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Cider Girls #2
The Cider Girls Join the Fight
The BRAND NEW instalment in the heartwarming Cider Girls series, from May Ellis, BESTSELLING author of The Clarks Factory Girls at War Praise for May
‘If you like Annie Murray and Margaret Dickinson you will love this.’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'A fantastic historical fiction read, full of heartbreak and hope.’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘I enjoyed every bit of this book right from the start. The author has done a great job in this heartbreaking story. A new author for me. Superb reading right to the end’ —Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘A gripping and emotionally resonant novel that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next instalment in the series.’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘An amazing and sweet story of three girls trying to deal with their families at the beginning of WWI and learning to grow up’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘What a wonderful book telling the story about Clarks and the families that work for Clarks. Also what a great start to a series.’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘A truly wonderful story of what life was like for three young ladies working in the Clark’s factory during World War One.’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘If you like Annie Murray and Margaret Dickinson you will love this.’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
'A fantastic historical fiction read, full of heartbreak and hope.’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘I enjoyed every bit of this book right from the start. The author has done a great job in this heartbreaking story. A new author for me. Superb reading right to the end’ —Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘A gripping and emotionally resonant novel that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next instalment in the series.’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘An amazing and sweet story of three girls trying to deal with their families at the beginning of WWI and learning to grow up’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘What a wonderful book telling the story about Clarks and the families that work for Clarks. Also what a great start to a series.’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘A truly wonderful story of what life was like for three young ladies working in the Clark’s factory during World War One.’—Goodreads review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 22, 2026
The second book in the Cider Girls series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it was great to be back with Daisy, Elsie & Rose. These great friends have signed up to a secret group and they can’t let anyone know what they are doing. It is such an Interesting read. I’m already looking forward to book three.
July 9, 2026
In the latest book in this World War II historical fiction series from May Ellis, readers follow Land Girl Rose, district nurse Daisy, and ATS clerk Elsie as they continue to grow closer as 1941 and all its challenges bear down on rural Somerset. As the threat of invasion grows stronger, all three girls prove their courage to the commanding officer of a local secret resistance cell and get pulled into the dangerous world of espionage, secrets, and encoded messages. More personal troubles also plague the girls; Daisy knows she is in love with her best friend Mattie, Elsie’s sister’s death shatters her life and threatens to take away everything she has achieved in the ATS, and Rose struggles to hide her resistance work from the watchful and overprotective Jimmy. Packed with details and fascinating characters, the alternating perspectives really bring the characters’ emotional challenges and professional journeys to life. The village and its inhabitants really bring the story to life and immerse readers in the narrative, and World War II historical fans will love the high stakes of the Cider Girls’ new assignment. Entertaining, emotional, and exciting, this is a fantastic continuation of this character-centric series from May Ellis.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It's so good to join the Cider Girls again, who are working in Somerset (which is where the nickname comes from) and their secret work fighting off the Germans, this time literally as Rose literally fought them off when three fighter pilots are found hiding in the pig pen on the farm. She has become somewhat of a celebrity because of this although she is sure anyone would have done the same.
Daisy is still living on her family farm and doing clandestine work, retrieving secret messages and passing them on secretly. Her younger brother is also working on the farm and even Geoff her teacher friend has offered to help out during the school summer break. But their secret ànd hard work has come to the attention of the local army defence group who are sure that the three girls are capable of being trained to assist in secret missions.
As we find out what happens it makes an unputdownable read, with characters that you really care about, if you enjoy reading wartime sagas you will love this book.
This is the second book in this series, but you could also read this as a stand-alone book as enough background information for all the characters and their families are included making this a book you get involved in straight away and characters that you can't help but care about and with an amusing plot at times. I also found it quite informative to find out about the men and women who joined Churchill's Secret Army and what an important job they did during WW2.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this great book. I have awarded it five stars, and I am thrilled to learn that another book in the series featuring The Cider Girls will be released soon.
