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Cider Girls #1
Wartime with the Cider Girls
A sweeping and utterly heart-stirring wartime saga of friendship, love and courage against the odds. Perfect for fans of Call the Midwife, Home Fires, Elaine Everest and Betty Walker! Can their home-front resistance see them through the darkest days?
When war breaks out, Rose Flaherty is eager to do her bit. Swapping city life in Birmingham for the fields of Somerset, she joins the Land Army to help keep Britain fed. But life on the farm is tough, the work backbreaking – and the farmer’s son, Jimmy, isn’t exactly welcoming.
An accident in the orchard brings Rose into the path of nurse Daisy and ATS clerk Elsie, and soon the three girls form an unbreakable bond. But even their quiet corner of the countryside can’t escape the shadow of war.
When Rose uncovers suspicious behaviour and whispers of a secret resistance network, she finds herself pulled into a world of coded messages, hidden identities – and very real danger.
As enemy forces close in, can the girls’ friendship and fierce spirit help protect those they love… and win a battle no one knows they’re fighting?
When war breaks out, Rose Flaherty is eager to do her bit. Swapping city life in Birmingham for the fields of Somerset, she joins the Land Army to help keep Britain fed. But life on the farm is tough, the work backbreaking – and the farmer’s son, Jimmy, isn’t exactly welcoming.
An accident in the orchard brings Rose into the path of nurse Daisy and ATS clerk Elsie, and soon the three girls form an unbreakable bond. But even their quiet corner of the countryside can’t escape the shadow of war.
When Rose uncovers suspicious behaviour and whispers of a secret resistance network, she finds herself pulled into a world of coded messages, hidden identities – and very real danger.
As enemy forces close in, can the girls’ friendship and fierce spirit help protect those they love… and win a battle no one knows they’re fighting?
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2025
162 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 14, 2025
3rd of September 1939, England. The narrative follows Rose Flaherty, Elsie Bloomfield and Daisy Selway after the outbreak of World War Two.
Rose is tired of working in the button factory in Birmingham, her parents and six brothers fuss over her and she wants an adventure. Rose joins the Women's Land Army, her first job is a disaster until she’s sent to the Morgan’s farm to help keep the nation fed.
Daisy is nurse, she returns home to Somerset to be a district nurse and Elsie is a member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service and she joined when he sister Gertie stopped speaking to her and she's on her own.
A story about living and working in the Somerset area, it was important not just because of it growing apples, making cider and Clark’s shoes, it was a prime location for the Germans to invade.
The young ladies became friends, and you read about the challenges they faced, worrying about brothers fighting in the war, odd behaviour by some members of the Home Guard, including Jimmy Morgan who drives Rose crazy and in their spare time they boosted morale by going to dances.
Men who served in The Great War, doctors and nurses, young lads and women became part of a secret resistance network called the Stay Behinds and if England was invaded and they thought it would be, their job was to go to ground, hold off the Germans for long enough for the main army to return and I had never read anything about this before and it’s fascinating.
I received a copy of Wartime with the Cider Girls from NetGalley and Boldwood Books exchange for an honest review. I have read about this location before in May Ellis’s previous series The Clarks Factory Girls, the owners of the factory were Quakers and so were many of their staff.
A stirring narrative about England’s wartime home front, camaraderie, friendship, courage, hardship, love and crushes and I’m keen to read the next book in the series and five stars from me.
Rose is tired of working in the button factory in Birmingham, her parents and six brothers fuss over her and she wants an adventure. Rose joins the Women's Land Army, her first job is a disaster until she’s sent to the Morgan’s farm to help keep the nation fed.
Daisy is nurse, she returns home to Somerset to be a district nurse and Elsie is a member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service and she joined when he sister Gertie stopped speaking to her and she's on her own.
A story about living and working in the Somerset area, it was important not just because of it growing apples, making cider and Clark’s shoes, it was a prime location for the Germans to invade.
The young ladies became friends, and you read about the challenges they faced, worrying about brothers fighting in the war, odd behaviour by some members of the Home Guard, including Jimmy Morgan who drives Rose crazy and in their spare time they boosted morale by going to dances.
Men who served in The Great War, doctors and nurses, young lads and women became part of a secret resistance network called the Stay Behinds and if England was invaded and they thought it would be, their job was to go to ground, hold off the Germans for long enough for the main army to return and I had never read anything about this before and it’s fascinating.
I received a copy of Wartime with the Cider Girls from NetGalley and Boldwood Books exchange for an honest review. I have read about this location before in May Ellis’s previous series The Clarks Factory Girls, the owners of the factory were Quakers and so were many of their staff.
A stirring narrative about England’s wartime home front, camaraderie, friendship, courage, hardship, love and crushes and I’m keen to read the next book in the series and five stars from me.
October 6, 2025
I received a free copy of, Wartime with the Cider Girls by, May Ellis , from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Rose meets Daisy and Elsie, during the war working on a farm in Somerset, to help feed her beloved country. It must of been so hard living in war times and having to ration your food, to not have sugar to use, which we take for granted today. This was a good read.
