The Market Girls of Petticoat Lane

Petticoat Lane #1

by Patricia McBride

Begin a BRAND NEW heartwarming wartime saga series from BESTSELLER Patricia McBride If you loved The Library Girls of the East End, be the first to read Patricia McBride's brand new series! Praise for Patricia

'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

Genres: Historical Fiction, British Literature, Womens Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

Published January 6, 2026

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, The Market Girls of Petticoat Lane, by Patricia McBride, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Amanda, Bethan, and Maisie are working in London, at a factory during the war. There is a lot going on in this book, war, fraud, weddings, and friendships. This was a nice read.

[linda hole · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a good read. a book with family secrets, heartbreaks but also with dreams and hopes. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a brand new series by Patricia McBride. Having read and loved the authors previous series ‘The Library Girls’, I couldn’t wait to start this new book . It didn’t take me long to get stuck into this story and to get to know all the great characters, especially Amanda, Maisie and Bethan. These three ladies work together at a uniform factory but as well as working together they are best friends and will always look out for each other . Life isn’t however a bed of roses for them and they each have their own problems to deal with . As well as dealing with their own issues the war is still raging on and times are hard for everyone. I felt the author really brought this story to life with her wonderful descriptions of life in London’s East End during the toughest of times . This was a great solid start to a new series and I can’t wait to see what’s in store in the next book .

[Alayne Emmett]

I loved this sweet story. It was set in the second world war and featured women who were making uniforms in a factory and wanted to start their own business and make money by selling their garments on a stall. Very enjoyable. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Carol (Reading Ladies) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Persevering and thriving in challenging times is the driving theme in The Market Girls of Petticoat Lane. Maisie, Amanda, and Bethan dream of starting their own business as a way to supplement their meager salaries at the uniform factory. Because they already have basic sewing skills, they begin dreaming and scheming about an alterations and (eventually) dress-making business. Their big break comes in the form of a request to design a wedding dress. Of course, material is scarce and they will need to use (contraband) parachute silk, but this doesn’t deter them. With Amanda as the designer, they begin the project, which, if successful, could supplement their income and establish their reputation.

In addition to the alterations and dress-making venture, each girl faces personal challenges. Suspected criminal activity at the factory adds intrigue and drama to the story. Even with their jobs at risk, Maisie, Amanda, and Bethan support each other in every way possible.

Vivid descriptive details establish a strong sense of place. As Maisie, Amanda, and Bethan go from their homes to Petticoat Lane to their factory work and to the bomb shelters, we feel a kinship with these likable and strong characters.

Thoughtful themes include hope from despair, dreams of a better future, women supporting women, friendship, entrepreneurship, workplace drama, dysfunctional parents, resilience, and wartime hardships.

Fans of WWII home front fiction, women supporting women, and friendship themes will find much to love in this page-turning story. I enjoyed this author’s Library Girls series and I’m eager to follow her new series!

Content Considerations: Addictions (gambling, alcohol)

Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #TheMarketGirlsOfPetticoatLane upon my request. All opinions are my own.

For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.

[Donna McCaul Thibodeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

In London's East End, Maisie, Bethan and Amanda work long hours at the uniform factory. Maisie has her hands full with a younger brother and sister, an indifferent father, and an alcoholic mother. Bethan has dreams of marrying a handsome GI and moving to America. And Amanda is trying to save money, so she can rent a room and escape from her gambler father. Is there a happy ending in their futures?
I loved this book. World War II historical fiction is my favorite genre, and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next for these girls. Highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

[C.R. Comacchio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood for an ARC of this novel.

Patricia McBride is among my wry my favourites authors on Boldwood’s expansive list. Although many of her stories, on their own and as sections in multi-book sagas, are set in poor communities during difficult times, she highlights the cheerful resilience and Soldiering on’ of her mostly female main characters. But she does this in a manner that reveals how their courage and resourcefulness are choices that they make when the circumstances of their lives could as easily have pointed them toward despair. The ‘market girls’ of the title are three young seamstresses who are fully aware of the hardships that their struggling families must endure, now compounded by the duty and sacrifice demanded by the Second World War.

Maisie, Amanda and Bethan, fast friends, neighbours and co-workers at an East End factory producing uniforms for the British forces—all while the Blitz pounds their neighborhood nightly. They spend long daylight hours at physically demanding work, underpaid and constantly under pressure to produce more. Their supervisor is a horrible woman, quick to find fault and loud in her criticism. Yet, as working class girls knew too well, they have no choice but to keep at it. Amanda dreams of leaving home to get away from a father who gambles away every cent she makes while being abusive to her and her mother. Maisie is basically raising her two younger siblings while her mother’s alcoholism is killing her; Welsh-born Bethan has a loving family but longs to escape to the United States once she finds and marries a wealthy and handsome GI.