#Netgalley
#BoldwoodBooks
#TheCiderGirlsJoinTheFight
Daisy is still living on her family farm and doing clandestine work, retrieving secret messages and passing them on secretly. Her younger brother is also working on the farm and even Geoff her teacher friend has offered to help out during the school summer break. But their secret ànd hard work has come to the attention of the local army defence group who are sure that the three girls are capable of being trained to assist in secret missions.
As we find out what happens it makes an unputdownable read, with characters that you really care about, if you enjoy reading wartime sagas you will love this book.
This is the second book in this series, but you could also read this as a stand-alone book as enough background information for all the characters and their families are included making this a book you get involved in straight away and characters that you can't help but care about and with an amusing plot at times. I also found it quite informative to find out about the men and women who joined Churchill's Secret Army and what an important job they did during WW2.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this great book. I have awarded it five stars, and I am thrilled to learn that another book in the series featuring The Cider Girls will be released soon.
#Netgalley
#BoldwoodBooks
#TheCiderGirlsJoinTheFight
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had read the first book in this series and thoroughly enjoyed it. I’d also read the previous series around the Clark’s shoe factory in Street and there is some crossover between characters in that series and this. In effect this is the next generation - a generation that never imagined they would be fighting another World War after the 1914-18 one.
I was born and brought up in Somerset - Yeovil - to be precise and can imagine the towns and rural areas very well. As I now live on the North East coast it’s a bit like going home.
Again we meet district nurse Daisy, land girl Rose and ATS clerk Elsie. We also rekindle with Jimmy - the farmers son, Mattie the doctor and a Quaker and the sadness between Elsie and her sister and niece - Frances.
We also learn much more about the ‘Secret Army’ and their training which is intense considering all the participants have their own full-time jobs as well. I’m not old enough to remember WW2 - and cannot imagine the fear of the possibility of a German Invasion but it seems it was real for those caught up in War. I knew my own Grandad - Granfy- was in the Home Guard just over the border in rural Dorset but knew little about what that involved. He would have been in his early 40s when War was declared but would also have been in a reserved occupation as a farm labourer. He’d served in WW1.
The work done by the Auxiliers seems far-fetched but easy to believe somehow.
Anyway back to this book - it is so well researched and written and a credit to May Ellis and her publisher/editor for making sure that the facts correlate and I congratulate them all.
Some of the relationships have ironed out and it’s obvious where the others will go in the next book. I can’t wait. It’s rare a book stands out like this one has for me. thank you.
I was born and brought up in Somerset - Yeovil - to be precise and can imagine the towns and rural areas very well. As I now live on the North East coast it’s a bit like going home.
Again we meet district nurse Daisy, land girl Rose and ATS clerk Elsie. We also rekindle with Jimmy - the farmers son, Mattie the doctor and a Quaker and the sadness between Elsie and her sister and niece - Frances.
We also learn much more about the ‘Secret Army’ and their training which is intense considering all the participants have their own full-time jobs as well. I’m not old enough to remember WW2 - and cannot imagine the fear of the possibility of a German Invasion but it seems it was real for those caught up in War. I knew my own Grandad - Granfy- was in the Home Guard just over the border in rural Dorset but knew little about what that involved. He would have been in his early 40s when War was declared but would also have been in a reserved occupation as a farm labourer. He’d served in WW1.
The work done by the Auxiliers seems far-fetched but easy to believe somehow.
Anyway back to this book - it is so well researched and written and a credit to May Ellis and her publisher/editor for making sure that the facts correlate and I congratulate them all.
Some of the relationships have ironed out and it’s obvious where the others will go in the next book. I can’t wait. It’s rare a book stands out like this one has for me. thank you.
June 27, 2026
The Cider Girls Join the Fight takes up pretty much where the first novel in the series left off. The series is inspired by the little known history of locals from the Somerset area who joined a secret group of resistors who were prepared to fight for their country should a German landing take place, even at high risk that they would not survive.