September 28, 2025
it is a good start to a New series. but in my opinion it started a little bit too slow. thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
October 1, 2025
A lovely start to a new series which gives you an insight into hoe hard the Land Girls worked during the war. An easy read which I dived into easily. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
November 10, 2025
This is the first book in a new series by May Ellis and I can say from reading this first book it’s going to be another brilliant series by this author . It didn’t take me long to settle into this story and get acquainted with all the characters . It was wonderful to see the friendship develop between Rose, Daisy and Elsie as the story progressed. For those of you who have read The Clark’s Factory Girls series you will recognise some familiar characters. I absolutely loved this one and can’t wait to read book two in the series
November 11, 2025
I love the cider girls! Their stories are so interesting. I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen. When I got to the end, I realized there was a part 2. I can’t wait to read it when it comes out.
November 7, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood for an ARC of this novel.
Although not a direct sequel, this entry into May Ellis’s new saga about enlisted women’s efforts in Britain during the Second World War references her earlier series on the Clark’s factory girls. The setting in Somerset is the same—the local in-joke is that Somerset is famous for three things, cider, cheddar, and Clark’s. Much of the action here takes place in Street, where the factory is located. Those familiar with that series will recall that the Clarks are Quakers. Their young son Mattie reappears, now a doctor, and once again subject to public accusations of disloyalty because of Quaker pacifism. He is also the undeclared love interest of local farm girl Daisy Selway, a childhood friend whose obvious devotion to him he reads as platonic—while fighting his own non-platonic feelings for her. Mattie’s medical training, in fact, inspired Daisy to complete nurse training and she has just returned from Bristol to work locally as a district nurse.
The other two cider girls are Rose Flaherty, who hails from a family of six over-protective brothers and loving but needy parents. As the only daughter, she is duty-bound to take care of them. In her view, her life has been stifled by this unfair gendered duty, preventing her from leaving hearth and home. Her brothers notoriously ‘discourage’ potential suitors. She hates her job at the button factory and longs to spread her wings. Without their knowledge and despite their opposition, she enlists in the Land Army and is posted to an Exmoor farm under a loutish and violent farmer.
Finally, there is Elsie Bloomfield, working in London as a ‘telephonist,’ stoic and honest and very desperately alone. Her parents are long dead and she is estranged from her only sister, Gertie, after a falling out that Gertie caused but for which Ellie is paying the price. She, too, signs up with the Auxiliary Territorial Services (ATS), for the opposite reason to Rose’s—she longs to be among people. After basic training, clerical training, and training to drive various vehicles, she is sent to Colehill House, where, much to her surprise, none of her new skills are put to use. Rather, her civilian job has outfitted her to become a radio operator in Winston Churchill’s new ‘underground army’ of top secret resistance fighters. Slowly, she begins a hopeful relationship with a young lieutenant, Charles Jameson.
Extricated from her terrible posting by a sympathetic traveling supervisor, Rose is happily doing her all in the Morgan family farm in no time, where she is treated respectfully and kindly. Younger son Jimmy is a bit stand-offish at first, but she soon wins him over. Will he become her first suitor, far from her brothers’ gaze?
The story moves back and forth among the three main female characters without convergence until an actual accident on the Morgan farm brings them together. They form a tight bond very quickly, in a setting of wartime danger that makes second chances rare. Just as the Nazi fire bombing of London commences, and invasion seems eminent, they find themselves sustained by their female bonds and no longer so focused on the male attachments they had sought. They decide that, until the war ends, it will be ‘just the cider girls against the world.’
I was interested to learn that the ‘cider girls’ of the title does not refer to the work they do. It was a local classification given to young women in Somerset, famous for its apple orchards that produced cider both good and rough, the latter for local consumption. Here it is used by Rose’s brothers to tease her about what she would be doing in Somerset; it soon came to signify enlisted women in the region.
This is in many ways a grim story, but May Ellis once again manages to tell it in such a way that, even in the darkest moments, personal and historical, hope and love are glimmers of light. This ‘chapter’ ended abruptly, pointing the way to the next one, as the three friends continue the battle in a number of ways.
Although not a direct sequel, this entry into May Ellis’s new saga about enlisted women’s efforts in Britain during the Second World War references her earlier series on the Clark’s factory girls. The setting in Somerset is the same—the local in-joke is that Somerset is famous for three things, cider, cheddar, and Clark’s. Much of the action here takes place in Street, where the factory is located. Those familiar with that series will recall that the Clarks are Quakers. Their young son Mattie reappears, now a doctor, and once again subject to public accusations of disloyalty because of Quaker pacifism. He is also the undeclared love interest of local farm girl Daisy Selway, a childhood friend whose obvious devotion to him he reads as platonic—while fighting his own non-platonic feelings for her. Mattie’s medical training, in fact, inspired Daisy to complete nurse training and she has just returned from Bristol to work locally as a district nurse.
The other two cider girls are Rose Flaherty, who hails from a family of six over-protective brothers and loving but needy parents. As the only daughter, she is duty-bound to take care of them. In her view, her life has been stifled by this unfair gendered duty, preventing her from leaving hearth and home. Her brothers notoriously ‘discourage’ potential suitors. She hates her job at the button factory and longs to spread her wings. Without their knowledge and despite their opposition, she enlists in the Land Army and is posted to an Exmoor farm under a loutish and violent farmer.
