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Petticoat Lane #2
Make Do and Mend on Petticoat Lane
An uplifting and heartwarming tale of courage, straight from the factories of WWII's East End, perfect for fans of Rosie Clarke, Elaine Everest and Lesley Eames! 🪡 👰♀️ 💔 ✨
While this novel features the same characters as the other books in the Petticoat Lane series, it can be read as a STANDALONE
Praise for Patricia McBride
'a compelling story of friendships and the hardships of war, with excellent sketches of the East End. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend.' Rosie Clarke
'If you like Dee Williams' books about Silvertown and Rotherhithe, you'll love Patricia's Library Girls series.' Lizzie Lane
'I was hooked from page one. Rich in historical detail and with characters you feel you know... Highly recommended!' Lynette Rees
'A brilliant read - the sort of book you can immerse yourself in completely ... You couldn’t read the story without it reaching your heart, or without wanting to know what will become of these women' Fran Smith
'This took me to the east end of London during the blitz, so well written and researched. Great storytelling, very evocative.' ★★★★★ Reader Review
'I couldn't put it down! The characters and their stories. It is well written and researched' ★★★★★ Reader Review
'Such a well written book like the ones before, very readable and full of characters that are so believable.' ★★★★★ Reader Review
While this novel features the same characters as the other books in the Petticoat Lane series, it can be read as a STANDALONE
Praise for Patricia McBride
'a compelling story of friendships and the hardships of war, with excellent sketches of the East End. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend.' Rosie Clarke
'If you like Dee Williams' books about Silvertown and Rotherhithe, you'll love Patricia's Library Girls series.' Lizzie Lane
'I was hooked from page one. Rich in historical detail and with characters you feel you know... Highly recommended!' Lynette Rees
'A brilliant read - the sort of book you can immerse yourself in completely ... You couldn’t read the story without it reaching your heart, or without wanting to know what will become of these women' Fran Smith
'This took me to the east end of London during the blitz, so well written and researched. Great storytelling, very evocative.' ★★★★★ Reader Review
'I couldn't put it down! The characters and their stories. It is well written and researched' ★★★★★ Reader Review
'Such a well written book like the ones before, very readable and full of characters that are so believable.' ★★★★★ Reader Review
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood for an advance copy of this book.
In the opening pages of this second entry in her Petticoat Lane series, Patricia McBride sets a familiar scene for many working girls in Second World War era England. The author notes ‘the smell of weak tea’ coming from the pre-dawn kitchen of Mrs.Cohen’s boarding house, the ‘tang of coal smoke that seeped through every London wall,’ the faded wallpaper, the coat with the mended sleeve on the chair. Amanda, a seamstress in the market of nearby Petticoat Lane, debated with herself as to whether to feed coins into the metre on her portable gas heater, and whether she could have her turn at a bath with no more than the permitted five inches of water (it was not her turn).
These are small, very ordinary details. In little more than a paragraph, they represent the everyday lives of young working girls trying to support themselves as well as the war effort. This is the second book of the Petticoat Lane series, returning to the hard-pressed but infinitely courageous young textile workers, the three tight friends, Bethan and Maisie in addition to Amanda.
In the first book, the girls were trying to extend their meagre pay and their flair for designing and making, or remaking, fashionable clothing out of limited war rations and recycled materials. They shared a market stall and took small, do-able commissions, while continuing their shifts at the factory. This continues in the second book with enough detail that it can stand alone.
One huge difference increases the stakes, however. While hard at work at their noisy industrial sewing machines, an all-too-familiar keening noise breaks through. The air raid siren pushes everyone out through the doors and into the shelter, as it had countless times before, at work and at home, during the day or at night. As the girls crowd in the dark and suffocatingly close shelter, crowded in with many others, initially tapped in the shelter, they were freed with some difficulty—only to find that their massive brick factory was destroyed.
In desperate need of new employment, quickly, the friends each admit that they don’t want to go back to factory work. They all need money urgently, and their side job in custom sewing won’t bring in enough. Bethan decides to help Big Sal at her stall; Maisie will attempt to find enough as an itinerant worker, knocking at doors to see if any still-standing dressmakers need her skills. Amanda is the one who takes the biggest leap: having already decided that she wanted to volunteer for the war effort, she quickly chooses to apply for a job driving ambulances.