As the story begins, it is 1941 and the threat of invasion is growing. Rose continues in her job as a land girl and has an interesting relationship that has not been clearly defined with Jimmy, the farmer's son and one of the hidden resistors. She is thankful for her friendship with Daisy, the local District Nurse and Elsie who has a responsible job as an ATS clerk and also does some confidential extra jobs.
As tensions run high, Rose has a chance to prove herself in time of danger. Coming from a family with many brothers, she knows how to protect herself. Her actions made me laugh as a reader but feel extremely proud of her.
War always brings challenges and the 3 young women have proven themselves to the point where they are asked to join the Resistance efforts and take extra training. As they start to learn and become comfortable in their new roles, the war had a way of intruding. People they cared for were lost. Lives were changed, hearts broken and yet they all provided support for each other despite the heartbreaks they faced. Emotionally, they have personal lives and loves too (very closed door). Will their relationships develop and become long lasting? We'll, it's only 1941 and May Ellis has no doubt got more to share with us about these Cider Girls. I can hardly wait.
Many thanks to ##NetGalley and ##BoldwoodBooks for allowing me to read an ARC of this story. All opinions are my own.
As the story begins, it is 1941 and the threat of invasion is growing. Rose continues in her job as a land girl and has an interesting relationship that has not been clearly defined with Jimmy, the farmer's son and one of the hidden resistors. She is thankful for her friendship with Daisy, the local District Nurse and Elsie who has a responsible job as an ATS clerk and also does some confidential extra jobs.
As tensions run high, Rose has a chance to prove herself in time of danger. Coming from a family with many brothers, she knows how to protect herself. Her actions made me laugh as a reader but feel extremely proud of her.
War always brings challenges and the 3 young women have proven themselves to the point where they are asked to join the Resistance efforts and take extra training. As they start to learn and become comfortable in their new roles, the war had a way of intruding. People they cared for were lost. Lives were changed, hearts broken and yet they all provided support for each other despite the heartbreaks they faced. Emotionally, they have personal lives and loves too (very closed door). Will their relationships develop and become long lasting? We'll, it's only 1941 and May Ellis has no doubt got more to share with us about these Cider Girls. I can hardly wait.
Many thanks to ##NetGalley and ##BoldwoodBooks for allowing me to read an ARC of this story. All opinions are my own.
July 2, 2026
I have been eagerly waiting for the return of our Cider Girls and was completely absorbed in this new installment. Things are heating up in this book as Rose, Elsie, and Daisy continue on in their clandestine preparations in Somerset against a potential Nazi invasion.
Daisy is a district nurse who moves back home to Somerset to be near her family but is working under an insufferable doctor. Her unrequited love has come to a halt and as she comes to terms with her fractured relationship with the man she has always loved, she decides to begin anew when circumstances take a disastrous turn for the worst.
Elsie is busy training new recruits for secret home guard operations when a dangerous opportunity arises for her close friends to join in on her work. When all seems to be progressing in her career, a shocking tragedy upends her life and could further threaten her plans. Navigating unsteady waters alone and without family, she calls on the help of her newfound friends, the Cider Girls.
Rose's days are long after her continual work on the farm. Her involvement in surveillance is kicked up a notch when she spies enemy planes crashing on the farm. Evading suspicion from her secret work, she must do what she is trained for while keeping the man she desires at bay.
I loved this engrossing saga and cannot wait for the final book. There is a steady progression of life events concerning our cider girls and new heart-warming characters are also introduced. Since this book is written during wartime, it is not without the heaviness that comes from the tragedies of the time.
If you enjoy WWII historical fiction sagas that has a heavy emphasis on home front life, you will enjoy this book.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This review is voluntary.
Daisy is a district nurse who moves back home to Somerset to be near her family but is working under an insufferable doctor. Her unrequited love has come to a halt and as she comes to terms with her fractured relationship with the man she has always loved, she decides to begin anew when circumstances take a disastrous turn for the worst.