Finally, there is Elsie Bloomfield, working in London as a ‘telephonist,’ stoic and honest and very desperately alone. Her parents are long dead and she is estranged from her only sister, Gertie, after a falling out that Gertie caused but for which Ellie is paying the price. She, too, signs up with the Auxiliary Territorial Services (ATS), for the opposite reason to Rose’s—she longs to be among people. After basic training, clerical training, and training to drive various vehicles, she is sent to Colehill House, where, much to her surprise, none of her new skills are put to use. Rather, her civilian job has outfitted her to become a radio operator in Winston Churchill’s new ‘underground army’ of top secret resistance fighters. Slowly, she begins a hopeful relationship with a young lieutenant, Charles Jameson.
Extricated from her terrible posting by a sympathetic traveling supervisor, Rose is happily doing her all in the Morgan family farm in no time, where she is treated respectfully and kindly. Younger son Jimmy is a bit stand-offish at first, but she soon wins him over. Will he become her first suitor, far from her brothers’ gaze?
The story moves back and forth among the three main female characters without convergence until an actual accident on the Morgan farm brings them together. They form a tight bond very quickly, in a setting of wartime danger that makes second chances rare. Just as the Nazi fire bombing of London commences, and invasion seems eminent, they find themselves sustained by their female bonds and no longer so focused on the male attachments they had sought. They decide that, until the war ends, it will be ‘just the cider girls against the world.’
I was interested to learn that the ‘cider girls’ of the title does not refer to the work they do. It was a local classification given to young women in Somerset, famous for its apple orchards that produced cider both good and rough, the latter for local consumption. Here it is used by Rose’s brothers to tease her about what she would be doing in Somerset; it soon came to signify enlisted women in the region.
This is in many ways a grim story, but May Ellis once again manages to tell it in such a way that, even in the darkest moments, personal and historical, hope and love are glimmers of light. This ‘chapter’ ended abruptly, pointing the way to the next one, as the three friends continue the battle in a number of ways.
November 12, 2025
A brand new book from the very popular author May Ellis, Wartime With The Cider Girls starts on 3rd September 1939 and war has just been declared. We meet Rose Flaherty and she is listening to the broadcast on the radio with her family, and her mum is really worried about her brothers being called up. Her oldest brother Liam is married and a police Constable, Declan wants to join the air force, Sean and Patrick want to join the Navy and Michael and Anthony want to join the Army. Rose is the youngest child and tries to comfort her mother although at the back of her mind she knows that she too wants to spread her wings and do something.
In April 1940 and Elsie and her colleague Maggie are on their way to catch the early train. They have just finished their ATS training and are now qualified to drive trucks. Elsie has also just been approached about doing secret radio work and is prepared to do it the best she can.
Daisy Selway is a district nurse, working alongside the local Doctor and visiting a range of people from the elderly to young evacuees. She enjoys her work but missed her family farm just outside Street in Somerset so was pleased when this job came up but is worried about her dad's health. When taking a much needed break and taking a leisurely bike ride, she came across Rose, who had been knocked over and trod on by the cows she was milking, leaving her in pain and a swollen ankle, she eventually manages to get her help by stopping a car driven by Elsie. This is the start of a great friendship.
There is certainly plenty of action as the story progresses from train derailment, the "stop line" to prevent enemy advances in the case of possible German invasion, the local defence volunteers doing their best to patrol the country lanes and villages, and soon the three girls become really good friends and the land girl, the district nurse and the ATS girl are soon known as the "Cider Girls " and this is their stories and extremely moving and good stories they are too.
I particularly liked the background to the story and the characters and locations that appeared in May Ellis's previous books about the people who worked at the Clarkes Factory in Street in Somerset. (Although it doesn't matter if you haven't read them, but I would certainly recommend reading them).
I was so glued to the pages I was so sorry when I reached the last few pages, I really wanted to read more and now can't wait for the next book in this series set in Somerset and featuring the three " Cider Girls ". A well-deserved five-star read from me.
#Netgalley
#MayEllis
#Boldwoodbooks
#WartimeWithTheCiderGirls
In April 1940 and Elsie and her colleague Maggie are on their way to catch the early train. They have just finished their ATS training and are now qualified to drive trucks. Elsie has also just been approached about doing secret radio work and is prepared to do it the best she can.
Daisy Selway is a district nurse, working alongside the local Doctor and visiting a range of people from the elderly to young evacuees. She enjoys her work but missed her family farm just outside Street in Somerset so was pleased when this job came up but is worried about her dad's health. When taking a much needed break and taking a leisurely bike ride, she came across Rose, who had been knocked over and trod on by the cows she was milking, leaving her in pain and a swollen ankle, she eventually manages to get her help by stopping a car driven by Elsie. This is the start of a great friendship.
There is certainly plenty of action as the story progresses from train derailment, the "stop line" to prevent enemy advances in the case of possible German invasion, the local defence volunteers doing their best to patrol the country lanes and villages, and soon the three girls become really good friends and the land girl, the district nurse and the ATS girl are soon known as the "Cider Girls " and this is their stories and extremely moving and good stories they are too.
