realize it was book 2 in a series, but I was able to catch on to the characters and their backstories well enough. I have read many WWII books...it is my favorite genre. While it was interesting to read about the work these English women did at the Railway company to help Britain's efforts in the war, the book was just OK. I was not attached to any of the characters and really was just happy to get to the end of the book. Even worse, the story didn't really end, because there is a book 3, so I was left feeling unsatisfied.
October 1, 2025
After a dramatic conclusion to the first book in this World War II on the Home Front series, this one begins quietly. The drama deepens as the story unfolds, and the women of the Great Western Railway do more than their bit for the war effort, despite their relentless shifts and personal tragedies. They epitomise the wartime spirit of the period. I enjoyed the depth of characterisation and the focus on the women's role in war. I appreciated the dynamic between the women and the community spirit the story evokes. It is also fascinating to learn about this aspect of the Home Front.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
August 18, 2025
As the war continues to rage and it seems to be getting closer and closer the GWR girls are eager to do their bit too help. Maggie, Lily and Catherine are firm friends and support each other through everything. In this book they face quite a bit and also blossoming love interests. I enjoy catching up with the girls even though I don't fully understand the work that happens at the GWR I still absolutely thrive on the plot. It captured me in its clutches from the start and I loved it all the way through. My favourite part of this book was being introduced to Mr Tabs the stray cat.
January 24, 2026
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I have read another book by this author it was actually part of the series. This book was just okay... I really wanted to like this book but it was just a no for me. I just find this series very liberal...I can tell what the authors political views are just by this book. I just could not get into it.....I don't think I would read from this author anymore.
August 25, 2025
I’ve not read book one of this series and it was painfully obvious I’ve missed a lot of really important elements to the story.
I wouldn’t recommend this as a standalone, but I did enjoy it enough to now go and seek out book one from the series.
I wouldn’t recommend this as a standalone, but I did enjoy it enough to now go and seek out book one from the series.
September 20, 2025
A fantastic second book in this series and I can’t wait for the third as this one leaves you with more questions and wanting to know more. Brilliant storytelling and building on book one. Thanks to Jane and Boldwood.
August 15, 2025
A great look at the home front war during the early part of WWII and the civilian efforts to support the troops after the Dunkirk evacuation. I hope this series will continue throughout the war.
October 17, 2025
What a wonderfully moving historical fiction story! While this is book two, this can easily be read as a standalone. Although now I’m adding book one and three on to my TBR. So many books, so little time! The historical details are so vivid that I felt like I was there with the women. Parts of the story made me emotional, but there’s always hope and courage. For readers of historical fiction featuring (and celebrating) the strength of women and their friendships, this is the book for you. So well done.
Grabbed this one on audio and it was an excellent production.
Grabbed this one on audio and it was an excellent production.
September 27, 2025
I am enjoying the women of the Great Western Railway. The stories create so many emotions. The stories give glimpses into what it might have like for those at home. Reading stories about of how the Brits did their bit during the rescue from Dunkirk was intriguing. The tension of waiting to see who survived was intense. The heartbreak over loss excruciating.
Being transported back in time to WW2 Britain was an eye opener. I had heard and read a lot about Dunkirk. What I am ashamed to admit, is that I never thought much about those that welcomed them home. I didn't think about the volunteers that made their arrival a little bit better. The characters were so brave as they faced so many injured soldiers and quickly learned how the war was affecting them mentally. I could help but have tears drop. It wasn't just the soldier affected. The situation was heart breaking.
Family drama explodes off the pages. Open the book and experience the challenges of the married women that still wanted to work. Before Dunkirk that would not be allowed. In war I thought that a lot of the old beliefs would fade away. I am saddened to admit how wrong I was. To be pregnant and not married was looked down upon. To have a baby and then the father dies before marriage was even worse. The mother and baby are left with nothing and very few prospects. The decisions that had to be made left me broken but in awe of the selfishness of some.
We can all benefit from reading stories such as this. We can gain understanding of the past. We can catch glimpses of the need to survive. We can experience their fear as planes fly overhead. With each book, we can learn from the past and work towards a better tomorrow.
Being transported back in time to WW2 Britain was an eye opener. I had heard and read a lot about Dunkirk. What I am ashamed to admit, is that I never thought much about those that welcomed them home. I didn't think about the volunteers that made their arrival a little bit better. The characters were so brave as they faced so many injured soldiers and quickly learned how the war was affecting them mentally. I could help but have tears drop. It wasn't just the soldier affected. The situation was heart breaking.
Family drama explodes off the pages. Open the book and experience the challenges of the married women that still wanted to work. Before Dunkirk that would not be allowed. In war I thought that a lot of the old beliefs would fade away. I am saddened to admit how wrong I was. To be pregnant and not married was looked down upon. To have a baby and then the father dies before marriage was even worse. The mother and baby are left with nothing and very few prospects. The decisions that had to be made left me broken but in awe of the selfishness of some.
We can all benefit from reading stories such as this. We can gain understanding of the past. We can catch glimpses of the need to survive. We can experience their fear as planes fly overhead. With each book, we can learn from the past and work towards a better tomorrow.
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