Elsie is busy training new recruits for secret home guard operations when a dangerous opportunity arises for her close friends to join in on her work. When all seems to be progressing in her career, a shocking tragedy upends her life and could further threaten her plans. Navigating unsteady waters alone and without family, she calls on the help of her newfound friends, the Cider Girls.
Rose's days are long after her continual work on the farm. Her involvement in surveillance is kicked up a notch when she spies enemy planes crashing on the farm. Evading suspicion from her secret work, she must do what she is trained for while keeping the man she desires at bay.
I loved this engrossing saga and cannot wait for the final book. There is a steady progression of life events concerning our cider girls and new heart-warming characters are also introduced. Since this book is written during wartime, it is not without the heaviness that comes from the tragedies of the time.
If you enjoy WWII historical fiction sagas that has a heavy emphasis on home front life, you will enjoy this book.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This review is voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Cider Girls #2
1941, Somerset: Two years into the conflict and Rose is adjusting to life as a land girl, working the Somerset fields alongside Jimmy, the farmer's son whose watchful, protective attention she can neither escape nor ignore. Thankfully, she has found companionship in Daisy, a district nurse, and Elsie, an ATS clerk. Now friends thrown together by the necessities of war, they call themselves the Cider Girls. As the threat of the first invasion grows, the girls prove their courage to the commanding officer of a secret resistance unit and are drawn into the dangerous world of espionage, coded messages and hidden loyalties. But there is trouble close to home too. Daisy knows she is in love with her lifelong friend Mattie, but will she speak the truth before it's too late? Elsie's life is shattered by the tragic death of her sister, leaving her with an impossible choice. And Rose finds her work in the resistance increasingly hard to hide.
Best friends Elsie, Rose and daisy are back in this second book of the Cider Girls. The story is set during WWII. This is quite an emotionally charged read. The characters all have different roles to play to refine and improve their undercover skills. I also liked that there are some characters from The Clark's series in this book.
The pace is steady, the characters are well-developed and likeable, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Published 26th June 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #MayEllis for my ARC of #TheCiderGirlsJoinTheFight in exchange for an honest review.
1941, Somerset: Two years into the conflict and Rose is adjusting to life as a land girl, working the Somerset fields alongside Jimmy, the farmer's son whose watchful, protective attention she can neither escape nor ignore. Thankfully, she has found companionship in Daisy, a district nurse, and Elsie, an ATS clerk. Now friends thrown together by the necessities of war, they call themselves the Cider Girls. As the threat of the first invasion grows, the girls prove their courage to the commanding officer of a secret resistance unit and are drawn into the dangerous world of espionage, coded messages and hidden loyalties. But there is trouble close to home too. Daisy knows she is in love with her lifelong friend Mattie, but will she speak the truth before it's too late? Elsie's life is shattered by the tragic death of her sister, leaving her with an impossible choice. And Rose finds her work in the resistance increasingly hard to hide.
Best friends Elsie, Rose and daisy are back in this second book of the Cider Girls. The story is set during WWII. This is quite an emotionally charged read. The characters all have different roles to play to refine and improve their undercover skills. I also liked that there are some characters from The Clark's series in this book.
The pace is steady, the characters are well-developed and likeable, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Published 26th June 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #MayEllis for my ARC of #TheCiderGirlsJoinTheFight in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you enjoy World War Two historical fiction you won't want to miss this series. I fell in love with May Ellis's series when I read Wartime with the Cider Girls. There is just something about Rose, Elsie and Daisy that wante me to wanting more and more of their story.
I got so much more in The Cider Girls Join the Fight. The girls are an inspiration. They are more than willing to do their part to protect England. They are simply brilliant in their actions and dedication.
For those of us that didn't live through the war, this story gives us glimpses into the life and struggles of WW2. For those of us that have family that lived through it but wouldn't talk about it, this story brings understanding.