I particularly liked the background to the story and the characters and locations that appeared in May Ellis's previous books about the people who worked at the Clarkes Factory in Street in Somerset. (Although it doesn't matter if you haven't read them, but I would certainly recommend reading them).
I was so glued to the pages I was so sorry when I reached the last few pages, I really wanted to read more and now can't wait for the next book in this series set in Somerset and featuring the three " Cider Girls ". A well-deserved five-star read from me.
#Netgalley
#MayEllis
#Boldwoodbooks
#WartimeWithTheCiderGirls
October 13, 2025
Oh My Goodness!! I had no idea Wartime with the Cider Girls was basically a second generation book connected to the Clark Factory Girls that took place during World War one. I really enjoyed the original series but Wartime with the Cider Girls is next level amazing.
The story grabbed me from the very beginning. The girls in the story come from such different situations but the bond they form is unbreakable. Rose joins the Landgirls to escape sufficating parents. All six brothers have gone to war leaving her the only child at home. Elsie is desperate for a new beginning after her sister did her dirty. Daisy has come home, leaving her nursing job at the Bristol hospital, to the safety of her family farm taking a job as district nurse.
One incident brings about a unique friendship. Rose was milking cows in a field when she knocked over and injured. Daisy is pedaling her bicycle along the lane when she sees a churn left in the sun only to hear Rose's cry for help. Daisy needs to get Rose to the farm, planning to struggle with pushing a wheelbarrow. Hearing a vehicle, she flags them down. Elsie was driving Daisy's uncle to the base when she slammed on the brakes.
Join the girls as they continue to work in Somerset. Elsie is so much more that a secretary and driver. Rose stumbles over a buried secret leading her to learn more, do more. Daisy doesn't just want to be a nurse, she needs to be more involved. All three girls end up with secrets they struggle to keep. The drama involved with them keeping their secrets was very entertaining.
Even more entertaining was the romance, or lack of romance in the story. They escaped to dances with men from all over the region, but their men were already around. Awkward moments on the farm keeps Rose on her toes as she tries to figure out Jimmy, the farmer's son. Elsie has a secret romance that left me in shock. Daisy's school girl crush on the son of a family friend, Mattie, has never gone away. Mattie, (yes that Mattie from the Clark Factory Girls stories) is totally clueless. I kept waiting for him to get a clue. With all three unlucky in love I knew the story would get more interesting. I can't wait to see what happens in book 2.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The story grabbed me from the very beginning. The girls in the story come from such different situations but the bond they form is unbreakable. Rose joins the Landgirls to escape sufficating parents. All six brothers have gone to war leaving her the only child at home. Elsie is desperate for a new beginning after her sister did her dirty. Daisy has come home, leaving her nursing job at the Bristol hospital, to the safety of her family farm taking a job as district nurse.
One incident brings about a unique friendship. Rose was milking cows in a field when she knocked over and injured. Daisy is pedaling her bicycle along the lane when she sees a churn left in the sun only to hear Rose's cry for help. Daisy needs to get Rose to the farm, planning to struggle with pushing a wheelbarrow. Hearing a vehicle, she flags them down. Elsie was driving Daisy's uncle to the base when she slammed on the brakes.
Join the girls as they continue to work in Somerset. Elsie is so much more that a secretary and driver. Rose stumbles over a buried secret leading her to learn more, do more. Daisy doesn't just want to be a nurse, she needs to be more involved. All three girls end up with secrets they struggle to keep. The drama involved with them keeping their secrets was very entertaining.
Even more entertaining was the romance, or lack of romance in the story. They escaped to dances with men from all over the region, but their men were already around. Awkward moments on the farm keeps Rose on her toes as she tries to figure out Jimmy, the farmer's son. Elsie has a secret romance that left me in shock. Daisy's school girl crush on the son of a family friend, Mattie, has never gone away. Mattie, (yes that Mattie from the Clark Factory Girls stories) is totally clueless. I kept waiting for him to get a clue. With all three unlucky in love I knew the story would get more interesting. I can't wait to see what happens in book 2.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this first book in the Cider Girls Saga and found it a quick and enjoyable read filled with historical details that were new to me and quite fascinating. You might be wondering what a Cider Girl is. It was a name used for girls who were living/working in the Somerset area where apple cider was produced from the apple crops and was one of the main drinks that farmhands would use to quench their thirst during a working day. Rumours had it that it was not always the most sanitary drink and plain apple juice was also available for those who preferred it.
The main characters in this book are Rosie who worked as a land girl, Daisy, who worked as a District Nurse and Elsie who worked for the Auxiliary Territorial service as a driver and clerk. Set between the start of the war and 1941,the book tells the story of how a friendship developed between these three girls and what their lives were like within the jobs that they were doing. It tells of the ups and downs and the relationships they formed and broke both romantically and within their jobs. I really liked these young women and was fascinated with how their storylines came together. Emotionally, I found myself laughing at times and crying at times. Their strength and resilience were impressive!
