The Cider Girls Join the Fight

Cider Girls #2

by May Ellis

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 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 26, 2026

Reviews

[Sarah Higginbottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

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📚

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kacey/Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.