Drama and suspense fills the pages. The secrecy and challenges of keeping secrets fill the chapters. It was nice to see that in sadness that there is still love and hope. The book flowed so well that I just kept reading, excited to see what life would bring. As I closed the book, the excitement continued. I can't wait to open book three.
I got so much more in The Cider Girls Join the Fight. The girls are an inspiration. They are more than willing to do their part to protect England. They are simply brilliant in their actions and dedication.
For those of us that didn't live through the war, this story gives us glimpses into the life and struggles of WW2. For those of us that have family that lived through it but wouldn't talk about it, this story brings understanding.
Drama and suspense fills the pages. The secrecy and challenges of keeping secrets fill the chapters. It was nice to see that in sadness that there is still love and hope. The book flowed so well that I just kept reading, excited to see what life would bring. As I closed the book, the excitement continued. I can't wait to open book three.
July 27, 2026
Second in the series about the Cider Girls in Somerset, England, during WW2 (and I'd also highly recommend the first one).
It follows the developing friendships and love affairs of land-girl Rose (originally from Birmingham, in love with her employers' son Jimmy), district nurse Daisy, and military office worker Elsie (orphaned and upset by her estrangement from her sister).
The girls have become friends; but Elsie's hiding her secret training as part of one of the local resistance cells. And then her boss - who happens to be Daisy's godfather - recruits Daisy and Rose as well. Rose struggles to hide her work from Jimmy (who's also in the resistance), Elsie's sister is killed and that leaves her with a huge potential change to her life, and Daisy realises she's in love with her childhood friend Matty, a doctor - but how does he feel about her?
Beautifully written - warm, relatable characters you can really root for, and the sense of place is perfect. Well researched and really brings the village to life. Can't wait for the next in the series!
It follows the developing friendships and love affairs of land-girl Rose (originally from Birmingham, in love with her employers' son Jimmy), district nurse Daisy, and military office worker Elsie (orphaned and upset by her estrangement from her sister).
The girls have become friends; but Elsie's hiding her secret training as part of one of the local resistance cells. And then her boss - who happens to be Daisy's godfather - recruits Daisy and Rose as well. Rose struggles to hide her work from Jimmy (who's also in the resistance), Elsie's sister is killed and that leaves her with a huge potential change to her life, and Daisy realises she's in love with her childhood friend Matty, a doctor - but how does he feel about her?
Beautifully written - warm, relatable characters you can really root for, and the sense of place is perfect. Well researched and really brings the village to life. Can't wait for the next in the series!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I got an ARC copy of The Cider Girls Join the Fight and honestly really loved it. I got attached to the characters so quickly and didn’t want the story to end. It had such a good mix of emotional moments, friendship, strength, and hope, and I found myself completely invested the whole way through.
I also really liked the historical setting and how natural it all felt without being too heavy. Some parts were really moving and definitely stayed with me after I finished.
Overall this was such an enjoyable read for me and an easy 5 stars. I’d definitely recommend it if you enjoy historical fiction with strong female characters and lots of heart.
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, May Ellis and Boldwood Books📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
I also really liked the historical setting and how natural it all felt without being too heavy. Some parts were really moving and definitely stayed with me after I finished.
Overall this was such an enjoyable read for me and an easy 5 stars. I’d definitely recommend it if you enjoy historical fiction with strong female characters and lots of heart.
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, May Ellis and Boldwood Books📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the second book in a series, however there is enough information for it to work as a standalone. Having read and enjoyed the first book, I was delighted to continue the journey with Elsie, Rose and Daisy. The girls continue to hone their undercover skills while continuing their daily lives. Each has developments in their personal lives as the war rages on. Rosie’s incident with the piglet made me chuckle. I love that this is based on historical fact and that these groups were formed in England. Love, friendship and family are also important in this book, and I look forward to reading number three to see what happens next. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for bringing this series to my attention.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The return of the 'Cider Girls' - District Nurse Daisy, Land Girl Rose and ATS Clerk Elsie. This time the girls are recruited to the covert auxiliary resistance. They undergo secret training together.