I very much appreciated the author's note, which filled me in on what was a relatively unknown part of the war at home. Believing that the Nazi's would attempt an invasion and that the Somerset Coast was a likely spot for that to happen, a secret underground army was formed. Those who became involved had to sign the Official Secrets Act and could not discuss that they were even involved amongst themselves. This was the inspiration for this novel and made it very intriguing.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with interest in wartime history especially at the home-front. I eagerly look forward to Book #2 in the series to find out what happens next.
Many thanks to #NetGalley & #BoldwoodBooks for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
The main characters in this book are Rosie who worked as a land girl, Daisy, who worked as a District Nurse and Elsie who worked for the Auxiliary Territorial service as a driver and clerk. Set between the start of the war and 1941,the book tells the story of how a friendship developed between these three girls and what their lives were like within the jobs that they were doing. It tells of the ups and downs and the relationships they formed and broke both romantically and within their jobs. I really liked these young women and was fascinated with how their storylines came together. Emotionally, I found myself laughing at times and crying at times. Their strength and resilience were impressive!
I very much appreciated the author's note, which filled me in on what was a relatively unknown part of the war at home. Believing that the Nazi's would attempt an invasion and that the Somerset Coast was a likely spot for that to happen, a secret underground army was formed. Those who became involved had to sign the Official Secrets Act and could not discuss that they were even involved amongst themselves. This was the inspiration for this novel and made it very intriguing.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with interest in wartime history especially at the home-front. I eagerly look forward to Book #2 in the series to find out what happens next.
Many thanks to #NetGalley & #BoldwoodBooks for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
September 24, 2025
💜 Blurb -
A sweeping and utterly heart-stirring wartime saga of friendship, love and courage against the odds. Perfect for fans of Call the Midwife, Home Fires, Elaine Everest and Betty Walker! Can their home-front resistance see them through the darkest days?
When war breaks out, Rose Flaherty is eager to do her bit. Swapping city life in Birmingham for the fields of Somerset, she joins the Land Army to help keep Britain fed. But life on the farm is tough, the work backbreaking – and the farmer’s son, Jimmy, isn’t exactly welcoming.
An accident in the orchard brings Rose into the path of nurse Daisy and ATS clerk Elsie, and soon the three girls form an unbreakable bond. But even their quiet corner of the countryside can’t escape the shadow of war.
When Rose uncovers suspicious behaviour and whispers of a secret resistance network, she finds herself pulled into a world of coded messages, hidden identities – and very real danger.
As enemy forces close in, can the girls’ friendship and fierce spirit help protect those they love… and win a battle no one knows they’re fighting?
❤️ Review -
This was such a beautifully written and heartwarming novel. I couldn't put it down and I read it in one sitting. I loved the author's writing style and there was a great mix of characters. It's the perfect book to read in-between any heavy reads that you might enjoy. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood books and the author for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
A sweeping and utterly heart-stirring wartime saga of friendship, love and courage against the odds. Perfect for fans of Call the Midwife, Home Fires, Elaine Everest and Betty Walker! Can their home-front resistance see them through the darkest days?
When war breaks out, Rose Flaherty is eager to do her bit. Swapping city life in Birmingham for the fields of Somerset, she joins the Land Army to help keep Britain fed. But life on the farm is tough, the work backbreaking – and the farmer’s son, Jimmy, isn’t exactly welcoming.
An accident in the orchard brings Rose into the path of nurse Daisy and ATS clerk Elsie, and soon the three girls form an unbreakable bond. But even their quiet corner of the countryside can’t escape the shadow of war.
When Rose uncovers suspicious behaviour and whispers of a secret resistance network, she finds herself pulled into a world of coded messages, hidden identities – and very real danger.
As enemy forces close in, can the girls’ friendship and fierce spirit help protect those they love… and win a battle no one knows they’re fighting?
❤️ Review -
This was such a beautifully written and heartwarming novel. I couldn't put it down and I read it in one sitting. I loved the author's writing style and there was a great mix of characters. It's the perfect book to read in-between any heavy reads that you might enjoy. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood books and the author for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2025
What an engrossing saga! Just a few chapters in and I was heavily invested in the lives of our cider girls. The story follows Elsie, Daisy, and their lives as they contribute to the war effort in Somerset.
With only one living relative who happens to be estranged, Elsie signs up for the ATS and is sent to Somerset to train with a unit that is working with local Home Guard preparing for a German invasion.
Daisy is the daughter of a local farmer and is a trained nurse. She moves back home to be near family.
Rose is a city girl who has signed up to be a land girl. When her first assignment proves to be a nightmare, she is reassigned to the Morgan farm where one unfortunate accident causes these three women to cross paths. The girls form a fast friendship and battle secrets and potential suitors while attempting to survive war in cider country.
This book was told in the perspective of each girl.. It reminded me of Hopeful Hearts at the Wartime Hotel series. The storylines were so interesting and engaging. The book is filled with stories from wartime farm life, stories of a woman’s existence in the army during the war, and the experience of a passionate nurse. The book discusses clandestine missions and a bit of romance. The spice is very mild in the book (kissing). I’m excited to follow along as this new series develops. If you enjoy WWII historical fiction, you will love this book.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This review is voluntary. All thoughts are my own.
With only one living relative who happens to be estranged, Elsie signs up for the ATS and is sent to Somerset to train with a unit that is working with local Home Guard preparing for a German invasion.