Plenty of drama is introduced quickly, and the pace keeps up steadily through the book. Amanda, driving ambulances through the severely damaged East End, risks her life with each drive. The other two are constantly weary from work and worry. All three have to deal with the sharper, largely unseen edges of a ‘survival of the fittest’ society where responsibilities are a challenge to uphold and rewards are few. Yet, as McBride shows, even in times of upheaval and brutality, the human spirit can keep aflame, neighbours can look out for each other, and good friends can provide reassurance and respite.
This is an evocative, warm-hearted, beautifully written story, and it is clear how carefully the author has researched the historical details. She makes you feel the sights and sounds of war, the suffering and loss, but also the determination to overcome. Here’s to the third volume in this first-rate series.
In the opening pages of this second entry in her Petticoat Lane series, Patricia McBride sets a familiar scene for many working girls in Second World War era England. The author notes ‘the smell of weak tea’ coming from the pre-dawn kitchen of Mrs.Cohen’s boarding house, the ‘tang of coal smoke that seeped through every London wall,’ the faded wallpaper, the coat with the mended sleeve on the chair. Amanda, a seamstress in the market of nearby Petticoat Lane, debated with herself as to whether to feed coins into the metre on her portable gas heater, and whether she could have her turn at a bath with no more than the permitted five inches of water (it was not her turn).
These are small, very ordinary details. In little more than a paragraph, they represent the everyday lives of young working girls trying to support themselves as well as the war effort. This is the second book of the Petticoat Lane series, returning to the hard-pressed but infinitely courageous young textile workers, the three tight friends, Bethan and Maisie in addition to Amanda.
In the first book, the girls were trying to extend their meagre pay and their flair for designing and making, or remaking, fashionable clothing out of limited war rations and recycled materials. They shared a market stall and took small, do-able commissions, while continuing their shifts at the factory. This continues in the second book with enough detail that it can stand alone.
One huge difference increases the stakes, however. While hard at work at their noisy industrial sewing machines, an all-too-familiar keening noise breaks through. The air raid siren pushes everyone out through the doors and into the shelter, as it had countless times before, at work and at home, during the day or at night. As the girls crowd in the dark and suffocatingly close shelter, crowded in with many others, initially tapped in the shelter, they were freed with some difficulty—only to find that their massive brick factory was destroyed.
In desperate need of new employment, quickly, the friends each admit that they don’t want to go back to factory work. They all need money urgently, and their side job in custom sewing won’t bring in enough. Bethan decides to help Big Sal at her stall; Maisie will attempt to find enough as an itinerant worker, knocking at doors to see if any still-standing dressmakers need her skills. Amanda is the one who takes the biggest leap: having already decided that she wanted to volunteer for the war effort, she quickly chooses to apply for a job driving ambulances.
Plenty of drama is introduced quickly, and the pace keeps up steadily through the book. Amanda, driving ambulances through the severely damaged East End, risks her life with each drive. The other two are constantly weary from work and worry. All three have to deal with the sharper, largely unseen edges of a ‘survival of the fittest’ society where responsibilities are a challenge to uphold and rewards are few. Yet, as McBride shows, even in times of upheaval and brutality, the human spirit can keep aflame, neighbours can look out for each other, and good friends can provide reassurance and respite.
This is an evocative, warm-hearted, beautifully written story, and it is clear how carefully the author has researched the historical details. She makes you feel the sights and sounds of war, the suffering and loss, but also the determination to overcome. Here’s to the third volume in this first-rate series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Make Do and Mend is the wonderful follow-up to The Market Girls of Petticoat Lane. Amanda, Maisie and Bethan are struggling to make something of their dress making business in a time when most can barely afford to "make do and mend". Will it be the lack of business or everything going on around them that will bring them down?
The drama in Make Do and Bend grabbed me and wouldn't let go. The reader gets to ride in the ambulance with Amanda experiencing the aftermath of bombing during WW2. The war is the least of Amanda's worries. It is books like this than remind be how different things were for women in the 1940's. Amanda's bravery will make all the difference for so many. l
Maisie is trying to find her footing. For years she has been the one holding up her family as her mother hid in a bottle. Open the book and witness her new struggles. Witness her mother's new struggles as she tries to begin again. The issue was such an eye opener. I learned so much. I felt so much. My heart broke for them both.
I think Bethan is my favorite of the girls. She is working on Sal's stall mending clothing as she waits to make dresses with the girls. She sees the struggles. The reader experiences the struggles. We are reminded that the enemy didn't always speak German. There are many that are out to take advantage during wartime. It just takes someone to stand up to evil to start a movement.