Daily life continues around their secret missions and there are funny moments and desperately sad ones too. I feel like the characters of this series are very familiar to me now and it's like catching up with old friends.
I enjoyed learning more about the Quaker religion and the traditions around weddings. I also liked learning about the resistance movement and how much planning was going on in the background.
Daily life continues around their secret missions and there are funny moments and desperately sad ones too. I feel like the characters of this series are very familiar to me now and it's like catching up with old friends.
I enjoyed learning more about the Quaker religion and the traditions around weddings. I also liked learning about the resistance movement and how much planning was going on in the background.
June 28, 2026
I loved this second book in the Cider Girls series. Although each of the Cider girls is already involved in clandestine activities, preparing for the Nazi invasion of England, their roles get much bigger in The Cider Girls Join the Fight. I was fascinated by the scope of Churchill's secret army and the extensive training undertaken by community members. This series is much more than just another feel-good story about women on the home front during World War II. (I found their reaction to the attack on Pearl Harbor interesting and quite different from what I've read before. More than just relief that the Americans would now get into the fight, people worried that with the entire world involved, the war would last much longer.) I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
July 17, 2026
Daisy, Rose, and Elsie are still fighting the war in the Somerset area. The three women have been selected to join a secret group to be ready to fight in England is invaded by the Nazi. But their personal lives keep coming up. Rose with her growing love for farm hand Jimmy. Daisy is in love to doctor Mattie and Elsie faces the most challenge when her sister is killed and she now is trying to raise her niece, Frances.
I did struggle with the pacing of "The Cider Girls Join the Fight" until I got the idea to increase the speed of the audible and the book was more enjoyable. I enjoy the book and I can't wait for the next book.
I did struggle with the pacing of "The Cider Girls Join the Fight" until I got the idea to increase the speed of the audible and the book was more enjoyable. I enjoy the book and I can't wait for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The second in the Cider Girl series and it didn’t disappoint. Elsie, Rose and Daisy remain in Somerset and I love the intertwining with the Clark’s series characters. War continues and the responsibilities of each of the characters develops with not only their day jobs but also some undercover work. Interesting reactions as they find out about each other’s secrets.
Thanks to May and her publisher Boldwood. . I can’t wait for the next book.
Thanks to May and her publisher Boldwood. . I can’t wait for the next book.
June 29, 2026
I love a WWII story that is well researched and makes me feel as if I am there. I want the author to write characters that make me feel like I am one of them. This story did all that. Sometimes I feel guilty in loving a war story. But there is so much more to the story than that. They are emotional, struggles, friendship and pulling together. A well researched story can also teach us history. Loved this story!
July 1, 2026
A story of people who stood up to protect their country and learned how to keep secrets from friends and family. The cider girls and where they worked and the jobs they did taught them life lessons. I enjoyed the story and the interaction between the characters. How different life situations effected their lives.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Boldwood and leaving a review by my own choice.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Boldwood and leaving a review by my own choice.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received a free copy of, The Cider Girls Join the Fight, by May Ellis, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book two in the Cider Girls series. Elsie, Daisy and Rose are friends during the war in England. Even with the war going on they have many other issues in their life. This was an enjoyable read.
July 6, 2026
It was great to catch up with the cider girls again. There is a lot going on for all of them in this book. We have happy times and also sad times, but the girls have each other’s backs and support each other through it all. I am looking forward to the next book in this series to see what happens next for them all.
May 14, 2026
This was a delightful period story. Historical bringing you an understanding of what it was like for women during the war. It brings true friendship that test the bonds created during the uncertain times.
June 30, 2026
What a great book. I love seeing the woman be able to do secret missions and be able to hold down jobs and their lives. This is such a great World War Two story and I can’t wait to read more about the cider girls.
July 18, 2026
I just can't get enough of these books. This one set in Somerset in WW2 takes me on a memorable journey.