Daisy is the daughter of a local farmer and is a trained nurse. She moves back home to be near family.
Rose is a city girl who has signed up to be a land girl. When her first assignment proves to be a nightmare, she is reassigned to the Morgan farm where one unfortunate accident causes these three women to cross paths. The girls form a fast friendship and battle secrets and potential suitors while attempting to survive war in cider country.
This book was told in the perspective of each girl.. It reminded me of Hopeful Hearts at the Wartime Hotel series. The storylines were so interesting and engaging. The book is filled with stories from wartime farm life, stories of a woman’s existence in the army during the war, and the experience of a passionate nurse. The book discusses clandestine missions and a bit of romance. The spice is very mild in the book (kissing). I’m excited to follow along as this new series develops. If you enjoy WWII historical fiction, you will love this book.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This review is voluntary. All thoughts are my own.
November 7, 2025
Well WOW what a start to a new series!
I had read the Clarks Girls series and thoroughly enjoyed that so it was great to read about characters within that and how their families developed from WW1 to WW2 - and that the philanthropy of the Clarks family continued.
I possibly had expected this to be about the making of cider - whereas it was cleverly written to encompass the 3 main characters - Rose, Elsie and Daisy so that they were included in the LDV and their ‘Secret Duties’ but it didn’t feel contrived. The way there girls came form disparate backgrounds - one a district nurse, one a Land Girl and one in the ATS - with more than clerical duties. It was fascinating to read the extent that ordinary workers - often in reserved occupations like farming so unable to fight for their country - were trained so thoroughly to be able to support the county and the government in the event of a Nazi invasion.
I was born and brought up in Yeovil and had heard about the terrible bombings that happened and the devastation wrought. I could see Yeovilton Naval Air Station from my bedroom window. So I know the area and could visualise as I read the book.
Well written and very well researched this was an excellent read - lots of jobs were delayed as I read ‘just a little bit more’
I can’t wait to find out more of the adventures of Elsie, Rose and Daisy - and Jimmy and Mattie
I had read the Clarks Girls series and thoroughly enjoyed that so it was great to read about characters within that and how their families developed from WW1 to WW2 - and that the philanthropy of the Clarks family continued.
I possibly had expected this to be about the making of cider - whereas it was cleverly written to encompass the 3 main characters - Rose, Elsie and Daisy so that they were included in the LDV and their ‘Secret Duties’ but it didn’t feel contrived. The way there girls came form disparate backgrounds - one a district nurse, one a Land Girl and one in the ATS - with more than clerical duties. It was fascinating to read the extent that ordinary workers - often in reserved occupations like farming so unable to fight for their country - were trained so thoroughly to be able to support the county and the government in the event of a Nazi invasion.
I was born and brought up in Yeovil and had heard about the terrible bombings that happened and the devastation wrought. I could see Yeovilton Naval Air Station from my bedroom window. So I know the area and could visualise as I read the book.
Well written and very well researched this was an excellent read - lots of jobs were delayed as I read ‘just a little bit more’
I can’t wait to find out more of the adventures of Elsie, Rose and Daisy - and Jimmy and Mattie
November 22, 2025
Wartime with the Cider Girls swept me straight into Somerset and didn’t let go. This is the first book in May Ellis’s new series, and also my first time reading her work, but I was drawn in from the opening chapters. Ellis writes with a steady hand and a real feel for the time period. The farm life, the orchard, the long days, and the quiet pockets of danger all feel grounded and real.
What stood out most to me was the friendship between Rose, Daisy, and Elsie. Their bond feels natural, never forced, and it carries the story through both the calm and the chaos. I liked how each woman had her own path, her own losses, and her own strengths, yet they kept finding their way back to one another. The book balances grit with heart, and the moments of humour and lightness land right when the story needs them.
The wartime tension also works well. The hints of hidden networks and secret activity elevate the plot without detracting from the human side of the story. It gives the book a sense of purpose and quiet bravery that fits the characters perfectly.
I loved spending time with the cider girls, and I’m already looking forward to the next book. I’m hooked enough that I want to explore May Ellis’s back catalogue too.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
What stood out most to me was the friendship between Rose, Daisy, and Elsie. Their bond feels natural, never forced, and it carries the story through both the calm and the chaos. I liked how each woman had her own path, her own losses, and her own strengths, yet they kept finding their way back to one another. The book balances grit with heart, and the moments of humour and lightness land right when the story needs them.
The wartime tension also works well. The hints of hidden networks and secret activity elevate the plot without detracting from the human side of the story. It gives the book a sense of purpose and quiet bravery that fits the characters perfectly.