With the clever and talented Amanda in the lead, they decide to hire themselves out to do small sewing jobs by joining one of the most successful and flamboyant sellers at the market in bustling Petticoat Lane. They describe themselves, tongue-in-cheek but accurately, as being in the business of ‘stitching hems while London burned.’ There are plenty of complications, relationship issues, worries about their families, romantic disillusionments, and fears about the shape of the postwar world. But there are moments of fun, of joy, of success and most of all moments of sustaining female friendship. This a meaningful and believable story.

[Bev Walkling · Rating 4 out of 5]

There seem to be quite a large number of books set in the East end of London, perhaps because the area has been known to be economically one of the poorest parts of London, and also an area that was badly damaged by the bombings of World War 2. The main characters are 3 young women who work at the local uniform factory. They are good friends and provide support to each hour both at work and in their off time hours. Amanda is good with figures and her job has her working on the accounts. She is also a skilled seamstress and designer. Her goal is to save enough money to move away from home so her gambler father can't steal her hard earned funds. Maisie also lives in a dysfunctional home. Her father is rarely around and her mother is an alcoholic. When she comes home from work she is typically met by her two younger siblings squabbling, and dinner to be prepared. Bethean is the extrovert. She comes from Wales originally and her family seem pretty normal. She has dreams of falling in love with an American GI and moving to America, where she believes life will be "lush".

The novel follows the ins and outs of their daily lives including all the drama with a mystery folded in to make life interesting. To try and achieve their dreams, the girls join to share part of a local market stall where they can take turns offering up their sewing skills to earn some coins.

The part of the novel which got to me the most was the telling of a disaster that took place in Bethnal Green during an air raid. Two of the girls were affected by this. The story was told in a way that made me feel that I was there helplessly watching. The effects lingered on indefinitely for the girls. This was a real event which I knew about before reading the book.

I enjoyed getting to know these three young women and look forward to book # 2. I believe this book will be of interest to those interested in WW2 fiction, especially as it relates to London

Many thanks to #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of this novel. All opinions are my own.

[Heather Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1943 and a group of twenty women are busy making uniforms for the troops, Amanda is one of these women and it's a job she can do with her eyes shut as its so repetitive. Maisie is working nearby on her workbench and going so fast they jokingly say she is trying for a world record. Together with their best friend Bethan they're all the best of friends. Amanda is doing everything she can to save enough money to get her own place, a single room would be lovely. Maisie doesn't have happy home life, her mum spends all her time in the local public house, coming home completely drunk and Maisie has to look after her younger brother and sister and try to scrape together a meal from whatever scraps she can find.
But the three girls have an idea how they can make some money and better themselves, that's to do alterations to clothes, as the rationing makes it difficult for anyone to buy new clothes and second hand things need alterations and mending to give it some appeal. When a local market stall owner let's them have a corner of her stall could this be the start of a lucrative business venture.
But nothing runs smoothly, and when a major incident happens nearby the girls are asked to help, but it really affects them afterwards, then when Maisie's mother collapses and gets taken to hospital, it's Maisie who has to take the brunt of it and try to sort things at home, she certainly feels like she has the world on her shoulders. More importantly can Maisie trust her mum never to drink again?

A truly lovely story set in WW2 London, featuring three girls who are hard working and determined to make their lives better, and still keeping their friendships strong.
A great five-star read and a great start to a new series about the market girls of Petticoat Lane in London.

#Netgalley
#PatriciaMcBride
#TheMarketGirlsOfPetticoatLane
#BoldwoodBooks

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Market Girls of Petticoat Lane has a little bit of everything to keep the reader reading past their bedtime. Amanda, Bethan and Maisie are the best of friends as they stitch together military uniforms. Goodness, I felt as if I was in the factory experiencing the noises, the heavy air and the cloth dust, things I could never have imagined on my own. The girls are working full time but are struggling.

As was practice, most money went to help the family. I wanted to weep as the girls handed over money that then went to drink and gambling instead of putting food on the table. I must admit I didn't think about how adults would escape the horrors of war. This book got me thinking a lot about what the people must have gone through.

Romance is frequently in the air. Sometimes forced as on of the gals has a goal of snagging a yank. The trip to Rainbow Corner was a thrill. Some of the other situations that she experienced with GIs not so much. I do like how they don't give up on love and how they find escapes from the horror of war.