July 20, 2026
Fighting Cider Girls
Rose Elsie and Daisy still working hard doing their parts helping to win the war..While making f do and mending
Rose Elsie and Daisy still working hard doing their parts helping to win the war..While making f do and mending
May 29, 2026
This is the continuation of the Cider Girls series, and finishes off where it left off. I loved the first and was excited to get the sequel to the story. Rose, Daisy, and Elsie are best friends. Rose is a land girl, Daisy is a nurse, and Elsie, an ATS clerk. It takes place in Somerset during WWII. If you enjoyed the author's previous series, The Clarks Girls, you'll enjoy this as well. While the focus is on the friendship among the 3 girls, several characters from the first story also feature in this one.
The story has a great mix of budding romance, indepence and fending for themselves as they fight for acceptance as women supporting the war effort on the homefront. I love the characters as well, Rose is a feisty redhead who grew up with 5 brothers and is used to fending for herself. Sparks fly between Rose and Jimmy, the farmer's son. Daisy is pining after Mattie, her childhood friend and Elsie is ATS girl and taking on a new challenges. I've also learned alot more about the home guard and the secret resistance that were prepared to become the resistance if they were invaded by Germany.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next series.
Thanks to @netgalley, @boldwoodbooks, and the author for this arc.
The story has a great mix of budding romance, indepence and fending for themselves as they fight for acceptance as women supporting the war effort on the homefront. I love the characters as well, Rose is a feisty redhead who grew up with 5 brothers and is used to fending for herself. Sparks fly between Rose and Jimmy, the farmer's son. Daisy is pining after Mattie, her childhood friend and Elsie is ATS girl and taking on a new challenges. I've also learned alot more about the home guard and the secret resistance that were prepared to become the resistance if they were invaded by Germany.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next series.
Thanks to @netgalley, @boldwoodbooks, and the author for this arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed The Cider Girls Join The Fight, it really builds on the ground work laid in the first book and moves at pace. I thought the character and story development was excellent and really brings home the reality of ordinary people doing extraordinary things during the war. I laughed and cried in equal measures, I can't wait for book 3. If you enjoy books featuring strong, confident women with a side of romance, heartbreak and subterfuge, this is the book (and series) for you!
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the review copy.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved book 2 in the Cider Girls series, the characters are so likeable it’s like getting together with friends. Rose, Daisy and Elsie juggle work, friendship, family and war work. There is a lot going on in this book, it’s really interesting and the level of detail about war work and secrets seems really well researched. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, highly recommend this series if you like historical WW2 sagas.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. Publication date 26 June 2026.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. Publication date 26 June 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Cider Girls Join the Fight: Cider Girls, Book 2 is a heartfelt and engaging historical read that blends friendship, resilience, and wartime struggles beautifully. The story captures the atmosphere of the era well, drawing readers into the lives of the women as they navigate uncertainty, hardship, and personal growth during a difficult time in history.
The strongest part of the novel is the bond between the characters. Their loyalty, determination, and emotional support for one another make the story feel warm and authentic, even during the heavier moments. The historical details add depth without overwhelming the narrative, and the pacing keeps the story moving steadily throughout.
There were a few moments where the plot felt slightly predictable, but the emotional heart of the story carried it through. Fans of historical fiction focused on community, courage, and strong female friendships will likely find this an enjoyable and satisfying read.
Overall, this was an immersive and emotional continuation of the series, earning a solid 4 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The strongest part of the novel is the bond between the characters. Their loyalty, determination, and emotional support for one another make the story feel warm and authentic, even during the heavier moments. The historical details add depth without overwhelming the narrative, and the pacing keeps the story moving steadily throughout.
There were a few moments where the plot felt slightly predictable, but the emotional heart of the story carried it through. Fans of historical fiction focused on community, courage, and strong female friendships will likely find this an enjoyable and satisfying read.
Overall, this was an immersive and emotional continuation of the series, earning a solid 4 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
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