At times the story was a total nail biter. Danger and violence was everywhere. The girls bravery lightened my heart. Their determination to stand up against evil was inspiring. I can only hope they get their happily ever afters in the future.
The drama in Make Do and Bend grabbed me and wouldn't let go. The reader gets to ride in the ambulance with Amanda experiencing the aftermath of bombing during WW2. The war is the least of Amanda's worries. It is books like this than remind be how different things were for women in the 1940's. Amanda's bravery will make all the difference for so many. l
Maisie is trying to find her footing. For years she has been the one holding up her family as her mother hid in a bottle. Open the book and witness her new struggles. Witness her mother's new struggles as she tries to begin again. The issue was such an eye opener. I learned so much. I felt so much. My heart broke for them both.
I think Bethan is my favorite of the girls. She is working on Sal's stall mending clothing as she waits to make dresses with the girls. She sees the struggles. The reader experiences the struggles. We are reminded that the enemy didn't always speak German. There are many that are out to take advantage during wartime. It just takes someone to stand up to evil to start a movement.
At times the story was a total nail biter. Danger and violence was everywhere. The girls bravery lightened my heart. Their determination to stand up against evil was inspiring. I can only hope they get their happily ever afters in the future.
May 30, 2026
Having enjoyed the first book in the series, I was looking forward to book #2. Make do and mend is a term I've heard quite often with a niece who is in favour of doing exactly that. This story picks up with Amanda, Maisie and Bethan still working at the factory while also helping Sal with her market stall and pursuing their own dreams of designing and making clothing with what fabric they can scrounge with a particular fondness for making wedding gowns.
The war is heating up though and bombs are falling. With all that is happening round the world these days, that has become easier for the average reader to imagine and wonder how would we have coped in their shoes. When the factory is destroyed, changes need to be made. Amanda surprizes her friends by becoming an ambulance driver - learning to be part mechanic, part driver and part first aider. The roads are in horrific shape and she must drive with her lights mostly covered. She sees her friends a little less often but with no factory, their sewing skills need to be advertised and used to support themselves.
As with the first book, McBride gives the reader a real feel for the grittiness of the times. There is plenty of drama mixed in with times of laughter and joy. Bullying is rampant and sexual harrassment can be ongoing and traumatizing. This book will not leave the reader bored. The resilience of the girls is amazing and inspiring. The determination they show is impressive. I'll be looking forward to the next book in the series.
Many thanks to #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of this novel. All opinions are my own.
The war is heating up though and bombs are falling. With all that is happening round the world these days, that has become easier for the average reader to imagine and wonder how would we have coped in their shoes. When the factory is destroyed, changes need to be made. Amanda surprizes her friends by becoming an ambulance driver - learning to be part mechanic, part driver and part first aider. The roads are in horrific shape and she must drive with her lights mostly covered. She sees her friends a little less often but with no factory, their sewing skills need to be advertised and used to support themselves.
As with the first book, McBride gives the reader a real feel for the grittiness of the times. There is plenty of drama mixed in with times of laughter and joy. Bullying is rampant and sexual harrassment can be ongoing and traumatizing. This book will not leave the reader bored. The resilience of the girls is amazing and inspiring. The determination they show is impressive. I'll be looking forward to the next book in the series.
Many thanks to #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of this novel. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a second book in a series, which I didn't realise when I started reading it but I was able to keep up with the story.
Three friends Amanda, Bethan and Maisie are all good seamstresses and Amanda a good designer. Their dream is to have their own business but it's still far off as they don't have the money to set themselves up. Bethan and Maisie work on Big Sal's stall in the market. She has a fabric stall and the girls do repair work for her customers. Amanda wanted to do her bit for the war so trained to drive an ambulance.
There are some great characters in the market but a bunch of shadowy ones too and the story here is about them, how the girls get involved and what the out come is.
All this is going on around the girls love lives and home lives.
It was a very good read with a few little niggles along the way. I loved reading about the market. My mother went to England in 1946. She said she couldn't wait to get paid so she could go to the market and spend her money on Saturday's. She talked of Sid, a stall holder and how she enjoyed haggling with him over prices. I was picturing this as I was reading.
The next one in the series is out soon I think and I'll definitely read it to see what happens to everyone.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an early copy.