I loved spending time with the cider girls, and I’m already looking forward to the next book. I’m hooked enough that I want to explore May Ellis’s back catalogue too.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
February 12, 2026
In the first book in a charming new World War II historical fiction series from May Ellis, readers follow land girl Rose Flaherty, nurse Daisy, and ATS clerk Elsie as they bond over their war work in rural Somerset and handle the challenges of country and wartime life. Life on the farm is harder than Rose expected, and the farmer’s son Jimmy is not welcoming, so when she discovers suspicious behavior and rumors of a secret resistance, Rose finds herself pulled into a very real and dangerous operation in this sleepy English village. A brilliant mix of cozy and dramatic, May Ellis once again brings a fascinating slice of life from World War II to life in this novel. The three new protagonists are competent, capable, and entertaining, and Rose in particular is well-written and a compelling protagonist. The depth of detail in the setting and historical details really brings the story to life, and readers will love the developing friendship between the three girls. The underlying mystery in the village adds a fascinating component to the story, and fans of World War II historical fiction series with a large group of protagonists, detailed settings, and emotional storylines will love May Ellis’s newest series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
October 28, 2025
The story starts slowly but soon deepens, as Rose, Elsie, and Daisy, each motivated to contribute to the war, meet and quickly become friends.
It centres on their wartime roles, relationships, and families.
With every chapter, the author tells you about the war, when and how things developed, and the impact it had on England. It is obvious that a lot of research was done.
May Ellis has previously written another series, The Clarks Factory Girls, set in a place called Street and set in WWI. The reason I mention it is that some of the places and the characters from those books are mentioned in this one. I loved that series, so having a reminder in this series made me smile. You don’t need to read that series before this one, though.
The 3 women’s friendship will warm your heart. They have some lovely lighthearted moments, which keep the book from being too dark with its WWII setting.
I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series.
It centres on their wartime roles, relationships, and families.
With every chapter, the author tells you about the war, when and how things developed, and the impact it had on England. It is obvious that a lot of research was done.
May Ellis has previously written another series, The Clarks Factory Girls, set in a place called Street and set in WWI. The reason I mention it is that some of the places and the characters from those books are mentioned in this one. I loved that series, so having a reminder in this series made me smile. You don’t need to read that series before this one, though.
The 3 women’s friendship will warm your heart. They have some lovely lighthearted moments, which keep the book from being too dark with its WWII setting.
I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series.
November 7, 2025
This book was lovely. Although the title suggests that this is about girls making cider, that is not the case, it's just a nickname for the trio of friends. The book follows three young women who have all ended up in Somerset. Daisy is a local girl who has returned home to work as a district nurse, Elsie is from London and is working as a clerk/driver for the military, and Rose is a land girl originally from Birmingham. The girls become firm friends and the book follows their time during the war.
There are family dramas, hints of romance and wartime tragedies. I also loved the side plot of the secret British resistance movement.
Beautifully written and well-researched, I felt like I was there living every moment with them.
I enjoyed this author's Clark's Factory series, and this book is set in the same area of Somerset and there were some familiar characters mentioned from previous books.
There are family dramas, hints of romance and wartime tragedies. I also loved the side plot of the secret British resistance movement.
Beautifully written and well-researched, I felt like I was there living every moment with them.
I enjoyed this author's Clark's Factory series, and this book is set in the same area of Somerset and there were some familiar characters mentioned from previous books.
November 3, 2025
Working on a farm during the war in Somerset, Rose met Daisy and Elsie. Rose joined the landgirls as all her six brothers had signed up leaving her feeling suffocated by her parents. Elsie is desperate for a new start after her sister did her dirty. Daisy is a nurse, but she leaves her job at Bristol hospital, taking a job as a district nurse. The girls form a strong bond, but they all have secrets.
This story was a little slow to begin with, but it's a great start to a new series. The girls all come from different backgrounds. The characters are well-developed and likeable. I was quickly pulled into this story. This is an enjoyable read.
Published 7th November 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the autor #MaryEllis for my ARC of #WartimeWithTheCiderGirls in exchange for an honest review.
This story was a little slow to begin with, but it's a great start to a new series. The girls all come from different backgrounds. The characters are well-developed and likeable. I was quickly pulled into this story. This is an enjoyable read.
Published 7th November 2025
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the autor #MaryEllis for my ARC of #WartimeWithTheCiderGirls in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2025
The stage is set for a Cider Girls series and I'm in. It is 1939 and Rose is tired of working in the button factory and decides to join the Land Army and is sent to Somerset. There she meets the local district nurse, Daisy, and Elsie who is in the Auxiliary Territorial Service. It seems that this generation are the children of the people in the Clarks' Factory Girls series and while the author was setting the stage and developing these characters I was trying to figure out how they were related to the Clarks' girls. It was a slow story but the girls were lovely. The Morgan farm where Rose lived really depicted how hard those Land Girls worked. The horror of the bombing wasn't there yet but it was depicted.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Boldwood for providing me with a digital copy.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Boldwood for providing me with a digital copy.
November 11, 2025
Rose is from Birmingham, and when war breaks out, she heads to Somerset to work as a land girl at a local farm. However, the farmer's son Jimmy isn't as welcoming as his parents are. After a freak accident, she meets nurse Daisy and ATS clerk Elsie. They become fast friends as they navigate life on the home front during WWII.
I loved this story, and I'm so glad it'll be a series! It's a sort of second-generation spin-off from the Clarks Girls series. I loved that series. I loved Rose and her relationship with Jimmy, the farmer's son. They butted heads, but sparks flew. Daisy is crushing on family friend Mattie (from Clarks Girls), hoping for something more from him, and Daisy has a secret romance. I did learn about the auxiliary units and 'left behinds' that were there to defend England as a resistance network if it were ever invaded by Germany. Their jobs were to go underground and help defend their country from invaders. I'm anxiously awaiting the next in the series.
Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley, and the author for this arc.
I loved this story, and I'm so glad it'll be a series! It's a sort of second-generation spin-off from the Clarks Girls series. I loved that series. I loved Rose and her relationship with Jimmy, the farmer's son. They butted heads, but sparks flew. Daisy is crushing on family friend Mattie (from Clarks Girls), hoping for something more from him, and Daisy has a secret romance. I did learn about the auxiliary units and 'left behinds' that were there to defend England as a resistance network if it were ever invaded by Germany. Their jobs were to go underground and help defend their country from invaders. I'm anxiously awaiting the next in the series.
Thanks to @boldwoodbooks, @netgalley, and the author for this arc.
December 22, 2025
I certainly could not put this book down what a wonderful story.
I really liked the story as it brought characters in from the series of the Clark Factory books. I thought the story was really good and I liked the main characters they all worked well together. I liked the intrigue and each of them working for the same cause. The romance was good and keep you guessing whether they would end up with the people they liked.
There was nothing I didn’t like about the book it didn’t take me long to read the book I certainly look forward to reading the next book what happens to them all.
Would recommend this book.
I really liked the story as it brought characters in from the series of the Clark Factory books. I thought the story was really good and I liked the main characters they all worked well together. I liked the intrigue and each of them working for the same cause. The romance was good and keep you guessing whether they would end up with the people they liked.
There was nothing I didn’t like about the book it didn’t take me long to read the book I certainly look forward to reading the next book what happens to them all.
Would recommend this book.
September 29, 2025
This book is about three young women, and it takes place during World War II. Rose wants to do her bit, and comes to rural Somerset from Birmingham, to volunteer as a Land Girl. There she meets Daisy, a nurse, and Elsie, an ATS clerk. The girls become fast friends.Then Elsie is recruited for a top secret mission...
I enjoyed this book very much. The writing was crisp, and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. Highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
I enjoyed this book very much. The writing was crisp, and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. Highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
October 2, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, it was such a great story. Young women moving down to Somerset during the war to be land girls or to do military work. Three women make friends, this is their story of working and doing their bit for the war effort. This story brings up a whole host of emotions, these women are so courageous in a very scary time. They go through, friendship, love, fear and heartbreak. This is a great first instalment and I can’t wait for book two, I’m eager to find out what happens next! Highly recommend.
October 31, 2025
Wartime with the Cider Girls is brilliant. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this new series is lightly connected to a previous series The Clark's Factory. I enjoyed the first series but this one is highly distinguished next level. I have no criticism only praise. The three girls in the book are intelligent and friendly Rose, Daisy and Elsie form a firm friendship while doing different occupations during the war effort. My favourite is Daisy who is a nurse and helps anyone. This is a exciting start to a new series and I am looking impatiently forward to the next!
November 8, 2025
Three young women wanting something more in their lives. They had no idea what was ahead or what to expect.
The girls are so different but they had so much in common. A wonderful friendship develops between the girls. They are there for each other when no one else is. Their dreams and hardships were shared with each other. But during war, there were secrets.
I enjoyed reading this. You can't help liking all three Cider Girls: Rose, Daisy and Elsie. They were gutsy. They were vulnerable. They were brave. They were scared. They did what was needed during the war.
I loved it!
The girls are so different but they had so much in common. A wonderful friendship develops between the girls. They are there for each other when no one else is. Their dreams and hardships were shared with each other. But during war, there were secrets.
I enjoyed reading this. You can't help liking all three Cider Girls: Rose, Daisy and Elsie. They were gutsy. They were vulnerable. They were brave. They were scared. They did what was needed during the war.
I loved it!
January 20, 2026
This is a very well-researched book and would be especially ideal for young adult readers who enjoy programs such as Call the Midwife and the newer adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small. I enjoyed the homefront setting and learning about members of the Auxiliaries all doing their bit. It is also a very wholesome book and, despite often dealing openly with dark themes of war, mostly holds a cheerful and optimistic tone overall. If you are looking for a (mostly) gentle cozy set during WWII, then this should do the trick.
October 14, 2025
A new series but with a nod to characters from the Clark series which I loved. Three women who sign up as WW2 progresses become friends and get adopted as The Cider Girls as they are based in Somerset. Great writing and great characters. A side of war life that is not as well know and if Germany has invaded they would become know as the British Resistance. Thanks to May and her publisher. Can’t wait for the next book.
October 2, 2025
Wow! All my favorite shows in one book! This historical fiction grabbed me from the very beginning and kept me the whole way through. The lives of the families during the war was heartbreaking and heartwarming. Highly recommend.
November 9, 2025
A great history story taking place in WWI. Well researched and great characters. It’s a heartbreaking story.
November 13, 2025
gripping storyline
Can’t wait to read the next in this new series. Brilliant storyline opening up another side to the unsung heroes of WW2
Can’t wait to read the next in this new series. Brilliant storyline opening up another side to the unsung heroes of WW2
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