Grab the tissues. Two of the girls will be recruited from a bomb shelter to help clear a disaster. The Bethnal Green Tube Disaster would keep them busy for hours as they tried to save as many lives as they could. So many lives lost. So many lives changed. The girls have the biggest hearts. They not only saved lives that night but they helped those that survived by raising funds.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Market Girls of Petticoat Lane by Patricia McBride is a slice-of-life novel feating three young women: Amanda, Bethan, and Maisie, all of whom worked in a factory making uniforms during World War II (England). Amanda wanted to leave home but was having trouble saving the money. Maisie’s mother was a drunk and her father was seldom home. It was up to her to take care of her younger brother and sister as well as support the household. Her mother’s money went to drink and her father’s to gambling. Bethan is determined to marry a GI and return with him to America. Fortunately she was careful with herself and didn’t give in to pressure. Amanda kep the inventory at the factory and something was wrong. There was more fabric coming in that uniforms going out. She didn’t know what to do.

Amanda did outside sewing for extra money and convinced the other two to open a small business, of sorts, while still working at their job.s Interesting, typical young women on the cusp of their lives. Bethan had to learn that dreams change; Maisie learned that relationships could be different than her parents; and Amanda managed to break away from her parents, and inspired her mother, as well. It was an enjoyable story, from a time and place different than what I know.

I was invited to read The Market Girls of Petticoat Lane by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #PatriciaMcBride #TheMarketGirlsOfPetticoatLane

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this new World War II historical fiction series from Patricia McBride, readers follow East End uniform factory workers Maisie, Amanda, and Bethan as the bombs fall on London and the future seems dim. Refusing to give up, they spend their time off at the Petticoat Lane markets in search of fabric for dresses, and a chance encounter with parachute silk inspires them to think big and sew a wedding dress in secret. However, their secret doesn’t stay hidden for long, and when Amanda discovers something seedy happening at the factory, they realize that their livelihoods might be on the line. The characters are the stars of the book and alternate perspectives throughout the novel, and the drama and challenges they face as the war rages on pulls readers into the narrative. The historical details are well-researched and add depth to the story, and the characters’ friendship really endears them to readers and builds emotional tension and the ties between readers and narrators over the novel. Their personalities develop over the course of the novel and help build out the narrative, while their storylines combine to create a fascinating and well-written World War II historical fiction series fans of the genre will enjoy.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the bustling heart of London's West End, Maisie, Amanda and Bethan work long hours at the uniform factory. The pay is poor, the shifts relentless and the bombs fall far too close for comfort - but these three women refuse to give in to despair. For when not in the factory, the girls spend their days on the markets of Petticoat Lane, trying to source material in order to make dresses - doing their best to bring any small amount of joy in those troubles times.

Set during WWII in the East End of London. Maisie, Amanda and Bethan work in the uniform factory. When they're not working, they all like to go to Petticoat Lane market to see if they can get material to make dresses. We learn of the girls family members. They all have a desire for a better future.

Published 6th January 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #PatriciaMcBride for my ARC of #TheMarketGirlsOfPetticoatLane in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie Awdas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start of a great series! Being a dressmaker myself I thoroughly enjoyed the stories of the girls work in the factory and their seamstress work outside work. The girls were all very easy to like and to relate too each with their own strong character and differing personal lives. I think stories like this make you appreciate how hard life was for people during the war both at work and how life at home was often a challenge with little money. The girls were very entrepreneurial with their idea and I was glad it worked for them and they could bring happiness to others. The factory storyline too kept you guessing and hoping justice would prevail in the end.

I very much look forward to the next book in the series and getting to know the girls more and would recommend the series to others.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for allowing me to read and review an Arc copy.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly delightful. Patricia McBride crafts wonderful stories filled with rich detail, making you feel immersed in the setting.

Set in London’s East End, we meet three friends: Bethan, Maisie, and Amanda, who work in a factory making uniforms for soldiers during World War II. They all aspire to earn more money to improve their lives and the lives of their families.

In a bold move, they use their skills to make a wedding dress out of parachute silk, which was illegal at the time. Additionally, they set up a corner stall in Petticoat Lane, offering clothing repairs and alterations.

As we follow the girls, we experience their heartaches, hardships, and struggles for survival. This story was a joy to read.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous start to a new series! The Market Girls of Petticoat Lane follows the lives of best friends, Bethan, Maisie and Amanda. They work together in a factory making uniforms for the military.