Three friends Amanda, Bethan and Maisie are all good seamstresses and Amanda a good designer. Their dream is to have their own business but it's still far off as they don't have the money to set themselves up. Bethan and Maisie work on Big Sal's stall in the market. She has a fabric stall and the girls do repair work for her customers. Amanda wanted to do her bit for the war so trained to drive an ambulance.
There are some great characters in the market but a bunch of shadowy ones too and the story here is about them, how the girls get involved and what the out come is.
All this is going on around the girls love lives and home lives.
It was a very good read with a few little niggles along the way. I loved reading about the market. My mother went to England in 1946. She said she couldn't wait to get paid so she could go to the market and spend her money on Saturday's. She talked of Sid, a stall holder and how she enjoyed haggling with him over prices. I was picturing this as I was reading.
The next one in the series is out soon I think and I'll definitely read it to see what happens to everyone.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an early copy.
May 31, 2026
I really enjoyed this story of Amanda, Bethan and Maisie which is based during the Second World War. Although the story does give you a feel for what it must have been like during the war, fearful of the air raid siren and does tell the story of Amanda’s training as an ambulance driver I felt the story is really about the strength of all three woman; facing tough situations and about the people of Petticoat Lane market and how not only did the people have to worry about the war but about racketeers causing additional anxiety and fear to honest people just trying to make a living. I liked the fact that it showed that woman could also be alcoholics (most stories I read it’s always the man) and how tough that is not only for the family but for the person themselves.
It’s been a while since I have read a novel based on wartime but I would recommend reading this book and although I believe it is the second book in the series I didn’t feel I needed to read the first book in the series to understand the background of the characters however I understand book 3 in the series will be coming out and I very much look forward to reading that.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy of this book however opinions are all my own.
It’s been a while since I have read a novel based on wartime but I would recommend reading this book and although I believe it is the second book in the series I didn’t feel I needed to read the first book in the series to understand the background of the characters however I understand book 3 in the series will be coming out and I very much look forward to reading that.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy of this book however opinions are all my own.
May 30, 2026
I loved the first book in the series and looked forward to meeting Maisie and Bethan, Amanda and Big Sal and learning more about them and their lives in and around Petticoat Lane.
The girls have their lives rearranged when the Luftwaffe put paid to the uniform factory and they have to find alternative employment. Extortion and black market tearing rears its head making life hard for the stallholders.
Amanda joins the ambulance service and meets Nellie though it means she leaves Mrs Cohen. Bethan carries on working with Sal and doing the repairs for the users of the Market and Maisie has enough to do looking after her mother and her siblings as well as mending.
Make do and mend certainly becomes a by word as rationing hits more and more.
I didn’t think it would be possible to get better after book one but this book certainly keeps you captivated. The same happened for me with the Library series by Patricia McBride.
She certainly does the research and puts a lot into developing the characters and their lives. I can’t wait for more adventures.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy
The girls have their lives rearranged when the Luftwaffe put paid to the uniform factory and they have to find alternative employment. Extortion and black market tearing rears its head making life hard for the stallholders.
Amanda joins the ambulance service and meets Nellie though it means she leaves Mrs Cohen. Bethan carries on working with Sal and doing the repairs for the users of the Market and Maisie has enough to do looking after her mother and her siblings as well as mending.
Make do and mend certainly becomes a by word as rationing hits more and more.
I didn’t think it would be possible to get better after book one but this book certainly keeps you captivated. The same happened for me with the Library series by Patricia McBride.
She certainly does the research and puts a lot into developing the characters and their lives. I can’t wait for more adventures.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy
June 30, 2026
In this new World War II historical fiction novel from Patricia McBride, readers follow Amanda, Maisie, and Bethan as the destruction of the uniform factory puts them out of jobs. Shocked by the devastation of the Blitz, Amanda signs up to be an ambulance driver and puts her life on the line to save others in the East End, while Maisie and Bethan find work in the local market and try to put dinner on the table for their families. However, the lively market where they work has a darker underbelly and not everyone is playing fairly, so they must find people they can trust to stay safe from the threats at home. The characters are the stars of the book and really bring the story to life, and the alternating perspectives bring different sides of the East End to the forefront of the narrative. The demands of ambulance driving and the challenges Amanda faces add depth to the story and complexity to her narrative arc, and readers will appreciate the mix of storylines and settings. Packed with details and great characters, historical fiction fans will love the first book in this new World War II series from Patricia McBride.