It isn't enough for them; they want more from life, which includes romance and better work, especially something they can continue after the war.

Throughout their story, we learn about the hardships they face within their families, their romances, their day jobs, and how they go about their new venture on Petticoat Lane. There are fun moments, very sad moments, and others where you will want to jump for joy for the girls.

This book definitely made me run the gamut of emotions, and I can't wait for the next in the series.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading these books about spunky women during the war and make do and mend is fascinating to me. The three girls all work in a factory making uniforms and on the side do repairs for etra money hoping one day to expand that business. Amanda's father is a brute and gambles away the household money. All she wants is to get her own place. Maisie's father is pretty much absent and her mother drinks leaving Maisie to care for the house and her two younger siblings, Rose and Ron. Bethan's primary goal seems to be snagging an American GI and moving to America. All of the girls are likeable and the story is set up in such a way that I look forward to hearing more about them in future books.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Market Girls of Petticoat Lane, has Amanda who is trying to save enough money to move out of home away from her abusive father, Bethan who is trying to find a American husband and Maisie who is looking after her younger brother and sister while also worrying about her alcoholic mother. I like all three girls and the struggles in their lives make me more invested in their wellbeing. This is all happening while the war is ongoing and the rationing is getting tougher. I am so thrilled that this is a new series so hopefully there is plenty more books to come.

[Emma Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good start to a new series the book was fantastic and I enjoyed reading every bit of it.

The book had everything romance, sadness and also a bit of a mystery. I liked the main characters they had their own family problems and are trying to make things more happier for them. The things that went on in the factory and the mystery of what was happening. They were strong woman and when people were in need helped them.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Certainly would recommend this book.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the library series by this author, I was looking forward to reading this book the start of a new series. I certainly wasn’t disappointed. The three main characters Bethan, Maisie and Amanda are friends who work together at a factory making uniforms. They want some extra money so start a repair service in their spare time. Each of the girls have their own personal problems going on and it was great to see their lives outside of work. I’m looking forward to the next book to see how things are going for the friends during the difficult times of World War Two.

[Lisa W · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good I read it in two days and I’m dyslexic!

so good I read it in two days and I’m dyslexic!
But thanks to my kindle and having the dyslexic font it’s easier to read and I read faster then!
I have to say this book was lovely and can’t wait for the next book too. It’s my first time reading A Patricia McBride book, but I love the stories from 2nd world war era so thought I’d give this ago and free on kindle unlimited! So gonna get the 2nd instalment now hopefully or certainly another book of hers for definitely 💗💗💗

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gritty story of hardship and friendship in World War 2. Three friends work in a factory, but hope for better things. Between dysfunctional parents, the stress of war and bombings and skullduggery at work, they all manage to find their way in life. This story has a feel of authenticity, and attention to detail of every day life that makes it a pleasure to read. It is the start of a series that I intend to follow. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for introducing me to this author.

[Jeanette Fallon]

Three co-workers who became very close friends. All trying to make it day by day, with hopes of better days ahead.


Amanda, Bethan and Maisie doing what they can to improve their lives.  All three struggling at the uniform factory.  Changes are coming that will have a major impact on their lives.


I love the friendship between the girls. They were brave and supportive of each other. It's amazing what they had to do to survive.  But survive, they did. 

[Sue Rouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent start to the Petticoat Lane series. Amanda, Bethan and Maisie work in a factory which as war has started makes army uniforms. However on the side they dream of starting their own business but with so much happening in the their personal lives can they find time and money to carry this off. Loveable characters and a great storyline. I can’t wait for the next book. Thanks to Patricia and her publisher.

[Pauline Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Market girls

Loved this book. It really gave an insight into what life was like during the war living on rationed food and not having the money to buy new clothes. Reading about the GIs and the dances was exciting, waiting for something to happen. Looking forward to the next book.

[Joyce tuffs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story.

This is another enjoyable read from Patricia McBride. This is about three friends who work in a sewing factory and also started their own business sewing for other people.

[Kathaleen A. Gregorich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 stars

Patricia McBride's first book of this series is a delight to read. Besides the 3 main characters, there is mixture of interesting personalities that bring color and interesting situations between the main characters together and individually. A joy to read!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely story in which we meet friends Amanda, Maisie and Bethan. They all work together in the sewing factory making uniforms for the troops.

If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:

https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable

[Richard Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable book. One of those that you are reading along and enjoying and without realizing it come to the end and say to yourself, what a wonderful story.