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
I absolutely loved this! It’s one of those books that just feels comforting to read, even though it’s set during such a difficult time. I got really attached to the characters—they felt so genuine, and I found myself rooting for them the whole way through.
I especially liked the mix of hardship and hope. It never felt too heavy, but it also didn’t shy away from the realities of wartime life. The friendships and sense of community really stood out to me, and it just left me with a warm feeling by the end.
Honestly, I didn’t want it to finish. If you like historical stories with heart and strong characters, this is definitely worth picking up.
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Patricia McBride and Boldwood Books📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
I especially liked the mix of hardship and hope. It never felt too heavy, but it also didn’t shy away from the realities of wartime life. The friendships and sense of community really stood out to me, and it just left me with a warm feeling by the end.
Honestly, I didn’t want it to finish. If you like historical stories with heart and strong characters, this is definitely worth picking up.
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Patricia McBride and Boldwood Books📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
May 3, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest addition to the Petticoat Lane series and catching up with main characters Amanda, Maisie and Bethan. When the uniform factory where they work is bombed they initially have no idea what they are going to do. While Maisie and Bethan find work on Petticoat Lane Amanda signs up to be an ambulance driver. What none of them realised though was that there is some very underhand goings on at the market as well as issues closer to home. I really love how you get a good sense of community, friendship and family alongside what life was like in London at this time. The story itself flowed so well keeping me totally engaged. Really looking forward to the next one in the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Petticoat Lane Series #2
Amanda, Bethan and Maisie are friends and seamstresses, Amanda is a good designer. They dream that one day they will have their own business. When the uniform factory is bombed, Bethan and Maisie help down Petticoat Lane, Amanda learns to drive an ambulance, doing her bit for the war.
This book is a great addition to the series. The characters are well-developed and likeable. This is a story of love and friendship. There were some clandestine occurrences. There is a real good, feel good, atmosphere. I can't wait to read the next book.
Published 30th May 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #PatriciaMaBride for my ARC of #MakeDoAndMendOnPetticoatLane in exchange for an honest review.
Amanda, Bethan and Maisie are friends and seamstresses, Amanda is a good designer. They dream that one day they will have their own business. When the uniform factory is bombed, Bethan and Maisie help down Petticoat Lane, Amanda learns to drive an ambulance, doing her bit for the war.
This book is a great addition to the series. The characters are well-developed and likeable. This is a story of love and friendship. There were some clandestine occurrences. There is a real good, feel good, atmosphere. I can't wait to read the next book.
Published 30th May 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #PatriciaMaBride for my ARC of #MakeDoAndMendOnPetticoatLane in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book one was a great start to the series; this latest instalment is even better!
Maisie, Bethan and Amanda's stories continue as they have to work elsewhere rather than at the uniform factory. They meet new people and make friends, and sadly, some enemies.
Drama comes in the form of the bombing of the area, but there are also problems on Petticoat Lane. Both events will have you possibly reaching for the tissues, I know I did. The way the author describes scenes really helps you to picture yourself there and feel all that the girls are going through.
The girls' personal lives are both swoon-worthy at times and dramatic at others. I felt like I was one of their friends by the end of the book. I am invested in their lives and look forward to reading what happens next for them.
Maisie, Bethan and Amanda's stories continue as they have to work elsewhere rather than at the uniform factory. They meet new people and make friends, and sadly, some enemies.
Drama comes in the form of the bombing of the area, but there are also problems on Petticoat Lane. Both events will have you possibly reaching for the tissues, I know I did. The way the author describes scenes really helps you to picture yourself there and feel all that the girls are going through.
The girls' personal lives are both swoon-worthy at times and dramatic at others. I felt like I was one of their friends by the end of the book. I am invested in their lives and look forward to reading what happens next for them.
July 22, 2026
Started July 19 Ended July 22
Make do and mend on Petticoat Lane by Patricia McBride (Petticoat Lane book 2) Audiobook listened to on Hoopla app
This book picks up after a bomb raid had destroyed the factory where Amanda, Maisie, and Bethan had worked sewing military uniform. Now the girls must try to find other work to keep them and their families going while also still working to get their sewing business of the ground.
Amanda surprises everyone as she decides to train and become an ambulance driver. Bethan works for Big Sal and Maisie works at another area that sells tea in the market. Individually they face challenges common at that time in British History but still support each other through their trials.
Make do and mend on Petticoat Lane by Patricia McBride (Petticoat Lane book 2) Audiobook listened to on Hoopla app
This book picks up after a bomb raid had destroyed the factory where Amanda, Maisie, and Bethan had worked sewing military uniform. Now the girls must try to find other work to keep them and their families going while also still working to get their sewing business of the ground.
Amanda surprises everyone as she decides to train and become an ambulance driver. Bethan works for Big Sal and Maisie works at another area that sells tea in the market. Individually they face challenges common at that time in British History but still support each other through their trials.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It was wonderful to revisit Amanda, Maisie and Bethan. This is book two in a series. After the factory they worked at was blown up, they had to take new directions. Amanda becomes an ambulance driver, Bethan sews and Maisie is working at the tea shop, while helping her family. Between thugs and rapists, there are still some beautiful moments, where the sense of community and kindness comes through. Everyone is just scraping by through the bombings and the wartime shortages, however, there is also time for love and friendship. I’m looking forward to book 3 to see what happens to these feisty girls next. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to enjoy this series of books.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this WW2 saga, it was a fantastic story of friendship, love, fear and family. There is a lot happening on Petticoat Lane, a bustling market loved by the locals. There are some huge problems troubling the stall holders, can Beth, Amanda and Maisie get their dressmaking business underway, help the market stall holders and deal with their own personal issues? This was such a heartwarming and well told story, I really enjoyed it. I can’t wait for the next book in the series, the girls are starting to feel like old friends!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. Publication date 30 May 2026.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. Publication date 30 May 2026.
May 30, 2026
I really enjoyed spending more time with Amanda, Maisie and Bethan. The girls are still trying to find a way to have their own dressmaking business while Amanda is now an ambulance driver and Maisie and Bethan work in Sal's stall on Petticoat Lane. Bethan is still trying to find love and someone may have piqued Amanda's interest. All of the girls are lovely. Nellie is a new friend from the ambulance service. There are thugs extorting the stall owners for "protection" money so there is that bit of adventure. I am looking forward to book three in this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood for providing me with a digital copy.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood for providing me with a digital copy.
June 5, 2026
Amanda, Bethan and Maisie find themselves looking for new jobs when the factory where they made uniforms gets bombed. Amanda decides to apply for driving ambulances, but still sees the other girls at big Sal’s stall down the lane. They get the job of making Nellie’s wedding dress, which they do with scraps of material and a great design from Amanda. There’s lots going on for the girls in this second book, including discovering that Sal and the other stall holders are being threatened for protection money by a gang of villains. This was another enjoyable read and I look forward to book three.
May 31, 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!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received a free copy of, Make Do and Mend on Petticoat Lane, by Patricia McBride, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book two in The Petticoat series. Maisie, Bethan, and Amanda are out of jobs, after their work caught fire.They all try new adventures, with a war going on. This was a nice read, not to heave or depressing, a nice story of friendship.
June 12, 2026
This is the second book in the Petticoat Lane series but it can be read as a standalone . I really enjoyed being back with the trio of friends, Amanda, Bethan and Maisie. These friends are always there for each other during these tough times. There’s plenty going on in this book some of which is quite unpleasant and there are one or two nasty characters. Another great read in the series.
June 27, 2026
Make do and mend
This story came with lots of different people and characters. Loved to hear what was happening at the market and how their lives went one.
Thank you Patrica for another great story❤❤❤
This story came with lots of different people and characters. Loved to hear what was happening at the market and how their lives went one.
Thank you Patrica for another great story❤❤❤
July 23, 2026
A lovely story.
This is the second in the Petticoat Lane series about three friends and their plans to open their own shop of make do and mend and the problems they face along the way.
This is the second in the Petticoat Lane series about three friends and their plans to open their own shop of make do and mend and the problems they face along the way.
August 1, 2026
Brilliant!!
I love this story! I have always enjoyed sewing, and a great aunt of mine was a seamstress. I enjoyed reading about Betjan, Maisie, and Amanda and wish I had taken the time to learn more from my aunt.
I love this story! I have always enjoyed sewing, and a great aunt of mine was a seamstress. I enjoyed reading about Betjan, Maisie, and Amanda and wish I had taken the time to learn more from my aunt.
April 26, 2026
A great start to a new series. During WWII during the hardships of the war friends are ones that help you get through it. This book shows the importance of friendships and life in the East End.
June 5, 2026
Brilliant
Absolutely fantastic read can't wait b for number three. Something to look forward to in the New Year thoroughly enjoyable writer
Absolutely fantastic read can't wait b for number three. Something to look forward to in the New Year thoroughly enjoyable writer
June 6, 2026
Could not put the book down
Characters came to life,the story kept me turning the pages. Felt like I was actuly in the book, would recently recommend
Characters came to life,the story kept me turning the pages. Felt like I was actuly in the book, would recently recommend
July 17, 2026
Very easy to read,interesting story
July 29, 2026
Mend and Make Do
Glad to see the girls if Petticiat Lane..worki g hard..Nellie..Amanda and Sal..and all the hard working people of Petticoat Lane..
Glad to see the girls if Petticiat Lane..worki g hard..Nellie..Amanda and Sal..and all the hard working people of Petticoat Lane..
June 11, 2026
Make Do and Mend on Petticoat Lane is the second compelling installment in the Petticoat Lane series about the experiences of three women on the home front (London’s East End) during WWII.
In this installment, we continue to follow the personal lives of three working girls in London during WWII: Amanda, Maisie, and Bethan. In addition to supporting themselves and enduring the hardships of war, they dream of having their own dress-making business.
I discovered Patricia McBride when I became hooked on the Library Girls series. When I saw that she started the Petticoat Lane series, I immediately jumped on board. I love following a group of friends and enjoy WWII home front stories. Patricia McBride offers a strong sense of place in each book. We feel like these girls might be our best friends and we experience life on the home front through vivid descriptive details and all our senses. Fans of strong, independent women doing their best in the most difficult circumstances and women supporting women will enjoy both series.
I love a strong friendship theme! After the factory where the girls work is bombed, they need to scramble to find more work. Two of the girls are skilled seamstresses, and the third excels in design. They take in some mending work but bigger projects are few and far between. They hustle to find more work. Amanda ends up driving an ambulance, while the other two find work on Petticoat Lane. Despite the circumstances, their commitment to each other’s well-being remains strong.
Told from three viewpoints, Amanda, Maisie, and Bethan are well-drawn and likable. The young women face a few difficult challenges in this installment as they juggle home life and work life, enjoy a bit of romance, survive frequent bombings, and deal with a few shady characters.
Make Do and Mend on Petticoat Lane can be read as a standalone, but reading the first installment will provide a more satisfying reading experience as you become acquainted with the young women and their unique personalities and situations. I’m cheering for all of them as this series continues.
Content Consideration: bombing (injuries); wartime hardships; attempted sexual attack, alcoholism
Fans of Patricia McBride will definitely want to add this new series to their TBRs. I’m highly recommending it for readers who love women supporting women themes, home front WWII histfic, and stories of inspiring young women.
Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #MakeDoAndMendOnPetticoatLane upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
In this installment, we continue to follow the personal lives of three working girls in London during WWII: Amanda, Maisie, and Bethan. In addition to supporting themselves and enduring the hardships of war, they dream of having their own dress-making business.
I discovered Patricia McBride when I became hooked on the Library Girls series. When I saw that she started the Petticoat Lane series, I immediately jumped on board. I love following a group of friends and enjoy WWII home front stories. Patricia McBride offers a strong sense of place in each book. We feel like these girls might be our best friends and we experience life on the home front through vivid descriptive details and all our senses. Fans of strong, independent women doing their best in the most difficult circumstances and women supporting women will enjoy both series.
I love a strong friendship theme! After the factory where the girls work is bombed, they need to scramble to find more work. Two of the girls are skilled seamstresses, and the third excels in design. They take in some mending work but bigger projects are few and far between. They hustle to find more work. Amanda ends up driving an ambulance, while the other two find work on Petticoat Lane. Despite the circumstances, their commitment to each other’s well-being remains strong.
Told from three viewpoints, Amanda, Maisie, and Bethan are well-drawn and likable. The young women face a few difficult challenges in this installment as they juggle home life and work life, enjoy a bit of romance, survive frequent bombings, and deal with a few shady characters.
Make Do and Mend on Petticoat Lane can be read as a standalone, but reading the first installment will provide a more satisfying reading experience as you become acquainted with the young women and their unique personalities and situations. I’m cheering for all of them as this series continues.
Content Consideration: bombing (injuries); wartime hardships; attempted sexual attack, alcoholism
Fans of Patricia McBride will definitely want to add this new series to their TBRs. I’m highly recommending it for readers who love women supporting women themes, home front WWII histfic, and stories of inspiring young women.
Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #MakeDoAndMendOnPetticoatLane upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
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